SPECIAL STORY FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE September 2023 65 tidine, and phenylalanine. Inside the egg we can find nine of these ten amino acids except only one, arginine. Egg white has all these amino acids, as well as non-essential amino acids, making egg powder a source of protein for piglets. The consumption of egg powder proteins supports optimal muscle development, organ function and overall body composition in piglets. YOLKINE Yolkine is a protein found in egg yolk and supplies a positive influence on piglet's immune system by regulating its activity. Yolkine helps in the efficient defense against infections while reducing the risk of inflammatory diseases. Yolkine's anti-inflammatory properties contribute to the immune system equilibrium and support piglet’s well-being and health. OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS The omega-3 fatty acids present in egg yolk are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids provide anti-inflammatory properties which are integral to promote cardiovascular health. Omega-3 fatty acids support blood health, decrease inflammatory processes and increase heart function. Also in sows, supplements with omega-3 during gestation and later lactation increase the number of pigs born alive (Smits et al., 2011) and reduce mortality (Rooke et al., 2001) ANTIOXIDANTS Egg yolks are rich in antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which play a critical role and avoid piglet cells from oxidative stress. The fundamental role of lutein and zeaxanthin is to prevent the formation of free radicals and oxidative molecules. Lutein also stimulates the production of antibodies. Guimarães Alarça et al. (2016) could show an increase of CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte subtypes. Kim et al. (2000) demonstrated the increase of lymphocytes and cells expressing CD5, CD4, CD8, and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) molecules. Zeaxanthin has several beneficial health effects thanks to its ability to catch free radicals, and antioxidant effects, as well as decrease inflammation. (Ana Gabriela Murillo 2019) CONCLUSION Egg powder, a nutrient with bioactive molecules, helps piglet’s growth, performance and increases immunity in piglets during the first two weeks after weaning. Egg powder offers a suitable alternative to the nutritionists to formulate with a high quality and safe functional protein source, with multiple benefits in piglets’ diets. References available upon request Jordi.ysamat@veos.es About Jordi Ysamat Jordi Ysamat graduated from the University of Barcelona with a degree in Veterinary Medicine, specialized in nutrition. Later he completed his education with a Business Administration master’s degree at the Open University of Barcelona. With more than 30 years’ experience in the animal health and nutrition sector, he is now involved in business development and R&D management at the VEOS Group as Technical Sales Manager ACTIPRO, a brand dedicated to animal nutrition.
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