Effects of supplementing varying levels of 1,3-diacylglycerol (DAG) on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility and selected fecal microbial populations in growing pigs

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of 1,3-diacylglycerol (DAG) supplementation
on growth performance, apparent digestibility and selected fecal microbial populations in growing pigs. A total of 80
crossbred pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] with an average initial body weight (BW) of 27.52 ± 0.20 kg were used
in a 6 week feeding trial. Pigs were allotted to 4 dietary treatments based on their initial BW and sex (5 replications; 4
pigs per pen with 2 barrows and 2 gilts). Dietary treatments included: 1) CON, basal diets; 2) CON+0.075% 1,3-DAG;
3) CON+0.10% 1,3-DAG; 4) CON+0.15% 1,3-DAG. The final BW was linearly increased (P=0.0056) by 1,3-DAG
supplementation. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was improved (cubic, P=0.0312) by feeding 1,3-DAG during week
1-3. Overall (week 1-6), dietary 1,3-DAG supplementation led to a linearly increase in ADG (P=0.0042) and G:F
(P=0.0235). In addition, dietary supplementation of 1,3-DAG linearly improved (P=0.0004) the apparent digestibility of
gross energy and had a tendency (linear, P=0.0725) to improve the apparent digestibility of crude fat. Pigs fed 1,3-DAG
supplemented diet also linearly decreased (P=0.0065) fecal E. coil populations at week 3 and linearly increased
(P=0.0348) fecal Lactobacillus populations at week 6. In conclusion, these results show that 1,3-DAG can be used as a
potential functional feed additive and exerts positive effects on growth performance, apparent energy digestibility and
fecal microbiota in growing pigs.