Guazuma ulmifolia L. biomass: A complementary ingredient in starter piglets diets

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the potential of the biomass of Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. (G. ulmifolia L.) as an alternative ingredient in feed for piglets. In addition, the microorganisms present in the flour transformed from the biomass of the fruit of G. ulmifolia L. were identified, and balanced mixture was subsequently formulated to evaluate the impact on the growth and health of the piglets.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Microorganisms present in the flour of the fruit of G. ulmifolia L. were identified from obtaining axenic cultures; considering the morphological characteristics and the nucleotide sequence obtained from the amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. Subsequently, a balanced mixture was formulated with the inclusion of the alternative ingredient of G. ulmifolia L., added with Sorghum, Glycine max and shrimp waste (FMIX). The analytical constituents of the FMIX mixture were also determined and it was subsequently evaluated in a group of 15 female pigs in the initiation stage for 53 days versus commercial balanced feed. Three groups of five pigs were defined as G1 (Diet with commercial balanced feed), G2 (Diet with commercial feed mixture and 10% FMIX mixture) and G3 (Diet with commercial feed mixture and 20% FMIX mixture). Complete blood counts were also obtained at 11 weeks of age for each pig.

Results: The microorganisms found in the flour of G. ulmifolia L. were mainly of the genus Bacillus, Cronobacter and Enterococcus. The bromatological analysis of G. ulmifolia L. flour resulted in a crude protein of 7.12%, crude fiber of 35.40% and a digestible organic matter of 47.81%. The analytical constituents for the FMIX mixture resulted in a crude protein of 19.98%, crude fiber of 6.41% and digestible organic matter of 55.04%. An average weight gain per group of 28.34 ±5.009 Kg was verified for group G1, for G2 of 33.05 ±8.901 Kg and 29.10 ±3.619 Kg for G3. Mainly the blood cell counts indicated the presence of high leukocytes, lymphocytes and basophils for groups G1 and G3, while for group G2 they remained within the normal range. The G1 group showed a decrease in platelets and neutrophils. A slight weight gain was observed in the G2 group, as well as leukocyte levels were controlled.

Limitations on Study/Implications: The climatic conditions were important factor (autumn and winter), as well as the evaluation period of 53 days, which limits the potential generalization of the results to other conditions and in the long term. On the other hand, more studies are required to investigate the mechanisms of action by which G. ulmifolia L. biomass exerts its beneficial effects on the intestinal health of pigs. Despite these limitations, the findings of this study open new perspectives for the development of more sustainable and healthy diets for pig production by taking advantage of natural resources and promoting the use of functional ingredients.

Findings/Conclusions: This study demonstrated that G ulmifolia L. biomass can be an excellent alternative as a feed ingredient for pigs, mainly due to its probiotic microorganism content. The inclusion of this biomass in the diet can optimize nutrient uptake, improve intestinal health and promote improved performance. However, further research is required to fully understand the mechanism of action of these microorganisms and to evaluate their potential in other animal species.