The Effects of Phytase and Non-Starch Polysaccharide-Hydrolyzing Enzymes on Trace Element Deposition, Intestinal Morphology, and Cecal Microbiota of Growing–Finishing Pigs

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of supplementing phytase and non-starch polysaccharide-degrading enzymes (NSPases) to corn–soybean meal-based diet on the growth performance, trace element deposition, and intestinal health of growing–finishing pigs. Fifty pigs were randomly assigned into the control (basal diet), phytase (basal diet + 100 g/t of phytase), β-mannanase (basal diet + 40 g/t of β-mannanase), β-glucanase (basal diet + 100 g/t of β-glucanase), and xylanase (basal diet + 100 g/t of xylanase) groups. The results show that the supplementation of phytase and NSPases had no impacts (p > 0.05) on the growth performance of pigs. Compared with the control group, pigs fed with xylanase had higher (p < 0.05) Zn concentrations in the ileum and muscle and those fed with phytase had higher (p < 0.05) Zn concentrations in the ileum. Phytase and xylanase supplementation decreased (p < 0.05) fecal Zn concentrations in pigs compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, phytase, β-mannanase, β-glucanase, and xylanase supplementation up-regulated (p < 0.05) the FPN1 expression, whereas xylanase up-regulated (p < 0.05) the Znt1 expression in the duodenum of pigs compared with the control group. Moreover, phytase, β-glucanase, and xylanase supplementation up-regulated (p < 0.05) the jejunal Znt1 expression compared with the control group. The intestinal morphology results show that the phytase, β-mannanase, and xylanase groups had increased villus heights (VHs), an increased villus height–crypt depth ratio (VH:CD), and decreased crypt depths (CDs) in the duodenum, whereas phytase, β-mannanase, β-glucanase, and xylanase groups had decreased VH and VH:CD, and increased CD in the jejunum compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Pigs fed with exogenous enzymes had decreased bacterial diversity in the cecum. The dietary supplementation of NSPases increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes and decreased spirochaetes (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, dietary NSPase treatment decreased (p < 0.05) the opportunistic pathogens, such as Treponema_2 and Eubacterium_ruminantium. Moreover, the relative abundances of Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014 and Lachnospiraceae were enriched in the β-glucanase and β-mannanase groups (p < 0.05), respectively. In conclusion, phytase and xylanase supplementation may promote zinc deposition in pigs. Additionally, the supplementation of NSPases may improve the gut health of pigs by modulating the intestinal morphology and microbiota.

Carbohydrases and Phytase in Poultry and Pig Nutrition: A Review beyond the Nutrients and Energy Matrix

“…These phyla include a diverse range of species, which can have harmful effects in animals [122]. Furthermore, Moita and Kim [123] found a reduced abundance of the Prevotellaceae family in the jejunum of nursery piglets fed 2000 FTU/kg, which aligns with the findings of Liu et al [25]. The Prevotellaceae family is known for its diversity, with some members playing a crucial role in the fermentation of dietary fiber within the intestine [124].…”

“…Considering all the extra-phosphoric effects resulting from phytase supplementation in non-ruminant animal diets, such as the beneficial modulation of the microbiota, reduced activation of the immune system, and improved antioxidant status, it is plausible that there are enhancements in intestinal morphology and barrier function. This has been demonstrated in studies conducted with broiler chickens [24,115,116,132], and pigs [25,114,131], which suggests that improvements in growth performance cannot only be attributed to increased nutrient availability, but also to overall improved intestinal health.…”

“…In pigs, Liu et al [25] observed decreases in Tenericutes and Spirochaetes at the phylum level in the cecum of pigs fed 500 U/kg. These phyla include a diverse range of species, which can have harmful effects in animals [122].…”

“…On the other hand, the positive relationship between exogenous enzymes and intestinal benefits have been observed for at least a decade of research [6,[21][22][23][24][25]. Thus, as part of the improvement in growth performance can be attributed to the beneficial effects of exogenous enzymes on intestinal health, their supplementation in diets of animals under poor sanitary conditions may prove to be superior [26,27].…”

Effects of phytase enzyme supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology and metabolism in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

“…According to Adeshina, Akpoilih, Udom, et al (2023), increased intestinal villi width/height and absorption area were caused by the phytase enzyme (1000 FTU/kg) linked to the control group. Feng et al (2016) and Liu et al (2023) found comparable findings. Phytic acid is broken down by phytase to produce inorganic phosphorus and inositol through a process called dephosphorylation, allowing the minerals to be released and then absorbed by the intestine, which can impact its absorptive capacity (Kumar et al, 2012).…”