Understanding intestinal health in nursery pigs and the relevant nutritional strategies

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

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.

Autolyzed yeast and sodium butyrate supplemented alone to diets promoted improvements in performance, intestinal health and nutrient transporter in weaned piglets

This study investigated the effects of supplemental nucleotides, autolyzed yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and sodium butyrate in diets for nursery pigs on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, blood profile, intestinal morphology, mRNA expression of nutrient transporters, inflammatory markers, antioxidant profile, and tight junction proteins in the small intestine. One hundred eighty 21-day-old pigs (5.17 ± 0.57 kg) were assigned in a randomized block design to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: (1) CON: control, basal diet, (2) NUC: CON + nucleotides, (3) YSC: CON + lysed yeast S. cerevisiae, (4) ASB: CON + acidifier sodium butyrate. Pigs were fed for 24 days, phase 1 (21-32 days) and 2 (32-45 days). During phase 1, YSC and ASB improved average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion (FC) compared with CON. At the overall period, ASB improved ADG and YSC improved FC compared with CON. The NUC diet did not affect growth performance. The ASB increased ileal villus height compared to CON. The YSC and ASB reduced the number of Peyer's patches in the ileum compared with CON. The YSC increased mRNA expression of nutrient transporters (SMCT2, MCT1, and PepT1), tight junction proteins (OCL and ZO-1), antioxidants (GPX), and IL1-β in the jejunum compared with CON. The ASB increased mRNA expression of nutrient transporters (SGLT1 and MCT1), tight junction proteins (OCL and ZO-1), and antioxidants (GPX and SOD) compared with CON. In conclusion, autolyzed yeast and sodium butyrate promoted growth performance by improving the integrity of the intestinal barrier, the mRNA expression of nutrient transporters, and antioxidant enzymes in the jejunum of nursery pigs whereas supplementation of nucleotides did not show such effects.

Investigation of the nutritional and functional roles of a combinational use of xylanase and β-glucanase on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs

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.

- Invited Review - Current status of global pig production: an overview and research trends

Global pig production has increased by 140% since the 1960s. The increase in global population, coupled with improving socioeconomic conditions of many countries has led to an increased consumption of meat globally, including pork. To keep up with demand and capitalize on economic opportunities, the countries of China, the United States (US), and the European Union (EU) have become the top 3 pork producers globally. China is of particular interest, as it is the both the largest country in pork production and pig numbers, as well as being the largest importer of pork from other countries. Globally, the efficiency of pork production has improved, in relation to the integration of pig production and the dramatic increase in research efforts in pig nutrition and production. Through integration, large producers can consolidate resources and maximize profits and efficiency. The increased research interest and efforts in pig production have given scientists and producers the opportunity to collaborate to adapt to challenges and identify possible solutions to issues brought on by a volatile global market. Intestinal health (23%), general nutrition and growth (23%), and amino acid nutrition (15%) were the top 3 areas (61%) leading research trends in pig nutrition and production. Major dietary interventions with feed additives evaluated include functional amino acids, feed enzymes, pre-/pro-/post-biotics, and phytobiotics with a common goal to improve the growth efficiency by enhancing nutrient utilization and intestinal health. With increasing global issues with environment, pig producers and the supporting scientists should continue their efforts to improve the production efficiency and to reduce the environmental footprint from pig production.

Relationship between creep feeding intake and piglet's performance in the nursery phase

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of creep feeding during the pre-weaning stage on the performance of piglets at nursery phase, as well as to estimate the economic viability of its application. A total of 125 piglets were exposed to creep feeding and evaluated qualitatively regarding diet intake and quantitatively regarding weight gain. After determining the eaters and non-eaters' piglets, 48 of these animals were evaluated in the nursery phase. Piglets are blocked (initial weigh and sex) and divided into eaters (E, n=24) and non-eaters (NE, n=24). Time to start feed intake, growth performance data and economic viability were analyzed. At pre-weaning phase no weight difference was observed, and only 24.5% of piglets consumed the creep feed after 12 days of exposure. At nursery phase, the E group presented a 250% faster consumption in the first 24 hours of housing, 18.3% greater daily feed intake and 22.0% greater daily gain for whole experimental length, when compared to NE group. The economic evaluation demonstrated a 269% and 225% greater economic profit and return on investment for E. Therefore, the application of creep feeding in pre-weaning improves the piglets' performance during nursery phase and is economically viable.

Effects of β-mannanase supplementation on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs

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.

The Use of Fruit and Vegetable by-Products as Enhancers of Health Status of Piglets after Weaning: The Role of Bioactive Compounds from Apple and Carrot Industrial Wastes

At weaning, piglets are exposed to a large variety of stressors, from environmental/behavioral factors to nutritional stress. Weaning transition affects the gastrointestinal tract especially, resulting in specific disturbances at the level of intestinal morphology, barrier function and integrity, mucosal immunity and gut microbiota. All these alterations are associated with intestinal inflammation, oxidative stress and perturbation of intracellular signaling pathways. The nutritional management of the weaning period aims to achieve the reinforcement of intestinal integrity and functioning to positively modulate the intestinal immunity and that of the gut microbiota and to enhance the health status of piglets. That is why the current research is focused on the raw materials rich in phytochemicals which could positively modulate animal health. The composition analysis of fruit, vegetable and their by-products showed that identified phytochemicals could act as bioactive compounds, which can be used as modulators of weaning-induced disturbances in piglets. This review describes nutritional studies which investigated the effects of bioactive compounds derived from fruit (apple) and vegetables (carrot) or their by-products on the intestinal architecture and function, inflammatory processes and oxidative stress at the intestinal level. Data on the associated signaling pathways and on the microbiota modulation by bioactive compounds from these by-products are also presented.

Lactobacillus-driven feed fermentation regulates microbiota metabolism and reduces odor emission from the feces of pigs

IMPORTANCE

Our present study showed that dietary supplementation with feed fermented by Lactobacillus could promote the growth performance of pigs, regulate the microbiota, and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. It could prevent the accumulation of toxic substances and reduce odor emission from pig feces, thereby reducing environmental pollution. In addition, one key triumph of the present study was the isolation of Weissella cibaria ZWC030, and the strain could inhibit the production of skatole in vitro in our present results.

Individual or combinational use of phytase, protease, and xylanase for the impacts on total tract digestibility of corn, soybean meal, and distillers dried grains with soluble fed to pigs

OBJECTIVE

This study was to evaluate the effects of individual or combinational use of phytase, protease, and xylanase on total tract digestibility of corn, soybean meal, and distillers dried grains with soluble (DDGS) fed to pigs.

METHODS

Each experiment had four 4×4 Latin squares using 16 barrows. Each period had 5-d adaptation and 3-d collection. All experiments had: CON (no enzyme); Phy (CON+phytase); Xyl (CON+xylanase); Pro (CON+protease); Phy+Xyl; Phy+Pro, Xyl+Pro, Phy+Xyl+Pro. Each Latin square had 'CON, Phy, Xyl, and Phy+Xyl'; 'CON, Phy, Pro, and Phy+Pro'; 'CON, Pro, Xyl, and Xyl+Pro'; and 'Phy+Xyl, Phy+Pro, Xyl+Pro, Phy+Xyl+Pro'.

RESULTS

The digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and nitrogen retention (NR) of corn were not affected by enzymes but the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of phosphorus (P) was improved (p<0.01) by Phy. The DE and ATTD dry matter (DM) in soybean meal were increased (p<0.05) by Phy+Pro and the ATTD P was improved (p<0.01) by Phy, Phy+Pro, and Phy+Xyl. The DE, ME, and ATTD DM in DDGS were improved (p<0.05) by Phy+Xyl and the ATTD P was improved (p<0.01) by Phy, Phy+Pro, and Phy+Xyl.

CONCLUSION

Phytase individually or in combination with xylanase and protease improved the Ca and P digestibility of corn, soybean meal, and DDGS, from the hydrolysis of phytic acid. The supplementation of protease was more effective when combined with phytase and xylanase in the soybean meal and DDGS possibly due to a higher protein content in these feedstuffs. Xylanase was more effective in DDGS diets due to the elevated levels of non-starch polysaccharides in these feedstuffs. However, when xylanase was combined with phytase, it demonstrated a higher efficacy improving the nutrient digestibility of pigs. Overall, combinational uses of feed enzymes can be more efficient for nutrient utilization in soybean meal and DDGS than single enzymes.

A blend of selected botanicals maintains intestinal epithelial integrity and reduces susceptibility to Escherichia coli F4 infection by modulating acute and chronic inflammation in vitro

In the pig production cycle, the most delicate phase is weaning, a sudden and early change that requires a quick adaptation, at the cost of developing inflammation and oxidation, especially at the intestinal level. In this period, pathogens like enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) contribute to the establishment of diarrhea, with long-lasting detrimental effects. Botanicals and their single bioactive components represent sustainable well-recognized tools in animal nutrition thanks to their wide-ranging beneficial functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro mechanism of action of a blend of botanicals (BOT), composed of thymol, grapeseed extract, and capsicum oleoresin, in supporting intestinal cell health during inflammatory challenges and ETEC infections. To reach this, we performed inflammatory and ETEC challenges on Caco-2 cells treated with BOT, measuring epithelial integrity, cellular oxidative stress, bacterial translocation and adhesion, gene expression levels, and examining tight junction distribution. BOT protected enterocytes against acute inflammation: while the challenge reduced epithelial tightness by 40%, BOT significantly limited its drop to 30%, also allowing faster recovery rates. In the case of chronic inflammation, BOT systematically improved by an average of 25% the integrity of challenged cells (p < 0.05). Moreover, when cells were infected with ETEC, BOT maintained epithelial integrity at the same level as an effective antibiotic and significantly reduced bacterial translocation by 1 log average. The mode of action of BOT was strictly related to the modulation of the inflammatory response, protecting tight junctions' expression and structure. In addition, BOT influenced ETEC adhesion to intestinal cells (-4%, p < 0.05), also thanks to the reduction of enterocytes' susceptibility to pathogens. Finally, BOT effectively scavenged reactive oxygen species generated by inflammatory and H2O2 challenges, thus alleviating oxidative stress by 40% compared to challenge (p < 0.05). These results support the employment of BOT in piglets at weaning to help manage bacterial infections and relieve transient or prolonged stressful states thanks to the modulation of host-pathogen interaction and the fine-tuning activity on the inflammatory tone.

Efficacy of soy protein concentrate replacing animal protein supplements in mucosa-associated microbiota, intestinal health, and growth performance of nursery pigs

This study investigated the effects of using soy protein concentrate (SPC) to replace animal protein supplements on mucosa-associated microbiota, intestinal health, and growth performance of nursery pigs. Fifty-six newly weaned pigs (BW = 6.4 ± 0.6 kg) were allotted to 5 treatments in a randomized complete block design. Pigs were fed for 35 d in 3 phases (P; 1, 2, 3) for 10, 12, 13 d, respectively. Dietary treatments were: (1) basal diet with fish meal (P1: 4%, P2: 2%, and P3: 1%), poultry meal (P1: 10%, P2: 8%, and P3: 4%), and blood plasma (P1: 4%, P2: 2%, and P3: 1%), where SPC replacing none (NC); (2) basal diet with SPC replacing fish meal (RFM); (3) basal diet with SPC replacing poultry meal (RPM); (4) basal diet with SPC replacing blood plasma (RBP); and (5) basal diet with SPC replacing all animal protein supplements (PC). Growth performance was recorded for each phase. Pigs were euthanized on d 35 to collect jejunal mucosa and tissue to evaluate intestinal health and microbiota, and ileal digesta to measure apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Overall, RFM, RPM, and RBP did not affect growth performance, whereas PC decreased (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI. The RPM increased (P < 0.05) Prevotella stercorea and decreased (P < 0.05) Helicobacter rappini. The PC decreased (P < 0.05) H. rappini, whilst increasing (P < 0.05) Prevotella copri, Propionibacterium acnes, and Pelomonas aquatica. The RFM tended to increase (P = 0.096) immunoglobulin A in the jejunum. The PC tended to decrease (P = 0.078) jejunal crypt cell proliferation. There were no differences in the villus height, AID of nutrients, intestinal inflammation, and intestinal oxidative stress among treatments. In conclusion, SPC can replace fish meal, poultry meal, or blood plasma individually without affecting growth performance and intestinal health, and AID of nutrients of nursery pigs. Particularly SPC replacing poultry meal benefitted intestinal health by reducing H. rappini and increasing P. stercorea. However, SPC replacing all three animal protein supplements reduced growth of nursery pigs mainly by reducing feed intake.

Characterization of β-Glucans from Cereal and Microbial Sources and Their Roles in Feeds for Intestinal Health and Growth of Nursery Pigs

The objectives of this review are to investigate the quantitative, compositional, and structural differences of β-glucans and the functional effects of β-glucans on the intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs. Banning antibiotic feed supplementation increased the research demand for antibiotic alternatives to maintain the intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs. It has been proposed that β-glucans improve the growth efficiency of nursery pigs through positive impacts on their intestinal health. However, based on their structure and source, their impacts can be extensively different. β-glucans are non-starch polysaccharides found in the cell walls of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), bacteria, fungi (Basidiomycota), and cereal grains (mainly barley and oats). The total β-glucan content from cereal grains is much greater than that of microbial β-glucans. Cereal β-glucans may interfere with the positive effects of microbial β-glucans on the intestinal health of nursery pigs. Due to their structural differences, cereal β-glucans also cause digesta viscosity, decreasing feed digestion, and decreasing nutrient absorption in the GIT of nursery pigs. Specifically, cereal β-glucans are based on linear glucose molecules linked by β-(1,3)- and β-(1,4)-glycosidic bonds with relatively high water-soluble properties, whereas microbial β-glucans are largely linked with β-(1,3)- and β-(1,6)-glycosidic bonds possessing insoluble properties. From the meta-analysis, the weight gain and feed intake of nursery pigs increased by 7.6% and 5.3%, respectively, through the use of yeast β-glucans (from Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and increased by 11.6% and 6.9%, respectively, through the use of bacterial β-glucans (from Agrobacterium sp.), whereas the use of cereal β-glucans did not show consistent responses. The optimal use of yeast β-glucans (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was 50 mg/kg in nursery pig diets based on a meta-analysis. Collectively, use of microbial β-glucans can improve the intestinal health of nursery pigs, enhancing immune conditions, whereas the benefits of cereal β-glucans on intestinal health were not consistent.

Impact of Early Weaning on Development of the Swine Gut Microbiome

Considering that pigs are naturally weaned between 12 and 18 weeks of age, the common practice in the modern swine industry of weaning as early as between two and four weeks of age increases challenges during this transition period. Indeed, young pigs with an immature gut are suddenly separated from the sow, switched from milk to a diet consisting of only solid ingredients, and subjected to a new social hierarchy from mixing multiple litters. From the perspective of host gut development, weaning under these conditions causes a regression in histological structure as well as in digestive and barrier functions. While the gut is the main center of immunity in mature animals, the underdeveloped gut of early weaned pigs has yet to contribute to this function until seven weeks of age. The gut microbiota or microbiome, an essential contributor to the health and nutrition of their animal host, undergoes dramatic alterations during this transition, and this descriptive review aims to present a microbial ecology-based perspective on these events. Indeed, as gut microbial communities are dependent on cross-feeding relationships, the change in substrate availability triggers a cascade of succession events until a stable composition is reached. During this process, the gut microbiota is unstable and prone to dysbiosis, which can devolve into a diseased state. One potential strategy to accelerate maturation of the gut microbiome would be to identify microbial species that are critical to mature swine gut microbiomes, and develop strategies to facilitate their establishment in early post-weaning microbial communities.

Comparative effects of soy protein concentrate, enzyme-treated soybean meal, and fermented soybean meal replacing animal protein supplements in feeds on growth performance and intestinal health of nursery pigs

BACKGROUND

Soy protein supplements, with high crude protein and less antinutritional factors, are produced from soybean meal by different processes. This study evaluated the comparative effects of various soy protein supplements replacing animal protein supplements in feeds on the intestinal immune status, intestinal oxidative stress, mucosa-associated microbiota, and growth performance of nursery pigs.

METHODS

Sixty nursery pigs (6.6 ± 0.5 kg BW) were allotted to five treatments in a randomized complete block design with initial BW and sex as blocks. Pigs were fed for 39 d in 3 phases (P1, P2, and P3). Treatments were: Control (CON), basal diet with fish meal 4%, 2%, and 1%, poultry meal 10%, 8%, and 4%, and blood plasma 4%, 2%, and 1% for P1, P2, and P3, respectively; basal diet with soy protein concentrate (SPC), enzyme-treated soybean meal (ESB), fermented soybean meal with Lactobacillus (FSBL), and fermented soybean meal with Bacillus (FSBB), replacing 1/3, 2/3, and 3/3 of animal protein supplements for P1, P2, and P3, respectively. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS 9.4.

RESULTS

The SPC did not affect the BW, ADG, and G:F, whereas it tended to reduce (P = 0.094) the ADFI and tended to increase (P = 0.091) crypt cell proliferation. The ESM did not affect BW, ADG, ADFI, and G:F, whereas tended to decrease (P = 0.098) protein carbonyl in jejunal mucosa. The FSBL decreased (P < 0.05) BW and ADG, increased (P < 0.05) TNF-α, and Klebsiella and tended to increase MDA (P = 0.065) and IgG (P = 0.089) in jejunal mucosa. The FSBB tended to increase (P = 0.073) TNF-α, increased (P < 0.05) Clostridium and decreased (P < 0.05) Achromobacter and alpha diversity of microbiota in jejunal mucosa.

CONCLUSIONS

Soy protein concentrate, enzyme-treated soybean meal, and fermented soybean meal with Bacillus could reduce the use of animal protein supplements up to 33% until 7 kg body weight, up to 67% from 7 to 11 kg body weight, and entirely from 11 kg body weight without affecting the intestinal health and the growth performance of nursery pigs. Fermented soybean meal with Lactobacillus, however, increased the immune reaction and oxidative stress in the intestine consequently reducing the growth performance.

Is Oral Vaccination against Escherichia coli Influenced by Zinc Oxide?

BACKGROUND

Although zinc oxide has been banned at therapeutic doses in the EU, its use is still legal in most countries with industrial pig farming. This compound has been shown to be very effective in preventing E. coli-related diseases. However, another strategy used to control this pathogen is vaccination, administered parenterally or orally. Oral vaccines contain live strains, with F4 and F18 binding factors. Since zinc oxide prevents E. coli adhesion, it is hypothesised that its presence at therapeutic doses (2500 ppm) may alter the immune response and the protection of intestinal integrity derived from the vaccination of animals.

METHODS

A group of piglets were orally vaccinated at weaning and divided into two subgroups; one group was fed a feed containing 2500 ppm zinc oxide (V + ZnO) for the first 15 days post-vaccination (dpv) and the other was not (V). Faeces were sampled from the animals at 6, 8, 11, 13, and 15 dpv. Unvaccinated animals without ZnO in their feed (Neg) were sampled simultaneously and, on day 15 post-vaccination, were also compared with a group of unvaccinated animals with ZnO in their feed (ZnO).

RESULTS

Differences were found in E. coli excretion, with less quantification in the V + ZnO group, and a significant increase in secretory IgA in the V group at 8 dpv, which later equalised with that of the V + ZnO group. There was also some difference in IFNα, IFNγ, IL1α, ILβ, and TNFα gene expression when comparing both vaccinated groups (p < 0.05). However, there was no difference in gene expression for the tight junction (TJ) proteins responsible for intestinal integrity.

CONCLUSIONS

Although some differences in the excretion of the vaccine strain were found when comparing both vaccinated groups, there are no remarkable differences in immune stimulation or soluble IgA production when comparing animals orally vaccinated against E. coli in combination with the presence or absence of ZnO in their feed. We can conclude that the immune response produced is very similar in both groups.

Intestinal Damages by F18+Escherichia coli and Its Amelioration with an Antibacterial Bacitracin Fed to Nursery Pigs

This study investigated intestinal oxidative damage caused by F18⁺Escherichia coli and its amelioration with antibacterial bacitracin fed to nursery pigs. Thirty-six weaned pigs (6.31 ± 0.08 kg BW) were allotted in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were: NC, not challenged/not treated; PC, challenged (F18⁺E. coli at 5.2 × 10⁹ CFU)/not treated; AGP challenged (F18⁺E. coli at 5.2 × 10⁹ CFU)/treated with bacitracin (30 g/t). Overall, PC reduced (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG), gain to feed ratio (G:F), villus height, and villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD), whereas AGP increased (p < 0.05) ADG, and G:F. PC increased (p < 0.05) fecal score, F18⁺E. coli in feces, and protein carbonyl in jejunal mucosa. AGP reduced (p < 0.05) fecal score and F18⁺E. coli in jejunal mucosa. PC reduced (p < 0.05) Prevotella stercorea populations in jejunal mucosa, whereas AGP increased (p < 0.05) Phascolarctobacterium succinatutens and reduced (p < 0.05) Mitsuokella jalaludinii populations in feces. Collectively, F18⁺E. coli challenge increased fecal score and disrupted the microbiota composition, harming intestinal health by increasing oxidative stress, and damaging the intestinal epithelium, ultimately impairing growth performance. Dietary bacitracin reduced reduced F18⁺E. coli populations and the oxidative damages they cause, thereby improving intestinal health and the growth performance of nursery pigs.

Gut Health and Influencing Factors in Pigs

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a complex, dynamic, and critical part of the body, which plays an important role in the digestion and absorption of ingested nutrients and excreting waste products of digestion. In addition, GIT also plays a vital role in preventing the entry of harmful substances and potential pathogens into the bloodstream. The gastrointestinal tract hosts a significant number of microbes, which throughout their metabolites, directly interact with the hosts. In modern intensive animal farming, many factors can disrupt GIT functions. As dietary nutrients and biologically active substances play important roles in maintaining homeostasis and eubiosis in the GIT, this review aims to summarize the current status of our knowledge on the most important areas.

Comparative effects of benzoic acid and sodium benzoate in diets for nursery pigs on growth performance and acidification of digesta and urine

The objective of this study was to evaluate the comparative effects of benzoic acid and sodium benzoate in feeds on digesta pH, urinary pH, and growth performance for nursery pigs. A total of 432 pigs (6.9 ± 0.9 kg BW) were assigned to eight treatments (6 pigs per pen, replication = 9) in a randomized complete block design with initial body weight (BW) as a block and fed for 41 d in three phases (7/17/17 d, respectively). Treatments were 1) a basal diet (NC), 2) NC + 0.25% bacitracin methylene disalicylate (antibiotic; bacitracin: 250 g/t feed; PC), 3) NC + 0.25% benzoic acid, 4) NC + 0.35% benzoic acid, 5) NC + 0.50% benzoic acid, 6) NC + 0.30% sodium benzoate, 7) NC + 0.40% sodium benzoate, and 8) NC + 0.60% sodium benzoate. Growth performance and fecal scores were measured for each phase. One gilt representing the median BW of each pen was euthanized to collect digesta from the stomach, proximal jejunum, distal jejunum, and cecum, and urine. The PC tended to improve average daily gain (ADG) in phase 1 (P = 0.052) and phase 2 (P = 0.093) as well as average daily feed intake (ADFI) in phase 2 (P = 0.052). Overall, increasing supplemental benzoic acid tended to have a quadratic effect on ADG (P = 0.094), but no difference in ADFI was observed. Increasing supplemental sodium benzoate showed a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on ADG and linearly increased (P < 0.05) ADFI. Urinary pH linearly decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing supplemental benzoic acid, but was not affected by supplemental sodium benzoate. Increasing supplemental benzoic acid or sodium benzoate linearly increased (P < 0.05) benzoic acid content in digesta of the stomach. Increasing supplemental benzoic acid or sodium benzoate also linearly increased (P < 0.05) urinary hippuric acid. However, the PC did not decrease urinary pH or increase urinary benzoic acid and hippuric acid. With slope-ratio assay using ADG and urinary hippuric acid as dependent variables and benzoic acid intake as an independent variable, the relative bioavailability of benzoic acid compared to sodium benzoate was not different. In conclusion, supplementation of benzoic acid and sodium benzoate could improve the growth performance of nursery pigs. The relative bioavailability of sodium benzoate to benzoic acid of nursery pigs did not differ based on BW gain and urinary hippuric acid.

Gastrointestinal dynamics, immune response, and nutrient digestibility of weanling pigs fed diets supplemented with enzymatically treated yeast1

The objective of this trial was to investigate the effect of enzymatically treated yeast (ETY) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immune response, and gut health of weanling pigs. A total of 192 weanling pigs (6.0 ± 1.04 kg) were allocated to 4 corn and soybean-based diets with increasing concentrations of ETY (0, 1, 2, or 4 g/kg) for a 43-d trial. There were 8 replicate pens (4 replicate pens per sex) and 6 pigs per replicate. The experiment was set up as a randomized complete block design with body weight used as a blocking factor. Pigs had ad libitum access to water and diets for the duration of the study. There was no effect of ETY supplementation on the growth performance indices of weanling pigs. At day 14, there was a quadratic decrease (P < 0.05) in the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of acid detergent fiber (ADF). At day 28, there was a linear increase (P < 0.05) in the ATTD of neutral detergent fiber and a quadratic decrease (P < 0.05) in the ATTD of ADF. On day 14, there was a linear increase (P < 0.05) in serum catalase activity with ETY supplementation. There was a linear increase (P < 0.01) in the gene expression of glutathione peroxidase-4 in the ileal mucosa of pigs. Increasing dietary ETY supplementation linearly decreased (P < 0.05) the gene expression of ileal peptide transporter 1. There was a tendency for a quadratic effect (P = 0.07) in the ileal villus height to crypt depth ratio with ETY supplementation. In addition, there was a tendency for a linear increase (P = 0.06) in ileal digesta butyrate with ETY supplementation. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that dietary ETY supplementation could partly ameliorate the deleterious effects of post-weaning stress by enhancing the antioxidative status of weanling pigs. However, prolonged supplementation of ETY may be needed to see its effect on growth performance.

Nourishing neonatal piglets with synthetic milk and Lactobacillus sp. at birth highly modifies the gut microbial communities at the post-weaning stage

The importance of probiotics in pig production is widely recognized. However, the precise role of probiotics in regulating the gut microbiota of piglets has not been assessed extensively. Therefore, we intend to examine whether suckling pigs ingesting with synthetic milk (SM) and probiotics along with mother milk has a carryover effect on its growth and gut health at the post-weaning stage. A total of 40 [Duroc× (Yorkshire× Landrace)] neonates with an initial BW of 1.49 ± 0.28 kg were assigned to one of two treatments groups: control (CON) and treatment (TRT). Control group piglets were nourished with synthetic milk, while TRT group piglets were nourished SM with (1 × 109 CFU/g) Lactobacillus sp. probiotics. The treatment group piglets showed higher (p < 0.05) body weight and daily gain at week 3 than the CON group piglets. 16S metagenome sequencing showed average demultiplexed reads and denoised reads counts of 157,399 and 74,945, respectively. The total ASV taxonomy number classified with a confidence threshold > 70% (default) on sequence alignment with the SILVA v138 reference database was 4,474. During week 1, Escherichia-Shigella, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, and Bacteroides were confirmed as the major dominant bacterial genera in both the groups at the genus level. However, during week 2, the relative proportion of Escherichia-Shigella, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, and Proteobacteria was decreased, while that of Lactobacillus and Bacteroidota was increased in pigs receiving the probiotic supplement. During weeks 2 and 3, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidota phyla were dominant in both groups. During week 6, the relative proportion of Proteobacteria was slightly increased in both groups. Furthermore, Prevotella was confirmed as the major dominant bacterial genus in both groups during weeks 3 and 6. This study suggests that nourishing neonatal piglets with synthetic milk and Lactobacillus sp. probiotics from birth to 21 days would be beneficial to enhance the gut health of piglets and to overcome post-weaning mortality.

Nutritional and Functional Roles of Phytase and Xylanase Enhancing the Intestinal Health and Growth of Nursery Pigs and Broiler Chickens

This review paper discussed the nutritional and functional roles of phytase and xylanase enhancing the intestinal and growth of nursery pigs and broiler chickens. There are different feed enzymes that are currently supplemented to feeds for nursery pigs and broiler chickens. Phytase and xylanase have been extensively studied showing consistent results especially related to enhancement of nutrient digestibility and growth performance of nursery pigs and broiler chickens. Findings from recent studies raise the hypothesis that phytase and xylanase could play functional roles beyond increasing nutrient digestibility, but also enhancing the intestinal health and positively modulating the intestinal microbiota of nursery pigs and broiler chickens. In conclusion, the supplementation of phytase and xylanase for nursery pigs and broiler chickens reaffirmed the benefits related to enhancement of nutrient digestibility and growth performance, whilst also playing functional roles benefiting the intestinal microbiota and reducing the intestinal oxidative damages. As a result, it could contribute to a reduction in the feed costs by allowing the use of a wider range of feedstuffs without compromising the optimal performance of the animals, as well as the environmental concerns associated with a poor hydrolysis of antinutritional factors present in the diets for swine and poultry.

The Ingestion of Dietary Prebiotic Alternatives during Lactation Promotes Intestinal Health by Modulation of Gut Microbiota

Palm kernel expeller (PKE), a by-product of palm oil extraction, contains higher amounts of fiber than corn and soybean meal, but offers low energy density, protein value, and amino acid (AA) composition, limiting its use for swine. Recently however, it was reported that dietary fiber has a positive effect on the gut microbiota of the host, and therefore it is necessary to study the effect of PKE feeding on the intestinal microbiota of swine. In this study, we investigated the effects of supplementation with PKE in lactation diets on the gut microbiota composition of lactating sows and their litters. A total of 12 sows were randomly assigned to two dietary treatment groups in a completely randomized design. The treatments were a diet based on corn-soybean meal (CON) and CON supplemented with 20% of PKE. Sow and piglet fecal samples were collected before farrowing, on days 7 and 28 (weaning) after farrowing, and on days 7 and 28 (weaning) after farrowing, respectively, to verify gut microbiota composition by pyrosequencing analysis. The beta-diversity result showed a significant difference only in weaning-stage piglets, but dietary PKE altered the gut microbiota in sows by increasing the abundance of Lactobacillus compared with CON. In piglets, dietary PKE decreased the abundance of opportunistic pathogen Proteus and increased the abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria, such as Prevotellaceae and Prevotella. Our results can be helpful in developing feeding strategies and support the beneficial effects of dietary PKE to improve the gut health of animals.

Phytobiotics from Oregano Extracts Enhance the Intestinal Health and Growth Performance of Pigs

This study aimed to investigate the effects of phytobiotics on the intestinal health and growth performance of pigs. Totals of 40 newly-weaned pigs with 6.4 ± 0.3 kg BW (Exp. 1) and 120 growing pigs with 27.9 ± 2.3 kg BW (Exp. 2) were allotted in RCBD in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The factors were: antibiotics as growth promoter (AGP) and phytobiotics (PHY). Pigs were fed experimental diets during 21 d (Exp. 1) and 42 d (Exp. 2). Growth performance, health parameters, and nutrient digestibility were evaluated. In Exp. 1, AGP diet increased (p < 0.05) ADG and G:F compared with a diet without AGP or PHY and a diet with AGP combined with PHY. PHY decreased (p < 0.05) TNF-α and IgG in the jejunum and protein carbonyl in plasma, whereas it increased (p < 0.05) the villus height. In Exp. 2, AGP or PHY diets increased (p < 0.05) ADG, ADFI, and G:F compared with a diet without AGP or PHY and a diet with AGP combined with PHY. PHY decreased (p < 0.05) IgG and PC in plasma. Collectively, AGP and PHY improved growth performance by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing immune status and jejunal morphology. However, the combinational use of phytobiotics with antibiotics suppressed their effect.

Resveratrol alleviates enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88-induced damage by regulating SIRT-1 signaling in intestinal porcine epithelial cells

This study found that resveratrol pretreatment attenuated porcine intestinal epithelial cell damage caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 in vitro and the protective effects of resveratrol were associated with SIRT-1 signaling. ETEC K88 is a main intestinal pathogen for post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) in piglets. With the strict ban on antibiotics in animal feed, people are seeking effective antibiotic substitutes to protect the intestinal system against harmful pathogenic bacteria. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of resveratrol, a natural plant polyphenol, on ETEC K88-induced cellular damage in porcine enterocytes and underlying mechanisms. Intestinal porcine epithelial cell line 1 (IPEC-1) cells, pretreated with or without resveratrol (30 μM, 4 h), were challenged with ETEC K88 (MOI = 1 : 10) for 3 h. The results showed that ETEC K88 infection induced severe damage and dysfunction in IPEC-1 cells, as evidenced by a reduced cell viability, decreased tight junctions, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autophagy. It is noteworthy that IPEC-1 cells pre-treated with resveratrol improved their capacity for resistance to most of these abnormal phenotypes caused by ETEC K88 infection. Furthermore, we found that the activation of SIRT-1 signaling was associated with the benefits of resveratrol, as demonstrated by EX-527, an inhibitor of SIRT-1, which reversed most of the protective effects of resveratrol. In conclusion, these results indicated that resveratrol could protect intestinal epithelial cells against ETEC K88 infection by activating SIRT-1 signaling. These findings provide new insights into the role of resveratrol in maintaining intestinal physiological functions.

Postbiotic effects of Lactobacillus fermentate on intestinal health, mucosa-associated microbiota, and growth efficiency of nursery pigs challenged with F18+Escherichia coli

This study determined the supplemental effects of Lactobacillus fermentate (LBF, Adare Biome, France) on intestinal health and prevention of postweaning diarrhea caused by F18+Escherichia coli in nursery pigs. Sixty-four weaned pigs (6.6 ± 0.7 kg body weight) were allotted in a randomized complete block design to four treatments: NC: no challenge/no supplement; PC: E. coli challenge/no supplement; AGP: E. coli challenge/bacitracin (30 g/t feed); and PBT: E. coli challenge/LBF (2 kg/t feed). Bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) was used as a source of bacitracin. On day 7, challenged groups were orally inoculated with F18+E. coli (2.4 × 1010 CFU), whereas NC received sterile saline solution. Growth performance was analyzed weekly, and pigs were euthanized at the end of 28 d feeding to analyze intestinal health. Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedure of SAS 9.4. During the post-challenge period, PC tended to decrease (P = 0.067) average daily gain (ADG) when compared with NC, whereas AGP increased (P < 0.05) when compared with PC; PBT tended to increase (P = 0.081) ADG when compared with PC. The PC increased fecal score (P < 0.05) during day 7 to 14 when compared with NC, whereas AGP decreased it (P < 0.05) during day 14 to 21 when compared with PC. The PC increased (P < 0.05) protein carbonyl, crypt cell proliferation, and the relative abundance of Helicobacter rodentium when compared with NC. However, AGP decreased (P < 0.05) crypt cell proliferation and H. rodentium and increased (P < 0.05) villus height, Bifidobacterium boum, Pelomonas spp., and Microbacterium ginsengisoli when compared with PC. The PBT reduced (P < 0.05) crypt cell proliferation and H. rodentium and increased (P < 0.05) Lactobacillus salivarius and Propionibacterium acnes when compared with PC. At the genus level, AGP and PBT increased (P < 0.05) the alpha diversity of jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota in pigs estimated with Chao1 richness estimator when compared with PC. Collectively, F18+E. coli reduced growth performance by adversely affecting microbiota and intestinal health. The LBF and BMD improved growth performance, and it was related to the enhanced intestinal health and increased diversity and abundance of beneficial microbiota in pigs challenged with F18+E. coli.

Significance of Mucosa-Associated Microbiota and Its Impacts on Intestinal Health of Pigs Challenged with F18+E. coli

The objective of this study was to evaluate the significance of jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota and its impacts on the intestinal health of pigs challenged with F18+ Escherichia coli. Forty-four newly-weaned pigs were allotted to two treatments in a randomized complete block design with sex as blocks. Pigs were fed common diets for 28 d. At d 7 post-weaning, pigs were orally inoculated with saline solution or F18+ E. coli. At d 21 post-challenge, feces and blood were collected and pigs were euthanized to collect jejunal tissue to evaluate microbiota and intestinal health parameters. The relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes was lower (p < 0.05) in jejunal mucosa than in feces, whereas Proteobacteria was greater (p < 0.05) in jejunal mucosa. F18+ E. coli increased (p < 0.05) protein carbonyl, Helicobacteraceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Xanthomonadaceae, and Peptostreptococcaceae and reduced (p < 0.05) villus height, Enterobacteriaceae, Campylobacteraceae, Brachyspiraceae, and Caulobacteraceae in jejunal mucosa, whereas it reduced (p < 0.05) Spirochaetaceae and Oscillospiraceae in feces. Collectively, jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota differed from those in feces. Compared with fecal microbiota, the change of mucosa-associated microbiota by F18+ E. coli was more prominent, and it was mainly correlated with increased protein carbonyl and reduced villus height in jejunal mucosa impairing the intestinal health of nursery pigs.

Intestinal microbiota and its interaction to intestinal health in nursery pigs

The intestinal microbiota has gained increased attention from researchers within the swine industry due to its role in promoting intestinal maturation, immune system modulation, and consequently the enhancement of the health and growth performance of the host. This review aimed to provide updated scientific information on the interaction among intestinal microbiota, dietary components, and intestinal health of pigs. The small intestine is a key site to evaluate the interaction of the microbiota, diet, and host because it is the main site for digestion and absorption of nutrients and plays an important role within the immune system. The diet and its associated components such as feed additives are the main factors affecting the microbial composition and is central in stimulating a beneficial population of microbiota. The microbiota–host interaction modulates the immune system, and, concurrently, the immune system helps to modulate the microbiota composition. The direct interaction between the microbiota and the host is an indication that the mucosa-associated microbiota can be more effective in evaluating its effect on health parameters. It was demonstrated that the mucosa-associated microbiota should be evaluated when analyzing the interaction among diets, microbiota, and health. In addition, supplementation of feed additives aimed to promote the intestinal health of pigs should consider their roles in the modulation of mucosa-associated microbiota as biomarkers to predict the response of growth performance to dietary interventions.

Nutritional and functional values of lysed Corynebacterium glutamicum cell mass for intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs

The objective was to determine the nutritional and functional values of lysed Corynebacterium glutamicum cell mass (CGCM) as a protein supplement and a source of cell wall fragments supporting the growth and intestinal health of nursery pigs. Thirty-two pigs (21 d of age) were allotted to four treatments (n = 8) based on the randomized block design with sex and initial body weight (BW) as blocks. The main effect was the dietary supplementation of lysed CGCM (0, 0.7, 1.4, and 2.1%) replacing blood plasma and fed in two phases (10 and 11 d, respectively). Feed intake and BW were measured at the end of each phase. Pigs were euthanized on day 21 to collect jejunal tissue and mucosa to evaluate intestinal health. Ileal digesta were collected to measure the apparent ileal digestibility of nutrients in diets. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed and Reg of SAS. Increasing daily intake of CGCM increased (linear; P < 0.05) ADG of pigs. Increasing CGCM supplementation affected (quadratic; P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae (minimum: 26.4% at 1.2% CGCM), Helicobacteraceae (maximum: 29.3% at 1.2% CGCM), and Campylobacteraceae (maximum: 9.0% at 1.0% CGCM). Increasing CGCM supplementation affected (quadratic; P < 0.05) the concentrations of immunoglobulin G (maximum: 4.94 µg/mg of protein at 1.0% CGCM) and protein carbonyl (PC; maximum: 6.12 nmol/mg of protein at 1.1% CGCM), whereas linearly decreased (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) in the proximal jejunal mucosa. Increasing CGCM supplemention affected (quadratic; P < 0.05) intestinal enterocyte proliferation rate (maximum: 13.3% at 1.0% CGCM), whereas it did not affect intestinal morphology and the nutrient digestibility. In conclusion, supplementing 1.0% to 1.2%, reducing blood plasma supplementation by 0.7% to 0.9%, respectively, increased potential pathogenic microbiota associated in the jejunal mucosa resulting in increased immune response, enterocyte proliferation, and PC concentration. However, supplementing diets with 2.1% CGCM, replacing 1.5% blood plasma, improved growth performance, and reduced MDA without affecting nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and microbiota in the jejunal mucosa. In this study, based on the polynomial contrast, supplementing 1.0% to 1.2% CGCM suppressed the benefits from blood plasma, whereas supplementing 2.1% CGCM showed functional benefits of CGCM with similar effects from blood plasma supplementation.

Modulation of jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota in relation to intestinal health and nutrient digestibility in pigs by supplementation of β-glucanase to corn-soybean meal-based diets with xylanase

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of β-glucanase on the modulation of jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota in relation to nutrient digestibility and intestinal health of pigs fed diets with 30% corn distiller's dried grains with solubles and xylanase. Forty pigs at 12.4 ± 0.5 kg body weight (BW) were allotted in a randomized complete block design with initial BW and sex as blocks. Dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet with xylanase (1,500 endo-pentosanase units [EPU]/kg) and increasing levels of β-glucanase (0, 200, 400, and 600 U/kg) meeting nutrient requirements and fed to pigs for 21 d. Blood samples were collected on day 19. On day 21, all pigs were euthanized to collect intestinal tissues and digesta. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and malondialdehyde were measured in the plasma and mid-jejunal mucosa. Viscosity was determined using digesta from the distal jejunum. Ileal and rectal digesta were evaluated to determine apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients. Mucosa samples from the mid-jejunum were utilized for microbiota sequencing. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure on SAS 9.4. Overall, increasing dietary β-glucanase tended to increase (linear; P = 0.077) the average daily gain of pigs. Increasing dietary β-glucanase affected (quadratic; P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, reduced (linear; P < 0.05) Helicobacter rappini, and increased (linear, P < 0.05) Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. β-Glucanase supplementation (0 vs. others) tended to increase (P = 0.096) the AID of crude protein in the diet, whereas increasing dietary β-glucanase tended to increase (linear; P = 0.097) the ATTD of gross energy in the diet and increased (linear; P < 0.05) the concentration of IL-6 in the plasma of pigs. In conclusion, increasing β-glucanase up to 600 U/kg feed in a diet containing xylanase (1,500 EPU/kg) modulated mucosa-associated microbiota by increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria and reducing potentially harmful bacteria. Furthermore, increasing β-glucanase up to 600 U/kg feed in a diet containing xylanase (1,500 EPU/kg feed) enhanced the status of the intestinal environment and nutrient utilization, as well as reduced systemic inflammation of pigs, collectively resulting in moderate improvement of growth performance. Supplementing β-glucanase at a range of 312 to 410 U/kg with xylanase at 1,500 EPU/kg feed showed the most benefit on jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota and reduced systemic inflammation of pigs.