Strategy for Local Plant-Based Material Valorisation to Higher-Value Feed Stock for Piglets

Area of Science:

• Animal Nutrition
• Microbiology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Dietary strategies are crucial for optimizing piglet growth and gut health.
• Novel feed ingredients like extruded-fermented wheat bran and sugar beet pulp require evaluation for their efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of extruded-fermented wheat bran (W_ex130/screwspeed25Lpa) and dried sugar beet pulp on piglet growth, fecal characteristics, and microbial populations.
• To investigate the in vitro antimicrobial and antifungal properties of W_ex130/screwspeed25Lpa.

Main Methods:

• A 41-day feeding trial with 300 piglets comparing basal diet, W_ex130/screwspeed25Lpa supplemented diet, and sugar beet pulp supplemented diet.
• Analysis of blood parameters, fecal microbial composition (Enterobacteria, Lactic Acid Bacteria), physico-chemical properties, and growth performance (body weight gain, average daily gain).
• In vitro testing of W_ex130/screwspeed25Lpa for antimicrobial and antifungal activity against selected pathogens.

Main Results:

• W_ex130/screwspeed25Lpa demonstrated in vitro antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
• Both supplemented diets reduced fecal Enterobacteria and increased Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) counts.
• Positive correlations observed between LAB counts and specific fatty acids (butanoic acid, pentanoic acid).
• Significantly higher body weight gain and average daily gain were recorded in treatment groups.

Conclusions:

• Extrusion and fermentation enhance the functional value of wheat bran, providing antimicrobial benefits.
• Dietary supplementation with W_ex130/screwspeed25Lpa and sugar beet pulp positively modulates gut microbiota in piglets.
• These ingredients promote improved piglet growth performance and favorable fecal microbial shifts.