Given the significant environmental consequences of current poultry feed practices and the heavy dependence of the European Union on imported soybeans, studying alternatives is crucial. This study evaluated the potential benefits of using locally sourced alternative plant-based ingredients and whole dry black soldier fly larvae in the diet of laying hens. The experiment involved 120 Isazul hens at 23 weeks old, which were divided into three groups with five replicates each (eight hens per replicate): a control diet (CON) based on soybean meal and cereals, an alternative diet (ALT) replacing the soybean meal with locally sourced plant-based resources (peas, distillers’ dried grains with solubles, and sunflower meal), and the ALT diet supplemented with 5% whole dry black soldier fly larvae (ALT+DBSFL). Over 15 weeks, the hens were fed ad libitum, and the production performance, egg quality, and plasma biochemical parameters were assessed across three experimental sub-periods. The results showed no significant differences in body weight, feed intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, or feed conversion ratio across the diets (p > 0.05). The egg quality remained consistent across all the groups; however, the hens fed the ALT+DBSFL diet exhibited higher Haugh units in the first experimental sub-period (p < 0.05) and lower plasma cholesterol and triglycerides at 32 weeks of age (p < 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that incorporating these alternative ingredients and whole DBSFL into layers’ diets does not compromise production performance, egg quality, or biochemical parameters related to health status, supporting their potential as sustainable feed alternatives.

Intrauterine growth restriction in piglets has been a problem in the pig industry due to genetic selection based on hyperprolificacy. This has led to an increase in the number of underweight piglets and a worsening of the survival rate. The goal of this study was to enhance the knowledge of differences between normal and IUGR piglets a few hours after birth in terms of haematological variables, biochemical parameters, and immunoglobulin levels. Two groups of 20 piglets each were assessed. The control group (N) was made up of piglets with weights greater than 1500 g, and the IUGR group consisted of piglets weighing 500–1000 g and with at least two IUGR features. Blood samples were collected 72 h after birth for analysis of the red and white blood cell parameters, reticulocyte indices, platelet indices, biochemical parameters, and immunoglobulin levels. Alterations in red blood cells and reticulocytes, a lower lymphocyte count, hyperinsulinemia, and high oxidative stress were observed in IUGR piglets (p < 0.05). In contrast, differences were not observed (p > 0.05) in the serum immunoglobulin level. It can be concluded that the haematological and biochemical differences in IUGR piglets with respect to normal-weight piglets are present at birth indicating possible alterations in immunity, metabolism, and redox status; therefore, IUGR piglets could be more vulnerable to illness and future disorders, such as metabolic syndrome.

Currently, the utilization of hyperprolific sows has stimulated the search for supplements aimed at enhancing piglet survival, as these sows yield more offspring than they can adequately feed with their colostrum production. In contrast, intensive goat farming often yields surplus colostrum, thus necessitating its removal, since kids are exclusively fed colostrum through lactation solely within the initial day of birth. The objective of this study was to examine and compare the fatty acid (FA) profiles of colostrum from sows and goats, together with possible influencing factors such as sow parity and the postpartum day of the goat, for possible use as an energy supplement for neonatal piglets. Swine colostrum was collected from sows with a 0–5 parity. In addition, samples of goat colostrum were collected on their first (D1) and second (D2) days of postpartum milking. The FA profiles of the colostrum were analyzed via gas chromatography. The parity value of the sows did not affect (p > 0.05) the FA colostrum composition. High proportions of palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids were found in both types of colostrum. Levels of palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids were significantly higher in D1 goat colostrum, whereas saturated FAs of less than 14 carbons (4:0, 6:0, 8:0, 10:0, and 12:0) were found in higher proportions in D2. These FAs play an important role in colostrum as they are a readily available source of energy and have also been attributed strong antibacterial activity. Therefore, goat colostrum, especially D2, could be used as an alternative energy supplement for newborn piglets, in particular for the weakest and smallest of the litter, which are the most in need.

Many feeding strategies have been proposed to mitigate the effects of weaning; one key approach is the inclusion of dietary fiber (DF). Dietary fiber is composed of soluble fiber (SF) and insoluble fiber (IF), and its importance lies in its role in improving intestinal physiology. The aim of the present study was to conduct a physicochemical analysis of milled almond shells (AS) at different particle sizes, and to evaluate the effects of including 2.5% AS as a IF source in weaned piglet diets—[finely milled AS (FAS), geometric mean diameter (GMD): 529 µm], MAS (medium milled AS, GMD: 912 µm), and [coarsely milled AS (CAS), GMD: 1,525 µm]—in comparison with 8% wheat bran (WB). All diets were formulated to be iso-NDF, iso-energetic, and iso-nitrogenous. Outcomes assessed after 14 d post-weaning included growth performance, dry matter digestibility, intestinal morphology, relative gene expression, microbial composition, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production. Regarding physical analyses, wheat bran showed higher swelling capacity, cold solubility, and water holding capacity than AS (P < 0.05). Piglets fed FAS, MAS, and CAS diets showed higher final body weight, average daily gain, and feed intake, along with a higher gain-to-feed ratio compared to those fed WB (P < 0.05). Histomorphology analysis revealed increased villus surface area and mucosal thickness (P < 0.05) in the jejunum and ileum of AS-fed piglets. In the colon, CAS-fed piglets exhibited greater crypt depth than those fed WB (P < 0.05). Reduced relative abundance of Proteobacteria was observed in all AS groups compared to WB. Coarsely milled AS also led to higher total VFA production, butyrate, and propionate concentrations in colonic contents relative to FAS, MAS, and WB diets (P < 0.05). These findings support the benefits of including 2.5% AS in weaned piglet diets, improving performance, intestinal morphology, microbiota composition, and particularly coarse AS improved VFA production when compared to wheat bran.