A previous study conducted at the Prairie Swine Centre and the University of Saskatchewan revealed improved performance of pigs under Salmonella infection when fed functional amino acids (FAA) above requirements for growth. Here, researchers attempted to assess whether a longer adaptation period to FAA supplementation would further enhance the previously reported benefits. To achieve this, weanling pigs were fed a basal amino acid profile (AA-) throughout the trial period or a functional amino acid profile only in the post-inoculation, for 1 week pre- and post-inoculation, or throughout the trial period.
Average daily gain and feed efficiency were improved by feeding functional amino acids above requirements for growth for 2 weeks before Salmonella infection. Inflammatory reaction due to Salmonella was attenuated by a longer adaptation period to functional amino acids. Salmonella shedding and intestinal presence were reduced in pigs fed functional amino acids for 2 weeks before infection. Positive effects of adaptation period to functional amino acids above requirements for growth may be related to improved gut health in pigs.
Increased adaptation time improves pig response to functional amino acid supplementation (full article)
