plant-based feed materials, especially soy-based ingredients. Today’s livestock industry depends heavily on global trading in raw materials, increasing the chances for viral transmission from continent to continent. Since the 2013 outbreak of porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDv) in the US, further investigations have shown that contaminated feed and feed ingredients are potential sources of epidemics. A collaborative study led by Dr Scott Dee from Pipestone Applied Research, Dr Megan C. Niederwerder at Kansas State University, Dr Aar- on Singrey and Dr Eric Nelson at South Dakota State Univer- sity − and with the participation of Pancosma/ADM − shows that MCFAs are potential agents for mitigating transmission of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv), PEDv and Senecavirus A (SVA) to piglets from contaminated feed. MCFAs also helped challenged piglets significantly improve their average daily gain.


Gut morphology and immune modulation MCFAs and their derivatives not only modulate gut microflora by reducing unwanted pathogenic bacteria, they also demon- strate an influence on gut morphology. A study shows that MCFA supplementation to young piglets resulted in longer villi in the small intestine with a lower crypt depth. MCFAs also play a role in immune modulation, especially during inflammation. Another study shows that adding MCFA triglycerides to rat feed helps protect their intestine by increasing IgA secretion and modulating the inflammatory immune response when challenged with endotoxin, LPS. They also found that MCFA supplementation to miniature pigs challenged with cyclophosphamide helped reduce intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress while strengthening the gut barrier function.


The hidden cost Pathogenic challenge in animals leads to high costs in terms of protein and energy. It has been roughly quantified that the lysine cost of the innate and acquired immune response was equal to a loss of 0.031 g of average daily gain per kg body- weight. Subclinical infection, if underestimated and neglected, can impact animals’ overall growth performance. Research shows that performance drops when AGPs are removed from their diet (WHO, 2003), because the incidence of disease is likely to increase, and animals require more protein and energy to deal with pathogens. Enhancing animal performance while using fewer antibiotics on the farm requires a comprehensive strategy, from biosecurity to feed hygiene. Animal gut well- ness is crucial for growth, building up resilience to disease and focusing energy on better development. MCFAs and their derivatives play a key role in the AGP alternative solution. They function not only as what used to be known as an antimicrobial ingredient, but have other potential properties that promote animal wellness such as improving gut morphology, enhancing immune response and mitigating pathogens in feed.


Pancosma, a brand of ADM, makes no representation or warranty, whether expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information, nor does it assume any legal liability, whether direct or indirect, for any information. Use of this information shall be at your discretion and risk. Nothing herein relieves you from your obligation to comply with all applicable laws and regulations and to observe all third-party rights. The uses and claims for ADM’s products should be adapted to the current local/ regional regulatory environment. This information does not imply any express recommendations for the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease. References are available upon request.


▶ ALL ABOUT FEED | Volume 29, No. 7, 2021 11


Studies show that MCFA sup- plementation to young piglets resulted in


longer villi in the small intestine with a lower crypt depth.


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