28 Nutritional Interventions for Intestinal Health of Nursery Pigs: Protein and Amino Acids. (12th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pluske, John
• Is Part Of: Journal of animal science. Volume 100(2022)Supplement 2
• Page Start: 10
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2022-04-12
• Subjects: nursery -- pig -- protein; Livestock -- Periodicals; Livestock; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 636.005
• DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac064.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8812

Abstract

Abstract: A major priority for the swine industry is the need to successfully transition and then manage the young pig in the period after weaning. Antimicrobial compounds have traditionally been used to assist with this transition. However, bans and restrictions on some antimicrobial compounds and antimicrobial resistance have required different strategies to ensure that the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) can function as effectively and efficiently as possible after weaning. It is well recognized that the protein content and composition of diets offered to pigs following weaning affects GIT structure and function, with the feeding of crude protein diets generally related to looser stools, an increased incidence of post-weaning diarrhea, and more antibiotic treatments. Feeding lower protein diets generally show opposing effects. There are numerous proteinaceous dietary raw materials available for use in post-weaning diets to assist with overcoming post-weaning GIT dysfunction. In this context, feeding highly digestible protein supplements reduces the availability of protein for microbial fermentation in the distal regions of the GIT, which in turn can modulate the microbiota. Blood plasma, e.g., spray-dried porcine plasma, positively influences GIT structure and function, as do spray-dried intestinal hydrolysates. Soy protein hydrolysates from fermentation or enzyme treatment that reduce the contents of anti-nutritional factors also confer production and GIT benefits in the nursery. Some peptides are known to have biological functions beyond their nutritional value and possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. The use of such compounds in diets in the nursery warrants further investigation. Practically, the incorporation and use of protein supplements is just one facet in dealing with post-weaning challenges, and needs to be considered holistically with other targeted nutritional and health measures.