Plant-based Squalene Improves Growth & Reduces Oxidative Stress in Piglets

A recent study explored the potential benefits of plant-derived squalene (SQ) on the growth performance and oxidative stress in weaned piglets, addressing a common challenge in the modern pig industry. Piglets, especially during the weaning phase, are prone to oxidative stress due to environmental, nutritional, and psychological factors. Oxidative stress can impair growth performance and intestinal health, leading to poor feed conversion efficiency and increased vulnerability to disease. Traditional approaches to mitigate these issues have focused on incorporating antioxidants into piglet diets. However, the effects of SQ, a natural antioxidant, remain largely unexplored in piglets.

Squalene (SQ) is recognized for its antioxidant, immune-regulatory, and nutritional properties, making it a promising candidate for improving animal health under stress conditions. Derived from plant sources, SQ is currently available at a relatively low cost, enhancing its potential as a feed additive. While previous research has demonstrated SQ’s benefits in other animals, such as broilers and rodents, there has been limited exploration of its effects on piglets, particularly under oxidative stress conditions. This study aimed to fill that gap by evaluating the impact of SQ supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health in piglets challenged with diquat-induced oxidative stress.

Materials & Methods

The study was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Laboratory Animal Ethical Commission of the Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

• Forty crossbred piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Large Yorkshire) were randomly divided into five groups. The control group received a standard basal diet, while three other groups were supplemented with varying doses of SQ (500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg). A fifth group served as an oxidative stress model, receiving a diquat injection to induce stress. The piglets were monitored over a 35-day period, during which they had ad libitum access to feed and water.
• On day 21, diquat, a pro-oxidant compound, was administered to induce oxidative stress in the designated groups. Diquat generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to cellular damage and growth retardation, making it an effective model for oxidative stress research.

Results & Discussion

• The results showed that SQ supplementation had a significant positive effect on growth performance and antioxidant defense mechanisms in piglets. Piglets receiving SQ at higher doses (1000 and 2000 mg/kg) exhibited increased average daily gain (ADG) and improved feed conversion efficiency under normal feeding conditions. This is consistent with findings from previous studies in other animal models where dietary SQ improved growth metrics.
• The study also demonstrated that SQ supplementation effectively alleviated diquat-induced oxidative stress. Typically, piglets subjected to oxidative stress experience growth retardation, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). However, piglets in the SQ-supplemented groups showed lower MDA levels and higher antioxidant enzyme activity, indicating an enhanced capacity to neutralize ROS and mitigate oxidative damage.
• In addition to improving growth performance and oxidative stress markers, SQ supplementation also protected intestinal health. Diquat-induced oxidative stress often leads to intestinal damage, characterized by villi atrophy, crypt deepening, and a breakdown in the integrity of tight junction proteins (such as ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-3).
• The study found that SQ supplementation significantly reduced these adverse effects, preserving the intestinal epithelium’s structure and improving intestinal function.
• By maintaining intestinal permeability and enhancing tight junction protein production, SQ helped restore intestinal barrier integrity, which contributed to the piglets’ overall health and growth.

Conclusion

This study provides strong evidence that plant-derived squalene is an effective supplement for enhancing growth performance and reducing oxidative stress in weaned piglets. SQ not only improved feed efficiency and weight gain but also strengthened the antioxidant defenses of piglets, particularly under stress conditions induced by diquat. Additionally, SQ demonstrated its protective role in maintaining intestinal health, which is critical for the overall well-being of the animals.