Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Blended Essential Oils on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Profiles and Fecal Characteristics in Weanling Pigs

Abstract

The influence of dietary supplementation with blended essential oil on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles and fecal characteristics was evaluated in 125 crossed ((DurocxYorkshire)xLandrace) pigs (6.21±0.20 kg initial body weight and 21 d average age). The pigs were allotted to the following treatments: i) NC (antibiotic free diet), ii) PC (NC diet+44 ppm tylosin), iii) T1 (NC diet+0.1% essential oil), iv) T2 (NC diet+0.1% essential oil (with 0.3% Benzoic acid)) and v) T3 (NC+22 ppm tylosin and 0.05% essential oil). Average daily gain (ADG) was improved in the T2 group on d 14 (p<0.05). In addition, nutrient digestibility was partially affected (both positively and negatively) by the treatments. Furthermore, the immune system was stimulated and the fecal pH and fecal noxious gases were improved in pigs that received the diets supplemented with essential oil (p<0.05). The appearance and score of diarrhea also tended to be lower in pigs that were subjected to the essential oil treatments. Collectively, the results of this study indicate that supplementation of the diet with blended essential oils could replace treatment with antibiotics to improve growth performance and fecal characteristics.