Efficacy of exogenous alkaline phosphatases to improve growth performances in pigs

Project 17-032 - Lead Researcher: Dr. Ming Fan, University of Guelph

The effects of systemic inflammation are well documented to adversely affect efficiency of energy and nitrogen utilization in pigs.  Weaned and grow-finish pigs are likely commonly experiencing mild inflammatory responses within the body, to the various challenges they experience (stress at weaning, diet changes, and endotoxins released from bacteria).  Mild inflammation in the intestine can limit the efficiency of nutrient utilization in pigs.  One strategy to combat these inflammatory responses, is to add antimicrobials to the feed. However with the recent push to reduce the use of antimicrobials, new strategies are needed.

Commercially available phytases that can be added to swine feed may improve nutrient utilization but are not biologically effective in the detoxification of endotoxins.  Research has revealed that the enzyme, alkaline phosphatase can detoxify endotoxins from pathogenic bacteria in the gut environment. Therefore it is possible that the addition of alkaline phosphatases to swine feed may result in reduced gut inflammation and improved gut health in pigs.  This project will test the effectiveness of in-feed alkaline phosphatases to decrease gut and systemic inflammation and improve growth performance and efficiency of energy and protein utilization in weaned pigs.