PSVII-2 - Effects of xylanase and its optimal supplementation level on viscosity of jejunal digesta, nutrient digestibility, intestinal health, and growth performance of nursery pigs

This study aimed to determine supplemental effects of xylanase (endo-β-1,4-xylanase, CJ BIO, Korea) and its optimal supplementation level on viscosity of jejunal digesta, nutrient digestibility, intestinal health, and growth performance of pigs. Sixty weaned pigs (6.9 ± 0.8 kg BW) were randomly allotted to 5 treatments based on a RCBD with initial BW and sex as block and fed in 3 phases (P1/2/3 for 10/14/14 d, respectively). Dietary treatment were the supplementation levels of xylanase providing (0, 220, 440, 880, and 1,760 XU/kg feed). Titanium dioxide (0.4%) was added to P3 diets as an indigestible marker to measure AID. On d 38, all pigs were euthanized to collect ileal and jejunal digesta to measure AID and viscosity, respectively; jejunal mucosa and tissue to measure intestinal health parameters. Data were analyzed using SAS 9.4. Xylanase supplementation from 0 to 350 XU/kg increased (P < 0.05) ADG (596 to 746 g/d) during the last week, whereas there was no effect by xylanase on the overall growth performance. Increasing xylanase supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) digesta viscosity (1.91 to 1.48 mPa.s); increased (P < 0.05) the AID of EE (83.9 to 89.5%), NDF (52.9 to 56.9%) and ADF (35.3 to 39.3%); tended to reduce Cupriavidus (P = 0.073; 1.33 to 0.63%) and Megasphaera (P = 0.063; 1.26 to 0.23%); and tended to increase Succinivibrio (P = 0.076; 1.10 to 2.71%) and Pseudomonas (P = 0.060; 4.89 to 13.29%). Xylanase supplementation from 0 to 520 XU/kg reduced (P < 0.05) jejunal MDA (0.99 to 0.58 µmol/mg protein). In conclusion, xylanase supplementation showed benefits on intestinal health by reducing digesta viscosity, oxidative stress status, and harmful bacteria in the jejunal mucosa and by increasing the AID of nutrients. Xylanase supplementation at a range of 350 to 520 XU/kg feed provided the most benefits.