Replacing dietary sodium selenite with biogenic selenium nanoparticles improves the growth performance and gut health of early-weaned piglets

Selenium nanoparticles(SeNPs)are proposed as a safer and more effective selenium delivery system than sodium selenite(Na_(2)SeO_(3)).Here,we investigated the effects of replacing dietary Na_(2)SeO_(3)with SeNPs synthesized by Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393 on the growth performance and gut health of earlyweaned piglets.Seventy-two piglets(Duroc×Landrace×Large Yorkshire)weaned at 21 d of age were divided into the control group(basal diet containing 0.3 mg Se/kg from Na_(2)SeO_(3))and SeNPs group(basal diet containing 0.3 mg Se/kg from SeNPs)during a 14-d feeding period.The results revealed that SeNPs supplementation increased the average daily gain(P=0.022)and average daily feed intake(P=0.033),reduced(P=0.056)the diarrhea incidence,and improved(P=0.013)the feed conversion ratio compared with Na_(2)SeO_(3).Additionally,SeNPs increased jejunal microvilli height(P=0.006)and alleviated the intestinal barrier dysfunction by upregulating(P<0.05)the expression levels of mucin 2 and tight junction proteins,increasing(P<0.05)Se availability,and maintaining mitochondrial structure and function,thereby improving antioxidant capacity and immunity.Furthermore,metabolomics showed that SeNPs can regulate lipid metabolism and participate in the synthesis,secretion and action of parathyroid hormone,proximal tubule bicarbonate reclamation and tricarboxylic acid cycle.Moreover,SeNPs increased(P<0.05)the abundance of Holdemanella and the levels of acetate and propionate.Correlation analysis suggested that Holdemanella was closely associated with the regulatory effects of SeNPs on early-weaned piglets through participating in lipid metabolism.Overall,replacing dietary Na_(2)SeO_(3)with biogenic SeNPs could be a potential nutritional intervention strategy to prevent earlyweaning syndrome in piglets.

Targeting mitochondria with antioxidant nutrients for the prevention and treatment of postweaning diarrhea in piglets

Post-weaning diarrhea(PWD)in piglets poses a significant challenge and presents a grave threat to the global swine industry,resulting in considerable financial losses and compromising the welfare of animals.PWD is commonly associated with gut homeostatic imbalance,including oxidative stress,excessive inflammation,and microbiota dysbiosis.Antibiotic use has historically been a common initiative to combat PWD,but concerns about the development of antibiotic resistance have led to increased interest in alternative strategies.Mitochondria are key players in maintaining cellular homeostasis,and their dysfunction is intricately linked to the onset and progression of PWD.Accumulating evidence suggests that targeting mitochondrial function using antioxidant nutrients,such as vitamins,minerals and polyphenolic compounds,may represent a promising approach for preventing and treating PWD.Moreover,nutrients based on antioxidant strategies have been shown to improve mitochondrial function,restore intestinal redox balance,and reduce oxidative damage,which is a key driver of PWD.The present review begins with an overview of the potential interplay between mitochondria and gut homeostasis in the pathogenesis of PWD in piglets.Subsequently,alternative strategies to prevent and treat PWD using antioxidant nutrients to target mitochondria are described and discussed.Ultimately,we delve into potential limitations and suggest future research directions in this field for further advancement.Overall,targeting mitochondria using antioxidant nutrients may be a promising approach to combat PWD and provides a potential nutrition intervention strategy for regulating gut homeostasis of weaned piglets.