Effect of hydrothermally processed cereals on the performance of weaned piglets

Antisecretory factor (AF) is an endogenous protein that has shown to be a potent inhibitor of intestinal fluid secretion and inflammation. AF content in sows' milk is important for protection against neonatal diarrhoea in suckling piglets. Feeding specific hydrothermally processed cereals (HPC) has proven to increase the plasma level of AF and to be helpful in counteracting diarrhoea in domestic animals. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of an AF-inducing diet on piglets' growth performance and intestinal mucosa. 144 weaned piglets with a body weight (BW) of 6.35 +/- 0.52 kg were randomized for sex and weight and allotted to 3 groups fed ad libitum: (C) control diet; (T1) control diet with 3% supplemental HPC; (T2) control diet with 6% supplemental HPC. On days 0, 14, and 42, animals were weighted, feed consumption and feed:gain ratio (FCR) were determined. Blood samples were collected (n = 6 animals per treatment group) to determine the effect of HPC on the intestinal enterocytes. None of the piglet showed diarrhoea during the study. Piglets fed the diet supplemented with 6% of HPC had higher (P<0.05) final BW compared to piglets fed the control diet. ADG was higher for the piglets fed the diet supplemented with 6% HPC 14 days after weaning (P<0.05) and during the whole experimental period (P<0.05). Animals fed 6% HPC grew more than piglets receiving 3% HPC supplemented diet during 14-42 days. Piglets fed 12 had a lower FCR (P=0.05) than piglets fed C. No difference was detected on feed intake and blood parameters. Intestinal health status and assessed monitoring the plasma level of I-FABP were low for all animals and did not significantly differ between treatment groups. The results of this experiment support the use of HPC as a natural alternative to AGP.