Protective effects of microencapsulated Lactoferrin in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli- challenged piglets

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a significant cause of diarrhea in neonatal and weanling pigs, leading to considerable morbidity, mortality, and economic losses in swine production. The present study evaluated the protective effects of microencapsulated lactoferrin (Lf) in ETEC-challenged piglets, focusing on growth performance, intestinal health, and oxidative stress parameters, thereby contributing to sustainable practices in animal husbandry. The microencapsulation process, utilizing bio-based polymers, enhances the bioavailability and stability of Lf, which is for its application in veterinary medicine. An in vivo assay was conducted with 40 piglets divided into four groups: CON ⁻ (not challenged, not treated), CON ⁺ (challenged, no treated), T1 (challenged treated with free Lf) and T2 (challenged, treated with microencapsulated Lf). Key metrics, including growth rates, diarrhea incidence, and blood parameters, were recorded over ten days. Microscopic evaluations of intestinal morphology and oxidative stress markers in liver tissues were also conducted. The results demonstrated that the T2 group exhibited a significant reduction in diarrhea incidence, enhanced survival rates (100% by day 10), and improved average daily weight gain compared to the other groups, aligning with the health and well-being goals of sustainable development. Blood analyses revealed that the CON + group showed signs of anemia, whereas those receiving microencapsulated Lf had normalized levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Additionally, liver MDA levels were significantly lower, while SOD levels were significantly increased in the Lf treatment groups, indicating reduced oxidative stress. This study confirms their microencapsulation of Lf using bio-based polymers can enhance its bioactivity, contributing to better intestinal health and overall performance in piglets challenged with ETEC. This approach not only mitigates the negative impacts of porcine neonatal diarrhea on swine production but also supports sustainable agricultural practices by promoting animal health and reducing dependency on antibiotics.