The Effect of Increasing Inclusion Levels of a Fucoidan-Rich Extract Derived from Ascophyllum nodosum on Growth Performance and Aspects of Intestinal Health of Pigs Post-Weaning

Abstract

This study examines the effects of increasing dietary inclusion levels of fucoidan, from a 44% fucoidan extract on the growth performance and intestinal health of pigs post-weaning (PW). Seventy-two newly weaned pigs (8.4 kg (SD 1.06)) were assigned to: (T1) basal diet (BD); (T2) BD + 125 ppm fucoidan; (T3) BD + 250 ppm fucoidan (8 pens/treatment). The appropriate quantity of a 44% fucoidan extract was included to achieve these inclusion levels. Faecal scores were recorded daily. On d15 PW, samples were collected from the intestinal tract from 1 pig/pen from the BD and BD + 250 ppm fucoidan groups. Pigs supplemented with 250 ppm fucoidan had improved faecal scores and increased concentrations of total volatile fatty acids and propionate in the colon (p < 0.05). The fucoidan-rich extract reduced the expression of CLDN5 (duodenum), SCL5A1/SGLT1 and SI (jejunum) and TJP1, FABP2, and SLC5A1 (ileum) (p < 0.05). The extract reduced the relative abundance of Prevotella and Lachnospiraceae (p < 0.05) and increased the abundance of Helicobacter (p < 0.01) in the caecum. However, no negative impact on growth performance or small intestinal morphology was observed. Thus, the inclusion of 250 ppm fucoidan improves faecal consistency without affecting growth performance and therefore warrants further investigation as a supplement for the prevention of PW diarrhoea under more challenging commercial conditions.

Effect of Supplementing Seaweed Extracts to Pigs until d35 Post-Weaning on Performance and Aspects of Intestinal Health

“…In contrast to the upregulation of expression of genes related to nutrient digestion and absorption in the duodenum and jejunum, in the ileum, FUC supplementation led to a reduction in the expression of SLC2A2, GCG, FABP2, SGLT1 and SI in the ileum. Similar, results were identified where the feeding of a similar level of FUC in the post-weaning period had a similar influence on nutrient transporters suggesting that the addition of FUC has an impact in nutrient availability [ 6 ]. In the study of Rattigan et al [ 6 ] the authors attributed the reduction in gene expression to the presence of alginates and fucoidan in the extract.…”

“…Similar, results were identified where the feeding of a similar level of FUC in the post-weaning period had a similar influence on nutrient transporters suggesting that the addition of FUC has an impact in nutrient availability [ 6 ]. In the study of Rattigan et al [ 6 ] the authors attributed the reduction in gene expression to the presence of alginates and fucoidan in the extract. Both FUC and alginates have been attributed with increasing the viscosity of digestive contents, reducing the flow of digesta and reducing the mixing of digestive contents leading to lower rates of nutrient breakdown [ 29 , 30 ].…”

“…Heim at al [ 34 ] identified that SWE supplemented pigs had lower faecal scores and better performance than basal fed pigs following an ETEC challenge. Rattigan et al [ 6 ] identified that LAM supplementation improves performance when pigs are housed in unsanitary conditions. While the mode of action is not completely understood, the evidence would suggest that bioactives in the SWE can influence both the host immune cells and gut microbiome cells.…”

“…Lysine was used a reference for calculation of the other amino acid requirements (NRC, 2012). The extraction procedures and methodology were described in previous publications but are further outlined below [ 5 , 6 , 37 ].…”

“…The feeding of seaweed extracts, such as laminarin and fucoidan, in the immediate post-weaning period illicits multiple beneficial physiological adaptions in the gastrointestinal tract, that can improve pig performance during this challenging time. A number of studies have examined the effects of feeding laminarin and fucoidan for 14 days post-weaning [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. In the study of Rattigan et al [ 5 ], pigs were offered 3 levels of a laminarin rich extract to identify the most appropriate inclusion level.…”