Different dietary protein sources influence growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity, fecal microbiota and metabolites in weaned piglets

ABSTRACT The inclusion of high-quality proteins are commonly used in swine production. Our research investigated the effects of hydrolyzed wheat protein (HWP), fermented soybean meal (FSBM), and enzyme-treated soybean meal (ESBM) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity, fecal microbiota and metabolites of weaned piglets. A total of 144 piglets (weaned at 28 d) were allotted to 3 dietary treatments with 6 replicate pens per treatment and 8 piglets per pen. This study included 2 periods: d 0 to14 for phase 1 and d 15 to 28 for phase 2. Dietary treatments contained 15.90% HWP, 15.80% FSBM, and 15.10% ESBM in phase 1, and 7.90% HWP, 7.80% FSBM, and 7.50% ESBM in phase 2, respectively. The ADG of piglets in ESBM was increased (P