Influence of dietary fucoidan on inflammatory response and intestinal microbial diversity in weaned pigs

Abstract:

[Objective] We studied the effects of dietary fucoidan on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immune index in serum, and gut microbiota composition in weaned pigs. [Methods] A total of 36 weaned pigs (body weight 7.43±0.12 kg) were allocated to 3 dietary treatments, and piglets in each group received control diet, control diet containing antibiotic, control diet containing fucoidan for 28 days. Growth performance and nutrient digestibility were evaluated in piglets. Serum indices related to immunity were measured by spectrophotometric and ELISA assays. Gut microbiota composition was determined using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. [Results] A reduction in feed conversion ratio in piglets fed fucoidan supplementation on 0-14 days (P<0.05). The digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber were increased in fucoidan dietary treatment (P< 0.05). Compared with the control group, the production of interleukin 22 decreased in piglets treated with antibiotic and fucoidan intervention (P<0.05). Piglets provided with antibiotic and fucoidan treatments showed an increased tendency (P=0.07) in the population of Bacteroidetes members on day 14, whereas the abundance of Actinobacteria increased (P<0.05) on day 28. Specifically, there was an increase in the Bacteroides genus in diet containing fucoidan when compared to those in control and antibiotic groups. [Conclusion] Dietary fucoidan improved the fiber digestibility and the richness and diversity of Bacteroides genus, and decreased inflammatory cytokines of IL-22 production in weaned pigs. These changes should alleviate the post-weaning stress and contribute to the establishment of healthy and stable digestive system in weaned pigs.