Effects of supplementing with Humulus scandens on the growth performance and gut microbiota in piglets

Aims This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding Humulus scandens (Hu) on growth performance and gut microbiota in piglets. Methods and Results A total of 120 piglets were allocated to four dietary treatments (1) CON, basal diet; (2) T1, basal diet + 2.0% Hu; (3) T2, basal diet + 2.8% Hu and (4) T3, basal diet + 3.6% Hu. The results showed that dietary H. scandens supplementation increased the final body weight and average daily gain. Furthermore, H. scandens supplementation in T1 groups increased the content of total protein, globulin and IgG in serum and the apparent digestibility of crude protein. Gut microbiota analysis showed that H. scandens treatment in T1 groups increased the abundances of Lactobacillus, Ruminococcaceae, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas in cecum content. Conclusions These findings suggested that dietary H. scandens supplementation improved the growth performance, immunological function and nutrient apparent digestibility as well as modulating the gut microbiota in piglets. Significance and Impact of the Study This study contributed to developing new feed resources and might provide an alternative strategy for growth promotion in piglets.