Effects of α-galactosidase supplementation on nutrient digestibility, growth performance, intestinal morphology and digestive enzyme activities in weaned piglets

A total of 90 weaned piglets (initial body weight 7.86 ± 0.98 kg) were used in a 28-d trial to evaluate effects of α-galactosidase supplementation on nutrient digestibility, growth performance, intestinal morphology and digestive enzyme activities. Piglets were randomly allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments with 5 pens per treatment and 6 piglets per pen in a randomized complete block design. The three dietary treatments were corn-soybean basal diets supplemented with 0 (control), 100 or 200 FTU/kg α-galactosidase. Piglets fed diets supplemented with α-galactosidase had greater (P < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, gross energy and crude protein, and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of isoleucine, leucine, threonine, alanine and serine than the control piglets. Supplementation of α-galactosidase improved (P < 0.01) average daily gain (ADG) and reduced (P < 0.01) diarrhea rate compared with the control. The villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum and jejunum of piglets fed diets containing α-galactosidase were greater (P < 0.05) than those in the control piglets. Piglets offered 100 FTU/kg α-galactosidase had greater (P < 0.05) villus height in the duodenum than those offered the control diet. Compared with the control, supplementation of α-galactosidase significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) trypsin activity in the duodenum and jejunum and lipase activity in the jejunum. The propionate concentration in the cecum decreased (P < 0.05) by α-galactosidase supplementation compared with the control. However, there was no difference in these indexes between α-galactosidase supplemented treatments. In conclusion, supplementation of α-galactosidase at 100 or 200 FTU/kg enhanced nutrient digestibility and ADG, and reduced diarrhea rate of weaned piglets by improving intestinal morphology and digestive enzyme activities.