In a groundbreaking study published in *Frontiers in Veterinary Science*, researchers have uncovered the multifaceted benefits of lysozyme (LZ) supplementation in weaned piglets, offering promising insights for the agriculture sector. The study, led by Yuying Wu from the College of Animal Science and Technology at Gansu Agricultural University in Lanzhou, China, reveals that dietary LZ supplementation can significantly enhance antioxidant capacity and regulate liver glucolipid metabolism in young pigs.
Lysozyme, a naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide, has long been recognized for its bioactivities. However, this research delves deeper into its potential as a functional feed additive. The study involved forty-eight weaned piglets, which were divided into two groups: one receiving a basal diet and the other a basal diet supplemented with 0.1% LZ for 19 days. The results were striking.
“Dietary LZ supplementation significantly increased the liver index and serum concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol,” Wu explained. This suggests that LZ plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism. The study found that LZ enhanced the activity of catalase (CAT), a key antioxidant enzyme, and up-regulated the expression of several antioxidant genes, including NQO1, Nrf2, MnSOD, and CAT. This indicates that LZ boosts the liver’s antioxidant defense system, likely through the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.
The research also revealed that LZ alters the hepatic fatty acid profile, increasing the contents of several fatty acids such as C16:1, C17:0, C20:3n6, and C18:1n9t. Gene expression analysis showed that LZ up-regulated CPT1α and PPARα, which are involved in fatty acid oxidation, while down-regulating SCD and SREBP1, which are linked to lipogenesis. This dual action suggests that LZ promotes fatty acid oxidation and inhibits fat synthesis, potentially leading to healthier lipid profiles in piglets.
Moreover, LZ supplementation significantly increased the mRNA expression of key gluconeogenic enzymes, including PEPCK, PC, and G6PC. This indicates that LZ may improve hepatic glucose production, a critical process for maintaining energy balance in young animals.
The commercial implications of these findings are substantial. As the agriculture sector continues to seek sustainable and effective ways to enhance animal health and productivity, LZ emerges as a promising candidate. Its ability to modulate lipid and glucose metabolism, coupled with its antioxidant properties, could lead to healthier, more efficient livestock.
“This research opens up new avenues for the use of lysozyme in animal feed,” Wu noted. “It’s not just about improving health; it’s about optimizing metabolic processes that can lead to better growth rates and overall productivity.”
The study’s findings could pave the way for further research into the use of LZ in other livestock species, potentially revolutionizing animal nutrition and health management. As the agriculture sector grapples with the challenges of sustainability and efficiency, innovations like these offer hope for a brighter, more productive future.
With the study published in *Frontiers in Veterinary Science* and led by Yuying Wu from Gansu Agricultural University, this research marks a significant step forward in our understanding of functional feed additives and their potential to transform animal agriculture.