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RESEARCH ARTICLE (Open Access)
Contents Vol 64(1)

Enhancing gut health and performance of grower-finisher pigs: assessing the efficacy of the mixture of microencapsulated essential oils and saponins

Sung J. Yu https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8319-5007 A , Andrew Morris B , Advait Kayal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0048-1516 A , Thi Thu Hao Van https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1559-568X C , Dragana Stanley https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7019-4726 A and Yadav S. Bajagai https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3043-071X A *
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Central Queensland University, Institute for Future Farming Systems, Rockhampton, Qld 4701, Australia.

B Riverbend Pork Group, 487-489 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, Qld 4350, Australia.

C School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Vic. 3083, Australia.

* Correspondence to: y.sharmabajagai@cqu.edu.au

Handling Editor: Cormac O’Shea

Animal Production Science 64, AN23215 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN23215
Submitted: 7 June 2023  Accepted: 2 November 2023  Published: 24 November 2023

© 2024 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND)

Abstract

Context

The livestock industry demands alternative approaches to maintain animal health and productivity without using antimicrobials. Phytogenic feed additives, consisting of plant-derived compounds, offer promising benefits to grower-finisher pigs’ gut microbiota and overall health.

Aims

This study investigated the impact of essential oils and saponins as phytogenic feed additives on the gut microbiota and productivity of grower-finisher pigs.

Methods

Four hundred male Large White × Landrace pigs were randomly allocated into control and treatment groups and provided with a basal diet. The treatment group supplemented commercial phytogenic feed additives. Performance data, general health, cumulative mortality, and bodyweight were monitored. Intestinal samples from different gut locations and rectal swab samples were collected for microbiota analysis.

Key results

No significant difference in weight was observed between the two groups; however, the phytogenic feed additives notably affected gut microbiota. Greater microbial diversity and changes in genera abundance were evident. Campylobacter and Clostridium increased, while beneficial Lactobacillus increased, and Escherichia decreased. The supplemented group demonstrated more consistent growth, with higher minimum weights.

Conclusions

Phytogenic feed additives have a significant impact on the gut microbiota of grower-finisher pigs. A diverse microbial community and specific changes in genera abundance were observed, indicating the potential role of these additives in modulating gut health.

Implications

This study emphasises the potential advantages of using phytogenic feed additives to improve the health and productivity of livestock without the use of antibiotics.

Keywords: essential oils, grower-finisher pigs, gut microbiota, natural antimicrobial product, phytogenic product, post-weaning diarrhoea, saponins, swine, rosemary, thyme.

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