Antimicrobial peptides help reduce effect of mycotoxin
Chinese research found that composite antimicrobial peptides could have a protective effect in piglets challenged with the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON).
The research showed that the composite antimicrobial peptides (CAP) could improve feed efficiency, immune function, and antioxidation capacity, as well as alleviate organ damage.
DON is a food contaminant that leads to reduced feed intake and reduced bodyweight gain, as well as organ impairment.
Trials were carried out for 30 days with 28 individually housed piglets that were weaned at 28 days – and were given four different diets – one control diet, one with DON contamination, one with CAP supplementation and one having both.
Blood samples were collected, and the piglets were slaughtered to get a better idea of blood quality and intestines. Where e.g. DON was observed to enhance intestinal permeability and damage villi, CAP were found to repair the intestinal injuries.
The majority of the authors is affiliated to the Institute of Subtropical Agriculture at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Hunan province. The study was published in the Journal of Animal Science.
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