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Feed Additives and Micronutrients on Pig Growth, Nutrient Utilization and...
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Feed Additives and Micronutrients on Pig Growth, Nutrient Utilization and Gut Health

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Pigs".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 11215

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Young-Dal Jang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
Interests: enzymes; butyrate; emulsifier; probiotics; prebiotics; postbiotics; antioxidants; minerals; vitamins; sows; weaning pigs; growing-finishing pigs
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In modern swine production, pig health, growth, and nutrient utilization are increasingly important. The feed primarily supplies sufficient nutrients to the pigs for normal growth and development, but it is also critical for pig health, immunity, and gut microflora. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance nutrient availability for more efficient utilization of feed and improve the gut microflora, immunity, and health of pigs for sustainable swine production. These improvements could be achieved by supplementing diets with feed additives and micronutrients.

Traditional feed additives such as probiotics, prebiotics, exogenous enzymes, acidifiers, etc. have been used continuously in the swine diets and a variety of research has been conducted to develop and evaluate feed additives that can be used as alternatives to antibiotics. In addition, novel feed additives such as bacteriophages, essential oils, and synbiotics have been developed with intensive research conducted to demonstrate their effects and modes of action in pigs for accurate and efficient use in the swine diets.

Even though energy and amino acids are major parts of pig growth and development in nutrition, vitamins and minerals are also critical factors affecting health as well as pig growth and development and play important roles in swine nutrition for normal life metabolism. Therefore, demonstrating potential effects of these micronutrients (minerals and vitamins) beyond their primary functions is of interest in swine nutrition. In-depth research not only evaluating bioavailability of various mineral and vitamin sources in pigs but also finding interactions among minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients is necessary to provide scientific information and evidence to effectively use these nutrients and ensure pig health and wellbeing.

For this Special Issue, you are invited to submit either original research papers or review articles evaluating and summarizing the effects of feed additives and micronutrients on pig growth, nutrient utilization, and gut health. This Special Issue will provide all scientists and producers scientific results to understand mechanisms of traditional and novel feed additives used for pigs and accumulate further evidence of the effect of micronutrients and their interactions with other nutrients in swine nutrition beyond our current knowledge. It will help swine production and the feed industry to be sustainable.

Dr. Young-dal Jang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 311 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of a Natural Phytogenic Formulation as an Alternative to Pharmaceutical Zinc Oxide in the Diet of Weaned Piglets
by George Papadomichelakis, Irida Palamidi, Vasileios V. Paraskeuas, Elisavet Giamouri and Konstantinos C. Mountzouris
Animals 2023, 13(3), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13030431 - 27 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1625
Abstract
A natural phytogenic formulation (NPF) was tested as an alternative to pharmaceutical zinc oxide (ZnO) in weaned piglets with respect to growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility and faecal microbiota composition and metabolic activity. Two dietary NPF levels (NPF: 1000 and 2000 mg/kg [...] Read more.
A natural phytogenic formulation (NPF) was tested as an alternative to pharmaceutical zinc oxide (ZnO) in weaned piglets with respect to growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility and faecal microbiota composition and metabolic activity. Two dietary NPF levels (NPF: 1000 and 2000 mg/kg diet) were compared to a positive control (ZnO: 3000 mg ZnO/kg diet) and a negative control (CON: no added ZnO or NPF) using 84 weaned piglets from 29 d to 78 d (days of age). Feed conversion ratio was improved (p < 0.05) in ZnO and NPF piglets were compared to CON at 50 d. Dry matter, organic matter and crude protein (p < 0.05) digestibility was improved in NPF piglets compared to CON at 57 d. Compared to CON, NPF inclusion reduced E. coli (p < 0.05) and increased C. leptum subgroup (p < 0.01) at 57 d and 78 d, and reduced C. perfringens subgroup (p < 0.05; at 78 d). The ZnO reduced (p < 0.001) E. coli and C. perfringens subgroup (p < 0.01) compared to CON at 78 d. Moreover, ZnO and NPF reduced molar ratios of branched chain volatile fatty acids (p < 0.05) compared to CON, while NPF also increased butyric acid (p < 0.05) at 78 d. In conclusion, the NPF appeared to be a promising alternative to pharmaceutical doses of ZnO. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives and Micronutrients on Pig Growth, Nutrient Utilization and Gut Health)
16 pages, 3520 KiB  
Article
Growth-Promoting Effects of Zhenqi Granules on Finishing Pigs
by Wentao Luo, Yaxue Huang, Xiuxiu Qiu, Wenxiao Zhuo, Yujun Tao, Shuaiyang Wang, Huaixia Li, Jing Shen, Lelin Zhao, Lijun Zhang, Shuo Li, Jie Liu, Qi Huang and Rui Zhou
Animals 2022, 12(24), 3521; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12243521 - 13 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1310
Abstract
Developing nonantibiotic livestock growth promoters attracts intensive interest in the post-antibiotic era. In this study, we investigated the growth-promoting efficacy of Zhenqi granules (ZQ) in pigs and further explored the possible mechanisms by transcriptomics analysis. Weaned piglets (52 days old with an average [...] Read more.
Developing nonantibiotic livestock growth promoters attracts intensive interest in the post-antibiotic era. In this study, we investigated the growth-promoting efficacy of Zhenqi granules (ZQ) in pigs and further explored the possible mechanisms by transcriptomics analysis. Weaned piglets (52 days old with an average body weight of 17.92 kg) were fed with diets supplemented with different doses of ZQ (0 g/kg, 1 g/kg, and 2 g/kg) for 30 days and continued observations for an additional 32 days after removing ZQ from the diets. Compared with the control group, the average daily gain, carcass weight, average back fat thickness, and fat meat percentage of the group supplemented with 1 g/kg of ZQ showed a significant increase, and the feed/gain ratio was lower. The group supplemented with 2 g/kg of ZQ also showed a significant increase in average daily gain and average backfat thickness. A transcriptomics analysis revealed that the supplementation of ZQ at 1 g/kg upregulated the expression of genes related to collagen biosynthesis and lipid biosynthesis in skeletal muscle and liver. This effect was primarily through upregulating the mRNA levels of structural proteins and lipid-related enzymes. This study demonstrates the growth-promoting efficacy of ZQ and provides some insights of the mechanism of growth promotion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives and Micronutrients on Pig Growth, Nutrient Utilization and Gut Health)
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14 pages, 490 KiB  
Article
Effects of Protein-Chelated Zinc Combined with Mannan-Rich Fraction to Replace High-Dose Zinc Oxide on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Intestinal Health in Weaned Piglets
by Gang Zhang, Jinbiao Zhao, Gang Lin, Yuhan Guo, Defa Li and Yi Wu
Animals 2022, 12(23), 3407; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12233407 - 2 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1496
Abstract
A total of 168 weaned piglets (average initial body weight of 7.70 ± 0.75 kg) were used in a 4-week feeding trial to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with protein-chelated zinc (Zn-Pro) alone or combined with a mannan-rich fraction (MRF) to replace [...] Read more.
A total of 168 weaned piglets (average initial body weight of 7.70 ± 0.75 kg) were used in a 4-week feeding trial to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with protein-chelated zinc (Zn-Pro) alone or combined with a mannan-rich fraction (MRF) to replace high-dose zinc oxide (ZnO) for weaned piglets. The dietary treatments included a basal diet as control (CON), a ZnO diet (basal diet + 1600 mg Zn/kg from ZnO), a Zn-Pro diet (basal diet + 60 mg Zn/kg from Zn-Pro), and a MRF plus Zn-Pro diet (MRP, basal diet + 800 mg/kg MRF + 60 mg Zn/kg from Zn-Pro). The average daily gain of piglets in the MRP group was higher (p ≤ 0.05) than that in CON and Zn-Pro groups during d 15–28 and d 1–28 of experiment. The apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein in the MRP group was higher (p ≤ 0.05) than that in the CON group. The serum insulin-like growth factor-1 level in the MRP group was markedly higher (p ≤ 0.05) than that of piglets in the other three treatment groups. Piglets fed the Zn-Pro and ZnO diets had greater (p ≤ 0.05) acetic acid in cecal digesta than those fed the CON diet, while the MRP diet had higher (p ≤ 0.05) cecal propionate concentration than those that were fed the CON diet on d 28 of experiment. Moreover, the villus height of ileum in the MRP group tended to be greater than the CON group (p = 0.09). Compared with the CON and MRP groups, the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae (p = 0.08) and Lachnospiraceae (p = 0.09) in the Zn-Pro group showed an increasing trend. The relative abundance of Prevotellaceae in the Zn-Pro group was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) than that in the MRP group. In conclusion, the combined addition of MRF and Zn-Pro acted as a suitable alternative to ZnO to beneficially support the growth performance and intestinal health of weaned piglets, as well as contribute to a lower diarrhea rate and environmental pollution from fecal zinc excretion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives and Micronutrients on Pig Growth, Nutrient Utilization and Gut Health)
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11 pages, 268 KiB  
Article
Effect of Additional Iron Injection to Suckling Pigs on Hematocrit Level during the Suckling Period
by Sarah E. Albers, Emily A. Pintens, Paige K. Isensee, Clara M. Lemanski and Young Dal Jang
Animals 2022, 12(21), 2980; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12212980 - 30 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1841
Abstract
Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of additional iron injection to suckling piglets on hematocrit level during the suckling period. In Experiment 1, a total of 24 piglets were allotted into 3 treatments within litter based on body weight and sex [...] Read more.
Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of additional iron injection to suckling piglets on hematocrit level during the suckling period. In Experiment 1, a total of 24 piglets were allotted into 3 treatments within litter based on body weight and sex at d 1 of age. Treatments were: (1) Control: a 200 mg iron-dextran intramuscular injection only at d 0 of experiment (d 1 of age), (2) Iron100: intramuscular iron-dextran injections at d 0 (200 mg iron) and 15 (11 d before weaning) of experiment (100 mg iron), and (3) Iron200: intramuscular iron-dextran injections at d 0 (200 mg iron) and 15 of experiment (200 mg iron). In Experiment 2, a total of 20 piglets were allotted into 2 treatments within litter based on body weight and sex at d 1 to 2 of age. Treatments were: (1) Iron100b: 100 mg iron-dextran intramuscular injection at d 0 of experiment (d 1 to 2 of age), and (2) Iron200b: 200 mg iron-dextran intramuscular injection at d 0 of experiment. An additional 200 mg iron-dextran was injected to all piglets intramuscularly at d 14 of experiment (11 d before weaning). In Experiment 1, there was no difference in hematocrit levels among treatments at d 15 of experiment. Both iron treatments had greater hematocrit levels than the Control treatment at d 22 and 26 of experiment (p < 0.05). The Iron200 treatment had greater hematocrit level at d 26 of experiment (p < 0.05) and tended to have a greater increase of hematocrit levels in d 22 to 26 of experiment (p = 0.09) than the Iron100 treatment. In Experiment 2, the Iron200b treatment had greater hematocrit levels than the Iron100b treatment in d 14 and 25 (p < 0.05) of experiment. Hematocrit level changes tended to be greater in the Iron200b treatment in d 0 to 14 (p = 0.08) of experiment but lower in d 14 to 25 (p < 0.05) of experiment than the Iron100b treatment. The additional iron injection to suckling piglets increased hematocrit levels with greater values at weaning in the higher injection level whereas the increase was greater when the hematocrit level was low at the time of additional injection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives and Micronutrients on Pig Growth, Nutrient Utilization and Gut Health)
15 pages, 702 KiB  
Article
Effects of Multi-Strain Probiotics and Perilla frutescens Seed Extract Supplementation Alone or Combined on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Indices, and Intestinal Health of Weaned Piglets
by Jian Li, Qianqian Zhang, Yong Zhuo, Zhengfeng Fang, Lianqiang Che, Shengyu Xu, Bin Feng, Yan Lin, Xuemei Jiang, Xilun Zhao and De Wu
Animals 2022, 12(17), 2246; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12172246 - 30 Aug 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1675
Abstract
This study examined the effects of multi-strain probiotics (BL) and Perilla frutescens seed extract (PSE), alone or in combination, on weaning piglets. In total, 96 weaning piglets were allocated into four treatments: CON group (the basal diet), PSE group (basal diet + 1g/kg [...] Read more.
This study examined the effects of multi-strain probiotics (BL) and Perilla frutescens seed extract (PSE), alone or in combination, on weaning piglets. In total, 96 weaning piglets were allocated into four treatments: CON group (the basal diet), PSE group (basal diet + 1g/kg PSE), BL group (basal diet + 2 g/kg BL), and BL+PSE group (basal diet +1 g/kg PSE + 2 g/kg BL) according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The supplementation of BL or PSE improved the gain to feed ratio. Dietary BL reduced diarrhea occurrence and Escherichia coli, but increased Lactobacillus counts in the ileal digesta. Dietary PSE tended to increase Lactobacillus counts in the ileal digesta. Interactive effects were found in terms of ileal villus height, the gene expression of IL-1β, and malondialdehyde in the ileal mucosa. Dietary BL lowered malondialdehyde in the spleen, liver, and jejunal mucosa but increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the liver and ileum mucosa. The supplementation of PSE improved superoxide dismutase in serum and T-AOC in the liver, and reduced MDA in liver, spleen, and jejunum mucosa. Taken together, BL or PSE showed positive effects, improving growth and intestinal morphology and enhancing antioxidant capacity. However, their interaction showed no beneficial effects on the antioxidant indices and the intestinal morphology of weaned piglets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives and Micronutrients on Pig Growth, Nutrient Utilization and Gut Health)
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18 pages, 1975 KiB  
Article
Dietary Inclusion of Dried Chicory Root Affects Cecal Mucosa Proteome of Nursery Pigs
by Agnieszka Herosimczyk, Adam Lepczyński, Martyna Werkowska, Marcin Barszcz, Marcin Taciak, Anna Tuśnio, Andrzej Krzysztof Ciechanowicz, Magdalena Kucia, Karolina Susfał, Sandra Cabała and Małgorzata Ożgo
Animals 2022, 12(13), 1710; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12131710 - 1 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2188
Abstract
Prebiotics are known to have many beneficial effects on intestinal health by modulating the gut microbiota composition, thereby affecting epithelial cell proliferation and metabolism. This study had two aims: (1) to identify the protein constituents in the cecal mucosa of 50-day-old healthy (PIC [...] Read more.
Prebiotics are known to have many beneficial effects on intestinal health by modulating the gut microbiota composition, thereby affecting epithelial cell proliferation and metabolism. This study had two aims: (1) to identify the protein constituents in the cecal mucosa of 50-day-old healthy (PIC × Penarlan P76) barrows, and (2) to assess the effects of 4% inclusion of dried chicory root in a cereal-based diet on the cecal mucosa proteome changes. Pigs (eight per group) were randomly allotted to the groups and were fed a control diet from the tenth day of life (C) or a diet supplemented with 4% of died chicory root (CR), for 40 days. At the age of 50 days, animals were sacrificed and cecal tissue samples were collected. It was found that feeding a CR diet significantly decreased the expression of 16 cecal mucosa proteins. Among them, fifteen proteins were down-regulated, while only one (KRT20) was shown to be up-regulated when compared to the C group. Dietary supplementation with CR caused down-expression of metabolism-associated proteins including enzymes involved in the process of glycolysis (G6PD, TPI1, ALDH9A1, CKMT1 and AKR1A1) as well as those engaged in transcriptional and translational activity (PRPF19, EEF1G) and several structural proteins (ACTR3, KRT77, CAP1 and actin). From our findings, it is possible to conclude that dietary chicory root at 4% had beneficial effects on the gut health of pigs as indicated by a changed abundance of certain cecal proteins such as KRT20, SERPINB1, HSP27, ANAXA2 and ANAXA4. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives and Micronutrients on Pig Growth, Nutrient Utilization and Gut Health)
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