Spray-dried porcine plasma improves piglets' performance and modulates gut immune-related genes in the first week post-weaning

Identifier:  imarina:9470157

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9470157

Authors:  Ng'ang'a, Zacharia Waithaka; Tous, Nuria; Hussain, Muzahir; Ballester, Maria; Polo, Javier; Beltran-Debon, Raul; Tarradas, Joan; Torrallardona, David

Abstract:
Objective This study aimed to explore the effects of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) in pre-starter feed of piglets on performance, fecal consistency, gut integrity biomarkers, and gene expression patterns related to intestinal function. Methods Ninety piglets (18 pens; 5 pigs/pen; 8.16 +/- 1.29 kg initial body weight) were offered pre-starter feed with either soy protein concentrate (control) or SDPP for 14 d post-weaning, and a common commercial starter feed between 14 and 35 d. Pigs' performance was recorded at 0, 7, 14 and 35 d of trial and their fecal consistency was assessed on the first 2 weeks. At 7 d, one piglet per pen (18 in total) was sampled for blood, intestinal mucosa, and bile. Blood serum calprotectin and citrulline and bile sIgA were quantified with ELISA, and gene expression in the mucosa from ileum, jejunum, and caecum was analyzed with high-throughput microfluidic technology. Results Relative to control, SDPP improved feed intake (215 vs 280 g/d; p