The ADFI and G:F were similar for all treatments between
d 0 and 14 of the trial. Between d 15 and 20, ADFI
and G:F were lower in quillaja-supplemented piglets
(ADFI = 621 vs. 572 g/d; G:F = 0.75 vs. 0.85; P < 0.05).
Serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgA, interferon-γ, and
C-reactive protein (CRP) did not differ among treatments
on d 6 after weaning. On d 20, IgG and CRP
were greater (P < 0.05) in saponin-supplemented pigs
(IgG = 17.5 vs. 11.4 mg/mL; CRP = 26.98 vs. 12.5 mg/
mL). Small intestine villus and crypt measurements
did not differ among treatments on either d 6 or 20.
Saponin supplementation during the postweaning period
seemed to potentiate an immune response in the
weaned piglet but had a detrimental effect on the utilization
of feed. Dietary curcumin had no influence on any
measured aspect of pig performance or immune status