Effects of Actigen, a second-generation mannan rich fraction, in antibiotics-free diets on growth performance, intestinal barrier functions and inflammation in weaned piglets

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effects of ActigenTM, a second-generation mannan rich fraction, on growth performance, intestinal morphology and permeability, and intestinal inflammatory response in weaned piglets. A total of 150 healthy weaned piglets were randomly assigned to the Control, Antibiotics and Actigen groups and received 1 of 3 dietary treatments: a basal antibiotics-free diet to which 250 mg/kg antibiotics (100 mg/kg colistin sulfate, 100 mg/kg olaquindox, and 50 mg/kg Kitasamycin) or 800 mg/kg Actigen were added. Body weight and feed intake were recorded. On day 28 of experimentation, five female and five male piglets per treatment were selected to collect blood, small intestinal segments and mucosa samples. Intestinal morphology and goblet cell number were determined. Expression of tight junction proteins and TLR4 signaling were detected. D-lactic acid (DLA) and inflammatory cytokines in serum were also measured. Compared with the Control group, Actigen and antibiotics supplemented diets reduced incidence of diarrhea (P