Effect of water-soluble plant extract on nursery pig performance

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a water-soluble phytogenic product on growth performance and immune response of nursery pigs. 280 pigs were utilized in this 42-day study. Pigs were allocated to pens (10 pigs/pen; 7 pens/treatment) and pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments on d 0. Four water treatments consisted of 4 different levels (0, 16, 94, and 188 ml/L) of Quillaja Saponaria in a stock solution water medicator and set to a 1:128 ratio for drinking water. Control (CON) consisted of 0 mL/L QS; Q2 consisted of 16 mL/L QS and administered all 42 d of the study; Q12 consisted of 94 mL/L QS and administered on d 1-5 and d 18-28 of the study; Q24 consisted of 188 mL/L of QS and administered on d 1-5 and d 18-28 of the study. On d 23 of the study, pigs were injected intramuscularly with LPS (10 ug/kg BW). Pigs and feeders were weighed weekly to determine ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Blood samples, BW, and rectal temperature (RT) were taken before the LPS injection on d23 and on H3, H6, H12 and H24. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS with pen as the experimental unit. Relative to CON, Q2 had increased ADG, ADFI and G:F. The Q24 treatment had increased recordings of diarrhea. There was no significant difference in TNF-alpha or CRP values (p > 0.10).