Effect of Dietary Inulin Source on Piglet Performance, Immunoglobulin Concentration, and Plasma Lipid Profile

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of an inulin source (aqueous or aqueous-alcoholic extract, dried chicory root, or dried Jerusalem artichoke tubers) on piglet performance, plasma lipid profile, and immunoglobulin concentration. The study was conducted on 534 piglets (44 litters) allocated to five nutritional groups: group I (control) -fed basal diet, groups II and III receiving basal diet supplemented with 2% of inulin (aqueous and aqueous-alcoholic extract respectively), and groups IV and V -4% additive of dried artichoke or dried chicory respectively. During the trial, piglets' body weight, feed intake, diarrhoea incidence, and mortality were controlled. Blood samples were collected twice from six animals of each group. In blood plasma, indices of lipid profile and concentrations of IgA, IgG and IgM were measured. The addition of inulin, regardless of its form (extracts or dried plants), significantly improved the rearing indices. In piglets of groups III, IV and V a significant improvement of daily weight gains and feed efficiency was noted. Inulin showed hypolipidemic activity (lowered total cholesterol level) and stimulated piglet immune system manifested by elevated IgA and IgG concentrations. Irrespective of the inulin source, a lower mortality rate resulting from the improvement of animal health was noted in all experimental groups.

Improvement of Feed Efficiency in Pigs through Microbial Modulation via Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Sows and Dietary Supplementation of Inulin in Offspring

“…Results showed that pigs born to FMTp sows (irrespective of postweaning treatment) were ϳ8.9 kg lighter at slaughter but were more feed efficient, given their lower RFI value. No improvements in weight gain or, indeed, FE were observed due to inulin inclusion in postweaning diets alone, which is contradictory to the findings of some previous studies (15) but in agreement with others (14,29). However, FE was improved when inulin was supplemented in the diet of weaner pigs born to FMTp sows, and although body weight was reduced, it may have a role in promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacterial populations implanted as a result of modulation of the maternal microbiota.…”

“…It has proven effective as a prebiotic in humans, but in pigs, results have been more contradictory (14). Nonetheless, a number of studies have found beneficial effects of inulin supplementation of pig diets, in terms of both improving growth performance and modulating the intestinal microbiota (15)(16)(17). In particular, supplementing weaner diets with inulin may be a useful way to counteract the susceptibility to infection and reduced growth rate associated with the stress of weaning, and a number of studies have demonstrated beneficial modulation of the intestinal microbiota and improved growth, gut health, and FE (16,18,19).…”

“…In particular, supplementing weaner diets with inulin may be a useful way to counteract the susceptibility to infection and reduced growth rate associated with the stress of weaning, and a number of studies have demonstrated beneficial modulation of the intestinal microbiota and improved growth, gut health, and FE (16,18,19). For example, Grela et al found that dietary inulin addition improved weight gain, reduced feed intake, and improved FE in pigs between 10 and 84 days of age (15). Inulin is fermented in the lower part of the digestive tract by enzymes produced by certain types of bacteria, resulting in increased production of volatile fatty acids (VFA), mainly butyrate (20).…”

Blood metabolic profile of broiler chickens fed diets with different types and levels of inulin

“…In studies on farm animals, the addition of prebiotics was found to stimulate the performance of animals, stabilize the microbiome of the digestive tract, and improve animal health status (10,13,15,24,54). On the other hand, other authors did not find such an impact (4,11).…”

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Gestating Sows and Neonatal Offspring Alters Lifetime Intestinal Microbiota and Growth in Offspring

“…As FE is a major determinant of profitability in pig production, strategies to improve FE are continually being sought. To date, several approaches have been applied to increase beneficial gut bacterial populations with a view to improving FE, including probiotics ( 7 , 8 ), prebiotics ( 9 – 11 ), and synbiotics ( 12 , 13 ). Here, for the first time, we attempted to improve FE through fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to pregnant sows and/or their offspring.…”