Phytogenic feed additives alleviate pathogenic Escherichia coli-induced intestinal damage through improving barrier integrity and inhibiting inflammation in weaned pigs.

Supplementation of PFA in weaned pigs challenged with E. coli alleviated the negative effects of E. coli and improved growth performance. Among them, the mixed additive of bitter citrus extract, thymol, and carvacrol showed the most effective results, improving immune response, intestinal morphology, and expression of tight junctions.