Mesobiliverdin IXα-enriched microalgae feed improves gut health in weaned piglets under LPS challenge

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mesobiliverdin IXα-enriched microalgae (MBV-SP) on growth, diarrhoea prevalence, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, and inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced enteritis in weaned piglets. Seventy-two 28-day-old piglets were randomly divided into four groups: control (NC), LPS, tylosin, and MBV-SP, with saline/LPS (100 µg/kg) administered intraperitoneally on day 14. Results showed reduced mortality and diarrhoea rates in the tylosin + LPS and MBV-SP + LPS groups compared to the LPS group. Histological analysis revealed improved villus morphology and decreased crypt depth in the MBV-SP group. Catalase activity was notably higher in the MBV-SP group. Both tylosin and MBV-SP supplementation reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, with MBV-SP exhibiting a more pronounced effect. In conclusion, MBV-SP mitigated diarrhoea, improved antioxidant capacity, and modulated inflammatory cytokines in weaned piglets with LPS-induced enteritis, highlighting its potential as a dietary supplement for the gut health in piglets.