Yucca schidigera extract decreases nitrogen emission via improving nutrient utilisation and gut barrier function in weaned piglets

Abstract

Yucca schidigera extract (YE) can decrease ammonia concentration in livestock housing, which could be associated with the inhibition of urease. The aim of this study was to investigate the other possible reasons of dietary YE supplementation reducing nitrogen emission in weaned piglets. A total of 14 crossbred weaned barrows were allotted into two groups fed the diets supplementing 0 and 120 mg/kg YE for 14 days. The YE administration decreased F/G ratio and hindgut NH3‐N production in weaned piglets (p < 0.05). Dietary YE supplementation decreased serum urea nitrogen levels, and increased nutrient digestibility, which could be related to the improvement of morphology, digestive and absorptive enzyme activities, and nutrient transporter mRNA expression in jejunal mucosa of weaned piglets (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of tight junction proteins, mucins and apoptosis‐related genes was also improved by YE treatment in jejunal mucosa of weaned piglets (p < 0.05). In addition, dietary YE supplementation regulated the microbiota structure and volatile fatty acid content in distal intestine of weaned piglets (p < 0.05). These results suggest that YE administration can decrease hindgut NH3–N production in weaned piglets, which is associated with the increased nutrient utilization and gut‐barrier function.

Antimicrobial and Digestive Effects of Yucca schidigera Extracts Related to Production and Environment Implications of Ruminant and Non-Ruminant Animals: A Review

“…In agreement, Fan et al [75], in weaned piglets, also reported that YSE improved feed efficiency and reduced hindgut NH3-N production with increased nutrient digestibility and reduced blood urea concentrations. Espinosa-Muñoz et al [14], in growing and finishing pigs supplemented with YSE in diets, also found decreased blood urea, triglycerides, and cholesterol.…”

Comparison of the Effects of Yucca saponin, Yucca schidigera, and Quillaja saponaria on Growth Performance, Immunity, Antioxidant Capability, and Intestinal Flora in Broilers

“…It was found that YS in the broiler diets can significantly reduce the indoor ammonia concentration in poultry farms [20]. Fan et al [31] found that adding YSa to the diet reduced the nitrogen emission of piglets. Research by Patra and Yu [32] showed that QS reduced the concentration of ammonia in an in vitro rumen model, which may be due to the combination of saponins with ammonia or the reduction in the rate of ammonia release from the microbial decomposition of organic matter [33].…”

The Effect of Yucca schidigera Extract on Serum Metabolites of Angus Crossbreed Steers with Metabolomics

“…In traditional medicine, species of the Yucca genus have been used to treat pathologies related to inflammation, because it is rich in saponins and phenolic compounds with antioxidant effects [ 1 ]. For that reason, the dietary addition of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) was initially used to reduce stress and improve the antioxidant capacity of broilers, swine, dairy cows, and steers [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. In addition to antioxidant function, the saponins in YSE also have antiprotozoal activity [ 7 ].…”