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Choi H, Kim SW. Dietary Intervention of Benzoic Acid for Intestinal Health and Growth of Nursery Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2394. [PMID: 39199928 PMCID: PMC11350768 DOI: 10.3390/ani14162394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this review are to investigate how benzoic acid can mitigate the negative effects of weaning stress, improve the intestinal microbiota, intestinal health, and growth of nursery pigs, determine the optimal dose level of benzoic acid for the growth rate in nursery pigs, and compare the efficacy of benzoic acid and other acids in pig feeds. After weaning, pigs are exposed to less lactose and solid feed with high acid-binding capacity at infrequent intervals, causing an increase in digesta pH, reducing protein digestion, and increasing ammonia-producing bacteria in the stomach. Benzoic acid supplementation has improved the intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs through its antimicrobial properties and pH reduction in the digesta. The positive modulation of luminal microbiota in the small intestine of pigs by benzoic acid improves intestinal morphology and enhances nutrient utilization, especially nitrogen, of nursery pigs. Benzoic acid supplementation of up to 1% in feeds also increases hippuric acid contents in the urine of nursery pigs, decreasing urinary pH, which is related to ammonia emission and barn conditions in intensive pig production. Supported by the beneficial impacts of benzoic acid, the growth performance of nursery pigs was also improved. However, excessive benzoic acid (over 2.5% up to 5%) in feeds reduces the growth performance of nursery pigs. Thus, this review conducted a meta-analysis of the results from 16 papers to determine the optimal dose level of benzoic acid for body weight gain of nursery pigs, which was found to be 0.60%. The efficacy of benzoic acid was similar to that of other organic acids, including citric acid, fumaric acid, formic acid, and formate salts. Collectively, benzoic acid supplementation can positively modulate the luminal and mucosal microbiota in the small intestine, increase nutrient utilization and intestinal health, decrease urinary pH, and improve the growth performance of nursery pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sung Woo Kim
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
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Kim HY, Moon JO, Kim SW. Development and application of a multi-step porcine in vitro system to evaluate feedstuffs and feed additives for their efficacy in nutrient digestion, digesta characteristics, and intestinal immune responses. ANIMAL NUTRITION (ZHONGGUO XU MU SHOU YI XUE HUI) 2024; 17:265-282. [PMID: 38800740 PMCID: PMC11127235 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2024.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
In vitro model provides alternatives to the use of live animals in research. In pig nutrition, there has been a tremendous increase in in vivo research over the decades. Proper utilization of in vitro models could provide a screening tool to reduce the needs of in vivo studies, research duration, cost, and the use of animals and feeds. This study aimed to develop a multi-step porcine in vitro system to simulate nutrient digestion and intestinal epithelial immune responses affected by feedstuffs and feed additives. Seven feedstuffs (corn, corn distillers dried grains with solubles [corn DDGS], barley, wheat, soybean meal, soy protein concentrates, and Corynebacterium glutamicum cell mass [CGCM]), feed enzymes (xylanase and phytase), and supplemental amino acids (arginine, methionine, and tryptophan), were used in this in vitro evaluation for their efficacy on digestibility, digesta characteristics, and intestinal health compared with the results from previously published in vivo studies. All in vitro evaluations were triplicated. Data were analyzed using Mixed procedure of SAS9.4. Evaluations included (1) nutrient digestibility of feedstuffs, (2) the effects of feed enzymes, xylanase and phytase, on digestibility of feedstuffs and specific substrates, and (3) the effects of amino acids, arginine, tryptophan, and methionine, on anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-heat stress statuses showing their effects (P < 0.05) on the measured items. Differences in dry matter and crude protein digestibility among the feedstuffs as well as effects of xylanase and phytase were detected (P < 0.05), including xylo-oligosaccharide profiles and phosphorus release from phytate. Supplementation of arginine, tryptophan, and methionine modulated (P < 0.05) cellular inflammatory and oxidative stress responses. The use of this in vitro model allowed the use of 3 experimental replications providing sufficient statistical power at P < 0.05. This indicates in vitro models can have increased precision and consistency compared with in vivo animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Yeon Kim
- Application Center, CJ Blossom Park, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Jun-Ok Moon
- Application Center, CJ Blossom Park, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Sung Woo Kim
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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Choi H, Duarte YG, Pasquali GAM, Kim SW. Investigation of the nutritional and functional roles of a combinational use of xylanase and β-glucanase on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2024; 15:63. [PMID: 38704593 PMCID: PMC11070102 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-024-01021-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Xylanase and β-glucanase combination (XG) hydrolyzes soluble non-starch polysaccharides that are anti-nutritional compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of XG on intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs. METHODS Forty pigs (6.5 ± 0.4 kg) were assigned to 5 dietary treatments and fed for 35 d in 3 phases (11, 9, and 15 d, respectively). Basal diets mainly included corn, soybean meal, and corn distiller's dried grains with solubles, contained phytase (750 FTU/kg), and were supplemented with 5 levels of XG at (1) 0, (2) 280 TXU/kg xylanase and 125 TGU/kg β-glucanase, (3) 560 and 250, (4) 840 and 375, or (5) 1,120 and 500, respectively. Growth performance was measured. On d 35, all pigs were euthanized and jejunal mucosa, jejunal digesta, jejunal tissues, and ileal digesta were collected to determine the effects of increasing XG levels and XG intake on intestinal health. RESULTS Increasing XG intake tended to quadratically decrease (P = 0.059) viscosity of jejunal digesta (min: 1.74 mPa·s at 751/335 (TXU/TGU)/kg). Increasing levels of XG quadratically decreased (P < 0.05) Prevotellaceae (min: 0.6% at 630/281 (TXU/TGU)/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing XG intake quadratically increased (P < 0.05) Lactobacillaceae (max: 40.3% at 608/271 (TXU/TGU)/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing XG intake quadratically decreased (P < 0.05) Helicobacteraceae (min: 1.6% at 560/250 (TXU/TGU)/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing levels of XG tended to linearly decrease (P = 0.073) jejunal IgG and tended to quadratically increase (P = 0.085) jejunal villus height to crypt depth ratio (max: 2.62 at 560/250 (TXU/TGU)/kg). Increasing XG intake tended to linearly increase the apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter (P = 0.087) and ether extract (P = 0.065). Increasing XG intake linearly increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain. CONCLUSIONS A combinational use of xylanase and β-glucanase would hydrolyze the non-starch polysaccharides fractions, positively modulating the jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota. Increased intake of these enzyme combination possibly reduced digesta viscosity and humoral immune response in the jejunum resulting in improved intestinal structure, and ileal digestibility of nutrients, and finally improving growth of nursery pigs. The beneficial effects were maximized at a combination of 550 to 800 TXU/kg xylanase and 250 to 360 TGU/kg β-glucanase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjun Choi
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, 116 Polk Hall, Campus Box 7621, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Yesid Garavito Duarte
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, 116 Polk Hall, Campus Box 7621, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | | | - Sung Woo Kim
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, 116 Polk Hall, Campus Box 7621, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
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Dong Z, Liu Z, Xu Y, Tan B, Sun W, Ai Q, Yang Z, Zeng J. Potential for the development of Taraxacum mongolicum aqueous extract as a phytogenic feed additive for poultry. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1354040. [PMID: 38529273 PMCID: PMC10961442 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1354040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Taraxacum mongolicum (TM) is a kind of medicinal and edible homologous plant which is included in the catalogue of feed raw materials in China. It is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides and other active substances, and shows many benefits to livestock, poultry and aquatic products. The study aimed to assess the potential of TM aqueous extract (TMAE) as a substitute for poultry AGPs. Methods A total of 240 one-day-old Arbor Acker broilers were randomly assigned to four groups and fed a basal diet (Con) supplemented with 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg TMAE (Low, Medium, and High groups). The growth performance of the broilers was measured on day 21 and day 42. At the end of the trial, the researchers measured slaughter performance and collected serum, liver, spleen, ileum, and intestinal contents to investigate the effects of TMAE on serum biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, immune function, organ coefficient, intestinal morphology, flora composition, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Results The results showed that broilers treated with TMAE had a significantly higher average daily gain from 22 to 42 days old compared to the Con group. Various doses of TMAE resulted in different levels of improvement in serum chemistry. High doses increased serum alkaline phosphatase and decreased creatinine. TMAE also increased the antioxidant capacity of serum, liver, and ileum in broilers. Additionally, middle and high doses of TMAE enhanced the innate immune function of the liver (IL-10) and ileum (Occludin) in broilers. Compared to the control group, the TMAE treatment group exhibited an increase in the ratio of villi length to villi crypt in the duodenum. TMAE increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Alistipes and Lactobacillus, while reducing the accumulation of harmful bacteria, such as Colidextracter and Sellimonas. The cecum's SCFAs content increased with a medium dose of TMAE. Supplementing broiler diets with TMAE at varying doses enhanced growth performance and overall health. The most significant benefits were observed at a dose of 1000 mg/kg, including improved serum biochemical parameters, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity of the liver and ileum, immune function of the liver and ileum, and increased SCFAs content. Lactobacillus aviarius, norank_f_norank_o__Clostridia_UCG-014, and Flavonifractor are potentially dominant members of the intestinal microflora. Conclusion In conclusion, TMAE is a promising poultry feed additive and 1000 mg/kg is an effective reference dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Dong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhiqin Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Yufeng Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Bin Tan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenqing Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Qin Ai
- DHN Business Division, Wens Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd., Zhaoqing, China
| | - Zihui Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianguo Zeng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
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Zhang W, Sun S, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Wang J, Liu Z, Yang K. Benzoic acid supplementation improves the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen metabolism of weaned lambs. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1351394. [PMID: 38406631 PMCID: PMC10884225 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1351394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen is one of the essential components of proteins and nucleic acids and plays a crucial role in the growth and development of ruminants. However, the nitrogen utilization rate of ruminants is lower than that of monogastric animals, which not only reduces protein conversion and utilization, but also increases manure nitrogen discharge as well as causing environmental pollution. The lamb stage is an important period in the life of sheep, which can affect the production performance and meat quality of fattening sheep. The purpose of this experiment was to explore effects of benzoic acid supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen metabolism and plasma parameters of weaned lambs. A total of 40 weaned male Hu sheep lambs with similar body weight were randomly divided into 4 groups: control with no benzoic acid (0 BA) and the lambs in other 3 groups were fed 0.5, 1, and 1.5% benzoic acid on the basis of experimental diet (0.5, 1, and 1.5 BA, respectively). The experiment lasted for 60 days. Results showed that the average daily gain of 1 BA group was significantly increased (p < 0.05) when compared to 0 and 1.5 BA groups, while an opposite tendency of dry matter intake to average daily gain ratio was observed. The dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber digestibility of 1 BA group was significantly increased (p < 0.05) as compared with 0 and 1.5 BA groups as well as plasma albumin content. Also, the urinary hippuric acid and hippurate nitrogen concentrations in 1 and 1.5 BA groups were higher (p < 0.05) than those in 0 and 0.5 BA groups. Additionally, the nitrogen intake in 0.5 and 1 BA groups was significantly increased (p < 0.05) when compared to other groups. At 1 h after morning feeding, the plasma benzoic acid concentration of 1 BA group reached up to maximum value and was higher (p < 0.05) than other groups, and then began to decrease. Similarly, the hippuric acid concentration in plasma of 1 and 1.5 BA groups was higher (p < 0.05) than that of 0 BA group from 1 to 4 h post morning feeding. At 3 h after feeding, the urea nitrogen concentration in plasma of 0 BA group was higher (p < 0.05) than that of 1.5 BA group. Overall, the appropriate supplementation of benzoic acid (1%) in the diet can improve growth performance and nitrogen metabolism of weaned lambs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Meat and Milk Production Herbivore Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi, China
| | - Shuo Sun
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Meat and Milk Production Herbivore Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi, China
| | - Yaqian Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Meat and Milk Production Herbivore Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Meat and Milk Production Herbivore Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi, China
| | - Jianguo Wang
- Xinjiang Shangpin Meiyang Technology Co., Ltd., Changji, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- Xinjiang Shangpin Meiyang Technology Co., Ltd., Changji, China
| | - Kailun Yang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Meat and Milk Production Herbivore Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi, China
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Jang KB, Kim YI, Duarte ME, Kim SW. Effects of β-mannanase supplementation on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skae052. [PMID: 38422238 PMCID: PMC10957119 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Two experiments were conducted using 120 pigs to test the hypothesis that supplementation of β-mannanase could reduce digesta viscosity, enhance nutrient digestion, and improve intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs. In experiment 1, 48 crossbred barrows were randomly allotted to four treatments with increasing levels of β-mannanase at 0, 200, 400, and 600 U/kg in feeds. All pigs were euthanized on day 12 to collect jejunal digesta to measure digesta viscosity and ileal digesta to measure apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). In experiment 2, 72 nursery pigs were randomly allotted to three treatments with increasing levels of β-mannanase at 0, 400, and 600 U/kg in feeds. Plasma collected on day 9 was used to measure tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), immunoglobulin G (IgG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl (PC). All pigs were euthanized on day 10 to collect duodenal and jejunal tissues to evaluate the production of TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA, morphology, crypt cell proliferation, and expression of tight junction proteins in the jejunum. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure for polynomial contrasts and the NLMIXED procedure for broken-line analysis of SAS. In experiment 1, β-mannanase supplementation tended to have quadratic effects on digesta viscosity (P = 0.085) and AID of GE (P = 0.093) in the pigs. In experiment 2, jejunal digesta viscosity of the pigs was reduced (P < 0.05) when β-mannanase was supplemented at 360 U/kg of feed. β-Mannanase supplementation linearly reduced (P < 0.05) TNF-α, IgG, MDA, and PC in the duodenum, and TNF-α, IgG, and MDA in the jejunum of the pigs. β-Mannanase supplementation linearly increased (P < 0.05) villus height to crypt depth ratio and crypt cell proliferation in the jejunum. β-Mannanase supplementation tended to linearly improve (P = 0.083) expression of zonula occludens-1 in the jejunum. In conclusion, supplementation of β-mannanase at 360 U/kg reduced the digesta viscosity and up to 600 U/kg positively affected intestinal health and growth of pigs by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress whilst enhancing structure and barrier function in the jejunum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Beom Jang
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Young Ihn Kim
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Marcos Elias Duarte
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Sung Woo Kim
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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Yoo SB, Song YS, Seo S, Kim BG. Effects of Supplemental Benzoic Acid, Bromelain, Adipic Acid, and Humic Substances on Nitrogen Utilization, Urine pH, Slurry pH, and Manure Odorous Compounds in Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:82. [PMID: 38200813 PMCID: PMC10778150 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective was to evaluate the effects of benzoic acid, bromelain, adipic acid, and humic substance supplementation on nitrogen balance, urinary pH, slurry pH, and manure odorous compounds in pigs. Fifteen castrated male pigs with an initial body weight of 37.9 kg (standard deviation = 4.1) were individually housed in metabolism crates. The animals were allocated to a triplicated 5 × 2 incomplete Latin square design with 15 animals, 5 experimental diets, and 2 periods. The basal diet mainly consisted of corn, soybean meal, and rapeseed meal. Four experimental diets were prepared by supplementing each additive at a concentration of 10 g/kg at the expense of corn starch to the basal diet. Each period consisted of a 4-day adaptation period, a 24 h collection period for slurry sampling, and a 4-day collection period for feces and urine. The feces and urine collected for 24 h on day 5 were mixed at a ratio of fecal weight and urine weight to obtain slurry samples. The apparent total tract digestibility N in pigs fed the humic substance diet was the least (p < 0.05) compared to the other groups. The daily retained N and N retention as % ingested tended (p < 0.10) to be the lowest in the adipic acid group among the treatments. The urinary pH in pigs fed the adipic acid diet was less (p < 0.05) than that in other groups except the benzoic acid group. The slurry pH tended to differ among the treatment groups (p = 0.074) with the lowest value in the pigs fed the adipic acid diet. The concentrations of indole in slurry (p = 0.084) and isovalerate in feces (p = 0.062) tended to differ among the groups with the lowest values in the pigs fed the humic substance diet. In conclusion, adipic acid supplementation in pig diets can decrease urinary pH and slurry pH. Although benzoic acid and adipic acid have limited effects in reducing odorous compounds, humic substances have the potential to reduce some odorous compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Bin Yoo
- Department of Animal Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (S.B.Y.); (Y.S.S.)
| | - Yoon Soo Song
- Department of Animal Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (S.B.Y.); (Y.S.S.)
| | - Siyoung Seo
- Animal Environmental Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea;
| | - Beob Gyun Kim
- Department of Animal Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (S.B.Y.); (Y.S.S.)
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Outlaw A, Gachman A, Kim H, Xu X, Tan Z, Qin Z, Peng X, Rudar M. Evaluation of protected benzoic acid on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut health indices in starter pigs. Transl Anim Sci 2023; 7:txad111. [PMID: 37841323 PMCID: PMC10576511 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txad111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Benzoic acid is a common alternative for antibiotic and zinc oxide use in nursery diets. Free benzoic acid (BZA) is often supplied, but this form is absorbed before it can exert any effect on distal segments of the gut. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of protected benzoic acid on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, plasma metabolites, and gut health indices in starter pigs. A total of 192 pigs were weaned at 28 ± 1 d age (initial body weight, 8.72 ± 1.13 kg). Pens were assigned to one of four treatment diets (n = 8 pens per treatment): (1) no additive (NC), (2) free benzoic acid (BZA; 0.6%), (3) protected benzoic acid (BC50; 0.2%, supplied at a ratio of one to three equivalents of BZA), and (4) antibiotic growth promoter (AGP; Carbadox, 50 ppm). Diets were fed for three weeks over two periods (period 1, 7 d; period 2, 14 d). Body weight and feed intake were measured for each period. Feces were collected at the end of each period to determine apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of organic matter (OM), gross energy (GE), and crude protein (CP). One pig per pen was euthanized per period to determine plasma metabolites; jejunum and ileum morphology; jejunum, ileum, and colon cytokine abundance; and jejunum, ileum, and colon tight junction protein expression. The AGP group had increased average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared to other groups in period 1 and overall (P < 0.05); however, ADG and ADFI of the BC50 group was intermediate between the NC and BZA groups and the AGP group in period 2. The ATTD of OM, GE, and CP were greater in the AGP group compared to the NC and BC50 groups (P < 0.05), whereas the BZA group was intermediate. Jejunum and ileum villus height and crypt depth increased from period 1 to period 2 (P < 0.01) but were similar across groups. Ileum and colon tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) abundances were greater, whereas colon interleukin (IL)-1β and colon and ileum IL-8 abundances were less, in the AGP group compared to the BZA group (P < 0.05); the NC and BC50 groups exhibited intermediate TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 abundance in the ileum and colon. Jejunum cytokine abundance did not vary among groups but declined from period 1 to period 2 (P < 0.05). Tight junction protein expression also did not vary among groups. In summary, protected BZA supported a slight increase in growth performance in starter pigs, suggesting its potential as an alternative feed additive in nursery diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Outlaw
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Alexandra Gachman
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Haejin Kim
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Xiangyi Xu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Zhigang Tan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Zhonghua Qin
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Xianfeng Peng
- Guangzhou Insighter Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong 510664, China
| | - Marko Rudar
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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