Effects of benzoic acid (VevoVitall(R)) on the performance and jejunal digestive physiology in young pigs

摘要

Background:As a organic acid,benzoic acid has become one of the most important alternatives for antibiotics,and its beneficial effect on performance in animals has been proven for a decade.However,knowledge of the effects of benzoic acid on jejunal digestive physiology,especially the antioxidant capacity and mucosal glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) concentrations is lacking.Methods:A total of 20 barrows [Duroc × (Yorkshire × Landrace)] with an average body weight (BW) of 18.75 ± 0.2 kg were used in a 14-d trial to determine the potential mechanisms of benzoic acid supplementation on the performance,nutrient digestibility and jejunal digestive physiology in young pigs.All pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 2 diets supplemented with 0 or 5000 mg/kg benzoic acid.Results:Relative to the control,benzoic acid supplementation increased the average daily feed intake (ADFI),and average daily gain (ADG) in young pigs (P ＜ 0.05),improved the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter (DM),crude protein (CP),ether extract (EE),gross energy (GE) and crude ash (P ＜ 0.05),and enhanced the activities of trypsin,lipase and amylase in the jejunum (P ＜ 0.05).Similarly,relative to the control,supplementing benzoic acid in the diet resulted in a trend to reduce the pH values of the digesta (P =0.06),decreased crypt depth and increased the villus height to crypt depth ratio (P ＜ 0.05) in the jejunum of pigs.Finally,benzoic acid supplementation increased the mRNA expression and concentration of glucagon-like peptide 2 and the activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in the jejunal mucosa of young pigs (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions:In conclusion,supplementation with 5000 mg/kg benzoic acid improved the performance of young pigs through promoting nutrient digestion,improving jejunal antioxidant capacity,and maintaining the jejunal morphology in young pigs.