353 Starch to fat ratio in piglet nutrition

Abstract

Abstract Dietary high energy density (HED) and the energy compositions, especially the fat and starch composition could have a variable effect on performance, intestinal health and the profitability of piglet production. The present study evaluated the effects of dietary energy densities and digestible energy ratio of starch to fat on intestinal functions and growth performance of growing pigs. A total of 48 healthy weaners (9.60 ± 0.13 kg) were allocated to two dietary energy densities (14.21 and 15.91MJ/kg) and two digestible energy ratio: high starch: low fat, HSLF (9:1) or low starch: high fat ratio, LSHF (1:3) in a factorial arrangement. It was found that dietary LSHF ratio induced diarrhea in the weaner pigs (P < 0.001). The feed intake of weaners was increased by HED (P < 0.05), however, this did not result in improved body weight gain (P > 0.05). The HED reduced (P = 0.017) energy digestibility, while digestible energy ratio reduced crude protein digestibility and amino acid utilization in the weaners. Fat and dry matter digestibility were not significantly affected (P > 0.05). Dietary LSHF ratio increased intestinal villus height/crypt depth ratio in the duodenum and ileum (P < 0.05). The lymphocyte count was increased by HSLF energy ratio. The highest high-density lipoprotein concentration was exhibited in weaners fed dietary LSHF energy ratio (P < 0.01) and dietary HSLF ratio increased the duodenal sucrase and lactase activities (P < 0.01). The dietary LSHF ratio showed an increased tendency to increase fecal ammonia concentration, but dramatically decreased fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations (P < 0.01). The HED seems to induced oxidative stress (P < 0.01). The study suggests that dietary high fat, but not dietary starch or HED could decrease the intestinal health of weaner pigs.