Effect of Emulsifier Supplementation on Growth Performance, Apparent Total Tract Digestibility of Nutrients and Blood Profile in Weaning Pigs Fed Corn-Soybean Meal Based Diets

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an emulsifier (sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate, SSL) on performance in weaning pigs. One hundred and twenty weaning pigs [(Landrace x Yorkshire) x Duroc, body weight (7.57 +/- 0.94 kg)] were randomly allotted to four experiment treatments in a 6 weeks trial. There were 6 replicates per treatment with 5 pigs per replicate (three gilts and two barrows). Dietary treatments consisted of 0 (CON), 0.05% (SSL0.05), 0.075% (SSL0.075), and 0.1% (SSL0.1) emulsifier in the basal diet. Fresh faecal grab samples collected from at least 2 pigs per pen to calculate nutrients digestibility at end of experiment. Blood samples were collected into clot activator vacuum tubes from 2 pigs (1male and 1 female) in each pen. During 1-3 weeks, 3-6 weeks, and the overall phase, the average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), gain/feed (G/F), the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter and fat were improved (linear, P<0.05) in the emulsifier treatments is compared with the CON. The concentration of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides and low density lipoprotein (LDL) - cholesterol was linearly reduced in the pigs fed a graded level of SSL (linear, P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in faecal score and faecal microflora in weaning pigs at the end of study. In conclusion, supplementation with an emulsifier in the diet could improve growth performance, reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, and improve the digestibility of dry matter and fat in weaning pigs.