The Combination of Plant Extracts and Probiotics Improved Jejunal Barrier and Absorption Capacity of Weaned Piglets

Plant extracts and probiotics play a vital role in maintaining animal intestinal health. However, their joint compatibility program still needs to be further explored. In our study, thirty two piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) were selected to divided into four treatments, which included basal diet, basal diet + 1000 mg/kg probiotics with added glucose oxidase (PGO), basal diet + 500 mg/kg Illicium verum extracts (IVE), and basal diet + 500 mg/kg IVE + 1000 mg/kg PGO. All the piglets were housed individually for the 42-d trial period after 7-d adaptation. Results showed that dietary supplementation of PGO and IVE increased the digestibility of ether extract (EE), crude protein (CP), and lysine (p < 0.05). Likewise, the net protein utilization (NPU) was also improved (p < 0.05). What is more, adding PGO and IVE reduced crypt depth, increased villus length, and chrionic gland ratio of piglets (p < 0.05). Additionally, IVE or PGO that was applied alone can increase the expression of Occludin, Zona occludens 1 (ZO-1), and Sodium-dependent glucose transporters 1 (SGLT1) in jejunum (p < 0.05). Our results strongly suggest that the combination of IVE and PGO can improve the nutrient digestibility of weaned piglets by increasing the expression of nutrient transport vectors (SGLT1 and CAT1) and tight junction proteins (Occludin and ZO-1) in the jejunum. In conclusion, the combination of plant extracts and probiotics is a vital strategy to improve animal health before the advent of antibiotic substitutes with absolute advantages.