Evaluation of dietary curcumin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles on growth, blood biochemistry, gut barrier integrity and enteric gas emissions in weaned piglets

Weaning stress often impairs growth, metabolic function, gut barrier integrity, and microbial balance in piglets, underscoring the need for effective nutritional interventions to enhance post-weaning health. This study evaluated the effects of dietary curcumin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (SL@Cur) on growth performance, serum biochemical profiles, antioxidant capacity, gut epithelial integrity, gut microbial diversity, and fecal noxious gas emissions in weaned piglets. Thirty-six piglets (Duroc × [Yorkshire × Landrace]; 28 ± 1 days of age; 6–7 kg) were randomly assigned to diets containing 0, 30, or 60 mg/kg SL@Cur for 21 days. Piglets fed 30 or 60 mg/kg SL@Cur exhibited significantly higher final body weight compared with controls. Myogenic gene expression was enhanced, with elevated Pax7 in both supplemented groups and increased Myf5 and Myf6 at 60 mg/kg. Serum triglycerides were reduced at 30 mg/kg, while total cholesterol decreased at both supplementation levels. The 30 mg/kg dose also lowered alanine aminotransferase and increased high-density lipoprotein concentrations. Serum glucose declined dose-dependently, whereas superoxide dismutase and cortisol remained unaffected. Gut barrier integrity improved, indicated by higher expression of zonula occludens-1 and claudin-2. Microbiome analysis revealed greater abundances of nine phyla and twenty genera, including Bacillota, Bacteroidota, Lactobacillus, and Limosilactobacillus in SL@Cur-supplemented piglets. Additionally, SL@Cur markedly reduced fecal NH3 emissions. Overall, SL@Cur enhanced growth performance, improved metabolic and gut health indices, and reduced enteric gas emissions in weaned piglets.