Efficacy of soy protein concentrate replacing animal protein supplements in mucosa-associated microbiota, intestinal health, and growth performance of nursery pigs

Impacts of replacing soybean meal with processed soybean meal on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs challenged with F18+ Escherichia coli

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the impact of different level of soybean meal (SBM) replaced by soy protein concentrate on intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs under F18+ Escherichia coli (E. coli).

METHODS

Forty-eight newly weaned pigs (6.6±0.3 kg) were randomly allotted to 4 treatments arranged by 2×2 factors using randomized complete block design with initial body weight and sex as blocks. Two factors were F18+ E. coli challenge (0 or 2.1×1010 colony-forming units [CFU]) and the level of SBM (24% or 12% in phase 1 and 26% or 14% in phase 2). Pigs were fed for 25 d in 2 phases (phase 1 for 11 d and phase 2 for 14 d). At the end of study, all pigs were euthanized to collect jejunal mucosa and tissues.

RESULTS

The F18+ E. coli challenge decreased (p<0.05) overall average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) and decreased (p<0.05) gain to feed ratio on d 7 to 11. The high SBM tended to have a greater overall ADG (p = 0.054) and ADFI (p = 0.078) compared with low SBM under F18+ E. coli challenge, but not in unchallenged conditions. The F18+ E. coli challenge increased (p<0.05) fecal score on d 7 to 18. The tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β in jejunal mucosa were decreased (p<0.05) in high SBM treatments. The high SBM tended to increase (p = 0.085) occludin expression in jejunum. high SBM increased crypt depth in jejunum under F18+ E. coli challenge, but not in unchallenged conditions (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

High SBM in nursery diets could alleviate the detrimental effects of F18+ E. coli challenge on growth performance of pigs under compared to low SBM inclusion, which might be attributed to decreased intestinal inflammation and improved intestinal integrity.

Efficacy of ground herb-based and essential oil-based phytobiotics on the intestinal health and performance of nursery pigs challenged with F18+Escherichia coli

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of using ground herb-based phytobiotics and essential oil-based phytobiotics in pig diets on intestinal health and growth performance (GP) of nursery pigs challenged with F18+Escherichia coli. Forty nursery pigs (6.4 ± 0.1 kg) at 21 d of age were individually housed and assigned to 4 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design, with body weight and sex as blocking factors. Basal diets were fed to pigs for 28 d in 3 phases. Treatments were negative control (NC): basal diet, non-challenged; positive control (PC): basal diet, challenged with F18+E. coli; HP: PC + 1% ground herb-based phytobiotics (Salcochek Pro, Ayurvet Limited, Kaushambi, India); EP: PC + 1% essential oil-based phytobiotics (Liq-biotic, Ayurvet Limited). The GP was recorded for each phase and fecal score (FS) was measured daily. On day 7 postweaning, the challenged groups were orally inoculated with F18+E. coli (2.0 × 1010 CFU), the NC treatment received a sterile saline solution. On day 28, pigs were euthanized to collect jejunal samples to evaluate intestinal health and relative abundance (RA) of jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure on SAS 9.4. The PC increased (P < 0.05) the RA of Prevotellaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae when compared to NC. The HP reduced (P < 0.05) the RA of Veillonellaceae, Prevotellaceae, and Lachnospiraceae when compared to PC. The EP tended to reduce the RA of Streptococcaceae (P = 0.073) and Corynebacteriaceae (P = 0.074) when compared to PC. The PC increased (P < 0.05) occludin and tended to increase (P = 0.096) toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) when compared to NC. The PC decreased (P < 0.05) average daily gain and average daily feed intake when compared to NC in days 7 to 28. The PC increased FS (P < 0.05) compared to the HP and EP days 7 to 11. The HP and EP decreased (P < 0.05) FS when compared to PC during days 7 to 11 and days 7 to 18. In conclusion, F18+E. coli challenge disrupted the jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota, increased TLR4 expression and FS, and consequently reduced GP. Both HP and EP phytobiotics supported intestinal morphology during the challenge to F18+E. coli by supporting enterocyte maturation. The HP and EP treatments exhibited antimicrobial-like effects by altering the jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota and reduced FS during the first 2 weeks post-challenge. The HP treatment showed potential antioxidant effects.

Investigation of the nutritional and functional roles of a microencapsulated blend of botanicals on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs challenged with F18+Escherichia coli

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of a microencapsulated blend of botanicals (MBB) on the intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs challenged with F18+E. coli. Sixty-four nursery pigs (6.8 ± 0.3 kg) were assigned to 4 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design, with initial body weight and sex as blocks, and fed for 28 d in 3 phases. Treatments were a basal diet fed to pigs without F18+E. coli challenge (NC) and 3 levels of MBB (0.0%, 0.1%, and 0.2%) in pigs challenged with F18+E. coli. On day 7 of the study, pigs in the challenged group were orally inoculated with F18+E. coli (1.5 × 1010 CFU). On days 7 and 21 post-challenge, pigs were euthanized to collect jejunal tissues and mucosa. Compared to the NC, 0.0% MBB increased (P < 0.05) relative abundance (RA) of Staphylococcus saprophyticus and reduced (P < 0.05) Streptococcus parasuis at days 7 and 21 post-challenge, respectively. Increasing levels of MBB decreased (linear: P < 0.05) RA of S. saprophyticus on day 7 post-challenge. Compared to the NC, 0.0% MBB increased (P < 0.05) jejunal NOD2 and IL-6 expression and decreased (P < 0.05) ZO-1 on day 7 post-challenge. Compared to the NC, 0.0% MBB decreased (P < 0.05) jejunal IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α and increased (P < 0.05) IgG on day 21 post-challenge. Increasing levels of MBB increased OCLN (linear: P < 0.05) and ZO-1 (linear and quadratic: P < 0.05) on day 7 post-challenge and decreased toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4; linear and quadratic: P < 0.05). Compared to the NC, 0.0% MBB decreased (P < 0.05) Ki-67+ on day 7 post-challenge. Increasing levels of MBB increased (linear: P < 0.05) Ki-67+ on day 7 post-challenge and villus height (VH):CD on d 21 post-challenge. In the overall period, compared to the NC, 0.0% MBB decreased (P < 0.05) average daily gain. Increasing daily MBB intake linearly increased OCLN on day 7 and VH:CD on day 21, and reduced TLR4 and IL-8 on day 21 post-challenge, but exhibiting quadratic effects (P < 0.05) on ZO-1 (optimal at 0.12% of MBB), IgG (optimal at 0.14% of MBB), and G:F during days 7 to 20 and days 7 to 28 (optimal at 0.22% and 0.10% of MBB, respectively). In conclusion, F18+E. coli challenge negatively modulated the jejunal mucosal microbiota and reduced intestinal morphology and growth of nursery pigs. Supplementation of MBB at 0.10% to 0.14% provided optimal mitigation of the impacts of F18+E. coli challenge on humoral immunity, intestinal integrity, jejunal morphology, and feed efficiency of pigs.

Efficacy of β-Glucan From Microalgae on the Intestinal Health and Growth of Nursery Pigs

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of β-glucan from microalgae (Algamune, Algal Scientific, Plymouth, MI, USA) on the intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs. One hundred sixty nursery pigs (6.0 ± 1.6 kg BW) were assigned to four treatments arranged in a 2 × 2 factor: antibiotic use and β-glucan supplementation (0.02% Algamune). Diets were fed for 5 weeks, at which eight pigs from each treatment were selected for tissue sample collection. During the overall experimental period, antibiotics improved (p < 0.05) ADG and G:F. In Week 5, β-glucan supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the ADG of pigs without antibiotics, whereas β-glucan supplementation had no effect in pigs with antibiotics. In Phase 3, β-glucan supplementation tended to increase (p = 0.061) ADFI of pigs without antibiotics, whereas β-glucan supplementation had no effect in pigs with antibiotics. Both antibiotics and β-glucan increased (p < 0.05) villus height in the duodenum. Supplementation of β-glucan reduced (p < 0.05) IgA in the jejunum and tended to reduce (p = 0.053) IgA in the ileum. In conclusion, β-glucan from microalgae may encourage growth and feed intake of nursery pigs by improving intestinal health when antibiotics are not used in the diets.

Effects of dietary supplementation of myristic acid on jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota, mucosal immunity, and growth performance of nursery pigs

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of myristic acid on jejunal mucosal microbiota, mucosal immunity, and growth performance of nursery pigs. Thirty-six pigs (6.6 ± 0.4 kg of body weight) were assigned to three treatments (n = 12) for 35 d in three phases: (NC) basal diet; (PC) NC + bacitracin; and (MA) NC + myristic acid compound. Pigs were euthanized to collect jejunal mucosa, jejunal tissues, and ileal digesta. The PC increased (p < 0.05) the relative abundance (RA) of Lactobacillus spp., and Bifidobacterium boum than the NC group. The MA increased (p < 0.05) RA of Bifidobacterium dentium and Megasphaera spp. than the NC group. The PC tended to decrease IL-8 (p = 0.053) and protein carbonyl (p = 0.075) whereas IgG (p = 0.051) and IL-8 (p = 0.090) in jejunal mucosa were decreased by the MA. The PC increased (p < 0.05) the villus height to crypt depth ratio than the NC group. Both bacitracin and myristic acid improved the intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs. Effects of bacitracin were rather immediate whereas the effects of myristic acid were obtained after a 3-week feeding.

Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics mitigate mucosal damages from F18+ Escherichia coli challenges by positively balancing the mucosal microbiota in the jejunum of young pigs

BACKGROUND

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the most prevalent causes of diarrhea in young animals. Postbiotics derived from yeast have the potential to positively influence the mucosal microbiota in the jejunum, therefore it was hypothesized that Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics could enhance the microbiota and mucosal immune response in the jejunum, mitigating the effects of infection with enterotoxigenic E. coli. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a Saccharomyces yeast postbiotic on the mucosal microbiota and mucosal immune response in the jejunum of newly weaned pigs challenged with F18+ E. coli.

RESULTS

Thirty-six individually housed nursery pigs were allotted into three treatments utilizing a randomized complete block design; negative control (NC: basal diet, no challenge), positive control (PC: basal diet, challenge), and SYP (basal diet + Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics at 175 g/ton, challenge). On d 7, PC and SYP were orally inoculated with F18+ E. coli, whereas NC received saline. On d 28, pigs were euthanized for sampling of the jejunum to analyze the mucosal microbiota, oxidative stress, immune status, and intestinal morphology. The PC reduced (P < 0.05) growth performance compared to NC. The SYP improved (P < 0.05) fecal score from d 7-18 when compared with PC. SYP reduced (P < 0.05) protein carbonyl, reduced (P < 0.05) gene expression of Toll-like receptor 4, and increased (P < 0.05) gene expression of mammalian target of rapamycin, compared with PC.

CONCLUSIONS

Challenge with F18+ E. coli negatively impacted jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota and jejunal morphology, affecting growth performance. Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics could reduce the negative effects associated with F18+ E. coli infection.

Effects of dietary Lactobacillus postbiotics and bacitracin on the modulation of mucosa-associated microbiota and pattern recognition receptors affecting immunocompetence of jejunal mucosa in pigs challenged with enterotoxigenic F18+ Escherichia coli

BACKGROUND

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a threat to humans and animals that causes intestinal disorders. Antimicrobial resistance has urged alternatives, including Lactobacillus postbiotics, to mitigate the effects of enterotoxigenic E. coli.

METHODS

Forty-eight newly weaned pigs were allotted to NC: no challenge/no supplement; PC: F18+ E. coli challenge/no supplement; ATB: F18+ E. coli challenge/bacitracin; and LPB: F18+ E. coli challenge/postbiotics and fed diets for 28 d. On d 7, pigs were orally inoculated with F18+ E. coli. At d 28, the mucosa-associated microbiota, immune and oxidative stress status, intestinal morphology, the gene expression of pattern recognition receptors (PRR), and intestinal barrier function were measured. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS 9.4.

RESULTS

PC increased (P < 0.05) Helicobacter mastomyrinus whereas reduced (P < 0.05) Prevotella copri and P. stercorea compared to NC. The LPB increased (P < 0.05) P. stercorea and Dialister succinatiphilus compared with PC. The ATB increased (P < 0.05) Propionibacterium acnes, Corynebacterium glutamicum, and Sphingomonas pseudosanguinis compared to PC. The PC tended to reduce (P = 0.054) PGLYRP4 and increased (P < 0.05) TLR4, CD14, MDA, and crypt cell proliferation compared with NC. The ATB reduced (P < 0.05) NOD1 compared with PC. The LPB increased (P < 0.05) PGLYRP4, and interferon-γ and reduced (P < 0.05) NOD1 compared with PC. The ATB and LPB reduced (P < 0.05) TNF-α and MDA compared with PC.

CONCLUSIONS

The F18+ E. coli challenge compromised intestinal health. Bacitracin increased beneficial bacteria showing a trend towards increasing the intestinal barrier function, possibly by reducing the expression of PRR genes. Lactobacillus postbiotics enhanced the immunocompetence of nursery pigs by increasing the expression of interferon-γ and PGLYRP4, and by reducing TLR4, NOD1, and CD14.

Research progress on cottonseed meal as a protein source in pig nutrition: An updated review

At a global level, the supply of protein sources is insufficient to support the current magnitude of pig production. Moreover, given the exorbitant expense of conventional protein feed options like soybean meal and fish meal, it becomes imperative to promptly explore alternative sources of protein feed for the sustainable advancement of the pig industry. Cottonseed meal, a by-product from the extraction of cottonseed oil, exhibits significant potential as a protein source for pig feed owing to its high protein content, high yield, low cost, well-balanced amino acid composition, and sufficient accessibility. However, cottonseed meal possesses several anti-nutritional factors, especially gossypol, which adversely affect growth and reproductive performance, resulting in the limited utilization of cottonseed meal in pig feed. To maximize the benefits of cottonseed meal and promote its application in pig production, it is imperative to acquire comprehensive knowledge regarding its nutritional value and current utilization. In this review, we initially presented a summary of the nutritional values of cottonseed meal, primary anti-nutritional factors, and effective approaches for improving its utilization as a protein source feed. Subsequently, we comprehensively summarized the latest research progress of cottonseed meal application in pig nutrition over the past decade. The outcome of this review serves as a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the research and application of cottonseed meal in pig nutrition and promotes the reduction of soybean meal utilization in the pig industry.

Efficacy of Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics on cell turnover, immune responses, and oxidative stress in the jejunal mucosa of young pigs

This study aimed to determine the effects of Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics on cell turnover, immune responses, and oxidative stress in the jejunal mucosa of pigs. Thirty-two newly weaned pigs at 6.05 ± 0.24 kg were assigned to two dietary treatments based on a randomized complete block design. The treatments were control group receiving a basal diet and a group supplemented with Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics (175 g/ton diet) in the basal diet. After 35 d of the study, pigs were euthanized and jejunal mucosa were collected to assess immune status, oxidative stress, barrier markers, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics reduced (P < 0.05) the fecal score from d 3 to d 7 and tended to increase the gene expression of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (P = 0.071) and mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) (P = 0.080), decrease the gene expression of B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein 1 (BAX1) (P < 0.05), tended to decrease the gene expression of serum and glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase 1 (SGK1) (P = 0.066), increased (P < 0.05) cell proliferation in the crypts, and tended to increase the villus height (P = 0.078) and crypt depth (P = 0.052) in the jejunum. In conclusion, the supplementation of Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics in nursery diets reduced diarrhea within the first week after weaning and provided protection to the villi in the jejunum by enhancing the immune responses of nursery pigs, promoting crypt cell proliferation, and reducing the expression of genes associated with apoptosis without affecting inflammatory and oxidative stress status in the jejunum of the nursery pigs.

Development and application of a multi-step porcine in vitro system to evaluate feedstuffs and feed additives for their efficacy in nutrient digestion, digesta characteristics, and intestinal immune responses

In vitro model provides alternatives to the use of live animals in research. In pig nutrition, there has been a tremendous increase in in vivo research over the decades. Proper utilization of in vitro models could provide a screening tool to reduce the needs of in vivo studies, research duration, cost, and the use of animals and feeds. This study aimed to develop a multi-step porcine in vitro system to simulate nutrient digestion and intestinal epithelial immune responses affected by feedstuffs and feed additives. Seven feedstuffs (corn, corn distillers dried grains with solubles [corn DDGS], barley, wheat, soybean meal, soy protein concentrates, and Corynebacterium glutamicum cell mass [CGCM]), feed enzymes (xylanase and phytase), and supplemental amino acids (arginine, methionine, and tryptophan), were used in this in vitro evaluation for their efficacy on digestibility, digesta characteristics, and intestinal health compared with the results from previously published in vivo studies. All in vitro evaluations were triplicated. Data were analyzed using Mixed procedure of SAS9.4. Evaluations included (1) nutrient digestibility of feedstuffs, (2) the effects of feed enzymes, xylanase and phytase, on digestibility of feedstuffs and specific substrates, and (3) the effects of amino acids, arginine, tryptophan, and methionine, on anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-heat stress statuses showing their effects (P < 0.05) on the measured items. Differences in dry matter and crude protein digestibility among the feedstuffs as well as effects of xylanase and phytase were detected (P < 0.05), including xylo-oligosaccharide profiles and phosphorus release from phytate. Supplementation of arginine, tryptophan, and methionine modulated (P < 0.05) cellular inflammatory and oxidative stress responses. The use of this in vitro model allowed the use of 3 experimental replications providing sufficient statistical power at P < 0.05. This indicates in vitro models can have increased precision and consistency compared with in vivo animal studies.

Opportunities and Challenges of Soy Proteins with Different Processing Applications

Soybean meal (SBM) is a prevailing plant protein supplement in animal diets because of its nutritional value and availability. This review paper explores the significance of SBM and processed soy products, emphasizing their nutritional and bioactive components, such as isoflavones and soyasaponins. These compounds are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with a reduced prevalence of chronic diseases. However, the presence of antinutritional compounds in SBM presents a significant challenge. The paper evaluates various processing methods, including ethanol/acid wash, enzyme treatment, and fermentation, which are aimed at enhancing the nutritional value of soy products. It highlights the significance to maintain a balance between nutritional enhancement and the preservation of beneficial bioactive compounds, emphasizing the importance of different processing techniques to fully exploit the health benefits of soy-based products. Therefore, this review illuminates the complex balance between nutritional improvement, bioactive compound preservation, and the overall health implications of soy products.

- Invited Review - Current status of global pig production: an overview and research trends

Global pig production has increased by 140% since the 1960s. The increase in global population, coupled with improving socioeconomic conditions of many countries has led to an increased consumption of meat globally, including pork. To keep up with demand and capitalize on economic opportunities, the countries of China, the United States (US), and the European Union (EU) have become the top 3 pork producers globally. China is of particular interest, as it is the both the largest country in pork production and pig numbers, as well as being the largest importer of pork from other countries. Globally, the efficiency of pork production has improved, in relation to the integration of pig production and the dramatic increase in research efforts in pig nutrition and production. Through integration, large producers can consolidate resources and maximize profits and efficiency. The increased research interest and efforts in pig production have given scientists and producers the opportunity to collaborate to adapt to challenges and identify possible solutions to issues brought on by a volatile global market. Intestinal health (23%), general nutrition and growth (23%), and amino acid nutrition (15%) were the top 3 areas (61%) leading research trends in pig nutrition and production. Major dietary interventions with feed additives evaluated include functional amino acids, feed enzymes, pre-/pro-/post-biotics, and phytobiotics with a common goal to improve the growth efficiency by enhancing nutrient utilization and intestinal health. With increasing global issues with environment, pig producers and the supporting scientists should continue their efforts to improve the production efficiency and to reduce the environmental footprint from pig production.

Modulation of cecal microbiota and fecal metabolism in mice by walnut protein

Walnut meal is a by-product of walnut oil pressing, in which the protein content is more than 40%, which is an excellent food raw material, but at present, it is basically used as animal feed or discarded, which results in a great waste of resources, and its modulating effect on the intestinal microbiota is not clear. In this study, we used supercritically extracted walnut meal as a raw material, prepared walnut meal isolate protein (WP) by alkaline extraction and acid precipitation, and systematically analyzed its structure by Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy (Raman), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); meanwhile, we explored the effects of WP on the cecal bacterial flora and fecal metabolites of mice by microbiological and metabolomic techniques. The results showed that the protein content of WP prepared using alkaline extraction and acid precipitation was as high as 83.7%, in which arginine and glutamic acid were abundant, and it has the potential to be used as a raw material for weight-loss meal replacement food; FTIR and Raman analyses showed that the absorption peaks of WP's characteristic functional groups were obvious, and that the content of the α-helix and β-fold in the secondary structure was greater than 30%, which indicated that it was structurally stable; differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and SEM analyses showed that WP is a typical spherical particle, its denaturation temperature is 73.6 °C, and it has good thermal stability. Supplementation of WP significantly altered the composition of the intestinal flora in mice, with an increase in beneficial bacteria and a decrease in harmful bacteria; the strongest modulation of the intestinal flora was achieved by altering the composition of the intestinal flora and by increasing the number of Akkermansia (p < 0.01), which consequently affects the function of the microbiota. Based on LC-MS metabolomic results, we identified a total of 87 WP-regulated metabolites, mainly enriched in the bile secretion pathway, which had the highest relevance, followed by benzoxazine biosynthesis. In summary, walnut protein is an important plant protein and has a positive impact on intestinal health, which may provide new ideas for the development of functional foods.

Effects of β-mannanase supplementation on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs

Two experiments were conducted using 120 pigs to test the hypothesis that supplementation of β-mannanase could reduce digesta viscosity, enhance nutrient digestion, and improve intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs. In experiment 1, 48 crossbred barrows were randomly allotted to four treatments with increasing levels of β-mannanase at 0, 200, 400, and 600 U/kg in feeds. All pigs were euthanized on day 12 to collect jejunal digesta to measure digesta viscosity and ileal digesta to measure apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). In experiment 2, 72 nursery pigs were randomly allotted to three treatments with increasing levels of β-mannanase at 0, 400, and 600 U/kg in feeds. Plasma collected on day 9 was used to measure tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), immunoglobulin G (IgG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl (PC). All pigs were euthanized on day 10 to collect duodenal and jejunal tissues to evaluate the production of TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA, morphology, crypt cell proliferation, and expression of tight junction proteins in the jejunum. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure for polynomial contrasts and the NLMIXED procedure for broken-line analysis of SAS. In experiment 1, β-mannanase supplementation tended to have quadratic effects on digesta viscosity (P = 0.085) and AID of GE (P = 0.093) in the pigs. In experiment 2, jejunal digesta viscosity of the pigs was reduced (P < 0.05) when β-mannanase was supplemented at 360 U/kg of feed. β-Mannanase supplementation linearly reduced (P < 0.05) TNF-α, IgG, MDA, and PC in the duodenum, and TNF-α, IgG, and MDA in the jejunum of the pigs. β-Mannanase supplementation linearly increased (P < 0.05) villus height to crypt depth ratio and crypt cell proliferation in the jejunum. β-Mannanase supplementation tended to linearly improve (P = 0.083) expression of zonula occludens-1 in the jejunum. In conclusion, supplementation of β-mannanase at 360 U/kg reduced the digesta viscosity and up to 600 U/kg positively affected intestinal health and growth of pigs by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress whilst enhancing structure and barrier function in the jejunum.