Effects of plant sterol microcapsules on growth performance and serum biochemical indicators in pigs

To better explore the effects of adding phytosterol (PS) microcapsules to feed on pig growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, and serum biochemical indicators, 200 healthy ternary hybrid Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire piglets with an average initial weight of 7.53 ± 0.57 kg) were used as experimental subjects, and randomly divided into five groups with four replicates in each group. The control group of pigs was fed the basic diet, while the experimental group received diets supplemented with different PS levels. They were divided into experimental groups 1 to 4 (100 mg/kg to 5 502 mg/kg) according to different dosage added components. The duration of the experiment was 54 days. The results showed that the total triglyceride (TG) index and diarrhoea status in the experimental group were significantly improved compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The increase in PS addition levels was more significant in the change of pig average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05), and the difference in average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio between PS-400 and PS-550 was significant (P 0.05). From the above, plant sterol microcapsules can effectively improve pig growth performance and nutrient apparent digestibility, and improve their blood lipid status.