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Cynara scolymus Extract-Inulin Feed Additive Improves Intestinal Function and Growth in Weaned Piglets
Guadalupe Martínez1,2,3, Julieta María Decundo1,2,3, Susana Nelly Diéguez1,2,4
1Laboratorio de Toxicología, Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), Tandil B7000, Argentina.
Supplementing post-weaning piglets with Cynara scolymus extract and inulin improved intestinal health and growth. This feed additive enhanced intestinal epithelial functionality and integrity, leading to better performance in piglets.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Nutritional Science
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Post-weaning piglets face significant stress impacting gut health and growth.
- Plant-derived feed additives are explored for supporting gut integrity and productivity.
- Cynara scolymus and inulin offer potential benefits like bile stimulation, antioxidant properties, and prebiotic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of a feed additive containing Cynara scolymus extract and inulin on intestinal function and growth performance in post-weaned piglets.
- To assess biological activity on intestinal functional indicators under intensive production.
- To determine impacts on productive performance during the nursery phase.
Main Methods:
- Four hundred and eight piglets were divided into control and treatment groups.
- The treatment group received a diet supplemented with 300 g/ton of a feed additive (5% Cynara scolymus extract, 14% inulin).
- Evaluated plasma cortisol/citrulline, gastrointestinal parameters (pH, microbial counts, VFA, bacterial adhesion, disaccharidase activity), histomorphology, and growth performance over 50 days.
Main Results:
- Supplementation increased plasma citrulline concentrations, indicating improved intestinal epithelial functionality.
- The villus height-to-crypt depth ratio was significantly higher in supplemented piglets, suggesting enhanced intestinal integrity.
- Average daily gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly improved in the supplemented group.
Conclusions:
- Cynara scolymus extract and inulin supplementation positively impacts intestinal epithelial functionality and integrity in post-weaning piglets.
- The additive significantly improved growth performance, including average daily gain and feed conversion ratio.
- This nutritional strategy shows promise for enhancing piglet productivity under commercial conditions.
