Volume: 4, 2025
4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.A023
Published online: 9 April 2025
ICDSUPL, 4, A023 (2025)
Effect of brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum on digestibility and plasma mineral content in weaned piglets
Karol Pachciński1,2*, Marianna Wacko1,2, Katarzyna Woś1,2, Fabian Domański1, Anna Czech1
1 Department of Biochemistry and Toxicology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
2 Biochemistry Section of the Student Scientific Club of Animal and Bioeconomy Sciences, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: kpachcinski@gmail.com
Abstract
In recent years, increasing attention has been given to natural feed additives that may enhance nutrient absorption and improve animal health parameters. One such additive is marine algae, including Ascophyllum nodosum, which is rich in micro- and macroelements as well as bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ascophyllum nodosum supplementation in piglet diets on plasma mineral content and fecal digestibility of minerals. The experiment was conducted on 150 piglets from Landrace and Yorkshire Hybrid × Duroc and Pietrain Hybrid crosses. After weaning (day 28), the piglets were divided into three groups: C (control) – receiving a standard feed mixture, A-0.6 – receiving standard feed with 0.6% Ascophyllum nodosum, and A-1 – receiving standard feed with 1% Ascophyllum nodosum. Fecal samples were collected on days 56–60 from six randomly selected piglets per group to analyze mineral digestibility. Two days before the experiment ended (day 62), blood samples were taken from the same animals to assess plasma mineral levels. The experiment was continued until the piglets were 64 days old. In group A-1 (1% algae supplementation), a significantly higher apparent fecal digestibility coefficient was observed for phosphorus (P) compared to A-0.6 (p=0.010), calcium (Ca) compared to A-0.6 (p=0.004), magnesium (Mg) compared to C (p=0.038), as well as copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) compared to both C and A-0.6 (p=0.018 and p=0.024, respectively). A significant linear correlation was found for Mg (p=0.012), Cu (p=0.032), and Fe (p=0.017) digestibility, along with a significant quadratic correlation for P (p=0.010) and Ca (p=0.004) digestibility. Blood plasma analysis showed higher P, Ca, and Zn concentrations in groups A-0.6 and A-1 compared to the control (p=0.044, p<0.001, and p=0.013, respectively). Additionally, Cu levels were significantly higher in A-1 than in the other groups (p=0.001), with both linear (p=0.010) and quadratic (p=0.007) correlations observed. These findings indicate that Ascophyllum nodosum supplementation positively influences mineral digestibility and absorption in piglets. Notably, 1% algae inclusion in feed significantly improved phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, copper, and iron digestibility, while blood plasma analysis confirmed increased levels of key minerals, suggesting enhanced bioavailability.
Keywords: Ascophyllum nodosum, minerals, weaned piglets
How to cite
K. Pachciński, M. Wacko, K. Woś, F. Domański, A. Czech, 2025. Effect of brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum on digestibility and plasma mineral content in weaned piglets. In: 4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.A023