Keynote Lecture “The eubiotic perspective on utilization of tannins in phytotherapy and nutrition of pigs”

Tannins are commonly considered as anti-nutritional factors in piglets' nutrition. However, certain tannin-containing plants are well known for their anti-diarrheal properties, which have been utilized since ancient times in veterinary medicine but had been superseded by antibiotics, since discovery of penicillin in 1928 and introduction of antimicrobials in farm animal production since the 1950s. Decades of extensive antibiotic use in prevention and therapy of infections in animals significantly contributed to the spread of antimicrobial resistance, leading to the restrictions on their use in farm animals. As a consequence, the development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies targeted on maintaining piglets gut health, which are based on pleiotropic mechanisms, is urgently needed.

The conducted studies have shown that selected condensed and hydrolysable tannins-rich plant formulations are able to inhibit the enteropathogenic E. coli growth and adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells, and stimulate intestinal barrier formation through enhancement of TJ proteins expression. The tested tannin sources did not negatively affect diversity and metabolism of intestinal microbiota of post- weaning piglets ex vivo.

The conducted studies support the historically attributed anti-diarrheal properties of tannin-containing plant preparations revealing their eubiotic effects that not only respect the ecological context of preserving the homeostasis of intestinal microbiota but also support intestinal epithelium development in post-weaning piglets. The obtained results serve as an initial point for further studies on development of novel, sustainable feed additives dedicated to farm animals as scientifically based alternatives to antibiotics.

Funding Financially supported by Polish National Science Centre grant OPUS LAP UMO- 2020/39/I/NZ7/02547.

Publication History

Article published online:
16 November 2023