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Synergistic Fermentation of Cordyceps Militaris and Herbal Substrates Boosts Grower Pig Antioxidant and Immune Function

Summary

This research explores using fermented Cordyceps militaris mushroom as a natural feed additive for pigs, offering a safer alternative to antibiotics. The study found that this natural supplement improved pig health by boosting their immune system and antioxidant defenses, while promoting better growth. Impact on everyday life: – Contributes to reducing antibiotic use in livestock, helping combat antibiotic resistance – Supports development of safer, natural food production methods – May lead to healthier meat products for consumers – Demonstrates potential for sustainable farming practices – Could help reduce costs for farmers while improving animal welfare

Background

Pathogenic infections significantly impact livestock health, with antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) traditionally used in feed for growth and disease control. Due to antibiotic resistance concerns, traditional herbal medicine is being explored as a natural alternative, guided by medicine-food homology principles. The study focuses on optimizing Cordyceps militaris culture for cordycepin production and evaluating its effects when used in solid-state fermentation as a feed supplement.

Objective

To investigate the synergistic effects of Cordyceps militaris fermentation with herbal substrates on grower pig health, specifically examining its impact on antioxidant capacity, immune response, and growth performance. The study aimed to evaluate CMSSF as a potential natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters.

Results

The C. militaris ethanol extract showed strong free radical scavenging activity and effectively inhibited various pig pathogens. In LPS-treated intestinal cells, it significantly suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines. In vivo supplementation increased antioxidative activity through elevated SOD levels in pig serum, enhanced immunoglobulin levels (IgM, IgA, IgG), and improved CSFV antibody levels. Growth performance of pigs fed with CMSSF supplementation showed improvement compared to controls.

Conclusion

CMSSF demonstrated potential as a natural growth promoter, effectively enhancing immunity, antioxidation, and overall health and growth performance in grower pigs. The fermentation process augmented the bioactive properties of both C. militaris and the herbal matrix, yielding enhanced antioxidant and immunomodulatory efficacy. The study suggests CMSSF could serve as a viable natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters.
  • Published in:BMC Veterinary Research,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1186/s12917-024-04338-8
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