Factors influencing the structure and function of the small intestine in the weaned pig: a review

Combined Omics Analysis Further Unveils the Specific Role of Butyrate in Promoting Growth in Early-Weaning Animals

Abnormal mutations in the microbial structure of early-weaning mammals are an important cause of enteritis. Based on the multiple known beneficial functions of butyrate, we hypothesized that butyrate would alleviate the imbalance of intestinal homeostasis induced by early weaning in animals. However, the mechanisms of action between butyrate and intestinal microbes are still poorly explored. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether butyrate exerts beneficial effects on the structure of the intestinal flora of weanling rabbits and their intestinal homeostasis, growth and development, and we attempted to elucidate the potential mechanisms of action through a combined omics analysis. We found that dietary butyrate upregulated the transcription of tight junction-related proteins in the epithelial barrier and improved the intestinal microbial structure by suppressing harmful bacteria and promoting beneficial ones. Intestinal and plasma metabolomes were also altered. The bile acid secretion, α-linolenic acid, apoptotic, and prostate cancer pathways responded to the positive dietary butyrate-induced metabolic changes in the weanling rabbits, resulting in the inhibition of inflammation, improved antioxidant capacity, increased rates of cell proliferation and survival, and decreased levels of apoptosis. Additionally, dietary butyrate suppressed the release of pro-inflammatory factors and enhanced positive appetite regulation, which increased the average daily gain of the rabbits. These results demonstrated that dietary butyrate can help maintain the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier, improve the structural composition of the intestinal microflora, enhance organismal metabolism, inhibit inflammation, reduce post-weaning anorexia, and promote growth and development in early-weaning rabbits. These positive effects of dietary butyrate were exerted via the modulation of the microbe-gut-brain axis.

Effect of the supplementation with a combination of plant extracts on sow and piglet performance and physiology during lactation and around weaning

Weaning is a critical period for pigs. Some plant extracts showing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory or antibacterial properties, provided to piglets and/or their dam, may improve piglets' robustness at weaning, thus reducing the need for antobiotics. This study investigated the effects of a maternal and/or a direct supplementation of piglets with a combination of plant extracts on sow and piglet performance and their metabolic, immune, inflammatory, and oxidative status during lactation and around weaning. Sixty-four sows were assigned to the control or treated group. Treated sows were supplemented with a powdered plant extracts supplement daily top-dressed on feed from day of gestation (DG) 106 to day of lactation (DL) 28 and a liquid solution top-dressed on feed on DG109. Within each sow group, litters were divided into two groups: a control piglet group and a treated piglet group. A single dose of a liquid solution was orally given to piglets in the treated piglet group. Piglets were weaned on DL28. Blood samples were collected from sows on DG94, DG112, and DL26 and from 2 piglets per litter on DL3, DL14, DL25, and 5 d postweaning to analyze indicators of metabolic, immune, inflammatory, and oxidative status. Colostrum and milk samples were collected at farrowing, DL6, and 26. Maternal supplementation had no effect on sow metabolic, immune, inflammatory, and oxidative status except for fewer lymphocytes on DG112 (P < 0.05) and a lower plasma concentration of non-esterified fatty acids on DL26 (P < 0.05). Maternal supplementation tended to decrease dry matter and gross energy (P < 0.10) and reduced fat and haptoglobin concentrations (P < 0.01) in milk on DL26. Maternal supplementation had no effect on piglets' growth performance and blood indicators during lactation and around weaning. On DL25, the direct supplementation of piglets decreased their neutrophils proportion (P < 0.05), increased the expression of genes encoding pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in whole blood culture in response to lipopolysaccharide (P < 0.05) and tended to decrease the oxidative stress index (P = 0.06). After weaning, these beneficial effects were no longer observed but the supplementation improved piglets' growth performance during the postweaning period (P < 0.05). Plant extract supplementation could thus modify the composition of mammary secretions and improve postweaning performance of piglets potentially related to the modification of their immune and oxidative status before weaning.

Impact of liquid diet supplementation while suckling and weaning age on nutritional status, intestinal health, and immunity of piglets pre- and post-weaning

New strategies are needed to enhance piglets' robustness and proper functional development and maturation of piglets' intestine before weaning, to reduce the number of antibiotic treatments of diarrheic disorders in newly weaned piglets. It was hypothesized that a liquid nutritional supplement during the suckling period, and/or an increased weaning age, would beneficially impact piglets' gut health and enhance piglets' nutritional status before weaning. Further, it was hypothesized that a high intake of colostrum during the first 24 h after birth would be more advantageous for piglets' growth and robustness when compared to a low colostrum intake (CI). A 2 × 2 factorial design with two nutritional strategies (± supplementation with milk/feed, i.e., milk provided from day 2 shifted to wet feed at day 12 of age) and two weaning ages (days 24 vs. 35) was used. In total, 460 piglets from 24 sows were used for estimation of the individual CI after birth. Provision of the nutritional supplement and the increased weaning age improved the nutritional status of piglets' post-weaning assessed by their blood plasma concentration of albumin (P = 0.04), triglycerides (P = 0.004), and nonesterified fatty acids (P = 0.02). Piglets with high CI demonstrated improved nutritional status when compared to low CI (P = 0.04). Villous height and crypt depth were greater in piglets weaned at day 35 of age in contrast to day 24 of age (P < 0.001) irrespective of the nutritional intervention (P = 0.82). The concentration of branched-chain fatty acids in piglets' digesta was reduced in groups provided the nutritional supplement (P = 0.01), while total short-chain fatty acids were elevated at weaning in large intestinal digesta of piglets weaned at day 35 of age compared to piglets weaned at day 24 of age (P = 0.05). The weaning age in combination with the nutritional supplement had pronounced beneficial effect on gene expression of all investigated genes: interleukin-6, interleukin-10, nuclear factor kappa-beta, occludine, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase-2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) (P = 0.04). In conclusion, nutritional supplementation preweaning combined with increased weaning age could be considered as a strategy for improvement of the intestinal health, function, and maturation in piglets pre- and post-weaning, and a high CI enhanced piglets' robustness before weaning.

Effect of dietary licorice flavonoids powder on performance, intestinal immunity and health of weaned piglets

Licorice flavonoids, a bioactive substance derived from glycyrrhiza, have been reported for many pharmacological properties and are beneficial to animal health. This study aimed to explore the effects of licorice flavonoids powder (LFP) on growth performance and intestinal health of piglets. A total of 96 weaned piglets were randomly assigned into four treatments and supplemented with 0, 50, 150 and 250 mg/kg LFP for 5 weeks. Dietary LFP supplementation tended to increase (p = 0.068) average daily gain (ADG) and reduce (p = 0.089) the feed intake/body gain (F/G) of piglets than that of the control group during 15-35 days; and concentrations of LFP supplementation reduced (p < 0.01) diarrhoea index during 14-35 days and 0-35 days. Piglets fed on diets supplied with LFP had a lower (p < 0.05) pH in caecum and colon. Dietary LFP supplementation increased (p < 0.01) the villi height and the ratio of villi height/crypt depth in duodenum, and reduced (p < 0.05) crypt depth in duodenum. Compared with the control group, 250 mg/kg LFP supplementation up-regulated (p < 0.05) the mRNA level of occludin (OCLN) in ileum. Meanwhile, dietary LFP supplementation down-regulated (p < 0.05) mRNA abundance of Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8 and induced nitrogen monoxide synthase (INOS) in duodenum. Dietary 150 mg/kg LFP supplementation down-regulated (p < 0.05) mRNA abundance of IL-1β and 250 mg/kg LFP up-regulated (p < 0.05) the expression of IL-10 in ileum. In summary, dietary LFP supplementation has a trend to improve the performance of weaning piglets, those improvements are accompanied by reduction in diarrhoea, enhancement of intestinal morphological structure, barrier function, immune function, and development. In general, 150 mg/kg LFP supplementation is more effective.

Effects of Hermetia illucens Larvae Meal and Astaxanthin as Feed Additives on Health and Production Indices in Weaned Pigs

Weaning is a critical period in farming, and therefore, searching for health-promoting feed additives of natural origin is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of full-fat H. illucens larvae meal (HI) and astaxanthin (AST) supplementation on the growth performance and health status of weaned pigs. The experiment was carried out on 48 pigs (8.7 kg) divided into six groups: I-control; II-2.5% HI; III-5% HI; IV-2.5% HI and AST; V-5% HI and AST; VI-AST. The experiment lasted from the 35th to 70th day of age, and animals were fed ad libitum. The results obtained indicate that HI meal and astaxanthin had no effect on feed intake and utilization, weight gain, or organ weight. Additionally, blood parameters remained within the norms. It seems that astaxanthin supports the inhibition of oxidative stress, which became apparent in the case of some red blood cell parameters. The 2.5% HI and AST supplementation can reduce the susceptibility of pork fat to oxidation (lower adipose tissue TBARS). However, 5% HI in feed was not beneficial because of the adverse changes in some red cell indices, and it should be combined with the antioxidant AST to improve these indices.

Effects of β-alanine on intestinal development and immune performance of weaned piglets

Beta-alanine is an important amino acid involved in several metabolic reactions in the body. The study aimed to investigate the effect of β-alanine supplementation on intestinal development and the immune performance of weaned piglets. Thirty-two 21-day-old healthy weaned piglets (half female and half male; Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with an initial body weight of 8.11 ± 0.21 kg were randomly divided into 4 groups with 8 replicates of 1 pig each. The control group was fed a basal diet and the three experimental treatment groups were fed diets supplemented with 300, 600 and 1,200 mg/kg β-alanine, respectively. The trial lasted 28 days and the diets fed were divided into 2 phases: the late lactation period (day 1 to 14) and the nursery period (day 15 to 28), during which the weaned piglets had free access to food and water. The regulatory effects of β-alanine were further investigated in vitro using organoids obtained from the jejunum of piglets. In vivo, the addition of β-alanine to the diet had no significant effect on the growth performance of weaned piglets (P > 0.05), but significantly reduced serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) (P < 0.01), immunoglobulin M (IgM) (P = 0.005), and complement 3 (C3) (P = 0.017). The serum interleukin- 6 (IL-6) levels (P < 0.01) were significantly reduced in the 1,200 mg/kg treatment group. The addition of β-alanine increased ileal villus height, with the most significant effect at a concentration of 300 mg/kg (P = 0.041). The addition of 600 mg/kg β-alanine significantly up-regulated the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (P = 0.020) and the zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) gene (P = 0.049) in the jejunum. Diets supplemented with 300 mg/kg β-alanine significantly increased the number of Ki67 positive cells in the jejunal crypts (P < 0.01). In vitro, β-alanine increased the organoid budding rates (P = 0.001) and the budding height of the crypt significantly (P = 0.004). In conclusion, β-alanine can improve intestinal morphology and barrier function, reduce inflammatory responses and alleviate the adverse effects of weaning stress on piglet intestinal health.

Effects of maternal T-2 toxin exposure on microorganisms and intestinal barrier function in young mice

T-2 toxin belongs to the trichothecenes group A compound, mainly produced by Fusarium fungi. It has been shown that T-2 toxin could cross the placental barrier and breast milk, thus endangering the health of offspring. The present study aimed to explore the effects of maternal T-2 toxin exposure on the integrity of the intestinal barrier and the intestinal microflora of young mice. From late pregnancy (GD 14) to lactation (LD 21), pregnant mice were given T-2 toxin daily at 0, 0.005, or 0.05 mg T-2 toxin/kg BW. Postnatal day 21 (PND21), PND28, and PND56 young mice were chosen as objects to detect the influences of maternal T-2 toxin exposure to mice on the offspring. The results showed that maternal exposure to T-2 toxin disturbed the balance of the intestinal microbial flora of the young mice. Villous adhesions and fusion of ileum were observed in T-2-treated groups. In addition, supplementation of T-2 toxin significantly decreased the gene expressions of Claudin 1, Occludin, Tjp1, Il10, Il6, and Tnf in PND 21. However, in PND 28, the expressions of Tnf were significantly increased. The expressions of Claudin 1, Occludin, Tjp1, Il10, Il6 and Tnf were significantly increased after T-2 toxin treatment in PND 56. These results suggested that maternal exposure to T-2 toxin has negative influences on the intestine of young mice, which may be due to the alterations of microbial composition.

Suckling Induces Differential Gut Enzyme Activity and Body Composition Compared to Feeding Milk Replacer in Piglets

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in growth, hematology, metabolism, small intestine (SI) morphology, and enzyme activity of sow-reared piglets (SOW) compared to artificially reared piglets (MILK) given milk replacers in two different environments. Thirty-six piglets were selected at birth based on their birth weight; eighteen were kept on a commercial farm, another eighteen transferred to an animal research facility for artificial rearing. Differences were observed in enzymatic activity, with a larger amount of sucrase in the SOW compared with MILK group across the SI. SOW piglets also had a body composition with a larger amount of fat, muscle, and bone mass content. Differences in hematology were observed, suggesting environmental influences, biochemistry differences reflective of the diets given, and finally, an increased dry matter (DM) intake in SOW piglets was estimated. No differences were observed in immune function and only small differences in the gut integrity were found between the two groups. It can be concluded that body composition and enzyme activity can be manipulated through dietary intervention and that an increase in DM during lactation is beneficial for gut function. The study warrants further investigation into what this means for the subsequent weaning period.

Evaluation of digestively resistant or soluble fibers, short- and medium-chain fatty acids, trace minerals, and antibiotics in nonchallenged nursery pigs on performance, digestibility, and intestinal integrity

Three experiments (EXP) were conducted to determine the effect of feed additives on performance, intestinal integrity, gastrointestinal volatile fatty acids (VFA), and energy and nutrient digestion in nonchallenged nursery pigs. In EXP 1, 480 pigs (6.36-kg body weight, BW) were placed into 96 pens with 5 pigs/pen, and allotted to 1 of 10 dietary treatments: 1) negative control containing no feed additive (NC), 2) NC + 44 mg chlortetracycline and 38.5 mg tiamulin/kg diet (CTsb), 3) NC + 5% resistant potato starch (RSpo), 4) NC + 5% soluble corn fiber (SCF), 5) NC + 5% sugar beet pulp (SBP), 6) NC + 0.30% fatty acid mix (FAM), 7) NC + 0.10% phytogenic blend of essential oils and flavoring compounds (PHY), 8) NC + 50 mg Cu and 1,600 mg zinc oxide/kg diet (CuZn), 9) NC + 5% resistant corn starch (RScn), and 10) NC + 0.05% β-glucan (BG) for 28 d. There was no impact of dietary treatment on BW gain or feed intake (P ≥ 0.22). Pigs fed diets containing SCF, CTsb, and RSpo resulted in microbial community differences compared to pigs fed the NC (P < 0.05). In EXP 2, 48 barrows (12.8 kg BW) were selected at the end of EXP 1 and fed the same dietary treatments they had previously received: 1) NC, 2) NC + 5% RScn, 3) NC + 5% SCF, and 4) NC + FAM for 8 d. There was no effect of feeding diets containing RScn, SCF, or FAM on in vivo intestinal permeability (P ≤ 0.21). Ileal or colon pH, concentrations of VFA did not differ due to dietary treatment (P ≥ 0.36), but pigs fed diets containing FAM resulted in a greater butyric acid concentration in the cecum compared to pigs fed the NC (P ≤ 0.05). In EXP 3, 156 pigs (6.11 kg BW) were placed into 52 pens with 3 pigs/pen and allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments arranged in a factorial manner: 1) NC, 2) NC + 5% RSpo, 3) NC + 0.30% FAM, and 4) NC + 5% RSpo + 0.30% FAM for 24 d. Feeding pigs diets containing RSpo did not affect BW gain (P = 0.91) while pigs fed diets containing FAM grew improved BW gain (P = 0.09). Colonic butyric acid concentrations were greater in pigs fed diets containing RSpo (P = 0.03), while pigs fed diets containing FAM exhibited reduced total VFA concentrations (P = 0.11). The results indicate that supplementing diets with digestively resistant but fermentable fibers, short- and medium-chain fatty acids, or antibiotics do not have a consistent effect, positive or negative, on markers of intestinal integrity or barrier function, intestinal VFA patterns, ATTD of energy and nutrients, or on pig performance.

Lycopene Affects Intestinal Barrier Function and the Gut Microbiota in Weaned Piglets via Antioxidant Signaling Regulation

BACKGROUND

In pig production, early and abrupt weaning frequently causes weaning stress, which manifests as oxidative damage, barrier disruption, and digestion and absorption capacity declines. Lycopene exhibits beneficial antioxidant capacity in both humans and other animal models.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of lycopene supplementation on early weaning stress in piglets and the underlying mechanisms by examining the oxidative stress state, gut intestinal barrier function, and the gut microbiota.

METHODS

Twenty-four 21-day-old weaned piglets [Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire); castrated males; 5.48 ± 0.10 kg initial body weight] were randomly assigned to 2 treatments. The piglets were fed a basal diet (control treatment) or a basal diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg lycopene (lycopene treatment) for 28 days. The serum lipid levels, serum and jejunum enzyme activities, jejunum morphology, mRNA and protein expression, and gut microbiota were determined.

RESULTS

Compared with the control treatment, lycopene supplementation increased the serum catalase activity (P = 0.042; 62.0%); serum total cholesterol concentration (P = 0.020; 14.1%); and jejunum superoxide dismutase activity (P = 0.032; 21.4%), whereas it decreased serum (P = 0.039, 23.0%) and jejunum (P = 0.047; 20.9%) hydrogen peroxide concentrations. Additionally, lycopene increased the mRNA and protein expression of NFE2-like bZIP transcription factor 2 (214.0% and 102.4%, respectively) and CD36 (100.8% and 145.2%, respectively) in the jejunum, whereas it decreased the mRNA and protein expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (55.6% and 39.8%, respectively ). Lycopene also improved jejunal morphology, increasing the villus height (P = 0.018; 27.5%) and villus:crypt ratio (P < 0.001; 57.9%). Furthermore, it increased the abundances of potentially beneficial bacterial groups, including Phascolarctobacterium and Parasutterella, and decreased those of potentially pathogenic bacterial groups, including Treponema_2 and Prevotellaceae_unclassified.

CONCLUSIONS

Lycopene supplementation strengthens the intestinal barrier function and improves the gut microbiota in weaned piglets by regulating intestinal antioxidant signaling.

Potential Effects of 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol on the Growth Performance, Blood Antioxidant Capacity, Intestinal Barrier Function and Microbiota in Broilers under Lipopolysaccharide Challenge

Our experiment was to detect the effects of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD3) on antioxidant capacity, immune status and gut health of broilers under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. In total, 108 male Arbor Acre broilers (48.5 ± 0.4 g) were allotted to three treatment groups containing six replicates for each group with six birds per replicate: (1) corn-soybean basal diet + injection of sterile saline (CON group); (2) corn-soybean basal diet + an injection of LPS (LPS group); (3) corn-soybean basal diet with 50 μg/kg 25OHD3 + injection of LPS (LPS + 25-D group). At the end of the experiment, birds were intraperitoneally injected with LPS in the LPS and LPS + 25-D groups based on the dosage of 5.0 mg/kg BW, or the equivalent volume of 0.9% sterile saline in the CON group. At 4 h postinjection, blood samples, jejunal and ileal tissues and cecal digesta were collected to analyze blood antioxidant capacity, intestinal barrier function and microbiota. The results showed that broilers challenged with LPS had significantly higher BW loss than the CON group, and 25OHD3 alleviated BW loss induced by the LPS challenge. 25OHD3 alleviated the LPS-induced decline (p < 0.05) in serum activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and immunoglobulin G (IgG), as well as prevented the LPS-induced increase (p < 0.05) in serum content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). 25OHD3 significantly increased villus height in the jejunum and the relative mRNA abundance of Occludin in the jejunum and ileum, as well as prevented the LPS-induced increase in the jejunal content of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) compared with the LPS group. Compared with the LPS group, 25OHD3 significantly increased Lactobacillus abundance and decreased Lachnoclostridium abundance in the cecal digesta, as well as had the potential to enhance metabolite contents including propionate, isobutyrate, butyrate and total SCFA. The correlation analysis revealed that BW loss and serum contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and D-lactate were positively correlated with Lachnoclostridium and negatively correlated with Lactobacillus (p < 0.05). Overall, 25OHD3 partially improves the antioxidant status, immunity, intestinal barrier and microbial composition of broilers under the LPS challenge.

Artificial rearing alters intestinal microbiota and induces inflammatory response in piglets

With the ongoing genetic selection for high prolificacy in sow lines and the improvements in environment and farm management, litter size has increased in recent years. Artificial rearing is becoming widely used to raise the surplus piglets in pig industry. This study aimed to investigate the changes that happened in the morphology, microbiota, mucosal barrier function, and transcriptome caused by artificial rearing in piglet colon. Two hundred and forty newborn piglets were randomly assigned into three treatments, sow rearing until weaning (CON group), artificial rearing from day 21 (AR21 group), and artificial rearing from day 7 (AR7 group). On day 35, the piglets were euthanized to collect colon samples. The results showed that the artificially reared-piglets displayed increased pre-weaning diarrhea incidence and reduced growth performance. Artificial rearing changed the diversity and structure of colonic microbiota and increased relative abundance of harmful bacteria, such as Escherichia-Shigella. In addition, the morphological disruption was observed in AR7 group, which was coincided with decreased tight junction proteins and goblet cell numbers. Moreover, the expression of TNFSF11, TNF-α, IL-1β, TLR2, TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, COX-2, PTGEs, iNOS, IL-2, IL-6, IL-17A, and IFN-γ was upregulated in the colon of the artificially reared-piglets, while the expression of IL-1Ra and IκBα was downregulated, indicating that artificial rearing induced inflammatory response through the activation of NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, artificial rearing regulated SLC family members, which affected solute transport and destroyed intestinal homeostasis. In conclusion, artificial rearing caused microbiota alteration, morphology disruption, the destruction of mucosal barrier function, and inflammatory response, and thus, led to subsequent increased diarrhea incidence and reduced growth performance.

Gruel Creep Feeding Accelerates Growth and Alters Intestinal Health of Young Pigs

To combat the stress of weaning, we utilized novel gruel creep feeders to supplement suckling pigs with divergent soluble (n = 6 litters) versus insoluble (n = 6) diets compared with un-supplemented controls (n = 6). Post-weaning, pigs were fed a common phase 1 diet. Average daily weight gains of pigs fed soluble and insoluble creep diets were 53% and 17% greater than control pigs, respectively (p < 0.01). Creep intake was higher (82%) for pigs fed the soluble diet, and the accompanying weight increase was sustained post-weaning (p < 0.02). Villus measures were prematurely altered in soluble-creep-fed pigs (p < 0.01), with decreases in villi length, crypt depth, and villus area pre-weaning. No effects of treatment were detected for VFA concentrations and pH in the cecum. There was an interaction between treatment and age for several pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (p < 0.01), where soluble-creep-fed pigs had increased cytokine levels with age, whereas cytokine levels in the insoluble and control groups decreased over time. We conclude that a soluble creep diet fed in a gruel state during the pre-weaning period has a positive impact on weaning weight that is sustained post-weaning, and is accompanied by alterations in the intestinal health of young pigs.

Effect of Resveratrol Supplementation on Intestinal Oxidative Stress, Immunity and Gut Microbiota in Weaned Piglets Challenged with Deoxynivalenol

(1) Background: Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a general mycotoxin that induces severe intestinal barrier injury in humans and animals. Resveratrol (RES) efficiently exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the information regarding RES protecting against DON-induced oxidative stress and intestinal inflammation in piglets is limited. (2) Methods: A total of 64 weaned piglets (Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire), 21-d-old, barrow) were randomly allocated to four groups (eight replicate pens per group, each pen containing two piglets) for 28 d. The piglets were fed a control diet (CON) or the CON diet supplemented with 300 mg RES/kg diet (RES group), 3.8 mg DON/kg diet (DON) or both (DON+RES) in a 2 × 2 factorial design. (3) Compared with unsupplemented DON-challenged piglets, RES supplementation in DON-challenged piglets increased ileal villus height and the abundance of ileal SOD1, GCLC and PG1-5 transcripts and Muc2 protein (p < 0.05), while decreasing the mRNA and proteins expression of ileal IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in plasma and ileum in DON-challenged piglets (p < 0.05). Moreover, the abundances of class Bacilli, order Lactobacillales, family Lactobacillaceae and species Lactobacillus gasseri were increased in DON-challenged piglets fed a RES-supplemented diet compared with those in DON-challenged piglets(p ≤ 0.05). (4) Conclusions: our results indicated that RES supplementation in DON-challenged piglets efficiently attenuated intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress and improved gut microbiota, thereby alleviating DON-induced intestinal barrier injury.

Rhodotorula benthica culture as an alternative to antibiotics improves growth performance by improving nutrients digestibility and intestinal morphology, and modulating gut microbiota of weaned piglets

The effects of Rhodotorula benthica culture (RBC) and antibiotics (AB) on the growth performance, nutrients digestibility, morphological indicators, and colonic microbiota of weaning piglets were explored. Ninety-six (Duroc × Landrace × Large) weaned piglets (21-day-old) weighing 7.7 ± 0.83 kg, were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments. They were fed with basal diet (CON), basal diet + 25 mg/kg bacitracin zinc + 5 mg/kg colistin sulfate (AB), 5 g/kg reduction in soybean meal of basal diet + 5 g/kg RBC (RBC1), or 10 g/kg reduction in soybean meal of basal diet + 10 g/kg RBC (RBC2). The results showed that dietary RBC1 improved the body gain/feed intake (G/F) of weaned piglets than the CON diet, and the RBC2 diet improved the average daily gain and G/F than CON and AB diets from days 15 to 28 (P < 0.05). Supplementation of RBC2 improved the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, and gross energy in weaned piglets compared to controls from days 15 to 28 (P < 0.05). Dietary AB, RBC1, and RBC2 enhanced the ileal villus height (VH) and VH/crypt depth (CD), and these two indicators were greater in the RBC2-treated piglets than in the AB- and RBC1-treated piglets (P < 0.05). The activity of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) was enhanced by dietary AB, RBC1, and RBC2 (P < 0.05). Serum glutathione (GSH) concentration was elevated by dietary RBC1 and RBC2 (P < 0.05). According to 16S rRNA sequence analysis, AB- and RBC2-treated piglets had a higher relative abundance of Firmicutes and Lachnospiraceae in the colon digesta, and more abundant Lactobacillus was found in RBC1-treated piglets, as compared to the CON group. Additionally, RBC2 supplementation increased the α diversity [Chao1, PD-whole-tree, and observed operational taxonomic units (OTUs)] compared to the CON group. Taken together, the dietary RBC improved the growth performance of weaned piglets. In addition, 10 g/kg of RBC2 in the diet achieved better effects on higher ADG, ileal villi morphology, and stronger antioxidant capacity than dietary AB and RBC1 in weaning piglets.

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

Background

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of each phytogenic feed additive (PFA; PFA1, bitter citrus extract; PFA2, a microencapsulated blend of thymol and carvacrol; PFA3, a mixture of bitter citrus extract, thymol, and carvacrol; PFA4, a premixture of grape seed, grape marc extract, green tea, and hops; PFA5, fenugreek seed powder) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and immune response in weaned pigs infected with Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Results

A total of 63 4-week-old weaned pigs were placed in individual metabolic cages and assigned to seven treatment groups. The seven treatments were as follows: 1) NC; basal diet without E. coli challenge, 2) PC; basal diet with E. coli challenge, 3) T1; PC + 0.04% PFA1, 4) T2; PC + 0.01% PFA2, 5) T3; PC + 0.10% PFA3, 6) T4; PC + 0.04% PFA4, 7) T5; PC + 0.10% PFA5. The experiments lasted in 21 d, including 7 d before and 14 d after the first E. coli challenge. In the E. coli challenge treatments, all pigs were orally inoculated by dividing a total of 10 mL of E. coli F18 for 3 consecutive days. The PFA-added groups significantly increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain and feed efficiency and decreased (P < 0.05) the fecal score at d 0 to 14 post-inoculation (PI). Tumor necrosis factor α was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the PFA-added groups except for T1 in d 14 PI compared to the PC treatment. The T3 had a higher (P < 0.05) immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin A concentration compared to the PC treatment at d 7 PI. Also, T3 showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) villus height:crypt depth and claudin 1 expression in ileal mucosa, and significantly down-regulated (P < 0.05) the expression of calprotectin compared to the PC treatment.

Conclusions

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.

Effects of Multi-Strain Probiotics and Perilla frutescens Seed Extract Supplementation Alone or Combined on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Indices, and Intestinal Health of Weaned Piglets

Simple Summary

Weaning piglets face stressors from changes in feed and environment, which affects their growth. To resolve this problem, we explored the separate effects of multi-strain probiotics and Perilla frutescens seed extract and their combined effect on weaning piglets. We found multi-strain probiotics or Perilla frutescens seed extract both improved the gain to feed ratio and antioxidant capacity. In addition, multi-strain probiotics improved jejunal villus height and the villus height/crypt depth ratio. Perilla frutescens seed extract improved ileal villus height. The interactive effects were observed in jejunal villus height and the villus height/crypt depth ratio, ileal villus height, and the gene expression of IL-1β and mucin2 in the intestinal mucosa. This study shows that using either multi-strain probiotics or Perilla frutescens seed extract alone is more effective than their combined use in weaning piglets.

Abstract

This study examined the effects of multi-strain probiotics (BL) and Perilla frutescens seed extract (PSE), alone or in combination, on weaning piglets. In total, 96 weaning piglets were allocated into four treatments: CON group (the basal diet), PSE group (basal diet + 1g/kg PSE), BL group (basal diet + 2 g/kg BL), and BL+PSE group (basal diet +1 g/kg PSE + 2 g/kg BL) according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The supplementation of BL or PSE improved the gain to feed ratio. Dietary BL reduced diarrhea occurrence and Escherichia coli, but increased Lactobacillus counts in the ileal digesta. Dietary PSE tended to increase Lactobacillus counts in the ileal digesta. Interactive effects were found in terms of ileal villus height, the gene expression of IL-1β, and malondialdehyde in the ileal mucosa. Dietary BL lowered malondialdehyde in the spleen, liver, and jejunal mucosa but increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the liver and ileum mucosa. The supplementation of PSE improved superoxide dismutase in serum and T-AOC in the liver, and reduced MDA in liver, spleen, and jejunum mucosa. Taken together, BL or PSE showed positive effects, improving growth and intestinal morphology and enhancing antioxidant capacity. However, their interaction showed no beneficial effects on the antioxidant indices and the intestinal morphology of weaned piglets.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone regulates glycolipid metabolism in the jejunum via inhibiting AMPK phosphorylation of weaned pigs

Maintenance of intestinal metabolic function is important for optimal growth performance in post-weaning pigs. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on maintaining intestinal glycolipid metabolism in weaned pigs. Seventy-two Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred pigs were divided into two groups: pigs fed a basal diet (CTRL group) and pigs fed a basal diet supplemented with 3.0 mg kg^-1 PQQ (PQQ group). On d 14, serum was harvested from six pigs per group and the pigs were slaughtered to sample jejunal tissue. Compared with the CTRL group, pigs in the PQQ group had increased average daily gain (P < 0.05), decreased feed : gain (P < 0.05) and tended to have a reduced diarrhea ratio (P = 0.057). Jejunal villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio were increased, and the crypt depth was decreased in the PQQ group (P < 0.01). The proteomics results showed that PQQ supplementation acted on three metabolic pathways, type I diabetes mellitus, the pancreatic secretion pathway and immune-related signalling. Compared with the CTRL group, PQQ supplementation increased (P < 0.05) serum insulin and jejunal mucosal pyruvate, triglyceride, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the pigs. Jejunal mucosal lactic dehydrogenase and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the pigs were decreased by PQQ supplementation (P < 0.05). In addition, PQQ supplementation reduced glucose transporter 5 and phosphorylated-AMP-activated protein kinase expression in the jejunal mucosa of the pigs (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PQQ improved the growth performance and jejunal morphology and regulated glycolipid metabolism via inhibiting AMPK phosphorylation in weaned pigs.

Effects of Artemisia argyi Powder on Egg Quality, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Development of Roman Laying Hens

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with Artemisia argyi (A. argyi) on egg quality, serum biochemical, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal development in Roman laying hens. A total of 432 (34-week-old) Roman hens were randomly divided into control group and three experimental groups. The control group was fed a basal diet, and the experimental group was fed a basal diet with 1%, 2%, and 3% A. argyi powder, respectively. The results showed that dietary supplementation of 2% A. argyi to the diet increased egg weight and egg white weight, and the daturic acid (C17:0), stearic acid (C18:0), eicosadienoic acid (C20:2), docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3), α-linolenic acid (C18:3n-3), linoleic acid (C18:2n-6c), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in egg yolk. Meanwhile, the addition of 1∼3% A. argyi decreased serum urea. Moreover, dietary supplementation of 1% A. argyi promoted the antioxidative capacity of the hens by increasing hepatic T-SOD and CAT activities, as well as GSH-Px content. However, the addition of 3% A. argyi to the diet significantly increased the content of malondialdehyde in serum and liver and destroyed the intestinal morphology by increasing duodenal crypt depth. In conclusion, the addition level of A. argyi promoting egg quality and antioxidant capacity was at 2% and 1%, respectively.

Dietary supplementation with sodium gluconate improves the growth performance and intestinal function in weaned pigs challenged with a recombinant Escherichia coli strain

Background

The purpose of this research is to determine the effects of sodium gluconate (SG) on the growth performance and intestinal function in weaned pigs challenged with a recombinant Escherichia coli strain expressing heat-stable type I toxin (STa).

Results

Pigs (n = 24, 21 days of age) were randomly allocated to three treatments: Control group (pigs were fed basal diet), STa group (pigs were fed basal diet and challenged with a recombinant E. coli strain expressing STa), and SG group (pigs were fed basal diet supplemented with 2500 mg/kg sodium gluconate and challenged with a recombinant E. coli strain expressing STa). The trial period lasted for 15 days. On days 12 and 13, pigs in the STa and SG groups were orally administered with the recombinant Escherichia coli strain, while those in the control group were orally administered with normal saline at the same volume. On day 15, blood, intestinal tissues and colonic contents were collected for further analysis. Results showed that dietary SG supplementation had a tendency to increase average daily gain, and reduced (P < 0.05) feed to gain ratio, plasma glucose concentration, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration as compared with control group on days 0-10 of trial. Additionally, dietary SG supplementation attenuated(P < 0.05) the morphological abnormalities of small intestinal and the increase of the number of eosinophils in blood of pigs challenged with the recombinant Escherichia coli strain on day 15 of trial. Compared with control group, diarrhea rate and the number of eosinophils in blood and the concentrations of malondialdehyde in the jejunum were increased (P < 0.05). The height, width and surface area of the villi of the duodenum, the width and surface area of villi of jejunum and the height and width of villi of ileum were decreased (P < 0.05) in pigs challenged with the recombinant Escherichia coli strain in the STa group compared with those in control group on day 15 of trial. However, these adverse effects were ameliorated (P < 0.05) by SG supplementation in the SG group on day 15 of trial. Furthermore, dietary SG supplementation could reduce (P < 0.05) the total bacterial abundance in the colon, but SG did not restore the recombinant Escherichia coli-induced microbiota imbalance in colon.

Conclusions

In conclusion, dietary supplementation with SG could improve piglet growth performance and alleviate the recombinant Escherichia coli-induced intestinal injury, suggesting that SG may be a promising feed additive for swine.

Evaluation of a Dietary Grape Extract on Oxidative Status, Intestinal Morphology, Plasma Acute-Phase Proteins and Inflammation Parameters of Weaning Piglets at Various Points of Time

Reports of the underlying mechanisms of dietary grape extract (GE) in overcoming weaning challenges in piglets have been partly inconsistent. Furthermore, evaluations of the effects of GE at weaning in comparison to those of widely used therapeutic antibiotics have been scarce. To explore the mode of action of GE in selected tissues and plasma, we evaluated gut morphology, antioxidant and inflammation indices. Accordingly, 180 weaning piglets were allocated to three treatment groups: negative control (NC), NC and antibiotic treatment for the first 5 days of the trial (positive control, PC), and NC and GE (entire trial). The villus surface was positively affected by GE and PC on day 27/28 of the trial in the jejunum and on day 55/56 of the trial in the ileum. In the colon, NC tended (p < 0.10) to increase crypt parameters compared to PC on day 55/56. The PC group tended (p < 0.10) to increase catalase activity in the ileum and decrease Cu/Zn-SOD activity in the jejunum, both compared to NC. There were no additional effects on antioxidant measurements of tissue and plasma, tissue gene expression, or plasma acute-phase proteins. In conclusion, GE supplementation beneficially affected the villus surface of the small intestine. However, these changes were not linked to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of GE.

Effects of Dietary Amylose-Amylopectin Ratio on Growth Performance and Intestinal Digestive and Absorptive Function in Weaned Piglet Response to Lipopolysaccharide

This study investigated the effects of diet with different amylose−amylopectin ratios (AAR) on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activities and mRNA expression of nutrients transporters in piglets with short-term lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intraperitoneal injections. Sixty 21 days-old piglets (Landrace × Yorkshire; 6.504 ± 0.079) were randomly assigned based on their body weight (BW) and litters of origins to five groups with experimental diets with an AAR of 0.00, 0.20, 0.40, 0.60, or 0.80 (namely, the 0.00, 0.20, 0.40, and 0.80 groups), respectively. Each treatment included 12 piglets (one piglet per pen). This experiment lasted for 28 days. On the 28th day, six piglets in each treatment were randomly selected for an LPS intraperitoneal injection (100 μg/kg BW), and other piglets were injected with normal saline. Twelve hours after LPS injection, all piglets were sacrificed to collect small intestinal mucosa for analysis. Although different AAR did not influence the final BW in piglets, the piglets in the 0.40 group represented the poorest feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) in the first, second and fourth week (p < 0.05) and the lowest average daily gain (ADG) in the fourth week (p < 0.05) compared with other groups. In terms of the small intestinal morphology, piglets in the 0.20 and 0.60 groups showed better ileal villous width (p < 0.05). Piglets in the 0.60 group presented greater activities of jejunal maltase, sucrase and alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.05) than those of 0.20 and 0.40. However, a low amylose diet increased the mRNA expression of jejunal glucose and amino acid transporters (p < 0.05). In addition, compared to saline injection, the LPS challenge significantly lessened jejunal digestive enzyme activities (p < 0.01) and, ileal villous width and downregulated the gene expression of glucose and amino acid transporters (p < 0.05) in piglets. Interestingly, certain diet -LPS interactions on duodenal VH/CD, jejunal maltase activity (p < 0.05) and the expression of glucose transporters (p < 0.05) were observed. Taken together, in terms of small intestinal digestion and absorption capacity, these results demonstrated that a diet with an AAR of 0.60 diets could improve the intestinal digestive and absorptive capability by affecting small intestinal morphology, digestive enzymes, and nutrients absorptions in piglets. In addition, the diets containing an AAR of 0.40−0.60 were more likely to resist the damage of LPS stress to intestinal morphology and nutrient absorption.

Maternal and/or direct supplementation with a combination of a casein hydrolysate and yeast β-glucan on post-weaning performance and intestinal health in the pig

A 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of maternal supplementation from day 83 of gestation and/or direct supplementation from weaning of a bovine casein hydrolysate plus a yeast β-glucan (CH-YBG) on pig performance and intestinal health on day ten post-weaning. Twenty cross bred gilts (Large White × Landrace) were randomly assigned to one of two dietary groups (n = 10 gilts/group): basal diet (basal sows) and basal diet supplemented with CH-YBG (supplemented sows) from day 83 of gestation until weaning (2g/sow/day). At weaning, 120 pigs (6 pigs/sow) were selected. The two dam groups were further divided, resulting in four experimental groups (10 replicates/group; 3 pigs/pen) as follows: 1) BB (basal sows + basal pigs); 2) BS (basal sows + supplemented pigs); 3) SB (supplemented sows + basal pigs); 4) SS (supplemented sows + supplemented pigs). Supplemented pigs were offered 0.5g CH-YBG/kg of feed for 10 days post-weaning. On day 10 post-weaning, 1 pig/pen was humanely sacrificed and samples were taken from the gastrointestinal tract for analysis. Pigs weaned from supplemented sows (SS, SB) had reduced faecal scores and incidence of diarrhoea (P<0.05) compared to pigs weaned from basal sows (BB, BS), with SS pigs not displaying the transient rise in faecal scores seen in the other three groups from day 3 to day 10 post-weaning (P<0.05). Pigs weaned from supplemented sows had reduced feed intake (P<0.05), improved feed efficiency (P<0.05), increased butyrate concentrations (P<0.05), increased abundance of Lactobacillus (P<0.05) and decreased abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and Campylobacteraceae (P<0.05) compared to pigs weaned from basal sows. In conclusion, maternal supplementation increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and decreased the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and Campylobacteraceae while also increasing butyrate concentrations. The combination of maternal and direct supplementation led to pigs having the lowest faecal scores compared to all other groups.

Research on the Mechanism of HRP Relieving IPEC-J2 Cells Immunological Stress Based on Transcriptome Sequencing Analysis

Early weaning increased the economic benefits of piglets. However, early weaning damages the intestinal barrier of piglets and causes immunological stress. The mechanism by which Hippophae rhamnoides polysaccharide (HRP) alleviates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) inflammatory damage was investigated using proteomics in our previous studies. In this study we employed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) to determine the level and function of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and further explore the mechanism of the HRP anti-inflammatory and immune process. The differential expression analysis indicated that 3622, 1216, and 2100 DEGs in the IPEC-J2 cells were identified in C vs. L, L vs. H6-L, and C vs. H6-L, respectively. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis foundsix identified pathways related to the immune system. Additionally, we used the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program to categorize the 3,134 DEGs that were differentially expressed in H2-L, H4-L and H6-L into eight possible expression profiles, in which 612 were clustered into two profiles. The accuracy and consistency of RNA-seq data were validated by the results of qRT-PCR of the nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells 2 (NFKB2), MAP kinase interacting serine/threonine kinase 2 (MKNK2), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MAP2K1), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 8 (MAP3K8), Ras-related protein R-Ras (RRAS), TNF receptor-associated factor 1 (TRAF1), NF-kappa-B inhibitor alpha (NFKBIA), interleukin 8 (IL8), tumor necrosis factor, alpha-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3), and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFB1). Transcriptome sequencing also indicated that HRP reduced the expression levels of related DEGs and inhibited the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that the application of HRP in piglet diets during the early weaning period can improve intestinal epithelial function and integrity, and relieve intestinal damage, and improve piglet health.

Stimbiotic Supplementation Alleviates Poor Performance and Gut Integrity in Weaned Piglets Induced by Challenge with E. coli

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of stimbiotic (STB), a xylanase and xylo-oligosaccharide complex. A total of 36 male weaned pigs with initial body weights of 8.49 ± 0.10 kg were used in a 3-week experiment. The experiment was conducted in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement (six replicates/treatment) of treatments consisting of two levels of challenge (challenge and non-challenge) and three levels of STB (0, 0.5, and 1 g/kg diet). Supplementations STB 0.5 g/kg (STB5) and STB 1 g/kg (STB10) improved the G:F (p = 0.04) in piglets challenged with STEC. STB supplementation, which also decreased (p < 0.05) the white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6. Supplementations STB5 and STB10 improved (p < 0.01) the lymphocytes and neutrophils in piglets challenged with STEC on 14 dpi. Additionally, supplementations STB5 and STB10 improved (p < 0.01) the tumor necrosis factor-alpha in piglets challenged with STEC on 3 dpi. Supplementations STB5 and STB10 also improved the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (p < 0.01) in piglets challenged with STEC. Supplementation with STB reduced (p < 0.05) the expression levels of calprotectin. In conclusion, STB could alleviate a decrease of the performance, immune response, and inflammatory response induced by the STEC challenge.

Polyphenols: Bioavailability, Microbiome Interactions and Cellular Effects on Health in Humans and Animals

Polyphenolic compounds have a variety of functions in plants including protecting them from a range of abiotic and biotic stresses such as pathogenic infections, ionising radiation and as signalling molecules. They are common constituents of human and animal diets, undergoing extensive metabolism by gut microbiota in many cases prior to entering circulation. They are linked to a range of positive health effects, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and disease-specific activities but the relationships between polyphenol bio-transformation products and their interactions in vivo are less well understood. Here we review the state of knowledge in this area, specifically what happens to dietary polyphenols after ingestion and how this is linked to health effects in humans and animals; paying particular attention to farm animals and pigs. We focus on the chemical transformation of polyphenols after ingestion, through microbial transformation, conjugation, absorption, entry into circulation and uptake by cells and tissues, focusing on recent findings in relation to bone. We review what is known about how these processes affect polyphenol bioactivity, highlighting gaps in knowledge. The implications of extending the use of polyphenols to treat specific pathogenic infections and other illnesses is explored.

Microbiome Research as an Effective Driver of Success Stories in Agrifood Systems – A Selection of Case Studies

Increasing knowledge of the microbiome has led to significant advancements in the agrifood system. Case studies based on microbiome applications have been reported worldwide and, in this review, we have selected 14 success stories that showcase the importance of microbiome research in advancing the agrifood system. The selected case studies describe products, methodologies, applications, tools, and processes that created an economic and societal impact. Additionally, they cover a broad range of fields within the agrifood chain: the management of diseases and putative pathogens; the use of microorganism as soil fertilizers and plant strengtheners; the investigation of the microbial dynamics occurring during food fermentation; the presence of microorganisms and/or genes associated with hazards for animal and human health (e.g., mycotoxins, spoilage agents, or pathogens) in feeds, foods, and their processing environments; applications to improve HACCP systems; and the identification of novel probiotics and prebiotics to improve the animal gut microbiome or to prevent chronic non-communicable diseases in humans (e.g., obesity complications). The microbiomes of soil, plants, and animals are pivotal for ensuring human and environmental health and this review highlights the impact that microbiome applications have with this regard.

Maternal VD3 supplementation during gestation improves intestinal health and microbial composition of weaning piglets

Vitamin D₃ (VD₃) has been reported to improve the reproductive performance of sows. This study was conducted to investigate the long-term effect of maternal VD₃ supplementation during gestation on the intestinal health of piglets. Twenty-three Landrace × Yorkshire gilts were randomly allocated into two groups to receive one of the following two diets during gestation: basal diet (CON group, 800 IU VD₃ per kg diet, n = 12) and VD₃ supplemented diet (VD₃ group, 2000 IU VD₃ per kg diet, n = 11). All sows were then fed with the same diet during lactation. Results showed that maternal VD₃ supplementation during lactation tended to decrease (p = 0.08) the body weight loss of sows during lactation compared to the CON group. Besides, the relative length and weight of the small intestine (SI) and the villus height of the duodenum and ileum in weaning piglets were much higher (p < 0.05) in the VD₃ group than those in the CON group, though their body weight was not changed. Meanwhile, maternal VD₃ supplementation significantly upregulated the expression levels of IGF-1, IGF-2R, VDR, GLUT-2 and CAT1 in the duodenum (p < 0.05), and increased the expression levels of IGF-1, IGF-1R, IGF-2R, VDR, Occludin, ZO-1, MUC2, PEPT1 and CAT1 (p < 0.05) in the jejunum of suckling piglets compared with the CON group. Besides, the concentration of SigA in the jejunum of suckling piglets was higher (p < 0.05) in the VD₃ group than that in the CON group. In addition, maternal VD₃ supplementation significantly increased the contents of short chain fatty acids and the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Faecalibacterium (p < 0.05) in the feces of weaning piglets compared to the CON group. Moreover, the relative abundance of unidentified_Lachnospiraceae in the feces of weaning piglets tended to be higher (p = 0.05), while that of unidentified_Spirochaetaceae was lower (p < 0.05) in the VD₃ group than those in the CON group. Taken together, maternal VD₃ supplementation during gestation could improve the intestinal function and microbiota in suckling piglets.

Dietary Pharmacological Zinc and Copper Enhances Voluntary Feed Intake of Nursery Pigs

The objective of the three experiments herein were to characterize the effect of pharmacological zinc and copper concentrations on nursery pig feed intake, stomach ghrelin, energy and nutrient digestibility, and mineral retention in post-weaned pigs. In Expt. 1, 300 weaned pigs were allotted across three dietary treatments (n = 10 pens/treatment) and fed in two diet phases (P1 and P2) lasting 7 and 14 days, respectively. Treatments were: (1) Control diet with no pharmacological minerals in P1 and P2, CON; (2) CON + 3,000 mg/kg Zn and 200 mg/kg Cu (P1), no pharmacological minerals in P2, ZC-CON; and (3) CON + 3,000 mg/kg Zn and 200 mg/kg Cu (P1), CON + 2,000 mg/kg Zn and 200 mg/kg Cu (P2); ZC. Over the 21-day test period, ZC pigs had 15% higher ADG and 13–24% ADFI compared to the CON and ZC-CON pigs (P &lt; 0.05). ZC-CON and ZC pig daily feed intakes were 29 and 73% higher by day 5 and 7 post-weaning, respectively, compared to the CON pigs (P &lt; 0.0001). However, removing pharmacological minerals in P2 abruptly decreased ZC-CON daily feed intake within 24 h to similar intakes as the CON compared to the ZC pigs (0.17, 0.14, and 0.22 kg/d, respectively, P &lt; 0.05). Dietary pharmacological minerals increased stomach fundus ghrelin-positive cells than CON pigs at day 7 (P = 0.005) and day 21 (P &lt; 0.001). However, fasting plasma total and acyl-ghrelin concentrations did not differ from a control in response to zinc oxide daily drenching (Expt. 2). Expt. 3 showed that zinc and copper to have moderate to low retention; however, pharmacological zinc and copper diets increased zinc (P &lt; 0.05) and copper retention (P = 0.06) after 28 days post-weaning compared to control pigs. Pharmacological zinc and copper did not improve digestible energy, metabolizable energy or nitrogen balance. Altogether, dietary pharmacological zinc and copper concentrations improve growth rates and mineral retention in nursery pigs. This improved performance may partially be explained by increased stomach ghrelin abundance and enhanced early feed intake in newly weaned pigs fed pharmacological concentrations of zinc and copper.

The effects of creep feed composition and form and nursery diet complexity on small intestinal morphology and jejunal mucosa specific enzyme activities after weaning in pigs

Fifty-six litters from first-parity sows standardized to 12 piglets were used to determine the effects of creep feed composition and form and the provision of low- or high-complexity nursery diets on the evolution of small intestinal histomorphology and jejunal mucosa-specific enzyme activities postweaning. At 5 d of age, litters (initial bodyweight [BW] 2.31 ± 0.61 kg) were assigned to one of four creep feeding regimens (n = 14): 1) commercial creep feed (COM), 2) liquid milk replacer (LMR), 3) pelleted milk replacer (PMR), or 4) no creep feed (NO). At weaning (21 d of age), six pigs per litter were provided a HIGH- (contained highly digestible animal proteins) or LOW- (contained corn and soybean meal as main protein sources) complexity nursery diet (n = 7). At 21, 28, and 59 d of age, two pigs per pen (one castrated male and one female) were euthanized, and ileal and jejunal segments for histomorphological measurements and jejunal mucosal scrapings were collected to determine specific mucosa enzyme activities. At weaning, pigs provided COM had a greater ileal absorptive capacity (M) than LMR or NO, which were not different (14.1 vs. 10.4 and 10.5 ± 0.9 μm²; P < 0.05); PMR was intermediate. On days 28 and 59, M was not different among pigs regardless of creep feed treatments. Pigs fed LOW had reduced jejunal villus height (VH; P < 0.001) and M (P < 0.001) on day 28 vs. day 21. The VH and M were not different for pigs fed HIGH or LOW by the end of the nursery period. For all dietary treatments except COM-HIGH and COM-LOW, jejunal mucosal maltase-specific activity was not different between days 21 and 28 of age but greater on day 59 (P < 0.05). For pigs that received COM-HIGH, maltase-specific activity was not different between days 21 and 28 but greater on day 59 than day 28 (P < 0.05). For pigs that received COM-LOW, maltase-specific activity was not different between days 21, 28, and 59. Regardless of creep or nursery treatment, sucrase-specific activity was the greatest on day 59, followed by days 21 and 28 (P < 0.001), and lactase-specific activity was greater on day 21 than on days 28 and 59 (P < 0.001), which were not different. Therefore, pigs that provided LOW diet had greater villus atrophy and reduced M during the first week after weaning vs. pigs that provided HIGH, regardless of creep feeding regimen, but were able to recover by the end of the nursery period.

After weaning, the piglet digestive tract must adapt in order to effectively break down and absorb nutrients derived from plant-based ingredients, contributing to the postweaning growth lag. Feeding strategies applied both preweaning and postweaning with the intent to assist in intestinal adaptation have been developed; however, little work has been done examining the interaction between creep and nursery feeding strategies on intestinal histomorphology and jejunal mucosa-specific enzyme activities after weaning. In the current study, piglets that provided creep feed with higher starch content had greater jejunal mucosa maltase-specific enzyme activity and ileal absorptive capacity at weaning. However, these parameters were still negatively affected by weaning, regardless of nursery feeding strategy. Additionally, nursery diets with greater inclusion of soybean meal to replace animal protein sources (low complexity) exacerbated reductions in jejunal absorptive capacity. Conversely, by the end of the nursery period, there were no differences in intestinal histomorphology and jejunal mucosa-specific enzyme activities, regardless of creep or nursery feeding program. Therefore, exposing piglets to starch during creep feeding and reducing the inclusion of soybean meal in nursery diets improved intestinal morphology and mucosa disaccharidase activity directly following weaning, but benefits did not extend to the end of the nursery period.

Effects of Fermented Feed on the Growth Performance, Intestinal Function, and Microbiota of Piglets Weaned at Different Age

The beneficial function of fermented feed in livestock industry has been widely investigated. However, little is known about the effects of fermented feed on different weaned-day piglets. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fermented diet on the growth performance, intestinal function, and microbiota of piglets weaned at the age of 21 and 28 days. The results found that weaning on day 21 significantly increased (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) (calculated based on wet weight and dry matter), while reduced (p < 0.05) feed to gain ratio (F:G), the activities of trypsin and lipase of jejunum and the villus height of ileum, compared with 28-days weaning. The protein levels of Occludin, Claudin-1, and ZO-1 of ileum in the groups weaning on day 21 were less (p < 0.05) than the groups weaning on day 28. Moreover, dietary supplementation with fermented diet upregulated (p < 0.05) the Occludin, Claudin-1, and ZO-1 proteins of ileum, compared with the groups treated with control diet both weaning on day 21 and 28. In addition, dietary supplementation with fermented diet decreased (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of Clostridia (class) and increased (p < 0.05) the Bacteroidia (class) level of cecal microbiota, compared with the groups treated with control diet both weaning on day 21 and 28. However, supplementation with fermented diet did not affect the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in the cecum (p > 0.05). Therefore, our data suggest that the feed digestibility is improved in piglets weaned at 21 days, but intestinal barrier function is weaker than in piglets weaned at 28 days. However, compared with feeding control diet, supplementation with fermented diet both improved the feed conversion and intestinal barrier function of weaned piglets by modulating intestinal microbiota.

Potential of a fucoidan-rich Ascophyllum nodosum extract to reduce Salmonella shedding and improve gastrointestinal health in weaned pigs naturally infected with Salmonella

BACKGROUND

Dietary supplementation with a fucoidan-rich Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE), possessing an in vitro anti-Salmonella Typhimurium activity could be a promising on-farm strategy to control Salmonella infection in pigs. The objectives of this study were to: 1) evaluate the anti-S. Typhimurium activity of ANE (containing 46.6% fucoidan, 18.6% laminarin, 10.7% mannitol, 4.6% alginate) in vitro, and; 2) compare the effects of dietary supplementation with ANE and Zinc oxide (ZnO) on growth performance, Salmonella shedding and selected gut parameters in naturally infected pigs. This was established post-weaning (newly weaned pig experiment) and following regrouping of post-weaned pigs and experimental re-infection with S. Typhimurium (challenge experiment).

RESULTS

In the in vitro assay, increasing ANE concentrations led to a linear reduction in S. Typhimurium counts (P <  0.05). In the newly weaned pig experiment (12 replicates/treatment), high ANE supplementation increased gain to feed ratio, similar to ZnO supplementation, and reduced faecal Salmonella counts on d 21 compared to the low ANE and control groups (P <  0.05). The challenge experiment included thirty-six pigs from the previous experiment that remained on their original dietary treatments (control and high ANE groups with the latter being renamed to ANE group) apart from the ZnO group which transitioned onto a control diet on d 21 (ZnO-residual group). These dietary treatments had no effect on performance, faecal scores, Salmonella shedding or colonic and caecal Salmonella counts (P > 0.05). ANE supplementation decreased the Enterobacteriaceae counts compared to the control. Enterobacteriaceae counts were also reduced in the ZnO-residual group compared to the control (P <  0.05). ANE supplementation decreased the expression of interleukin 22 and transforming growth factor beta 1 in the ileum compared to the control (P <  0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

ANE supplementation was associated with some beneficial changes in the composition of the colonic microbiota, Salmonella shedding, and the expression of inflammatory genes associated with persistent Salmonella infection.

Effect of Supplementing Different Levels of L-Glutamine on Holstein Calves during Weaning

Weaning stress affects the health and performance of calves. L-glutamine (L-Gln) is commonly used as a functional antioxidant and energy supplement in the body. However, dietary L-Gln supplementation improving weaning stress of calves is unclear. Thus, we aimed to explore the effects of L-Gln (provided by rumen-protected L-Gln) on calves during weaning. Seventy-five Holstein calves (54.0 ± 2.68 kg; 42 ± 2.1 d of age) were assigned to five groups: no supplementation and L-Gln with 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% dry matter daily intake (DMI) supplementation groups, respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 days (42–70 d of age of calves), and the calves were weaned at 15 d of experiment. DMI and body weekly weight of all calves were recorded. Blood samples of nine healthy calves with similar body weight were collected from each group at 0, 7, 14, 16, 18, 21, and 28 d of experiment for detecting serum L-Gln, glucose, insulin, urea nitrogen, D-lactate, cortisol, haptoglobin, interleukin-8, immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgA, IgM, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and malondialdehyde. At the end of the experiment, six healthy calves with similar body weight from each group were selected for slaughter and morphological analysis of small intestine tissue. The results showed that the L-Gln supplementation in the diets improved the negative effects of sudden weaning in calves. Furthermore, compared to the higher-level L-Gln supple-mentation (3 and 4% of DMI) groups, the dietary lower-level L-Gln supplementation (1 and 2% of DMI) had higher average daily gain, glutathione peroxidase and IgG concentration, and villus height/crypt depth of the duodenum and jejunum, as well as lower cortisol, haptoglobin, and interleukin-8 concentration of weaned calves. These results provided effective reference for relieving the negative effects of calves during weaning.

Effect of sialyllactose on growth performance and intestinal epithelium functions in weaned pigs challenged by enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli

Background

Sialyllactose (SL) is one of the most abundant oligosaccharides present in porcine breast milk. However, little is known about its effect on growth performance and intestinal health in weaned pigs. This study was conducted to explore the protective effect of SL on intestinal epithelium in weaned pigs upon enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) challenge.

Methods

Thirty-two pigs were randomly divided into four treatments. Pigs fed with a basal diet or basal diet containing SL (5.0 g/kg) were orally infused with ETEC or culture medium.

Results

SL supplementation elevated the average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency in the ETEC-challenged pigs (P < 0.05). SL also improved the digestibilities of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), and ash in non-challenged pigs (P < 0.05). Moreover, SL not only elevated serum concentrations of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM), but also significantly decreased the serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) upon ETEC challenge (P < 0.05). Interestingly, SL increased the villus height, the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V:C), and the activities of mucosal sucrase and maltase in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05). SL also elevated the concentrations of microbial metabolites (e.g. acetic acid, propanoic acid, and butyric acid) and the abundance of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacillus in the cecum (P < 0.05). Importantly, SL significantly elevated the expression levels of jejunal zonula occludins-1 (ZO-1), occluding, and fatty acid transport protein-4 (FATP4) in the ETEC-challenged pigs (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

SL can alleviate inflammation and intestinal injury in weaned pigs upon ETEC challenge, which was associated with suppressed secretion of inflammatory cytokines and elevated serum immunoglobulins, as well as improved intestinal epithelium functions and microbiota.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-022-00673-8.

Glutamine, glutamate, and aspartate differently modulate energy homeostasis of small intestine under normal or low energy status in piglets

Weaning stress may cause reduced energy intake for maintenance of mucosal structure. Gln, Glu, and Asp are major energy sources for the small intestine. This study investigated whether Gln, Glu, and Asp improve the intestinal morphology via regulating the energy metabolism in weaning piglets. A total of 198 weaned piglets were assigned to 3 treatments: Control (Basal diet + 1.59% L-Ala); T1 (Basal diet + 1% L-Gln + 0.5% L-Glu + 0.1% L-Asp); T2 (Low energy diet + 1% L-Gln + 0.5% L-Glu + 0.1% L-Asp). Jejunum and ileum were obtained on d 5 or 21 post-weaning. T1 enhanced growth performance. T1 and T2 treatments improved small intestinal morphology by increasing villus height, goblet cell number and decreasing crypt depth. Days post-weaning affected the efficacy of T2, but not T1, on energy metabolism. At normal energy supplementation, Gln, Glu, and Asp restored small intestinal energy homeostasis via replenishing the Krebs' cycle and down-regulating the AMPK (adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase) pathway. As these are not sufficient to maintain the intestinal energy-balance of piglets fed with a low energy diet on d 5 post-weaning, the AMPK, glycolysis, beta-oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis are activated to meet the high energy demand of enterocytes. These data indicated that Gln, Glu, and Asp could restore the energy homeostasis of intestinal mucosa of weaning piglets under normal energy fed. Low energy feeding may increase the susceptibility of piglets to stress, which may decrease the efficacy of Gln, Glu, and Asp on the restoration of energy balance. These findings provide new information on nutritional intervention for insufficient energy intake in weaning piglets.

Intestinal morphometry and performance of broiler chickens subjected to diets with buriti oil

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the productive performance, carcass yield, and intestinal morphometry of broiler chickens subjected to diets with the inclusion of buriti oil. Buriti oil is an energy food that can be used in chicken feed to replace soybean oil, which has a high cost in production, also has its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, which can provide benefits in chicken feed. 180 male broilers of the Ross lineage were used, distributed in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments and 6 replicates of 10 birds per experimental unit. The experimental phase took place from 14 to 28 days and levels 0; 0.75 and 1.50% of buriti oil were added to the corn and soybean-based feed. It can be inferred that the buriti oil-based diets in the diet with insertion of levels of 0%, 0.75% and 1.50% did not differ significantly for the productive performance variables, but in relation to the productive yield there was a significant difference for carcass yield accompanied by greater disposition of abdominal fat, thigh and heart fat, a common effect in the use of oils. Although no statistical differences were observed for most of the variables in the assessment of intestinal morphometry, there was an increase in the crypt depth of the duodenum and ileum and an increase in the muscle layer of the duodenum and jejunum, which may have been caused by some injury to the intestine and not by direct effect of buriti oil. In the other variables there was no difference between treatments and it is concluded that buriti oil did not harm the performance, yield and intestinal morphometry of broiler chickens from 14 to 28 days of age.

Chlorogenic Acid Attenuates Oxidative Stress-Induced Intestinal Mucosa Disruption in Weaned Pigs

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a natural polyphenol that possesses potent antioxidant activity. However, little is known about its exact role in regulating the intestinal health under oxidative stress. This study was conducted to explore the effect of dietary CGA supplementation on intestinal barrier functions in weaned pigs upon oxidative stress. Twenty-four weaned pigs were allocated to three treatments and were given a basal diet (control) or basal diet containing CGA (1,000 mg/kg) for 21 days. Pigs were challenged by sterile saline (control) or diquat [10 mg/kg body weight (BW)] on the 15th day. Results showed that CGA attenuated the BW reduction, reduced the serum concentrations of diamine oxidase and D-lactate, and elevated serum antioxidant enzymes activities in diquat-challenged weaned pigs (P < 0.05). Moreover, diquat challenge decreased villus height and activities of sucrase and alkaline phosphatase in jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05), but CGA elevated the villus height and enzyme activities in the intestinal mucosa (P < 0.05). In addition, CGA not only decreased the expression levels of Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 (P < 0.05) but also elevated the expression levels of sodium glucose transport protein-1, glucose transporter-2, occludin, claudin-1, zonula occludens-1, and antioxidant genes such as nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1 in intestinal mucosa of weaned pigs upon oxidative stress (P < 0.05). These findings suggested that CGA can attenuate oxidative stress-induced growth retardation and intestinal mucosa disruption, which was linked to elevated antioxidative capacity and enhanced intestinal barrier integrity.

Essential oils and their nanoemulsions as green alternatives to antibiotics in poultry nutrition: a comprehensive review

Increasing market pressure to reduce the use of antibiotics and the Veterinary Feed Directive of 2019 have led to expanded research on alternate antibiotic solutions. This review aimed to assess the benefits of using essential oils (EOs) and their nanoemulsions (NEs) as feed supplements for poultry and their potential use as antibiotic alternatives in organic poultry production. Antibiotics are commonly used to enhance the growth and prevent diseases in poultry animals due to their antimicrobial activities. EOs are a complex mixture of volatile compounds derived from plants and manufactured via various fermentation, extraction, and steam distillation methods. EOs are categorized into 2 groups of compounds: terpenes and phenylpropenes. Differences among various EOs depend on the source plant type, physical and chemical soil conditions, harvest time, plant maturity, drying technology used, storage conditions, and extraction time. EOs can be used for therapeutic purposes in various situations in broiler production as they possess antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral activities. Several studies have been conducted using various combinations of EOs or crude extracts of their bioactive compounds to investigate their complexity and applications in organic poultry production. NEs are carrier systems that can be used to overcome the volatile nature of EOs, which is a major factor limiting their application. NEs are being progressively used to improve the bioavailability of the volatile lipophilic components of EOs. This review discusses the use of these nonantibiotic alternatives as antibiotics for poultry feed in organic poultry production.

Serotonin receptors and their association with the immune system in the gastrointestinal tract of weaning piglets

Background

Immune cell activation and perpetuation of inflammation have been attributed to the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT). Our hypothesis was that the 5-HT system plays a role in GI health and immunity in post-weaning piglets. A disruption of the 5-HT system post-weaning with transcriptional upregulation of 5-HT receptors may be linked to increased cytokine mRNA abundance and immune system activation.

Methods

The objective of this exploratory study was to assess the relationship between 5-HT receptor expression and immune system biomarkers in piglets at 1 (n = 9) and 15 (n = 10) days post-weaning. The mRNA transcript abundance of three 5-HT receptors (5-HTR3, 5-HTR4, and 5-HTR7) measured in jejunum and colon tissues were used to determine the relationship with the immune system and jejunal morphometry at 2 timepoints post-weaning using correlations, mixed models, and multivariate analysis techniques.

Results

Overall, 5-HT receptor mRNA expression decreased from day 1 to day 15 post-weaning. Time × tissue interactions showed the lowest 5-HTR3 expression in the colon and lower 5-HTR7 expression in the jejunum at 15 days post-weaning. 5-HTR3 and 5-HTR4 expression were negatively associated with pro-inflammatory (IFN-ɣ) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10 and IL-12β) cytokines in jejunum, and with TNF-α in the colon at 1-day post-weaning. At 15 days post-weaning, 5-HTR3 in the colon was negatively associated with pro-inflammatory (IL-1α, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8, and IFN-ɣ) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10 and IL-12β) cytokines. Furthermore, 5-HTR7 expressed a predominantly pro-inflammatory profile (IFN-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α and IL-12α) in the jejunum at the same timepoint, whereas colonic 5-HTR7 expression was negatively correlated with IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-10 and TGF-β. Lastly, positive correlations were found for increased expression of 5-HTR4 receptor with villus height, 5-HTR7 receptor expression and crypt depth, and increased expression of 5-HTR3 and 5-HTR4 receptor with villus height to crypt depth ratio at 1-day post-weaning.

Conclusions

The 5-HT receptor mRNA abundance was associated with the immune system and intestinal morphometry in piglets. The 5-HT receptors were highly expressed at weaning in both jejunum and colon tissues relative to 15 days post-weaning. Although a clear relationship between immune system and 5-HTR expression is observed, particularly at day 15, a cause-consequence cannot be proven with current data. Further research is warranted to elucidate the effects of 5-HT on gastrointestinal inflammation during the weaning process in piglets, which could be the basis for new interventions to ease weaning stress.

Maternal Nutrition During Late Gestation and Lactation: Association With Immunity and the Inflammatory Response in the Offspring

The immature immune system at birth and environmental stress increase the risk of infection in nursing pigs. Severe infection subsequently induces intestinal and respiratory diseases and even cause death of pigs. The nutritional and physiological conditions of sows directly affect the growth, development and disease resistance of the fetus and newborn. Many studies have shown that providing sows with nutrients such as functional oligosaccharides, oils, antioxidants, and trace elements could regulate immunity and the inflammatory response of piglets. Here, we reviewed the positive effects of certain nutrients on milk quality, immunoglobulin inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and intestinal microflora of sows, and further discuss the effects of these nutrients on immunity and the inflammatory response in the offspring.