Exploiting chestnut biochar as a functional and circular ingredient in weaned piglet diets

Background: Achieving sustainable development in accordance with Agenda 2030 (Sustainable Development Goals 12, 13, and 17) has challenged the livestock sector and especially swine farming. Strategies focused on reducing the environmental impact and improving feed efficiency have therefore been explored. Due to its beneficial properties, the application of biochar represents an interesting solution. This study therefore evaluates the effects of biochar supplementation on growth performance and health parameters in weaned piglets. Methods: A total of 223 piglets were divided into two experimental groups: the control (CTRL) group and the treatment (TRT group). The experiment involved two dietary treatments: the CTRL group was fed a standard diet, while the TRT group was fed the same diet supplemented with 1% chestnut biochar. Weekly measurements included body weight, feed intake, and fecal scores. Fecal samples were collected for microbiological analysis and evaluation of digestibility. Results: No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of the principal zootechnical parameters. The TRT group showed lower E. coli counts in feces at 14 days and a significant decrease in diarrhea frequency at 28 days (32.14% CTRL vs. 3.23% TRT; p = 0.009). Protein digestibility was higher in the TRT group (79.5 ± 1.74%) compared to the CTRL group (75.0 ± 2.05%; p = 0.004). Additionally, the TRT group had significantly lower levels of derivates of reactive oxygen metabolites than the CTRL group (293.44 ± 59.28 vs. 553.98 ± 61.59 Carratelli units p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: The inclusion of 1% biochar in the diets of post-weaning piglets can improve the health status of the animals. Biochar could thus be used as a valuable functional ingredient within an innovative nutritional strategy aimed at the management of gastrointestinal problems during the weaning period.