Nutritional and Antioxidative Benefits of Dietary Macroalgae Supplementation in Weaned Piglets

Simple Summary: This study was conducted to investigate the health benefits of incorporating brown macroalgae into the diets of young piglets. Different amounts of macroalgae were added to piglet feed, and the effects on their digestion and health were observed. It was found that the inclusion of macroalgae enhanced the piglets' ability to digest fat and had a positive impact on their blood cholesterol levels. Additionally, an increase in the body's defense against oxidative stress, a condition that can cause cellular damage, was noted. This study suggests that macroalgae, a natural seaweed supplement, could be beneficial in piglet diets, aiding in digestion and health improvement. This research is significant as it explores natural methods to enhance animal health and nutrition. This study explores the effects of dietary brown macroalgae (Ascophyllum nodosum) inclusion on digestibility and blood biochemical indices and redox markers in piglets fed diets with varying levels (0%, 0.6% and 1%) of macroalgae from 18 to 64 days of age. Macroalgae significantly influenced lipid profiles, reducing total cholesterol levels (quadratic contrast p = 0.001) and demonstrating an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, particularly with 1% macroalgae inclusion (linear contrast p < 0.001), with a decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in both macroalgae-supplemented groups (linear contrast p = 0.001). Additionally, macroalgae had a positive impact on the activities of antioxidative enzymes (ferric-reducing ability of plasma, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione) and reduced lipid peroxidation products (lipid hydroperoxide, malondialdehyde) in the blood, liver tissue, and intestinal epithelium of the ileum, suggesting enhanced antioxidative defense mechanisms. These changes were dose-dependent; in blood plasma, they exhibited both a linear and quadratic response, while in the tissues, the response was primarily linear. Additionally, an increase in the digestibility of crude fat in macroalgae-supplemented groups was observed (linear contrast p < 0.001), highlighting their potential role in improving nutrient absorption and digestion. The study findings emphasize the health benefits of natural, seaweed-based additives in diets, particularly in managing oxidative stress and improving lipid profiles, and highlight the potential of macroalgae as a natural dietary supplement to improve antioxidant systems and lipid metabolism in piglets.