Silybum marianum seed extract supplementation positively affects the body weight of weaned piglets by improving voluntary feed intake

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of Silybum marianum seed (SMS) extract on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal noxious gas emission, and hematology parameters in weaned piglets. A total of 120, 21-day-old weaned piglets ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc) were randomly assigned to 3 groups based on the average initial body weight (6.46 ± 0.45 kg). There were 8 replicate pens per treatment and 5 pigs (mixed sex) per pen. The experimental period was 42 days. Dietary groups included a basal diet, and a basal diet supplemented with 0.05% or 0.10% SMS extract. Feeding weaned piglets with SMS extract containing diet significantly increased average daily gain and average daily feed intake. Additionally, the supplementation of SMS extract had no significant effects on nutrient digestibility, serum hematology, and fecal noxious gas emission parameters. We considered that the supplementation of SMS extract had positive effects on the voluntary feed intake in weaned piglets, thus improving growth performance.

The effects of micelle silymarin on growth performance, nutrient utilisation, and blood profiles of weaning piglets

“…These results are consistent with the findings of Dang et al (2022), who reported that Silybum marianum seed extracts at concentrations of 0%, 0.05%, and 0.1% had a linear positive effect on both ADG and ADFI in weaning piglets. Similarly, Grela et al (2020) observed that adding 6% milk thistle seeds to the diet increased BW, ADG, and ADFI of pigs weighing between 25 and 115 kg.…”

“…However, nutrient utilisation was not affected, which was in line with the findings of Dang et al (2022). However, it is worth noting that Shanmugam et al (2022) found that dietary MS supplementation (0.04% and 0.06%) improved nutrient utilisation in broilers.…”

“…Similarly, Grela et al (2020) observed that adding 6% milk thistle seeds to the diet increased BW, ADG, and ADFI of pigs weighing between 25 and 115 kg. It should be emphasized that feed consumption is a crucial factor affecting growth, as emphasized by Dang et al (2022). In our previous experiment, 0.05% and 0.1% dietary MS improved feed intake of lactating sows (Zhang et al, 2021).…”

Effect of dietary Achyranthes japonica extract on growth performance of growing pigs and absorption rate of quercetin in blood

“…Mohankumar et al [ 19 ] showed no influence on fecal gas emission when supplementing 0.05% AJE to the finishing pigs diets. Moreover, medicinal plant extracts in weaning pigs diets failed to affect both the nutrient digestibility as well as fecal gas emissions [ 34 ]. The lower dose of AJE used in the study may be responsible for this result.…”

Effect of liposomal drug based on interferon and extract from Silybum marianum on antioxidative status of bulls against the background of contamination of fodders by cadmium and plumbum

“…It has large amounts of vitamins of group B, necessary for the regulation of fat metabolism, nutrition of the cardiac muscle, nervous system, skin, eyesight organs, and also fat-solving vitamins -А, F, E and К. Also, the seeds contain the following macroelements (mg/g): potassium -9.2, calcium -16.6, magnesium -4.2, ferrum -0.08; microelements (µg/g): cuprum -1.16, manganese -0.10, zinc -0.71, chromium -0.15, selenium -22.9, iodine -0.09, boron -22.4 (Martyshuk et al, 2020(Martyshuk et al, , 2022Dang et al, 2022). Fruits of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.…”