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Chitosan-Zn chelate increases antioxidant enzyme activity and improves immune function in weaned piglets
Yuanfei Ma1, Qichun Huang, Mengyuan Lv
1Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in East China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, 388 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China.
Biological Trace Element Research
|February 25, 2014
Summary
Chitosan-Zn chelate (CS-Zn) supplementation enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity and immune function in weaned piglets. This study found CS-Zn improved spleen index, antioxidant capacity, and immune markers compared to zinc sulfate alone.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Zinc is an essential trace element crucial for animal growth and immune function.
- Dietary zinc deficiency can impair antioxidant defense mechanisms and immune responses in livestock.
- Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide, has shown potential bioactivity, and its chelation with zinc may enhance bioavailability and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chitosan-zinc chelate (CS-Zn) on antioxidant enzyme activities and immune function in weaned piglets.
- To compare the efficacy of CS-Zn with traditional zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and chitosan supplementation.
Main Methods:
- One hundred and twenty weaned piglets were divided into four groups: control (basal diet, no added Zn), ZnSO4, CS-Zn, and ZnSO4 + chitosan.
- Diets were supplemented with 100 mg/kg of Zn or equivalent.
- The feeding trial lasted for 30 days, with various physiological and biochemical parameters measured.
Main Results:
- Pigs fed CS-Zn exhibited a higher spleen index compared to the control group.
- CS-Zn supplementation led to increased serum and liver activities of antioxidant enzymes, including T-AOC, Cu-ZnSOD, and GSH-PX.
- CS-Zn also resulted in lower liver MDA content and elevated levels of serum IgA, complement 3, and complement 4.
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was significantly higher in the CS-Zn group.
Conclusions:
- Chitosan-Zn chelate effectively enhances antioxidant capacity and improves immune function in weaned piglets.
- CS-Zn demonstrates superior efficacy compared to supplementation with zinc sulfate or chitosan alone.
- CS-Zn represents a promising alternative for improving piglet health and performance.
