Work

Impacts of different cereal grains and supplemental multi-enzyme complex on performance, intestinal health, and nutrient digestibility in nursery pigs

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: A 38-day feeding trial evaluated the effects of a multi-enzyme complex and the replacement of corn with sorghum on growth performance, intestinal health, and nutrient digestibility in 200 pigs (4.56 ± 0.56 kg body weight). Pigs were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: grain source (corn or sorghum) and enzyme supplementation (0 or 1 g/kg). The enzyme complex provided amylase, β -glucanase, cellulase, xylanase, protease, and phytase. No interactions were observed for growth performance. Enzyme supplementation consistently improved overall average daily gain and the gain-to-feed ratio (G:F; P < 0.05). Sorghum-based diets resulted in similar overall performance to corn-based diets, although pigs fed corn diets showed a greater G:F in the early phases (P < 0.05). Interactions were found for digestible energy and apparent total tract digestibility of gross energy (P < 0.05), where enzyme supplementation showed a greater magnitude of response in sorghum than in corn. Enzyme supplementation reduced colonic pH and concentrations of acetate, propionate, branched-chain fatty acids, and total volatile fatty acids (P < 0.05). In the jejunum, enzymes reduced the relative mRNA expression of amino acid transporters EAAC1 and y + LAT1 (P < 0.05), suggesting higher digestive efficiency. Intestinal morphology and tight junction expression ( OCLN, ZO-1 ) were not affected by treatments. In conclusion, sorghum can fully replace corn without compromising performance, and enzyme supplementation optimizes nutrient utilization and growth in both diet types, with sorghum showing greater responsiveness in energy digestibility.

Source: Animal Feed Science and Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116946