Effects of Combined Supplementation of Macleaya cordata Extract and Benzoic Acid on the Growth Performance, Immune Responses, Antioxidant Capacity, Intestinal Morphology, and Microbial Composition in Weaned Piglets

Abstract

Because the use of antibiotics is forbidden, piglets experience a considerable weanling stress, resulting in increased incidence of diarrhea and death. Macleaya cordata extract or benzoic acid have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities that makes them potential antibiotic alternatives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of feed supplemented with Macleaya cordata extract and benzoic acid on growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and microflora in weaned piglets. Twenty-four weaned piglets [Duroc × (Large White × Landrace)] 28 days of age and weighing 8.41 ± 0.13 kg were randomly divided in equal numbers (n = 8) into three groups fed a basal diet (CON), CON + 20 mg/kg flavomycin + 50 mg/kg quinocetone (AGP), or CON + 50 mg/kg Macleaya cordata extract + 1,000 mg/kg benzoic acid (MB). Compared with the CON diet, dietary MB or AGP increased the final weight and average daily gain, and reduced feed efficiency and the diarrhea rate (P < 0.05). Compared with the CON diet, MB supplementation increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD activity) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P < 0.05). Serum interleukin (IL)-10 IgA and IgM were higher (P < 0.05) in MB-fed piglets than in CON-fed piglets. Piglets fed the MB diet had greater villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio (VC) in the duodenum, villus height in the ileum, and lower crypt depth in the jejunum than did piglets given the CON diet (P < 0.5). Piglets in the MB group had increased concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total short-chain fatty acids in the ileum or cecum compared with the CON and AGP groups (P < 0.05). Streptococcus proportion was lower in the MB than in the AGP group. Dietary MB increased the Lactobacillus and decreased Escherichia-Shigella populations compared with the CON group (P < 0.05). The study results indicate that MB can be used to replace AGP as a feed supplement for weaned piglets.

Effects of Dietary Macleaya cordata Extract on Growth Performance, Biochemical Indices, and Intestinal Microbiota of Yellow-Feathered Broilers Subjected to Chronic Heat Stress

“…The reduction in body weight can be attributed to a reduction in feed intake. Supplementation with MCE has been shown to improve performance and immune function in weaning pigs, Xuefeng black-bone chicken, and Pacific White Shrimp [ 25 , 34 , 35 ]. However, the effects of MCE on animal performance were not identical in different experiments.…”

“…However, the effects of MCE on animal performance were not identical in different experiments. It has been reported that dietary MCE administration increased the Final BW and ADG, and the reduced feed efficiency and diarrhea rate in weaned piglets [ 25 ]. Moreover, diets with 0.15 g/kg of MCE increased the feed intake and weight gain on day 24 and day 35, and improved FCR, flock uniformity, and breast meat yield on day 35 in broilers with necrotizing enteritis [ 17 ].…”

“…Previous studies indicated that dietary supplementation with MCE could improve the growth performance of grass carp [ 21 ], weaned pigs [ 22 ], cattle [ 23 ], and broilers [ 24 ]. The dietary supplement, MCE, has previously been reported to improve growth performance, antimicrobial activity, intestinal luminal environment, and gut development in weaned piglets [ 25 , 26 ].…”

Effects of Dietary Macleaya cordata Extract Containing Isoquinoline Alkaloids Supplementation as an Alternative to Antibiotics in the Diets on Growth Performance and Liver Health of Broiler Chickens

“…In this study, the addition of MCE to the feed significantly elevated the serum levels of IgA and IgM. Wang et al ( 33 ) also reported that MCE supplementation could increase serum concentrations of IgA and IgM. Serum IgA and IgM are important parts of humoral immunity ( 34 ).…”

Comparative Effects of Compound Enzyme and Antibiotics on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Biochemical Index, and Intestinal Health in Weaned Pigs

“…Measurements of villus height and crypt depth were taken only from sections where the plane of section ran vertically from the tip of villus to the base of an adjacent crypt by using a light microscope. Ten well-oriented villus × 3 sections of each pig were used to determine these indices (Wang et al, 2021).…”