Effects of a root extract from Achyranthes Japonica Nakai on the growth performance, blood profile, fecal microbial community, fecal gas emission, and meat quality of finishing pigs

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of a root extract from Achyranthes Japonica Nikai (AJN) on the growth performance, blood profile, fecal microbial community, fecal gas emission, and meat quality of finishing pigs. A total of 72 crossbreed pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc], with an initial body weight of 50.28 ± 3.77 kg were used in a 70-day experiment with a completely randomized block design. There were two phases: phase 1 (days 0–35) and phase 2 (days 36–70). There were three diet conditions: 1) CON, corn-soybean-wheat basal diet; 2) TRT1, CON + 0.1% AJN root extract; and 3) TRT2, CON + 0.2% AJN root extract. There were six replicate pens per treatment and four pigs (two barrows and two gilts) per pen. Average daily gain (ADG) during phase 2 increased linearly with the dose of AJN root extract, while drip loss on day 3 and ammonia emission during phase 2 decreased linearly. However, the blood profile and fecal microbial community did not differ among the diet groups. In conclusion, AJN root extract increased ADG during days 36–70 and reduced drip loss from meat samples. It also reduced fecal ammonia emission, which improve the overall barn environment.