Compound organic acid could improve the growth performance, immunity and antioxidant properties, and intestinal health by altering the microbiota profile of weaned piglets

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of compound organic acid (COA) and chlortetracycline (CTC) on serum biochemical parameters, intestinal health, and growth performance of weaned piglets. Twenty-four piglets (24 d of age) were randomly allocated into 3 treatments with 8 replicate pens (1 piglets per pen). Feed the basal diet or a diet containing 3000 mg/kg COA or 75 mg/kg CTC, respectively. Results showed that both COA and CTC significantly increased average daily gain (ADG) and reduced diarrhea rates (P<0.05). They also upregulated serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and downregulated serum interleukin (IL-10) levels (P<0.05), increased crude protein (CP) digestibility and propionic acid concentration in the colon, and decreased spermidine and putrescine contents (P<0.05). Intestinal microbiota analysis revealed that both COA and CTC increased the Shannon and Chao 1 index, decreased the relative abundance of Blautia and Roseburia, but increased the relative abundance of Clostridium-sensu-stricto-1. Correlation analysis indicated that Clostridium-sensu-stricto-1 may be closely related to inflammation levels and microbial metabolites in piglets. Based on the results, COA may be a potential substitute for CTC to reduce antibiotic use and biogenic amine emission while improving piglet growth and intestinal health.

Vitamin E-Inhibited Phoxim-Induced Renal Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Apoptosis In Vivo and In Vitro of Piglets

“…Phoxim is widely utilized in agriculture and veterinary fields and accumulates in tissues to cause adverse effects on farm animals and human health. The toxic mechanism is related to impaired oxidative homeostasis, including the overproduction of ROS and oxidative stress [18][19][20]. As an effective lipid-soluble antioxidant, vitamin E alleviates the toxic effects of many organophosphorus pesticides in vivo and in vitro [9,10].…”

“…Twenty-four healthy 5-week-old male piglets of similar weights (16.5 ± 1.5 kg) were divided into 3 groups, including the control group, phoxim group (phoxim: 500 mg/kg), and vitamin E + phoxim group (vitamin E + phoxim: 200 mg/kg + 500 mg/kg), respectively. The sample size determined by the piglets' model experiment is mainly based on the previous article [18]. After one week of pre-feeding, all the piglets were fed their corresponding diet for 30 consecutive days.…”