Effects of dietary caprylic and capric acids on piglet performance and mucosal epithelium structure
of the ileum

K. Okoń,E. Hanczakowska,A. Szewczyk

doi:10.22358/jafs/66213/2011

Abstract

1. Medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) and/or probiotic Enterococcus faecium as a feed supplement for piglets E. Hanczakowska, M. Świątkiewicz, M. Natonek-Wiśniewska, K. Okoń Livestock Science CrossRef

Highlights

Fatty acids, especially medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), are substances which can be considered as antibiotic replacers
The results suggest that caprylic and capric acids added to the feed improve piglet performance, probably due to positive changes in the mucosal epithelium structure of the ileum
They have strong antibacterial activity against Gram-positive cocci (Bergsson et al, 2001) and Escherichia coli (Skřivanová et al, 2009). They can improve post-weaning gut development (Tang et al, 1999). Such positive changes may result in improved performance parameters of piglets, as shown in a study in which piglets were fed with whole Cuphea seeds, which is a natural source of MCFA (Dierick et al, 2003)

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Especially medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), are substances which can be considered as antibiotic replacers They have strong antibacterial activity against Gram-positive cocci (Bergsson et al, 2001) and Escherichia coli (Skřivanová et al, 2009). Such positive changes (e.g., greater villus height) may result in improved performance parameters of piglets, as shown in a study in which piglets were fed with whole Cuphea seeds, which is a natural source of MCFA (Dierick et al, 2003) These acids can be a rapidly available energy source for young animals, due to their direct transport via portal blood to the liver, with no reestrification or chylomicron formation and preferential oxidation in the mitochondria (Odle, 1997). The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of a diet supplemented with caprylic and capric acids on piglet performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients, intestinal microflora and structure of mucosal epithelium of the small intestine in piglets

MATERIAL AND METHODS

RESULTS

DISCUSSION

CONCLUSIONS