Evaluation of a Natural Phytogenic Formulation as an Alternative to Pharmaceutical Zinc Oxide in the Diet of Weaned Piglets

Abstract

A natural phytogenic formulation (NPF) was tested as an alternative to pharmaceutical zinc oxide (ZnO) in weaned piglets with respect to growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility and faecal microbiota composition and metabolic activity. Two dietary NPF levels (NPF: 1000 and 2000 mg/kg diet) were compared to a positive control (ZnO: 3000 mg ZnO/kg diet) and a negative control (CON: no added ZnO or NPF) using 84 weaned piglets from 29 d to 78 d (days of age). Feed conversion ratio was improved (p p E. coli (p C. leptum subgroup (p C. perfringens subgroup (p p E. coli and C. perfringens subgroup (p p p < 0.05) at 78 d. In conclusion, the NPF appeared to be a promising alternative to pharmaceutical doses of ZnO.

Keywords

• piglets
• zinc oxide
• phytogenics
• digestibility
• gut ecology