Weaning is a stressful period for piglets, often leading to digestive problems that can slow down growth and weaken health. Adding fiber to their diet is one strategy to reduce these issues. In our study, we evaluated whether almond shells (AS), a by-product of almond farming, could serve as an alternative insoluble fiber source for piglets. We tested diets containing AS ground into different particle sizes (fine, medium, and coarse) and compared them with a traditional fiber source, wheat bran. After 2 wk, piglets that received AS showed better growth and feed intake than those fed wheat bran. Examination of the intestine revealed improvements in gut structure, such as larger villi, and increased villus surface area. Almond shells diets also reduced the presence of potentially harmful bacteria in the gut. In addition, piglets fed coarse AS produced higher levels of beneficial short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate and propionate, which are linked to gut health. Overall, our findings suggest that AS can be used as a sustainable insoluble fiber source in piglet diets, supporting growth, intestinal development, and a healthier gut environment, while also giving value to an agricultural by-product.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.