Abstract
The purpose of this experiment was to determine the commercial sources of chitosan (CS) in weaned pigs to enhance performance, antioxidant function and immune response. On 28 +/- 2 days, 60 crossbred piglets (Duroc x Landrace x Yorkshire) with an average live weight of 8.85 +/- 1.52 kg were weaned and randomly divided into 5 treatment groups, which were fed with 0 (basic diet, control) and 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg CS. The experiment lasted two weeks. Daily food intake was recorded and calculated. The consistency of feces throughout the period was monitored. Two weeks later, blood samples were collected and the antioxidant and immune parameters were determined. The results showed that CS increased average daily gain and daily gain: daily feed intake during the experiment. CS improved the average fecal score in the second week. Compared with the control group, the average score decreased. CS can increase the total antioxidant capacity in serum, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity as well as reduced glutathione content, and reduce serum malondialdehyde and cortisol contents. In addition, CS increased serum IL-1 beta, IL-2 and IgG levels. These findings indicate that the use of CS improves performance and antioxidant function and regulates the immune response of weaned pigs.