Insoluble nonstarch polysaccharides in diets for weaned piglets

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Nutritional Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Postweaning diarrhea and reduced performance are common challenges in piglet production.
• Dietary fiber, specifically insoluble non-starch polysaccharides (iNSP), plays a crucial role in gut health and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of including insoluble non-starch polysaccharides (iNSP) in weaned piglet diets on their performance, intestinal activity, and microbial composition.
• To assess the effects of iNSP on growth, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, enzyme activity, intestinal morphology, and microbial populations.

Main Methods:

• Two experiments were conducted with weaned piglets fed diets with varying iNSP content (0% vs. 15% iNSP from wheat straw and oat hull).
• Experiment 1 measured average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and gain:feed (G:F) over 14 days post-weaning.
• Experiment 2 involved euthanasia of piglets to analyze enzyme activity, intestinal morphology, microbial populations (including Escherichia coli), and organ weights.

Main Results:

• Inclusion of iNSP significantly increased ADFI and G:F, and improved ADG during the initial week post-weaning.
• The iNSP diet reduced Escherichia coli counts in both ileal and colonic digesta and tended to increase amylase activity.
• Piglets fed iNSP showed enhanced gastrointestinal tract physical adaptation, evidenced by increased stomach weight relative to body weight.

Conclusions:

• Dietary iNSP inclusion positively influences piglet performance and gut microbial composition during the critical early weaning period.
• iNSP can be a valuable component in weaned piglet diets, promoting gut health and adaptation without compromising overall performance or enzyme function.