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Brine mineral water (BMW) is derived from deep ocean water and differs from general deep seawater because of its mineral components, which depend on the surrounding geographical features. BMW contains several unique minerals such as natural selenium, germanium, molybdenum and vanadium, and it has a beneficial influence in terms of animal physiology. For these characteristics, BMW has attracted attention recently. However, the influence of BMW on physiological function has not yet been determined in domestic animals. Therefore, this experiment investigated the influence of BMW on the growth performance, water intake, blood properties, and immunoglobulin (Ig) levels of serum in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 64 pig barrows (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc) with an average initial weight of 40.56 ± 0.17 kg were used in the experiment, and 0%, 2%, 3%, and 5% samples of BMW diluted with freshwater were provided to experimental animals during the 56 days.
It was found that the gain/feed ratio in the 3% BMW group was significantly higher than that in the 5% BMW group of growing-finishing pigs. The water intake was significantly increased in the 5% BMW group compared with the other groups of growing-finishing pigs. Additionally, the concentrations of red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (HGB), and hematocrit (HCT) were significantly higher in the 3% BMW group than in the control group. The level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was higher in the 3% BMW group than in the 5% BMW group. Furthermore, IgG and IgM levels in the serum were significantly higher in the 2% and 3% BMW groups than in the control group.
These results suggest that the addition of 2 to 3% BMW to water improved the growth and immunity of growing-finishing pigs. In conclusion, BMW has the potential to be used as a feed additive for enhancing the immunity and feed efficiency of growing-finishing pig diets.
Lee SH, Park CK. Effect of deep-sea mineral water on growth performance, water intake, blood characteristics and serum immunoglobulins in the growing-finishing pigs. Journal of Animal Science and Technology. 2021; 63(5): 998. https://doi.org/10.5187/jast.2021.e76
