The objective of this study was to determine
whether dietary quillaja saponin and curcumin
(extract of turmeric) can modify piglet immune status
and performance immediately after weaning. Piglets
(n = 192) were weaned at 29 ± 0.1 d and allocated to
treatment (six replicates of eight pig per treatment)
accounting for weight, litter, and gender, using a 2 × 2
factorial arrangement. Factors were diets with or without
(as-fed basis) quillaja saponin (750 mg/kg during
wk 1, 300 mg/kg during wk 2 to 3) and with or without
dietary curcumin (200 mg/kg). Diets were fed ad libitum
for 20 d after weaning. Feed intake was measured daily.
Piglets were weighed at weaning, d 7, 14, and 20 after
weaning. On each of d 6 and 20 after weaning, eight
pigs per treatment were sacrificed for blood and tissue
collection. Treatment had no effect on piglet growth.