Our previous study indicated that Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) extract modified the cellular and humoral immune responses of weaned piglets by modulating the production of immunocytes, cytokines and antibodies (Kong et al., 2007a). Based on these results, we hypothesized that dietary supplementation with AS extract enhanced the digestibility of AA inweaned piglets. In the present study, this hypothesiswas tested by determining the serum contents and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of AA in weaned piglets on days 7, 14 and 28 after the initiation of treatment. It was found that AS extract is a promising alternative to antimicrobial agents, and could effectively enhance the digestibility and absorption of amino acids in weaned piglets.

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