Evaluating the effects of a low-protein diet with reduced amylose-amylopectin ratio in fattening pigs on performance, gut health and behaviour
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Reducing dietary crude protein (CP) and using synthetic amino acids (AAs) reduces environmental impact but may affect pigs' growth. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a low CP and a low amylose-to-amylopectin ratio (AM:AP) diet on performance, welfare, and faecal microbiota of growing-finishing pigs. 384 pigs (36.76 kg) were assigned to a control (CO) or a treated (TRT) diets blocked for sex and body weight. The TRT reduced the CP by 1.5%, 1.4%, and 0.7% across three feeding phases and the AM:AP ratio (TRT = 7 vs CO = 16.97). Pigs were weighed at day (d) 0, d36 and d160; faecal samples (16 pigs/group) were analysed for microbiota (v3–v4 16S rRNA gene sequencing), calprotectin, volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and ammonia concentrations at d11, d36 and d160. Behavioural indices and pen-level air gases were monitored monthly. No differences in performance were observed. Faecal microbiota alpha diversity was affected by diet-time interaction (p < 0.0001). At d36 and d160, the TRT had a higher abundance of Clostridium sensu stricto 1 (p = 0.002, p = 0.009, respectively) and Terrisporobacter (p = 0.03, p = 0.02, respectively). Total VFAs and butyric acid at d11 and iso-butyric and iso-valeric acids at d161 were higher in the males of the TRT group (p < 0.05). On d71, the TRT group had a higher environmental carbon dioxide (p < 0.02) concentration. TRT pigs exhibited greater activity (p = 0.03 at d50), with no differences in tail or ear lesions. In conclusion, a low CP and AM:AP diet can maintain fattening pigs performance and welfare while indirectly potentially reducing environmental impact. A low CP and AM:AP diet can maintain pig growth and welfare while reducing environmental impact from farming.The study suggests healthier gut microbiota with a sustainable diet, benefiting both pigs and the environment.The synchrony between energy (from waxy maize) and AAs absorption may improve the efficiency of low CP diets. A low CP and AM:AP diet can maintain pig growth and welfare while reducing environmental impact from farming. The study suggests healthier gut microbiota with a sustainable diet, benefiting both pigs and the environment. The synchrony between energy (from waxy maize) and AAs absorption may improve the efficiency of low CP diets.
Source: Figshare
Authors: Graziosi, Maria Vittoria, Luise, Diana, Correa, Federico, Palumbo, Francesco, Serra, Andrea, Trevisi, Paolo
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7114995429