Volume: 2, 2023
2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A028
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.A028
Published online: 19 April 2023
ICDSUPL, 2, A028 (2023)
Effect of astaxanthin (AST) on small intestine in weaned piglets
Kinga Szczepanik1*, Piotr Dobrowolski2, Łukasz Gala1, Małgorzata Świątkiewicz1
1 Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska St. 1, 32-083 Balice, Poland
2 Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: kinga.szczepanik@iz.edu.pl
Abstract
In pig production, the greatest piglets losses due to increased mortality occur in the nursing and post-weaning period, however, the most difficult period is weaning. Complex stress factors reduce piglets’ feed intake and utilization. The impaired absorption function is reflected in intestinal morphometry as villous atrophy. Furthermore, due to the growth of the young organism, the piglets are exposed to increased metabolic stress. The hypothesis was that piglet supplementation with antioxidants could counteract the effects of oxidative stress, reducing morbidity and mortality and ultimately improving production rates. Astaxanthin (AST) is one of the most potent antioxidants and shows resistance to light and heat, which is very important during feed mixture production. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of AST on the small intestine in weaned pigs. The experiment was conducted on 16 weaned barrows, PBZ breed, divided into 2 groups (I – control, without AST supplementation, II – AST addition (0.025 g/kg)). Both feed mixtures were isoprotein and isoenergetic, and covered piglets nutritional requirements. After 35 days of experimental feeding, all animals were slaughtered and sections of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were taken. The sections (± 1cm) were embedded in paraffin blocks and cut into 4µm sections. The slides prepared were stained using the Pas-Alcian method. Histometric measurements were taken of villi, crypts, and muscularis, and the number of goblet cells per 100 µm section of villi was counted. The absorption surface area was also calculated. The results obtained showed that there were more goblet cells in the jejunum (P = 0.011), and wider crypts (P = 0.016) in the control group. The duodenum showed deeper crypts in the AST-treated group (P = 0.004). The ileum in the AST-treated group had the widest muscularis (P = 0.004). The area of absorption in the jejunum was significantly higher (about 40%) in the AST-treated group (P = 0.003). The results suggest that AST may increase the width of the muscularis which will result in more efficient intestinal peristalsis. Furthermore, the addition of AST increased the absorptive surface area of the jejunum which can improve nutrient absorption and feed utilization. It can therefore be concluded that AST is a beneficial supplement for weaned piglets.
How to cite
K. Szczepanik, P. Dobrowolski, Ł. Gala, M. Świątkiewicz, 2023. Effect of astaxanthin (AST) on small intestine in weaned piglets. In: 2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.A028