ISSUE FOCUS 62 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE March 2025 Importance of feed digestibility and gut resilience Enhancing feed digestibility capacity is important, as it makes sure the pigs can fully use and metabolise all the nutrients provided in the feed. The endogenous enzymes provided by the piglets themselves are not sufficiently to digest all the feed properly. Making the nutrients more accessible can be done by using exogenous (supplemental) enzymes and increase fat emulsification by using lysolecithin in the diet. While enzymes make the feed more digestible, it is important to make sure the gut is equipped to take in the nutrients. A healthy gastro-intestinal tract is defined as one with a healthy inner lining (no inflammation of the gut wall and prevention of proliferation of pathogens in the blood stream), good villi length, a healthy balance in the microbiota, equipped to secrete intestinal digestive enzymes and able to fully absorb nutrients. When there is an imbalance in the gut, nutrients such as proteins are not well absorbed and hence reach the hindgut undigested to become substrate for the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, which can lead to intestinal inflammation and PWD. The development of the gut can be positively influenced through nutrition and stimulation of early feed intake levels. Gut development also profits from certain supplements such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and organic acids. Importance of managing oxidative stress and inflammation The diverse pallet of challenges faced by piglets during weaning can eventually translate into an imbalance in redox levels in the animal’s body, resulting in oxidative stress. The generation of oxidative stress, in turn, eventually reduces the physiological condition of the animal and its growth, restricting to express its full potential. On top of that, the risk for inflammation is increased due to the induction of weaning deleterious effect on intestinal barrier function. When the intestinal barrier is disrupted, permeability is increased which allows toxins, bacteria, or feed-associated antigens to cross the epithelium resulting in inflammation. Uncontrolled inflammation leads to PWD, reduced growth and production. Building a robust immune barrier to avoid any inflammations and reducing the negative effect of antioxidative stress are therefore some of the key elements when targeting weaning piglets. Certain dietary compounds or nutrients may be beneficial in reducing this inflammatory response, such as SCFAs that have strong direct anti-inflammatory properties. Reducing or preventing oxidative stress can be done through the application of strong antioxidants such as selenium. ADISSEO’S SOLUTIONS: EFFECTIVE AND PROVEN Adisseo’s solutions, selected for its post-weaning strategy, have been extensively tested and proven for their efficacy. Below we explain a few trials that confirm this: Stimulating feeding behaviours Adisseo developed Delistart®, a unique combination of flavourings, flavour enhancers and appetite formulated specifically for inclusion in young animal feed. It provides specific taste cues that stimulate feed intake. Trials showed an increase in average daily feed intake (ADFI) after weaning, compared to other flavours (umami concept product, traditional sweeten-
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