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Dietary Pineapple Pomace Complex Improves Growth Performance and Reduces Fecal Odor in Weaned Piglets by Modulating Fecal Microbiota, SCFAs, and Indoles

Summary

Pineapple pomace, a leftover byproduct from pineapple processing, was tested as a feed ingredient for young piglets. When added at 2% to their diet, it significantly improved their growth rate and feed efficiency better than expensive imported fish meal. The pineapple pomace also made the pigs’ manure smell better by reducing foul-smelling compounds, while increasing beneficial gut bacteria that improve digestion and health.

Background

Pineapple pomace is a fiber-rich byproduct from fruit processing with substantial bioactive compounds including bromelain, polyphenols, and functional polysaccharides. Fish meal is expensive and faces sustainability challenges as a protein source in livestock feed. This study evaluated pineapple pomace complex as a functional feed additive for weaned piglets.

Objective

To investigate the effects of dietary pineapple pomace complex supplementation on growth performance, fecal microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids, and odor compound emissions in weaned piglets, compared against fish meal supplementation.

Results

The PPC group showed significantly higher average daily gain and lower feed conversion ratio than controls. PPC enriched beneficial bacteria including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and butyrate-producing bacteria. Acetic and butyric acid levels were significantly elevated in PPC group, with butyrate higher than in fish meal group. Fecal indole and skatole levels were significantly decreased in PPC group.

Conclusion

Dietary supplementation with 2% pineapple pomace complex serves as an effective prebiotic, improving growth performance and feed efficiency while reducing fecal odor compounds. Pineapple pomace represents a sustainable, low-cost alternative to imported fish meal for swine production.
  • Published in:Animals (Basel),
  • Study Type:Animal Trial,
  • Source: 41463888
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