Effects of Low-Level Replacement of Corn with Dried Bamboo Shoot Powder on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization, Carcass Traits, Pork Quality, and Colonic Responses in Growing-Finishing Pigs

This study evaluated the effects of low-level replacement of corn with dried bamboo shoot powder (DBSP) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical, immune, inflammatory, and antioxidant indices, colonic fermentation, microbiota, carcass traits, and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 128 healthy pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc; initial body weight, 82.90 ± 1.71 kg) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: a basal diet (CON) and diets in which 1% (DBS1), 2% (DBS2), or 3% (DBS3) of corn was replaced with DBSP. The experiment included a 5-day adaptation period and a 35-day experimental period. DBSP replacement did not affect growth performance, serum biochemical, immune, inflammatory, or antioxidant indices, or meat quality (p > 0.05). Crude protein apparent total tract digestibility increased linearly with DBSP level and was higher in DBS3 than in CON (p < 0.05). Colonic acetate concentration increased linearly, and total short-chain fatty acid concentration was affected by dietary treatment. Carcass weight and dressing percentage showed linear responses to increasing DBSP replacement levels. Overall, replacing corn with up to 3% DBSP did not significantly impair growth performance or meat quality and may influence crude protein apparent total tract digestibility, colonic fermentation, and selected carcass traits.