Effects of medium chain triglycerides with organic acids on growth performance, fecal score, blood profiles, intestinal morphology, and nutrient digestibility in weaning pigs

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) with organic acids (OA) on growth performance, fecal score, blood profiles, intestinal morphology, and nutrient digestibility in weaning pigs.Methods: A total of 120 weaning pigs ([Yorkshire x Landrace]) x Duroc) with an average body weight (BW) of 8.00 ± 0.87 kg were assigned in five treatments considering sex and initial BW in 3 replications with 8 pigs per pen in randomized complete block design. The experimental diets included a corn-soybean meal based basal diet with or without 0.1% or 0.2% MCT and 0.1% OA. The pigs were fed the diets for 5 weeks (phase 1: 0-2 weeks, phase 2: 3-5 weeks). A total of 15 barrows with an average BW of 12.48 ± 0.37 kg were used to evaluate the nutrient digestibility by total collection method. The BW and feed intake were measured at the end of each phase. Blood samples and small intestine samples were collected at the end of each phase.Results: Supplementing 0.1% MCT with 0.1% OA showed greater BW for week 5 and ADG for overall period than control diet. Supplementing 0.1% MCT increased (p<0.05) ADG and improved (p<0.05) G:F ratio for phase 1. Dietary MCT and OA did not affect the fecal score and blood concentration of cortisol, IgG, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 in weaning pigs. Pigs fed the diets with 0.1% MCT had greater (p<0.05) villus height of duodenum and ileum for phase 1. Also, pigs fed the diet with 0.1% OA showed greater (p<0.05) villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio of duodenum for phase 2. There was no significant difference in nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention of pigs. A c c e p t e d A r t i c l eConclusion: Addition of 0.1% MCT with 0.1% OA in weaning pig's diet improved growth performance partly by enhancing intestinal morphology in weaning pigs.

Citric Acid Promotes Immune Function by Modulating the Intestinal Barrier

“…The results imply that incorporating 0.1 g/L and 0.15 g/L concentrations of citric acid may elevate the villus-to-crypt ratio in the murine intestine, thereby augmenting digestive and absorptive functions and ameliorating the structural configuration of the intestinal tract. Consistent with previous research [8,[30][31][32], these findings propose that various organic acids, such as CA, have the potential to impact the ratio of intestinal villous-to-crypt, which in turn has a positive effect on digestion and absorption, facilitates the growth of intestinal epithelial cells, and ensures the stability of intestinal tight junctions.…”

Effects of Supplemental Benzoic Acid, Bromelain, Adipic Acid, and Humic Substances on Nitrogen Utilization, Urine pH, Slurry pH, and Manure Odorous Compounds in Pigs

“…Benzoic acid is one of the organic acids that have been reported to improve the environment of the gastrointestinal tract and growth performance [ 22 , 23 ]. Patráš et al [ 24 ] reported a tendency for N retention to improve due to 1% dietary BA inclusion.…”