ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE November 2023 53 2. Carbohydrate management The selection of specific dietary fiber fractions may prevent (insoluble fiber) or stimulate (soluble fiber) the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria. Thus, there is a need to identify dietary fiber fractions from raw materials to formulate diets (Canibe et al., 2022). Dietary inclusion of carbohydrases (xylanase, β-glucanase) which increase the in vivo availability of short-chain oligosaccharides has beneficial effects on gut health, and thus preventing PWD. 3. Boosting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity Most of the husbandry practices mentioned above lead to disrupted redox balance and inflammation. Optimal levels of supplemental vitamins might protect piglets during the post-weaning period by regulating intestinal immune functions (vitamins A and D), neutralizing the extra- and intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (vitamins C and E) or modulating the composition and function of the gut microbiota (vitamins B group; Lauridsen et al., 2021). CONCLUSION To achieve more sustainable pork production without relying on medications during the post-weaning period, the adoption of better husbandry practices including sanitary, environmental and density conditions, together with dedicated nutritional solutions, should be considered. These strategies support optimum gastrointestinal development and functionality, thus avoiding gut disturbances such as piglet diarrhea. References are available upon request. About Estefania Perez Calvo Dr. Perez Calvo, a Spanish national, holds a Veterinary Degree, a Master of Science and a PhD in Animal Production and Feed Science and Technology from the University of Zaragoza (Spain). Before moving to France to join dsm-firmenich in 2013, she worked for 2 years as a Research Veterinarian running monogastric animal trials in field conditions for a Spanish services company. At dsm-firmenich, she started as a Research Scientist and Designated Veterinarian for the dsm-firmenich Research Center of Animal Nutrition and Health. In her role as Global Innovation Scientist, she is involved as lead scientist in innovation projects developing new feed additives and investigating nutritional strategies for improved gut health and performance in a sustainable manner. She has published more than 30 peer reviewed scientific papers, holds more than 20 patents, and has participated in more than 50 international scientific conferences.
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