The Effect of Dietary Micelle Quercetin Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Gas Emission, Fecal Score, and Blood Profile in Growing‐Finishing Pigs

ABSTRACT

This research explored the impact of dietary micelle quercetin (MQ) supplementation on growth metrics and health indicators in growing pigs. A total of 105 pigs (average body weight: 24.3 ± 3.51 kg) were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments for a 15 week trial. A control group (CON) received the basal diet, while TRT1 and TRT2 diets were supplemented with 250 mg MQ/kg and 500 mg MQ/kg, respectively. Each treatment had seven replicates, with five pigs per replicate. The study evaluated growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal consistency, noxious gas emissions, and blood biochemical parameters. Results showed that MQ supplementation had no significant effect on growth rates, feed utilization, fecal scores, or gaseous emissions. However, serum bile acid concentration was significantly influenced by MQ supplementation ( p  = 0.024), with the TRT2 group exhibiting higher levels than TRT1. In contrast, the control group (CON) did not differ significantly from either treatment. Meanwhile, liver enzyme activities (AST and ALT) remained unchanged ( p  > 0.05), suggesting no evidence of hepatic toxicity. In summary, MQ had no impact on overall performance and digestive traits but modulated bile acid profiles in a dose‐dependent manner, which may suggest a possible role in targeted metabolic modulation.