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Drinking Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water Promotes Growth Performance, Improves Digestion, and Modulates
Zhifang Shi1,2, Zhengyang Shi1, Zike Xu1
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou 450053, China.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Adding slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) to piglet drinking water improved growth and digestion. The optimal dose of 0.3 mg/L balances benefits and redox safety for weaned piglets.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Nutritional Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Weaned piglets face growth and digestive challenges.
- Optimizing nutrition and water quality is crucial for piglet health.
- Electrolyzed water shows potential in animal husbandry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) on weaned piglet performance.
- To investigate SAEW's effects on digestive enzyme activity and nutrient absorption.
- To assess SAEW's influence on antioxidant status and immune function in piglets.
Main Methods:
- 144 weaned piglets were randomly assigned to control or SAEW (0.3, 0.6 mg/L) groups for 15 days.
- Growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, and gene expression were measured.
- Antioxidant and immune parameters were analyzed.
Main Results:
- SAEW significantly increased average daily gain and feed intake.
- Digestive enzyme activities (amylase, lipase, proteases) and amino acid transporter gene expression were enhanced by SAEW.
- SAEW increased antioxidant enzyme activity but also malondialdehyde levels, indicating dose-dependent oxidative stress.
- Intestinal secretory IgA decreased with SAEW, while serum immunoglobulins remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Both 0.3 and 0.6 mg/L SAEW positively influence piglet growth and digestion.
- 0.3 mg/L SAEW is the optimal dose, balancing growth promotion with redox safety.
- SAEW shows promise as a water additive for improving piglet production, but careful dosage is required.
