PSVII-10 - Growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and intestinal health of piglets as affected by dietary moa at different levels

A total of 180 weaning pigs (28 d of age, weighted 7.81±1.51 kg) were selected to explore the relationship between the different levels of mixed organic acids (MOA) on performance, serum antioxidant status and intestinal health of weaned piglets, as well as to investigate the potential possibility of MOA alternative to antibiotics growth promoters (AGP) [funded by BMNS (6202019) and NSFC (31772612)]. Pigs were randomly allocated to five treatments with six replicates (n = 6), including one basal diet with AGP (75 mg/kg chlorinomycin + 15 mg/kg virginiamycin + 50 mg/kg guitaromycin) and four diets with 0 (Con), 3,000 (Con-3), 5,000 (Con-5), 7,000 mg/kg (Con-7) MOA. The experiment was separated phase 1 (d 1 to d 14) and phase 2 (d 15 to d 28). In phases 1, 2 and overall, an improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) and average daily gain (ADG) was noticed (P < 0.05) in piglets supplemented with AGP, Con-3 and Con-5. The concentration of serum IgG was enhanced (P < 0.05) in piglets supplemented with Con-5 in phase 2. In the jejunum and ileum, piglets fed AGP and Con-3 increased (P < 0.01) the ratio of villus height to crypt depth. An up-regulated of the Claudin-1 and ZO-1 gene in jejunum of piglets fed Con-3 and Con-5 were observed (P < 0.05). The piglets fed AGP, Con-3 and Con-5 increased (P < 0.05) the content of acetate acid and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) in the cecum, butyric acid and TVFA in the colon. Also, Con-3 declined (P < 0.05) the content of Lachnospiraceae in piglets. The current findings indicated that dietary MOA supplementation at 3,000 mg/kg and 5,000 mg/kg could enhance the performance by improving immune parameters and intestinal health of piglets.