Effects of reducing dietary crude protein concentration and supplementation with laminarin or zinc oxide on the faecal scores and colonic microbiota in newly weaned pigs

• DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13428
• Publication Date: 2020-08-07T05:04:19Z
• Authors: Ruth Rattigan; Torres Sweeney; Stafford Vigors; Gaurav Rajauria; John V. O'Doherty
• Keywords: Laminarin

Abstract A 2 × 3 factorial design experiment was conducted to examine the effects of reducing dietary crude protein (CP) concentration and/or supplementation with zinc oxide (ZnO) or laminarin on faecal scores (FS) and large intestinal microbiota post‐weaning (PW). One hundred forty‐four pigs were assigned (T1) 21% standard CP diet (SCP); (T2) SCP + ZnO (SCP ZnO); (T3) LAM); (T4) 18% low (LCP); (T5) LCP (LCP (T6) LAM; n = 8 replicates/treatment). The had no effect FS ( p > .05), it increased two measures alpha diversity, reduced Bacteroidetes Enterobacteriaceae Helicobacteraceae in colon relative < .05). Ruminococcaceae compared unsupplemented genera Frisingicoccus .001), Lachnoclostridium .05) Peptoclostridium total caecal volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations laminarin‐supplemented pigs. Laminarin but major There additive interactions both Firmicutes Proteobacteria. group group, there difference between groups. Proteobacteria LAM groups In conclusion, did not improve FS; abundance ; however, also bacterial diversity. Supplementation improved FS, although all within healthy range. altered VFA concentrations; enhance these parameters, suggesting compounds have differing modes action.