The effects of delaying the sowing date of maize on ruminal starch degradability is presented. The information generated in this work complements and extends the knowledge of previous studies that focused on the effects of corn genotype on ruminal starch degradation. As corn sowing date is delayed, ruminal starch degradability shows a ‘J’-shape response. Ruminal starch degradability is negatively correlated with grain physical characteristics and with the source:sink ratio.

Cold stress of piglets is a serious problem in the breeding industry in many countries, which can lead to a large number of deaths and losses of piglets. Under cold stress, the intestinal microorganisms of piglets will undergo significant changes, and the purine metabolism and fat synthesis pathways will also be up-regulated. Therefore, it is possible to help piglets resist cold stress by adding probiotics and changing diet structure.