Background: Achieving sustainable development in accordance with Agenda 2030 (Sustainable Development Goals 12, 13, and 17) has challenged the livestock sector and especially swine farming. Strategies focused on reducing the environmental impact and improving feed efficiency have therefore been explored. Due to its beneficial properties, the application of biochar represents an interesting solution. This study therefore evaluates the effects of biochar supplementation on growth performance and health parameters in weaned piglets. Methods: A total of 223 piglets were divided into two experimental groups: the control (CTRL) group and the treatment (TRT group). The experiment involved two dietary treatments: the CTRL group was fed a standard diet, while the TRT group was fed the same diet supplemented with 1% chestnut biochar. Weekly measurements included body weight, feed intake, and fecal scores. Fecal samples were collected for microbiological analysis and evaluation of digestibility. Results: No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of the principal zootechnical parameters. The TRT group showed lower E. coli counts in feces at 14 days and a significant decrease in diarrhea frequency at 28 days (32.14% CTRL vs. 3.23% TRT; p = 0.009). Protein digestibility was higher in the TRT group (79.5 ± 1.74%) compared to the CTRL group (75.0 ± 2.05%; p = 0.004). Additionally, the TRT group had significantly lower levels of derivates of reactive oxygen metabolites than the CTRL group (293.44 ± 59.28 vs. 553.98 ± 61.59 Carratelli units p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: The inclusion of 1% biochar in the diets of post-weaning piglets can improve the health status of the animals. Biochar could thus be used as a valuable functional ingredient within an innovative nutritional strategy aimed at the management of gastrointestinal problems during the weaning period.

Background: Genetically modified soybean is largely used in animal feed and its massive cultivation affects the environmental sustainability of livestock and the dependency for the import in the European market.Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the partial substitution of soybean meal with an innovative common bean genotype (Phaseolus vulgaris lec‐lpa) with reduced content of anti‐nutritional factors on zootechnical performance, gut microbiota modulation and faecal minerals in post‐weaning piglets.Methods: Fourteen piglets were divided into a control group fed with a basal diet and a treatment group fed with a commercial diet in which 7.3% of soybean meal and 0.8% of soybean oil were replaced with 10% of P. vulgaris lec‐ lpa for 28 days. BW, ADG, ADFI and FCR were evaluated, and diarrhoea incidence was recorded. Evaluation of pH, nitrogen content, protein digestibility and mineral content was performed on faecal samples. Microbiota was analysed by rectal swabs samples. Blood serum metabolic profile was evaluated.Results: The treatment group showed lower BW and ADG during the trial (p < 0.05), but the health status of the animals was preserved. The treatment group released lower levels of minerals in faeces when compared with the control group after 28 days (p < 0.05) suggesting a lower dispersion of faecal minerals in the environment. Significant Beta diversity index was observed at 14 and 28 days (p < 0.05). Roseburia and Butyricicoccus increased in treatment group at day 28 (p < 0.05). These genera are associated with SCFA production, contributing to the maintenance of intestinal integrity, promoting positive bacterial populations and limiting inflammatory phenomena.Conclusions: In conclusion, P. vulgaris lec‐ lpa could be a viable and sustainable alternative protein source to reduce the European protein gap, playing a potential role in microbiota modulation and faecal minerals release.

Context: Yucca schidigera extract, rich in saponins and bioactive compounds, gained attention as a phytogenic feed additive for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and welfare-enhancing effects. Its supplementation has also been linked to lower gas emissions, improved gut health, and potential benefits for meat quality. However, its impact on nitrogen metabolism, carcase traits, and possible sex-specific responses in pigs, especially lean genetic types derived from Pietrain, remains underexplored. Aims: This study evaluated the effects of diet supplementation with Yucca schidigera extract on performances, welfare, carcase and meat quality in lean finishing pigs slaughtered at 115 kg average body weight, considering potential sex-related differences. Methods: Forty Pietrain crossbred lean pigs were used in a 42-day trial. Animals were homogeneously divided by sex into two experimental groups receiving either a commercial basal diet as control or the same diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg of yucca extract (two pigs per pen, five replicates per diet and sex). The variables measured were growth and feed performance, blood protein and catabolite profiles, behavioural patterns and carcase and meat quality. Key results: Yucca supplementation had no significant effect on growth performance or nitrogen mass balance, although females tended to grow more slowly than males. Serum urea levels remained stable in the yucca-supplemented group, while they increased in the control group. Females showed higher albumin, creatinine and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity levels than males. Behavioural patterns were not influenced by diet or sex. Carcase and meat quality were unaffected by yucca extract, although males produced brighter meat with lower protein content. Conclusions: Dietary supplementation with Yucca schidigera extract during the fattening phase did not compromise performance, animal welfare or meat quality. However, sex differences in blood protein catabolite profiles and meat quality were evident, possibly reflecting variations in protein metabolism and muscle development. Implications: Yucca schidigera extract at 300 mg/kg can be safely included in pig diets with no negative effects on growth, behaviour, nitrogen balance, or carcase and meat quality in lean finishing pigs, independent from sex. Also, variations in the blood protein composition across entire males and females suggest hormonal differences to be evaluated in further studies.

The effect of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE; 10.8% saponins) on in vitro caecal disappearance (IVCD) was tested by incubating pre-digested feed with 0, 150, or 300 mg YSE/kg using caecal inocula from male and female pigs (Experiment 1). The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and fermentation products were assessed in vivo in 40 crossbred finishing pigs fed with 0 or 300 mg YSE/kg for 42 days (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, YSE did not affect IVCD or gas production, but reduced caecal ammonia-N across sexes (p < 0.05). Caecal pH decreased progressively with increasing YSE in female-derived inocula only (p = 0.015), and volatile fatty acid (VFA) were suppressed in females at the highest dose (p = 0.013), while male-derived inocula remained unaffected. Entire males exhibited higher IVCD (p < 0.001) and lower ammonia-N (p = 0.034) and VFA production (p < 0.10) than females. In Experiment 2, YSE did not influence faecal ammonia-N, or VFA profile (p > 0.10), but reduced the ATTD of crude protein (p < 0.001) and organic matter (p < 0.001) relative to the control diet. YSE selectively modulated in vitro caecal fermentation in pigs, but these effects were not confirmed in vivo.