Oregano essential oil improves piglet health and performance through maternal feeding and is associated with changes in the gut microbiota

Abstract

Background With a growing demand for safe and sustainable alternatives to antimicrobials, functional feed ingredients such as plant essential oils have been evaluated for their potential to improve gut health. Amongst these, oregano essential oil (OEO) with the main active compounds carvacrol and thymol has been reported to have antimicrobial and antioxidative properties resulting in improved intestinal barrier function and growth in pigs and poultry. However, its impact on the gut microbiota still remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of an oregano essential oil phytobiotic on sow and piglet performance and faecal microbiota. Results Piglets from OEO supplemented sows were significantly heavier at one week of age and showed a trend for improved average daily weight gain from birth to weaning. Post-weaning, maternally supplemented piglets were numerically heavier at 10 weeks post-weaning and at slaughter with a reduced variability in bodyweight. Health records showed that piglets in the OEO supplemented litters had significantly reduced incidence of therapeutic treatment and reduced mortality. In both sows and piglets, the structure and composition of the faecal microbiota varied considerably over time. Sows supplemented with OEO during lactation showed an increase in the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae family. In addition, there was an increase in the relative abundance of families known to be important in fibre digestion (Fibrobacteriaceae and Akkermansiaceae). Analysis of piglet microbiota at two weeks and four weeks of age revealed a relative decrease in Enterobacteriaceae while butyrate producers (Lachnospiraceae family) were increased at both timepoints. Conclusion We hypothesise that the effects observed from this study were exerted through modulation of the gut microbial communities in the sow and her offspring through maternal microbial transfer. Understanding the link between the gut microbiota and dietary factors represents a keystone to improving health and performance for sustainable pig production. Reducing antimicrobial usage can help to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which is a global focus for animal production.

Intestinal microbiota and its interaction to intestinal health in nursery pigs

“…(2018) reported that oregano essential oil (OEO) reduced E. coli counts in the ileal digesta and improved intestinal morphology, the antioxidative capacity, and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs. Furthermore, the offspring of sows fed diets containing OEO during late gestation and lactation had improved growth performance and health due to the modulation of the fecal microbiota ( Hall et al., 2021 ). Piglets from sows fed diets with OEO increased the abundance of Spirochaetaceae , Peptostreptococcaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Erysipelotrichacea, and Lachnospiraceae in feces ( Table 1 ).…”

Pharmacological Applications and Action Mechanisms of Phytochemicals as Alternatives to Antibiotics in Pig Production

“…It has been reported that OEO exerts antimicrobial and antioxidative ability to improve intestinal barrier function and growth in pigs. OEO supplementation to maternal rations during late gestation and lactation can lead to improvements in progeny health and performance with a reduced incidence of mortality and lower need for medication ( 62 ). The main active compounds carvacrol and thymol in OEO possess ROS-scavenging activity in vitro .…”

“…The OEO-treated pigs show decreased endotoxin levels in serum and increased villus height and the expression of Occludin and Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the jejunum ( 83 ). The main active compounds carvacrol and thymol in OEO contribute to have antimicrobial and antioxidative capacity to improve intestinal barrier function and growth in pigs ( 62 ). In addition, supplementation of AGP or microencapsulated organic acids (OA) and EO does not significantly attenuate the induced inflammation, reduce digestive enzyme activities, and elevate gut permeability in piglets infected with Escherichia coli F4 (ETEC F4) in weaned piglets ( 84 ).…”

“…Additionally, supplementing with OEO during lactation increases the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae family and Fibrobacteriaceae and Akkermansiaceae in sows. However, analysis of piglet microbiota reveals a relative decrease in Enterobacteriaceae , nevertheless butyrate producers ( Lachnospiraceae family) are increased at two weeks and four weeks of age ( 62 ). Together, phytochemicals can increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria, reduce the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Streptococcus , maintain the stability and balance of intestinal flora, regulate immune response, improve intestinal structure and nutrient metabolism, thus maintaining intestinal health and growth and development of pigs.…”

Effects of the substitution of oregano essential oil for antibiotics in the plateau-broiler diet

“…OEO as an antibiotic growth promoter alternative on growth performance, antioxidant status, and intestinal health of broilers (Zhang et al 2021). OEO improves piglet health and performance through maternal feeding and is associated with changes in the gut microbiota (Hall et al 2021). The intestinal lumen is the main site colonised by bacteria and other microorganisms (Yadav et al 2018).…”