The effect of protein-xanthophyll concentrate (PX) from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) on the activity of selected enzymes in the liver cells of fattening pigs

Abstract

The available Polish and foreign literature contains few reports on the activity of indicator enzymes, especially marker enzymes, which characterize the work of specific cell organelles. Information on enzyme changes induced by experimental dietary factors is also scarce. We postulated that proteinxanthophyll PX alfalfa concentrate would have a positive effect on metabolism in fattening pigs, resulting in improved performance parameters. Therefore the aim of the study was to test the possibility of using enzymes that have not previously been used to assess the biochemical processes taking place following administration of PX. We evaluated the activity of enzymes associated with key biological transformations taking place in the cell, as this makes it possible to assess whether these processes are proceeding normally and to evaluate the response of the body to external factors. The experiment was conducted on 288 finishers (gilts and barrows), all of which were crossbreds (Polish Large White x Neckar), divided into 4 groups according to the dosage and duration of administration of proteinxanthophyll PX concentrate from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). The alfalfa concentrate was introduced to the compound feed in place of soybean extraction meal. We analysed the activity of selected marker enzymes: lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), succinate hydrolase (SDH), and glucose-6-phosphate hydrolase (G6PC). We found a decrease in the activity of the enzymes in the liver cells of the pigs receiving the PX concentrate as compared to the control, which suggests that the product had a favourable effect on their metabolism. The results confirm the benefit of using proteinxanthophyll PX in pig feed, particularly at a continuous dose of 3%.