Allium Extract Implements Weaned Piglet's Productive Parameters by Modulating Distal Gut Microbiota

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Microbiology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat driven by antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) use in livestock.
• Reducing AGP use in pig farming is crucial for production and consumer acceptance of pork.
• Phytobiotics are explored as alternatives to AGPs in animal feed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of *Allium* extract as an alternative to AGPs in weaned piglets.
• To assess the impact of *Allium* extract on gut microbiome composition and diversity.
• To measure the effects of *Allium* extract on key productive parameters in piglets.

Main Methods:

• Weaned piglets were assigned to three groups: *Allium* extract supplementation, antibiotic treatment (colistin and zinc oxide), and control.
• Gut microbiome analysis was performed on caecum and colon samples.
• Productive parameters including body weight (BW), average daily weight gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured.

Main Results:

• *Allium* extract supplementation led to significant changes in gut microbial alpha and beta diversity in the caecum and colon.
• Piglets supplemented with *Allium* extract and antibiotics exhibited improved BW, ADG, and FCR compared to the control group.
• No significant differences were observed in alpha diversity between *Allium* extract and antibiotic groups.

Conclusions:

• *Allium* extract can positively influence gut microbiota and enhance productive parameters in piglets.
• Phytobiotics like *Allium* extract represent a viable strategy to reduce antibiotic reliance in piglet diets.
• This study supports the use of *Allium* extract as a sustainable alternative to AGPs in swine production.