Fatty acids promote gut health
Short- and medium-chain fatty acids are known for their antimicrobial activity and their extensive positive effects on gut health. But only a targeted combination of different fatty acids and other substances can exploit synergistic effects against Gram-positive bacteria.
BY DR RALPH SCHEMMER, BEWITAL AGRI G
ram-positive bacteria represent the cause of many animal intestinal diseases. Infections with Strepto- coccus suis (S. suis) and Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) are considered to be a prime reason
for the high use of antibiotics in pig production. The increas- ing antibiotic resistance has led to a ban on antibiotic use in feed additives in the EU. Therefore, there is an increasing ef- fort to move towards non-antibiotic alternatives. Piglets are generally infected already during or shortly after birth, with germs capable of entering the animal through even the tini- est wounds. Streptococci can than enter the bloodstream, where they settle in certain places in the body via the blood and reproduce. Once the pathogen has settled in the animal, it can cause a wide variety of disease patterns. Alongside pneumonia, inflammation of the joints and meningitis, Strep- tococci can also lead to sudden death. The aim is therefore to minimise the germ pressure as early and as far as possible.
Use and effect of fatty acids Short- and medium-chain fatty acids and their derivatives are particularly important in animal nutrition due to their specific nutritional and metabolic effects like fast digestion, energy supply and primarily because of their antimicrobial and anti- bacterial activity. Especially in piglet nutrition there is an in- creased application of fatty acids and specific combinations because of their impact on digestive processes and the intes- tinal microbiota. Lauric acid (C12) has the greatest antibacte- rial effect of all medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). Primarily it is active against Gram-positive pathogenic and spoilage bac- teria. Its spectrum can be enhanced when combined with other substances, for example different short- and medi- um-chain fatty acids. Furthermore, antimicrobial effects are reported for essential oils and their extracts. The group of
110 ▶ GUT HEALTH | DECEMBER 2020
Synergistic effects can only be caused by a precise selection and combination of active ingredients
phytogenic substances have been employed in pig diets for their digestion stimulating effects, antioxidant properties and in order to improve performance. Due to these properties fatty acids and phytogenic additives are highly interesting for use in pig nutrition. The infection
PHOTO: BEWITAL
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