Botanicals in action: translating science from lab to piglet weaning

This work explores the potential of botanicals in supporting piglets during the weaning period, and the scientific rationale behind the development of a botanical-based feed additive. The article reviews the factors that lead to weaning stress and drive its persistence in piglets, such as Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). Then, it highlights the benefits of botanicals and their ability to improve gut health and overall performance of piglets. We propose a scientific approach to choosing botanicals for supporting piglets during weaning stress, emphasizing that an effective and rational selection should be based on in vitro screening tests. These tests should include both microbiological assays and more complex cell culture models. The article also discusses the use of microencapsulation technology to ensure the protection, targeted delivery, and sustained release of these beneficial compounds all along the intestinal tract of piglets. We finally provide an example of in vivo validation of a microencapsulated botanical-based feed additive for targeting weaning stress and ETEC infections in piglets.