The early post-weaning period in piglets is characterized by physiological and environmental stress that can impair intestinal function and growth performance. Plant-derived feed additives have gained interest as a nutritional strategy to support gut integrity and productivity. Extracts from Cynara scolymus stimulate bile secretion and exhibit antioxidant properties, whereas inulin may promote beneficial microbial populations and intestinal functionality through prebiotic activity.
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological activity of a feed additive containing Cynara scolymus extract and inulin on intestinal functional indicators and productive performance of post-weaned piglets under intensive production conditions.
Method: Four hundred and eight piglets were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group (CON) fed a basal diet and a treatment group (CSI) supplemented with the additive (5% Cynara scolymus extract and 14% inulin) at 300 g/ton of feed. Plasma cortisol and citrulline concentrations were measured during the first 15 days post-weaning. On day 16 post-weaning, intestinal parameters were evaluated, including gastrointestinal pH, enterobacteria and lactic acid bacteria counts, volatile fatty acids, bacterial adhesion to ileal mucus, disaccharidase activity, and small intestinal histomorphology. Growth performance was monitored throughout the 50-day nursery phase.
Results: Compared with CON piglets, CSI piglets exhibited higher plasma citrulline concentrations (72.72 ± 20.87 vs. 47.54 ± 17.05 µM), indicating improved intestinal epithelial functionality. CSI supplementation also increased the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (3.67 ± 0.75 vs. 2.68 ± 0.64), suggesting enhanced intestinal epithelial integrity. Furthermore, CSI piglets showed higher average daily gain (0.53 ± 0.07 vs. 0.44 ± 0.09 kg/day) and improved feed conversion ratio (1.27 ± 0.20 vs. 1.57 ± 0.57).
Conclusion: These findings indicate that supplementation with Cynara scolymus extract and inulin provides beneficial biological effects on intestinal epithelial functionality and productive performance in post-weaning piglets under commercial production conditions.
Martínez G, Decundo JM, Diéguez SN, Pérez Gaudio DS, Bianchi CP, Colusi E, Amanto FA, Soraci AL. Cynara scolymus Extract–Inulin Feed Additive Improves Intestinal Function and Growth in Weaned Piglets. Animals. 2026; 16(14): 2250. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16142250