Cynara scolymus Extract–Inulin Feed Additive Improves Intestinal Function and Growth in Weaned Piglets

Abstract

The early post-weaning period in piglets is characterized by physiological and environmentalstress that can impair intestinal function and growth performance. Plant-derivedfeed additives have gained interest as a nutritional strategy to support gut integrity andproductivity. Extracts from Cynara scolymus stimulate bile secretion and exhibit antioxidantproperties, whereas inulin may promote beneficial microbial populations and intestinalfunctionality through prebiotic activity. This study evaluated the biological activity of afeed additive containing Cynara scolymus extract and inulin on intestinal functional indicatorsand productive performance of post-weaned piglets under intensive productionconditions. Four hundred and eight piglets were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group (CON) that was fed a basal diet, and a treatment group (CSI) that was supplementedwith the additive (5% Cynara scolymus extract and 14% inulin) at 300 g/ton offeed. Plasma cortisol and citrulline concentrations were measured during the first 15 dayspost-weaning. On day 16 post-weaning, intestinal parameters were evaluated, includinggastrointestinal pH; enterobacteria and lactic acid bacteria counts; volatile fatty acids; bacterialadhesion to ileal mucus; disaccharidase activity; and small intestinal histomorphology.Growth performance was monitored during the 50-day nursery phase. Compared withCON piglets, CSI piglets exhibited higher plasma citrulline concentrations (72.72 ± 20.87vs. 47.54 ± 17.05 μM; p < 0.001), indicating improved intestinal epithelial functionality.CSI supplementation also increased the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (3.67 ± 0.75 vs.2.68 ± 0.64; p = 0.001), suggesting enhanced intestinal epithelial integrity. Furthermore, CSIpiglets showed higher average daily gain (0.53 ± 0.07 vs. 0.44 ± 0.09 kg/day; p = 0.003)and a better feed conversion ratio (1.27 ± 0.20 vs. 1.57 ± 0.57; p = 0.004). These resultssuggest that Cynara scolymus extract and inulin supplementation has beneficial biologicaleffects on intestinal epithelial functionality and productive performance in post-weaningpiglets under commercial conditions.