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Review
. 2019 Dec 12;9(12):1126.
doi: 10.3390/ani9121126.

Seaweeds in Pig Nutrition

Carlo Corino  1 , Silvia Clotilde Modina  2 , Alessia Di Giancamillo  1 , Sara Chiapparini  2 , Raffaella Rossi  1
Affiliations
Review

Seaweeds in Pig Nutrition

Carlo Corino et al. Animals (Basel). .

Abstract

Seaweeds are macroalgae, with different sizes, colors and composition. They consist of brown algae, red algae and green algae, which all have a different chemical composition and bioactive molecule content. The polysaccharides, laminarin and fucoidan are commonly present in brown seaweeds, ulvans are found in green seaweeds and, red algae contain a large amount of carrageenans. These bioactive compounds may have several positive effects on health in livestock. In order to reduce the antimicrobials used in livestock, research has recently focused on finding natural and sustainable molecules that boost animal performance and health. The present study thus summarizes research on the dietary integration of seaweeds in swine. In particular the influence on growth performance, nutrients digestibility, prebiotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities were considered. The review highlights that brown seaweeds seem to be a promising dietary intervention in pigs in order to boost the immune system, antioxidant status and gut health. Data on the use of green seaweeds as a dietary supplementation seems to be lacking at present and merit further investigation.

Keywords: dietary supplement; pig; seaweeds.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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