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Animals
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Feed Additives in Pig Feeding: 2nd Edition
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Feed Additives in Pig Feeding: 2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 October 2024) | Viewed by 17840

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Małgorzata Kasprowicz-Potocka

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wołyńska 33, 60-637 Poznań, Poland
Interests: pigs; nutrition; feed additives; alternative protein and energy components; feed and food processing; fermentation; germination
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

According to global data, pigs are the second most important group of livestock, after cows. Furthermore, they display the highest levels of emissions of the gases and pollutants that burden the environment. The use of feeding strategies, such as feed additives, can effectively reduce the negative impact of pig production.

Thus, we are pleased to invite authors to contribute to the new Special Issue of Animals, entitled “Feed Additives in Pig Feeding: 2nd Edition”. The purpose of this Special Issue is to present nutritional strategies that can reduce the impact of intensive pig production on climate changes, the natural environment, and also the pig’s own environment via the use of various types of feed additives.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following: the usage of enzymes, amino acids, phytobiotics and others feed additives or special feed components; impact on gases emission (CH4, NH3, H2S, other); and the reduction in the rate of excretion of harmful elements (Fe, P, N, Cu, Zn).

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Małgorzata Kasprowicz-Potocka
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.

Keywords

  • pigs
  • intensive production
  • feed additives
  • pollutants reduction
  • gas emission

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1777 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Octapeptin Supplementation on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemistry, Serum Immunity, and Gut Microbiota in Weaned Piglets
by Sheng Huang, Li Yang, Li Wang, Yu Chen, Xiuliang Ding, Feiyun Yang, Shiyan Qiao and Jinxiu Huang
Animals 2024, 14(17), 2546; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14172546 - 2 Sep 2024
Viewed by 701
Abstract
With the prohibition of antibiotics in animal feed, the livestock industry faces significant challenges, including increased morbidity and mortality rates and reduced farming efficiency. Developing green, natural, and safe antibiotic alternatives has become a research hotspot. This study evaluated the effects of octapeptin [...] Read more.
With the prohibition of antibiotics in animal feed, the livestock industry faces significant challenges, including increased morbidity and mortality rates and reduced farming efficiency. Developing green, natural, and safe antibiotic alternatives has become a research hotspot. This study evaluated the effects of octapeptin as a feed additive on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, serum biochemistry, serum immune factors, and gut microbiota of weaned piglets. Seventy-two weaned piglets were randomly assigned to three groups based on body weight and sex, with each group receiving different dietary treatments: a negative control group (CON, basal diet), a positive control group (MC, basal diet + 5 mg/kg Microcin C7), and an octapeptin supplement group (OP, basal diet + 40 mg/kg octapeptin). After 28 days of feeding experimental diets, the results demonstrated that supplementing the diet of weaned piglets with octapeptin significantly improved the feed conversion ratio compared to the control group (p < 0.05) over the entire experimental period. Furthermore, a reduction in diarrhea incidence was observed during the late nursery period (14–28 d), resulting in an overall improvement in diarrhea compared to the other two groups (p < 0.01). Serum biochemical analysis results revealed a trend towards decreased alanine aminotransferase level in the octapeptin group, with no significant differences in other indicators, suggesting potential improvements in liver function without causing liver damage. In addition, compared to the control group, octapeptin enhanced mucosal immunity by decreasing TNF-α level (p < 0.05). Fecal microbiota analysis results showed a significant increase in beneficial bacteria such as Collinsella and Olsenella in the octapeptin group compared to the other two groups (p < 0.05), indicating a positive impact on gut health. These findings supported the potential of octapeptin as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in weaned piglets’ diets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Pig Feeding: 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 466 KiB  
Article
Study of the Effects of Condensed Tannin Additives on the Health and Growth Performance of Early-Weaned Piglets
by Min Ma, Yuriko Enomoto, Tomotsugu Takahashi, Kazuyuki Uchida, James K. Chambers, Yuki Goda, Daisuke Yamanaka, Shin-Ichiro Takahashi, Masayoshi Kuwahara and Junyou Li
Animals 2024, 14(16), 2337; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14162337 - 14 Aug 2024
Viewed by 740
Abstract
Using 0.5% and 1.0% MGM-P, the objective of the present study was to determine a more appropriate additive level for early-weaned piglets as an alternative to the use of antibiotics. Thirty-six weaned piglets were allotted to one of four groups and given a [...] Read more.
Using 0.5% and 1.0% MGM-P, the objective of the present study was to determine a more appropriate additive level for early-weaned piglets as an alternative to the use of antibiotics. Thirty-six weaned piglets were allotted to one of four groups and given a basal diet (NC), with the basal diet containing either 0.5% (LT) or 1.0% (HT) MGM-P or antibiotics (PC). Diarrhea incidence, growth performance, hematology, blood biochemistry, and blood amino acid concentrations were monitored during the experimental period. Three piglets per group with a body weight nearest to the average level were slaughtered after the experiment to assess their organ index. The results showed that no diarrhea was observed either in the treatment groups or in the control group. The 0.5% group showed an upward trend in body weight and average daily gain at all stages. The WBC counts at 21 days of age were higher (p > 0.05) both in the MGM-P addition groups and the LT and HT groups. For some of the plasma amino acids, such as arginine, phenylalanine concentrations were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the HT group at the end of the trial. The pathological examination of all organs confirmed no differences. Consequently, the 0.5% MGM-P addition level may be suggested as a potential alternative to the use of antibiotic additives. Even with additives as high as 1%, there is no negative effect on ADG and FCR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Pig Feeding: 2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 1017 KiB  
Article
Clostridium butyricum Probiotic Feed Additive: Modulation of Sow Milk Metabolomics and Mitigation of Pre-Weaning Piglet Diarrhea
by Jakavat Ruampatana, Junpen Suwimonteerabutr, Kunaporn Homyog, Wanwimon Mekboonsonglarp, Korntip Kanjanavaikoon, Wouter Van der Veken, Sutthasinee Poonyachoti, Takele Feyera, Sarn Settachaimongkon and Morakot Nuntapaitoon
Animals 2024, 14(14), 2098; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14142098 - 18 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1205
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the impact of Clostridium butyricum probiotic feed additive on sow and piglet performances, together with alterations in the lipidomic and metabolomic profiles of sow milk. Sixty-four Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows and 794 piglets were included. Sows [...] Read more.
The present study aimed to investigate the impact of Clostridium butyricum probiotic feed additive on sow and piglet performances, together with alterations in the lipidomic and metabolomic profiles of sow milk. Sixty-four Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows and 794 piglets were included. Sows were divided into two groups; i.e., (i) conventional gestation diet (control; n = 35) and (ii) conventional diet added with 10 g/sow/day of probiotic C. butyricum spores (treatment; n = 29) from one week before the estimated farrowing day until weaning (29.6 ± 4.8 days). The sow and piglet performances and incidence of piglet diarrhea were recorded. Changes in gross chemical composition, fatty acid and non-volatile polar metabolite profiles of sow colostrum, transient milk and mature milk were evaluated. The results showed that relative backfat loss in the treatment group (−2.3%) was significantly lower than in control group (11.6%), especially in primiparous sows (p = 0.019). The application of C. butyricum probiotics in sows significantly reduced the incidence of diarrhea in piglets (p < 0.001) but no other effect on piglet performance was found. Lipidomic and metabolomic analyses revealed variations in sow colostrum and milk biomolecular profiles, with indicative compounds significantly altered by feeding with the C. butyricum probiotics. In conclusion, the use of C. butyricum probiotics in sows may improve sow body condition and reduce diarrhea incidence in piglets, with underlying changes in milk composition that warrant further investigation. These findings support the potential of C. butyricum as a beneficial feed additive in swine production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Pig Feeding: 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 260 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Microbial Additive Supplementation on Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites, Fecal Microflora, and Carcass Characteristics of Growing–Finishing Pigs
by Hyuk-Jun Lee, Bu-Gil Choi, Young-Ho Joo, Chang-Hyun Baeg, Ji-Yoon Kim, Dong-Hyeon Kim, Seong-Shin Lee and Sam-Churl Kim
Animals 2024, 14(9), 1268; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091268 - 23 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1278
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the effects of microbial additives that produce antimicrobial and digestive enzymes on the growth performance, blood metabolites, fecal microflora, and carcass characteristics of growing–finishing pigs. A total of 180 growing–finishing pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc; mixed sex; [...] Read more.
This study aimed to assess the effects of microbial additives that produce antimicrobial and digestive enzymes on the growth performance, blood metabolites, fecal microflora, and carcass characteristics of growing–finishing pigs. A total of 180 growing–finishing pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc; mixed sex; 14 weeks of age; 58.0 ± 1.00 kg) were then assigned to one of three groups with three repetitions (20 pigs) per treatment for 60 days of adaptation and 7 days of collection. Dietary treatments included 0, 0.5, and 1.0% microbial additives in the basal diet. For growth performance, no significant differences in the initial and final weights were observed among the dietary microbial additive treatments, except for the average daily feed intake, average daily gain, and feed efficiency. In terms of blood metabolites and fecal microflora, immunoglobulin G (IgG), blood urea nitrogen, blood glucose, and fecal lactic acid bacteria count increased linearly, and fecal E. coli counts decreased linearly with increasing levels of microbial additives but not growth hormones and Salmonella. Carcass quality grade was improved by the microbial additive. In addition, carcass characteristics were not influenced by dietary microbial additives. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 1.0% microbial additive improved average daily gain, feed efficiency, IgG content, and fecal microflora in growing–finishing pigs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Pig Feeding: 2nd Edition)
13 pages, 1034 KiB  
Article
Dietary 25 Hydroxyvitamin D3 Improved Serum Concentration Level and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity during Lactation but Had Meager Impact on Post-Farrowing Reproductive Performance in Sows
by Prester C. John Okafor and Nitipong Homwong
Animals 2024, 14(3), 419; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14030419 - 27 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1127
Abstract
Dietary 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) promotes serum 25(OH)D3 concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP); however, post-farrowing reproductive performance of lactating sows fed with 14-epimer of 25(OH)D3 is uncertain. This study investigated post-farrowing reproductive performance, serum ALP activity, and serum 25(OH)D3 concentration in sows [...] Read more.
Dietary 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) promotes serum 25(OH)D3 concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP); however, post-farrowing reproductive performance of lactating sows fed with 14-epimer of 25(OH)D3 is uncertain. This study investigated post-farrowing reproductive performance, serum ALP activity, and serum 25(OH)D3 concentration in sows fed VD3, 25(OH)D3, or 14-epi 25(OH)D3. Weaned sows (n = 203) in parities 2 and 3 were blocked weekly and treated with 2000 IU/kg VD3 (T1), 25 μg/kg 25(OH)D3:14-epi 25(OH)D3 (T2), or 50 μg/kg 25(OH)D3 (T3) diets, all equilibrated to 2000 IU/kg as fed. Sow performance, treatment, and sampling period effects were analyzed. Environmental conditions were analyzed as covariates. The number of piglets weaned (p = 0.029), pre-weaning mortality (p = 0.029), sampling period (p < 0.001), and treatment and period interaction (p = 0.028) differed significantly. There was an increase in 25(OH)D3 during lactation due to physiological demands for milk calcium and milk production. Supplementing twice the concentration of 25(OH)D3 compared to its epimer, 25(OH)D3:14-epi 25(OH)D3, had no significant effect on the post-farrowing reproductive performance of lactating sows. The effect of 25(OH)D3 on post-farrowing reproductive performance and ALP activity in sows was influenced by metabolic demand for calcium due to physiological changes during lactation as well as epimer conformation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Pig Feeding: 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 729 KiB  
Article
Effects of Alternative Cassava and Taro Feed on the Carcass and Meat Quality of Fattening Pigs Reared under Ecuadorian Backyard Systems
by Alfredo Valverde Lucio, Ana Gonzalez-Martínez, Julio Gabriel Ortega and Evangelina Rodero Serrano
Animals 2023, 13(19), 3086; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13193086 - 3 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1740
Abstract
Ecuadorian small producers use crossbred animals with a low level of genetic improvement, which are fed with alternative feeds to decrease production costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of geographical location and three diets according to the amount [...] Read more.
Ecuadorian small producers use crossbred animals with a low level of genetic improvement, which are fed with alternative feeds to decrease production costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of geographical location and three diets according to the amount of cassava and taro incorporated into the feed (T1 conventional feed; T2 and T3 with 32% and 42% of cassava and taro, respectively) in pigs reared under the backyard system. The results did not show many differences between the treatments for morphological traits; however, between geographical locations, significant differences were evidenced. The fat content from the first rib was higher in the T1 group. The intramuscular fat percentage was higher in the T1 group, contrary to the protein levels, which were higher in the T3 group in Esmeraldas and the T2 group in Ro Chico. In the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and its attached organs, differences were found in the empty stomach weight, full and empty small intestine weight, liver weight, and total GIT weight, with the T2 and T3 groups having the largest and heaviest. Cassava and taro did not affect the morphometric behavior and quality of the carcass but increased the amount of protein in the meat and the weight of the GIT. Geographical location was also observed to have a significant effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Pig Feeding: 2nd Edition)
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Review

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16 pages, 1415 KiB  
Review
Potential of Organic Acids, Essential Oils and Their Blends in Pig Diets as Alternatives to Antibiotic Growth Promoters
by Rumbidzai Blessing Nhara, Upenyu Marume and Carlos Wyson Tawanda Nantapo
Animals 2024, 14(5), 762; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14050762 - 29 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2280
Abstract
Over the years, the use of management and feeding strategies to enhance pig productivity while minimizing the use of antibiotic growth promoters has grown. Antibiotic growth promoters have been widely used as feed additives to reduce diet-related stress and improve pig performance. However, [...] Read more.
Over the years, the use of management and feeding strategies to enhance pig productivity while minimizing the use of antibiotic growth promoters has grown. Antibiotic growth promoters have been widely used as feed additives to reduce diet-related stress and improve pig performance. However, increasing concern about the consequences of long-term and increased use of antibiotic growth promoters in animal production has led to a paradigm shift towards the use of natural organic alternatives such as plant essential oils and organic acids in pig nutrition to enhance growth. Antibiotic growth promoters endanger human health by allowing multidrug-resistant genes to be transferred horizontally from non-pathogenic to pathogenic bacteria, as well as directly between animals and humans. Scientific research shows that alternative growth promoters such as essential oils and organic acids appear to improve pigs’ ability to prevent pathogenic bacteria from colonizing the intestinal system, stabilizing the gut microflora and promoting eubiosis, as well as improving immunity and antioxidant stability. The purpose of this review was to provide an in-depth review of organic acids and essential oils as growth promoters in pig production, as well as their effects on productivity and meat quality. Organic acids and essential oils in pig diets are a safe way to improve pig performance and welfare while producing antibiotic-free pork. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Pig Feeding: 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 2007 KiB  
Review
Importance of Selected Nutrients and Additives in the Feed of Pregnant Sows for the Survival of Newborn Piglets
by Paloma Islas-Fabila, Patricia Roldán-Santiago, Luis Alberto de la Cruz-Cruz, Ofelia Limón-Morales, Anna Dutro-Aceves, Héctor Orozco-Gregorio and Herlinda Bonilla-Jaime
Animals 2024, 14(3), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14030418 - 27 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2152
Abstract
This systematic review analyzed the effect of selected nutrients and additives in the feed of pregnant sows on the survival of newborn piglets. We analyzed 720 peer-reviewed publications in English in PubMed® and Web of Science®, dated July 2023 to [...] Read more.
This systematic review analyzed the effect of selected nutrients and additives in the feed of pregnant sows on the survival of newborn piglets. We analyzed 720 peer-reviewed publications in English in PubMed® and Web of Science®, dated July 2023 to January 2024, related to the effect of dietary supplementation with fatty acids and various percentages of protein, amino acids, and/or sources of dietary fiber on the offspring of gestating sows. While several papers evaluated the effect of nutrition on gestating sows, only a few delved into the distinct feeding strategies required at each stage of gestation to meet the NRC’s nutritional requirements for maternal tissue gain and postnatal neonatal survival and growth. This body of research suggests that as gestation progresses the sow’s nutritional requirements increase, as the NRC established, to satisfy their own metabolic needs and those of their fetuses. Additional research is needed to determine an optimal feeding strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Pig Feeding: 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 332 KiB  
Review
Nutritional Strategies to Mitigate Post-Weaning Challenges in Pigs: A Focus on Glucans, Vitamin D, and Selenium
by John O’Doherty, Alison Dowley, Eadaoin Conway and Torres Sweeney
Animals 2024, 14(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010013 - 19 Dec 2023
Viewed by 2339
Abstract
This review examines the challenges faced by the pig industry, with a specific focus on improving the health and growth of weaned pigs. It emphasizes the immediate necessity of investigating alternative approaches to managing pig nutrition and health due to restrictions on the [...] Read more.
This review examines the challenges faced by the pig industry, with a specific focus on improving the health and growth of weaned pigs. It emphasizes the immediate necessity of investigating alternative approaches to managing pig nutrition and health due to restrictions on the use of antibiotics and the prohibition of zinc oxide in weaned pig diets. The weaning phase is identified as a critical stage in piglet development, characterized by stressors that affect their gastrointestinal health, immune responses, and overall physiology. The primary challenge during weaning arises from transitioning piglets from a digestible milk-based diet to a less digestible cereal-based feed, causing nutritional stress. This manifests as reduced feed intake, leading to gastrointestinal disturbances, intestinal inflammation, and adverse effects on intestinal structure and microbiota. To address these challenges and optimize piglet development, various nutritional strategies have been explored. Notably, glucans, particularly β-glucans from fungi, cereals, algae, and yeast, show promise in alleviating weaning-related issues. Furthermore, it is important to highlight the critical roles played by Vitamin D and selenium in piglet nutrition. These essential nutrients can be sourced naturally from enriched mushrooms that are specifically enriched with Vitamin D and selenium, providing a sustainable dietary option. In conclusion, effective nutritional strategies, including glucans, Vitamin D, selenium, and enriched mushrooms, are beneficial for addressing weaning-related challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Pig Feeding: 2nd Edition)
12 pages, 777 KiB  
Review
Characterization of β-Glucans from Cereal and Microbial Sources and Their Roles in Feeds for Intestinal Health and Growth of Nursery Pigs
by Hyunjun Choi and Sung Woo Kim
Animals 2023, 13(13), 2236; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13132236 - 7 Jul 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2356
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Pig Feeding: 2nd Edition)
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Other

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28 pages, 1374 KiB  
Systematic Review
Evaluating the Effects of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners on Pigs: A Systematic Review
by Mariah R. Jansen and Kwangwook Kim
Animals 2024, 14(20), 3032; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14203032 - 19 Oct 2024
Viewed by 666
Abstract
Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) have been investigated for their potential to improve feed palatability and growth performance in pigs, although their use in swine production remains limited. This systematic review evaluates the effects of NNS on pigs, drawing from 18 studies published between 1990 [...] Read more.
Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) have been investigated for their potential to improve feed palatability and growth performance in pigs, although their use in swine production remains limited. This systematic review evaluates the effects of NNS on pigs, drawing from 18 studies published between 1990 and 2024. Following the PRISMA guidelines and using the PICOS framework, a total of 448 papers were initially identified, of which 18 met the inclusion criteria for review. The results are mixed: some studies suggest that NNS like stevioside, sucralose, and neotame may improve performance and reduce diarrhea, while others show limited or no effects. The impact of NNS on gut microbiota is similarly inconsistent, with some sweeteners promoting beneficial bacterial growth, while others show minimal changes in microbial diversity. This review emphasizes the need for more research to clarify the effects of NNS in pigs, particularly the mechanisms behind their influence on growth and gut health. Additionally, further studies are needed to determine optimal dosages and assess the long-term impacts of NNS on pig immune function and overall health. The findings highlight the current gaps in knowledge and suggest that more evidence is needed to understand the role of NNS in swine nutrition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Pig Feeding: 2nd Edition)
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