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Phytobiotics, including plant extracts and compounds, are studied as an alternative to antimicrobials due to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities and their beneficial influence on animal gut function and performance in swine. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a phytobiotic-prebiotic feed additive (PPFA, which contains a combination of carob pulp, chicory, and fenugreek seed) in the diets of fattening pigs on growth indicators, carcass characteristics, and fecal microbiota.
Methods: A total of 329 crossbred pigs (average body weight of 32.7 ± 2.1 kg) were randomly divided into two dietary treatments, including a basal diet without additives as the control group and a basal diet supplemented with 1 kg/T PPFA as the treatment group. Feed consumption was measured daily, body weight at the beginning (day 0) and at the end of the trial (day 70), and with these data the feed conversion ratio was calculated. At 24 hours after slaughter, carcass qualities were evaluated using the S-EUROP system, which assesses the visual appearance of fat, tissue quality, muscularity, conformation, carcass length, and total carcass area. In addition, one fecal sample was collected per pen at the beginning and end of the experiment.
Results: The PPFA supplementation led to a significant increase in the body weight gain and average daily gain of the trial group compared to those of the control group after 70 days of feeding. Through the S-EUROP evaluation system, we also found that the fattening pigs fed PPFA significantly improved their carcass indicators. Furthermore, it was shown that PPFA regulated porcine intestinal microbiota, including promoting the growth of the beneficial commensal bacteria (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) while inhibiting some potential pathogen bacteria (Bacteroidaceae and Campylobacteraceae).
Conclusion: In conclusion, the phytobiotic-prebiotic feed additive containing carob pulp, chicory, and fenugreek positively influences the intestinal microbiota, growth performance, and carcass traits in fattening swine.
Juhász Á, Molnár-Nagy V, Bata, Z, Tso KH, Posta K. Phytobiotic-prebiotic feed additive containing a combination of carob pulp, chicory, and fenugreek improve growth performance, carcass traits, and fecal microbiota of fattening pigs. Animals. 2023; 13(23): 3621. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13233621