Coated zinc oxide improves intestinal immunity function and regulates microbiota composition in weaned piglets

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Veterinary Medicine
• Nutritional Biochemistry

Background:

• High concentrations of zinc oxide (ZnO) are used to prevent diarrhea in weaned piglets.
• There is a need to explore lower, potentially more effective, concentrations of ZnO for improved gut health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test if low concentrations of coated ZnO can improve intestinal immunity and microbiota composition, thereby reducing diarrhea incidence in weaned piglets.
• To compare the efficacy of coated ZnO at various doses against a high ZnO concentration.

Main Methods:

• Eighty-four weaned piglets were randomly assigned to seven groups, receiving diets with either low (250 mg/kg) or high (2250 mg/kg) ZnO, or coated ZnO at 250, 380, 570, 760, or 1140 mg/kg for two weeks.
• Parameters assessed included diarrhea index, duodenal villus height, gene expression related to intestinal barrier function and immunity, jejunal secretory IgA, and gut microbiota composition.

Main Results:

• Coated ZnO supplementation at 380 or 570 mg/kg significantly reduced diarrhea, increased duodenal villus height, and enhanced the expression of key intestinal health genes (IGF-1, ZO-1, occludin, IL-10, TGF-β1).
• These doses also elevated jejunal secretory IgA and modulated microbiota richness and diversity.
• The effects of coated ZnO at 380 or 570 mg/kg were comparable to the high ZnO (2250 mg/kg) group.

Conclusions:

• Low concentrations of coated ZnO (380 or 570 mg/kg) effectively alleviate diarrhea in weaned piglets.
• Coated ZnO promotes intestinal development, enhances mucosal immunity, protects the intestinal barrier, and regulates microbiota composition.
• This suggests coated ZnO is a viable alternative to high ZnO supplementation for improving gut health in piglets.