ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE June 2025 49 Formulating high-protein diets further increase undigested protein in the hindgut, reducing nitrogen retention efficiency. This effect is worsened under poor sanitary conditions, which amplify microbial fermentation, inflammation, and immune stress—diverting nutrients from growth (Myrthe Gilbert, unpublished data). Finally, a high protein diet has recently been shown to downregulate anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL12B) and upregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines (CCL2, CXCL12 and CXCL9) in mesenteric lymph nodes.9 This inflammatory response is partly driven by increased microbial activity associated with high-protein diets, leading to a greater load of bacterial debris—particularly peptidoglycans. Supplementation with muramidase in high-protein diets has been shown to reduce this pro-inflammatory response, as the enzyme breaks down immune-stimulating peptidoglycans, thereby lowering inflammation and supporting gut health and growth.10 b. Phytate It is well known that phytate binds to minerals, proteins, AA and endogenous nutrients in the digesta, reducing their accessibility for digestion and absorption. This increases the endogenous flow of nutrients and reduces the ileal digestibility of nutrients and energy, both of which can lead to reduced growth performance. Figure 3 illustrates the mechanisms of action of dietary phytate (salt of phytic acid) on ileal digestibility and endogenous losses of nutrients. Its effect on phosphorus availability and digestibility is particularly important because phosphorus is a key driver of piglet performance and an essential nutrient for both gut microbes and the host. Although phytate levels in piglet diets are lower than in older animals, their immature digestive systems make them more vulnerable to its effects. Supplementing with exogenous phytase improves phosDietary Phytic Acid Binding of dietary Phytic acid to nutrients and digestive enzymes in the small intestine Reduce activity of digestive enzymes in small intestine Reduced pepsin activity in the stomach Increased secretion of pepsin and HCL in the stomach Increased acidity of digesta flowing to duodenum Increased secretion of mineral bicarbonates and mucins in the small intestine Increased secretion of digestive enzymes in small intestine Binding of dietary Phytic acid to endogenous nutrients Reduced reabsorption of endogenous nutrients Increased endogenous flow of nutrients Reduced true ileal digestibility Binding of dietary Phytic acid to dietary proteins and digestive enzymes in stomach Figure 3. Mechanisms of action of dietary phytic acid on ileal digestibility and endogenous losses of nutrients. Modified from Woyenga and Nyachoti (2013)11 Source: dsm-firmenich
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUxNjkxNQ==