Optimizing intestinal resilience in weaned piglets: effects of a microencapsulated blend of botanicals against E. coli F18+

The study evaluated a microencapsulated blend of botanicals (AviPower®5) in piglets infected with Escherichia coli F18+ (ETEC). A total of 64 weaned piglets were divided into four groups (n=16): negative control (NC) and positive control (PC) with a basal diet; and two treated groups supplemented with AviPower®5 (TRT1: 1 kg/MT; TRT2: 2 kg/MT). On days (D) 7 and 8, the PC, TRT1, and TRT2 groups were orally challenged with ETEC (1.5×10¹⁰ CFU). Performance was recorded until D28. On D14 and D28, piglets were sacrificed to analyze inflammatory status and jejunal-associated microbiota. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS.
TRT1 and TRT2 significantly reduced Staphylococcus on D14. On D28, Bifidobacterium was increased and Streptococcus reduced in PC, TRT1, and TRT2 compared to NC (p<0.05). Regarding inflammation, on D14, levels of TLR4 and IL-6 were lower in TRT1 and TRT2 than in PC (p<0.05), approaching NC levels. This reduction persisted on D28, when PC also showed a significant decrease in TLR4. TRT1 and TRT2 also showed increased expression of ZO-1 and Occludin on D14 compared to PC. On D28, PC also showed increased ZO-1 expression.
Consequently, from D7-D11, fecal scores were worsened in PC compared to NC (p<0.05). On D10, TRT1 and TRT2 improved this parameter compared to PC (p<0.05). Finally, from D7-D14, PC showed lower growth than NC (p<0.05). From D7-D28, feed-use efficiency was improved in TRT1 and TRT2 compared to both NC and PC (p<0.05).
These results indicate that AviPower®5 mitigates negative effects of ETEC by supporting microbial balance, intestinal health, and piglet growth.