Effect of the addition of cactus (O. ficus-indica) to the lactating sows' diet on piglet development at lactation and post-weaning

Abstract

Objective:The aim was to evaluate the effect of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) to the lactating sows’ diet on piglet development at lactation and post-weaning.Materials and Methods:Twenty-four litters of hybrids sows were evaluated in this study. The sows were divided into two groups: Control (CG), sows fed conventionally and experimental (EG), sows fed with commercial fed plus cactus. Post-weaning, the piglets of both groups were monitored up to the 20 kg liveweight (LW). It was evaluated, lactation (in sows): feed intake (FI), milk production (MP), and quality (MQ) and LW of the piglet. Post-weaning (in piglets): FI, LW, and length of intestinal villi (LIV) at 0, 24 h, and 42 days post-weaning.Results:FI sow-1 was higher in EG (p < 0.05). MP, MQ, and LW piglet-1 at weaning were equal (p > 0.05). FI piglet-1 in the sixth and eighth week of age was higher in EG (p < 0.05); at the end of weaning phase, EG presented higher LW (p < 0.05): 8.4% more. LIV of the jejunum were higher (p < 0.05) in EG at 48 h (28.8%) and 42 days post-weaning (29.9%). At day 0, post-weaning LIV of the descending portion was higher (p < 0.05) in CG (1,571.0 μm) versus EG (1,058.0 μm). At day 42, post-weaning LIV of the transverse portion was higher (p < 0.05) in EG: 23.7% higher.Conclusion:Cactus intake in lactating sows does not affect the piglet development. However, post-weaning piglets present higher LIV in jejunum and transverse portion, aspect that improves LW.

Pharmacological Applications and Action Mechanisms of Phytochemicals as Alternatives to Antibiotics in Pig Production

“…Piglet supplementation with RE shows longer villus height and villus height/crypt depth in the jejunum and ileum, in addition to a lesser crypt depth in the jejunum and ileum, which can improve growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology in weaned piglets ( 81 ). Cactus ( O. ficus indica ) intake does not affect piglet development in lactating sows, but a higher length of intestinal villi in the jejunum and transverse portion to improve live weight in post-weaning piglets ( 82 ).…”

“…Gut microbiota has a crucial role in intestinal absorption and digestion, intestinal immune regulation, and intestinal health of weaned piglets ( 38 ). Gut bacterial dysbiosis usually results in post-weaning diarrhea ( 18 , 90 , 91 ), which lead to intestinal barrier injury, reduce the size of the intestinal villi, result in atrophy of the enterocytes and lower digestive capacity, and decrease the weight gain of the piglet ( 82 , 92 ). Intestinal tract is an important target of nutritional regulation.…”