Effects of gel-based phytogenic feed supplement on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics and intestinal morphology in weanling pigs

Abstract

ABSTRACTA total of 120 weanling pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] with an average body weight (BW) of 6.71 kg were used in a 6-week feeding trial (divided into three phases) to evaluate the effects of gel-based phytogenic feed supplement on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics and intestinal morphology. Pigs were randomly distributed on the basis of BW and sex with five pigs per pen and eight pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were: CON (basal diet), CON + 50 g gel-based feed supplement per pig a day, (F50) and CON + 100 g gel-based feed supplement per pig a day, (F100). During week 6, pigs receiving F50 and F100 diet had a linear increase (P = .001) in BW. The average daily gain (ADG) and gain:feed ratio (G:F) also increased linearly (P = .03) in piglets at the last phase of experiment. Overall, pigs fed F50 and F100 diet showed a linear increase (P = .002) in ADG and G:F (linear, P = .02). However, average daily feed intake was neither improved nor reduced in piglets with F100 and F50 treatment. The digestibility of dry matter (DM) and energy (E) increased linearly (P = .01, P = .02, respectively) with an increase in the dose of feed supplement. The villi length of jejunum and ileum was improved (linear, P < .0001, P < .0001, respectively) with an increase in the level of gel-based feed supplement. In conclusion, phytogenic feed supplement did not influence feed intake but increased ADG, improved G:F through enhancement of DM and E digestibility as well as improved jejunum and ileum villi length.