ISSUE FOCUS 32 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2024 infrequent intervals), and the high buffering capacity of the feed. Newly weaned piglets require a relatively low stomach pH (around 3) for the digestion of plant- and animal-derived proteins (other than milk). Trial takeaway: A meta-analysis of three studies conducted by Trouw Nutrition shows that piglets receiving SWA saw a reduced stomach pH (Table 1). As noted earlier, a high stomach pH can impede digestion of feed ingredients. The undigested nutrients can ferment in the hindgut where surviving pathogens have a greater opportunity to colonise the digestive tract. Ultimately, these conditions may result in diarrhoea. If the stomach pH is not lowered, pathogenic bacteria (as E. coli) dominate while beneficial bacteria (such as Lactobacillus) decline. On the other hand, a low stomach pH favours the growth of Lactobacillus, which inhibits the colonisation and proliferation of some harmful bacteria, such as E. coli.6 Trial takeaway: In a 35-days study involving weaned piglets, a significantly lower percentage of animals supplemented with an SWA had a faecal score of 3 and 4 (pasty and liquid faeces) compared to piglets in the control group (10.7 vs 4.4%, P < 0.05). INTESTINAL MORPHOLOGY: A GOOD INDICATOR OF A HEALTHY GUT The small intestine is responsible for the final digestion and absorption of nutrients. Villi are critical components of the small intestine, and their geometry provides an indicator of its absorptive capacity. The villus height (VH) and the crypt depth are useful criteria for assessing intestinal health and function.7 Furthermore, changes in villi surface area may enhance predisposition to malabsorption, enteric infections, and diarrhoea.8 Trial takeaway: In two different studies conducted with broilers and piglets, it was observed that supplementation of a SWA resulted in higher VH (Table 2). Control Broilers, d 141 Duodenum Jejunum Ileum Piglets, d 49 post-weaning2 Duodenum 1050.8a 481.4x 431.3a 372.4x OA / SWA* 1260.5b 596.7y 548.1b 492.5y Table 2. Villous height (µm) of broilers and piglets after receiving OA via water In the same row, a,bP<0.05, x,yP = 0.07. *OA (organic acids), SWA (Selko® water acidifier, Selko® AlpHa). 11 L/1000 L water from day 1-35. 21 L/1000 L water for 49 days post-weaning. Control OA / SWA* Broilers1 Day14 Crop Proventriculus Duodenum Day 35 Crop Proventriculus Duodenum Piglets2 Day 42 post-weaning Stomach Proximal small intestine Distal small intestine 4.91b 4.55b 5.66b 5.38b 5.06b 6.23b 3.58y 5.78 6.80 4.58a 4.27a 5.47a 4.67b 4.33b 5.58b 3.10x 5.59 6.84 Table 1. pH in the GIT of broilers and piglets after receiving OA via water In the same row, a,b P<0.05, x,y P = 0.07. *OA (organic acids) SWA (Selko® water acidifier – Selko® AlpHa). 11 L/1000 L water from day 1-35. 2Meta-analysis of 3 studies, 1.4-2.0 L/1000 L water day 1-42 post-weaning.
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