# Effects of fermented bamboo fiber on intestinal health and fecal pollutants in weaned piglets

## TL;DR

Adding fermented bamboo fiber to piglet diets improves gut health and reduces fecal pollution, with 1.5% being the most effective level.

## Contribution

This study identifies 1.5% fermented bamboo fiber as the optimal supplement for improving piglet intestinal health and reducing fecal pollutants.

## Key findings

- FBF supplementation improved intestinal barrier integrity and gut microbiota composition.
- 1.5% FBF led to the best growth performance and strongest reduction in fecal pollutants.
- FBF modulated colonic microbial communities and mitigated weaning stress effects.

## Abstract

Weaning stress adversely affects piglet growth and development, thereby reducing the economic efficiency of pig farming operations. Furthermore, pig feces are a major source of environmental pollution, underscoring the need for effective strategies to mitigate fecal output at its source.

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with fermented bamboo fiber (FBF) on growth performance, intestinal barrier integrity, gut microbiota composition, and fecal pollutant levels in weaned piglets. A total of 144 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire piglets, weaned at 21 days of age, were randomly assigned to 4 groups, with six replicates per group and 6 piglets per replicate. The control group (CON) received a basal diet, while the three treatment groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 1, 1.5, and 2% FBF, respectively. The trial lasted 30 days.

The findings revealed that FBF supplementation fortified the intestinal barrier, modulated colonic microbial communities, and decreased fecal pollutant levels. Among the treatment groups, supplementation with 1.5% FBF produced the most significant improvements in piglets’ growth performance and intestinal barrier function, as well as the strongest microbial interactions and the greatest reduction in fecal pollutants.

These results suggest that FBF supplementation can alleviate weaning stress and mitigate the environmental impact of pig feces, with 1.5% identified as the optimal supplementation level.