Nano-porous zinc oxide effectively alleviates diarrhea and intestinal inflammation induced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in weaned piglets

Lay Summary Nano-porous zinc oxide (NP-ZnO) exhibits a greater surface area, suggesting it could serve as a potential alternative to high-dose conventional zinc oxide (ZnO) to reduce diarrhea in piglets. However, its protective benefits during bacterial infections have not been fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of NP-ZnO to protect piglets against diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), a common and harmful pathogen. Weaned piglets were allocated to dietary treatments supplemented with traditional ZnO, NP-ZnO, or a basal diet without extra ZnO, with a portion of piglets subsequently challenged with ETEC. Piglets fed NP-ZnO diet demonstrated better growth performance, enhanced nutrient digestibility, and a significant reduction in diarrhea incidence. Furthermore, NP-ZnO supplementation promoted intestinal health by elevating endogenous antioxidant defenses and strengthening the structural integrity of the intestinal barrier. Overall, these results highlight the enhanced benefits of NP-ZnO compared to traditional ZnO, providing a more efficient and gentler therapeutic strategy to improve the resilience of weaned piglets.