Effect of β–glucan from microalgae on the growth performance and gut health of nursery pigs

Abstract Text: This study was to determine the effect of β-1,3-glucan contained in algae biomass (Algamune, Algal Scientific Corp.) on the growth performance and gut health of nursery pigs. Pigs (80 gilts and 80 barrows at 6.02 ± 1.62 kg BW) were randomly allotted to 4 treatments (2 × 2 factorial arrangment) with 10 pens (5 barrow and 5 gilt pens) per treatment and 4 pigs per pen and feed experimental diets for 5 wk based on 3 phases (1, 2, and 2 wks for phase 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Two factors were Algamune (0.02%) and antibiotics (CTC100 and Denagard10 for Phase 1, Mecadox10 for Phase 2 and 3). Feed intake and body weight were measured weekly. Eight pigs from each treatment (1 per pen, and 8 pens per treatment) were selected for tissue sample collection. Data for each response were analyzed using MIXED procedure in SAS software (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC).  During the entire 5 wk period, use of antibiotics increased (P < 0.05) ADG (324 to 393 g/d) and ADFI (498 to 582 g/d). There were no overall effects of Algamume on ADG and ADFI during the entire 5 wk period but Algamune tended to increase (P = 0.072) ADG (266 to 323 g/d) when antibiotics were not supplemented during phase 2 (wk 2 to 3). Supplementation of Algamune also tended to increase (P = 0.061) ADFI (738 to 840 g/d) when antibiotics were not supplemented during phase 3 (wk 4 to 5). However, these effects of Algamune were not observed when antibiotics were supplemented in the feed. Both antibiotics and Algamune increased (P< 0.05) villus height in the duodenum of pigs at 5 wk of the study. Correctively, β–glucan extracted from microalgae could help growth and feed intake of pigs by helping gut health when antibiotics are not used. 

Keywords: antibiotics, β–glucan, gut health, nursery pigs