ISSUE FOCUS 36 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE November 2024 These piglets received pelleted compound feed, which was supplemented with the same selenium sources and levels as the sow diet, from one week of age onwards. The results show that the piglets from the L-selenomethionine supplemented groups had higher (and dose-dependent) selenium levels in plasma (P<0.01). Also glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) in plasma, which indicates protection against oxidative stress, was significantly improved (P<0.01) in piglets from the L-selenomethionine groups. These results indicated an improved antioxidant status in piglets, thanks to the higher selenium levels in colostrum and milk in L-selenomethionine supplemented sows, in addition to feeding L-selenomethionine directly to the piglets. This improved antioxidant status of the piglets allowed the animal to better deal with early life stressors. Overall, these studies nicely show the importance of selenium nutrition for young animals, where it is important to consider both the maternal selenium source, as well as the selenium in the offspring diet. By supplementing L-selenomethionine, an optimal selenium and antioxidant status in piglets can be achieved. This will allow for better resilience and more robust young animals. FEED EFFICIENCY Proper growth and development of piglets requires good digestion and utilization of nutrients. Over time, the gastrointestinal tract will further develop and adapt from liquid to solid feed. In the meantime, early in life, it can be observed that digestion and absorption of nutrients is limited. One reason could be for example that the production of bile salts is still limited. These bile salts function as natural emulsifiers and support the digestion of fats. By inclusion of a nutritional emulsifier in the piglet diets, the digestion of nutrients can be supported. A recent trial at a commercial farm in Argentina, with coordination from the National Scientific and Technical Research Counsil (CONICET), investigated the effects of a nutritional emulsifier in young piglets. In the period before farrowing (days 90-112 of gestation), 30 sows were followed and divided over two treatments receiving either a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 350 g/ton Excential Energy Plus (nutritional emulsifier by Orffa Additives B.V.). Farrowing was induced at day 114 of gestation, after which litter sizes were adapted to 13-14 piglets to ensure comparable treatments. The weaning at 22 days indicated the start of the trial. 380 piglets were selected and divided over four treatments, after which results were monitored for a 15-day period: 1. Basal diets for sows, and basal diet for piglets 2. Basal diets for sows, and basal diet for piglets + 350 g/ton nutritional emulsifier 3. Basal diets for sows + 350 g/ton nutritional emulsifier, and basal diet for piglets 4. Basal diets for sows + 350 g/ton nutritional emulsifier, and basal diet for piglets + 350 g/ton nutritional emulsifier The results showed an effect on citrulline levels, which functions as marker for metabolic activity and functional mass of the enterocytes. The inclusion of nutritional emulsifier in the piglet diet significantly increased (P<0.05) citrulline levels, regardless of the diet fed to the sows (Figure 2). This indicates that the emulsifier can improve the metabolism in piglets after weaning. In addition, the intestinal maltase activity, an enzyme involved in the carbohydrate metabolism, was significantly higher (P<0.05) for piglets receiving the nutritional emulsifier, with no effects from the
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