The use of sugar beet pulp in pig diet to control skatole analysed by HPLC quantification method

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a finishing diet added with sugar beet pulp to reduce backfat skatole of entire male pigs, using the optimised high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. The study comprised 72 males Pietrain (Large White × Landrace), divided into two groups of 36 animals each. Pigs in group A (treatment) were fed a supplemented formula (addition of 10 % beet pulp). while animals in group B (control) received a commercial feed, both for a period of 14 days before slaughter. The isocratic HPLC method achieved the chromatographic separation of indolic compounds in approximately 3 min.Skatole was significantly lower (p = 0.002) in group A, showing that beet root supplementation reduced skatole levels in pig fat. In addition, the optimised HPLC method was reliable, less timeconsuming, and showed a resolution suitable for small amounts of skatole.

Seasonal Variations on Testicular Morphology, Boar Taint, and Meat Quality Traits in Traditional Outdoor Pig Farming

“…Skatole can be reabsorbed through a pig’s skin upon contact with fecal contamination, thus increasing the fat skatole levels when the animal is in contact with fecal and urine residues [ 77 ]. Multiple studies have identified skatole concentration levels in intact males ranging from 100 ng/g to 200 ng/g of liquid fat [ 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 ]. In the present study, all values were lower than 80 ng/g, which might be attributed to the beet supplementation, a measure previously demonstrated to effectively reduce skatole levels [ 86 , 87 ].…”

“…Multiple studies have identified skatole concentration levels in intact males ranging from 100 ng/g to 200 ng/g of liquid fat [ 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 ]. In the present study, all values were lower than 80 ng/g, which might be attributed to the beet supplementation, a measure previously demonstrated to effectively reduce skatole levels [ 86 , 87 ]. The carbohydrates provided to the animals throughout the year in the form of beet pulp have the capacity to alter the activity and composition of gut microflora.…”

“…The carbohydrates provided to the animals throughout the year in the form of beet pulp have the capacity to alter the activity and composition of gut microflora. This modification results in a diminished availability of L-tryptophan, the precursor to skatole, in the colon, driving reduced skatole levels in pig fat [ 86 ]. This reduction may be initiated through one of three potential pathways: fermentation of pulp generating butyrate resulting in a decrease in local tryptophan availability; an overall boost in microbial activity causing tryptophan incorporation into the microbial mass; alteration in the microbiota composition, prompting a reduction in skatole-producing bacteria within the intestinal lumen [ 88 , 89 ].…”