1
|
Han X, Hu X, Jin W, Liu G. Dietary nutrition, intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and post-weaning diarrhea in piglets. ANIMAL NUTRITION (ZHONGGUO XU MU SHOU YI XUE HUI) 2024; 17:188-207. [PMID: 38800735 PMCID: PMC11126776 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Weaning is a critical transitional point in the life cycle of piglets. Early weaning can lead to post-weaning syndrome, destroy the intestinal barrier function and microbiota homeostasis, cause diarrhea and threaten the health of piglets. The nutritional components of milk and solid foods consumed by newborn animals can affect the diversity and structure of their intestinal microbiota, and regulate post-weaning diarrhea in piglets. Therefore, this paper reviews the effects and mechanisms of different nutrients, including protein, dietary fiber, dietary fatty acids and dietary electrolyte balance, on diarrhea and health of piglets by regulating intestinal function. Protein is an essential nutrient for the growth of piglets; however, excessive intake will cause many harmful effects, such as allergic reactions, intestinal barrier dysfunction and pathogenic growth, eventually aggravating piglet diarrhea. Dietary fiber is a nutrient that alleviates post-weaning diarrhea in piglets, which is related to its promotion of intestinal epithelial integrity, microbial homeostasis and the production of short-chain fatty acids. In addition, dietary fatty acids and dietary electrolyte balance can also facilitate the growth, function and health of piglets by regulating intestinal epithelial function, immune system and microbiota. Thus, a targeted control of dietary components to promote the establishment of a healthy bacterial community is a significant method for preventing nutritional diarrhea in weaned piglets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuebing Han
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Applied Microbial Resources Development for Livestock and Poultry, Changsha, Hunan 410125, China
| | - Xiangdong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Wei Jin
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| | - Gang Liu
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Applied Microbial Resources Development for Livestock and Poultry, Changsha, Hunan 410125, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
René R, Sebastian V, Marlies D, Lukas S, Annemarie K, Andrea L. Risk factors associated with post-weaning diarrhoea in Austrian piglet-producing farms. Porcine Health Manag 2023; 9:20. [PMID: 37170128 PMCID: PMC10176918 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-023-00315-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) is a frequent, multifactorial disease of piglets leading to increased mortality rates and high economic losses. Due to the emergence of multi-resistant Escherichia coli isolates and the ban of zinc oxide (ZnO) in the EU since June 2022, alternative measures to prevent PWD are urgently needed. While an abundance of feed supplements is described to prevent PWD, there are hardly any studies reflecting the current situation of PWD in the field. Thus, we aimed to identify differences in management practices, housing and feeding strategies between farms with PWD and farms without PWD. Data were personally collected using a semi-structured questionnaire in 257 Austrian piglet-producing farms. Farms with PWD in more than 10% of all weaned groups within twelve months prior to data collection were defined as case farms (n = 101), while the remaining 136 farms were defined as control farms. Data from 237 farms and 69 explanatory variables were analysed via penalized binary logistic regression using elastic-net in 100 different splits into randomly selected training and test datasets (80:20). Treatment with ZnO and/or colistin (136 farms) was negatively associated with PWD in all splits and had the biggest estimated absolute log odds ratio out of all tested variables. Implementation of an all-in/all-out system in the nursery units and administration of probiotics or horseradish also had preventive effects in most splits (≥ 97%). A higher number of feeding phases for piglets within the first seven weeks of life and housing on fully slatted floors was associated negatively with the occurrence of PWD as well in > 95% of all splits. PWD was more likely to occur on farms having problems with neonatal diarrhoea or postpartum dysgalactia syndrome. While our data demonstrate that treatment with ZnO or colistin had the biggest statistical effect on PWD, we were able to identify other preventive measures like supplementation with probiotics or horseradish. Since implementation of all-in/all-out measures and fully slatted floors were also negatively associated with the occurrence of PWD on visited farms, we assume that reduction of bacterial load by the implementation of simple hygiene measures are still crucial to prevent PWD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renzhammer René
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Swine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna, 1210, Austria.
| | - Vetter Sebastian
- Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| | - Dolezal Marlies
- Platform for Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| | - Schwarz Lukas
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Swine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| | - Käsbohrer Annemarie
- Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| | - Ladinig Andrea
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Swine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Uddin MK, Mahmud MR, Hasan S, Peltoniemi O, Oliviero C. Dietary micro-fibrillated cellulose improves growth, reduces diarrhea, modulates gut microbiota, and increases butyrate production in post-weaning piglets. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6194. [PMID: 37062780 PMCID: PMC10106463 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33291-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary fiber (DF) supplementation is one of the strategies to prevent on-farm infections; it has the capability to improve gut health and piglet performance. Among the beneficial DFs, micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC) is a new-generation plant-derived innovative feed ingredient; MFC, originating from sugar-beet pulp, has a hyper-branched structure with the ability to form shear-thinning hydrogel and has a high water-binding capacity. We aimed to determine the effects of MFC supplementation on piglets' performance before and after weaning. We included 45 sows and their piglets in this trial and monitored the results until the piglets were 7 weeks old. Piglets supplemented with MFC had higher body weight and average daily growth (ADG) than did control piglets, both pre- and post-weaning. In addition, MFC supplementation in post-weaning piglets improved butyrate content, and reduced diarrhea incidence. These phenomena, perhaps due to the MFC supplementation at different stages until age 7 weeks. In addition, after weaning, MFC supplementation stimulated the growth of butyrate-producing bacteria such as Ruminococcus.2, Ruminococcaceae.UCG.014, Intestinibacter, Roseburia, and Oribacterium genera, as well as reduced the pathogenic bacteria, such as Campylobacter, and Escherichia. Evidently, supplementation of MFC in feed to young piglets can improve growth performance and butyric acid content and reduce post-weaning diarrhea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Karim Uddin
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Md Rayhan Mahmud
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Shah Hasan
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Peltoniemi
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Claudio Oliviero
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rydal MP, Gambino M, Jørgensen CB, Poulsen LL, Brøndsted L, Nielsen JP. Pilot study on CHCF1 genotype in a pig challenge model for enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F4ab/ac associated post-weaning diarrhea. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:382. [PMID: 36320033 PMCID: PMC9624054 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03474-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Host genotype is important for enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) susceptibility. We conducted two trials to evaluate the effect of CHCF1 genotype on incidence of ETEC diarrhea. In trial 1 (n = 15 pigs), pigs were inoculated with 108 CFU or 1010 CFU doses of an ETEC F4ac strain. In trial 2 (n = 33 pigs), pigs were inoculated with ETEC F4ab or F4ac. Across trials, all inoculated pigs that developed ETEC diarrhea were CHCF1 heterozygous susceptible (6/6). No inoculated CHCF1 homozygous resistant pigs developed ETEC diarrhea (0/26). Susceptibility towards ETEC F4ac/ab infection might correspond with CHCF1 genotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Peter Rydal
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDepartment of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Michela Gambino
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDepartment of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Claus Bøttcher Jørgensen
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDepartment of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Louise Ladefoged Poulsen
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDepartment of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Lone Brøndsted
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDepartment of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter Nielsen
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDepartment of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Canibe N, Højberg O, Kongsted H, Vodolazska D, Lauridsen C, Nielsen TS, Schönherz AA. Review on Preventive Measures to Reduce Post-Weaning Diarrhoea in Piglets. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2585. [PMID: 36230326 PMCID: PMC9558551 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In many countries, medical levels of zinc (typically as zinc oxide) are added to piglet diets in the first two weeks post-weaning to prevent the development of post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD). However, high levels of zinc constitute an environmental polluting agent, and may contribute to the development and/or maintenance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among bacteria. Consequently, the EU banned administering medical levels of zinc in pig diets as of June 2022. However, this may result in an increased use of antibiotic therapeutics to combat PWD and thereby an increased risk of further AMR development. The search for alternative measures against PWD with a minimum use of antibiotics and in the absence of medical levels of zinc has therefore been intensified over recent years, and feed-related measures, including feed ingredients, feed additives, and feeding strategies, are being intensively investigated. Furthermore, management strategies have been developed and are undoubtedly relevant; however, these will not be addressed in this review. Here, feed measures (and vaccines) are addressed, these being probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, proteobiotics, plants and plant extracts (in particular essential oils and tannins), macroalgae (particularly macroalgae-derived polysaccharides), dietary fibre, antimicrobial peptides, specific amino acids, dietary fatty acids, milk replacers, milk components, creep feed, vaccines, bacteriophages, and single-domain antibodies (nanobodies). The list covers measures with a rather long history and others that require significant development before their eventual use can be extended. To assess the potential of feed-related measures in combating PWD, the literature reviewed here has focused on studies reporting parameters of PWD (i.e., faeces score and/or faeces dry matter content during the first two weeks post-weaning). Although the impact on PWD (or related parameters) of the investigated measures may often be inconsistent, many studies do report positive effects. However, several studies have shown that control pigs do not suffer from diarrhoea, making it difficult to evaluate the biological and practical relevance of these improvements. From the reviewed literature, it is not possible to rank the efficacy of the various measures, and the efficacy most probably depends on a range of factors related to animal genetics and health status, additive doses used, composition of the feed, etc. We conclude that a combination of various measures is probably most recommendable in most situations. However, in this respect, it should be considered that combining strategies may lead to additive (e.g., synbiotics), synergistic (e.g., plant materials), or antagonistic (e.g., algae compounds) effects, requiring detailed knowledge on the modes of action in order to design effective strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Canibe
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sauvaitre T, Van Herreweghen F, Delbaere K, Durif C, Van Landuyt J, Fadhlaoui K, Huille S, Chaucheyras-Durand F, Etienne-Mesmin L, Blanquet-Diot S, Van de Wiele T. Lentils and Yeast Fibers: A New Strategy to Mitigate Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) Strain H10407 Virulence? Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14102146. [PMID: 35631287 PMCID: PMC9144138 DOI: 10.3390/nu14102146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary fibers exhibit well-known beneficial effects on human health, but their anti-infectious properties against enteric pathogens have been poorly investigated. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a major food-borne pathogen that causes acute traveler’s diarrhea. Its virulence traits mainly rely on adhesion to an epithelial surface, mucus degradation, and the secretion of two enterotoxins associated with intestinal inflammation. With the increasing burden of antibiotic resistance worldwide, there is an imperious need to develop novel alternative strategies to control ETEC infections. This study aimed to investigate, using complementary in vitro approaches, the inhibitory potential of two dietary-fiber-containing products (a lentil extract and yeast cell walls) against the human ETEC reference strain H10407. We showed that the lentil extract decreased toxin production in a dose-dependent manner, reduced pro-inflammatory interleukin-8 production, and modulated mucus-related gene induction in ETEC-infected mucus-secreting intestinal cells. We also report that the yeast product reduced ETEC adhesion to mucin and Caco-2/HT29-MTX cells. Both fiber-containing products strengthened intestinal barrier function and modulated toxin-related gene expression. In a complex human gut microbial background, both products did not elicit a significant effect on ETEC colonization. These pioneering data demonstrate the promising role of dietary fibers in controlling different stages of the ETEC infection process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Sauvaitre
- UMR 454 INRAE, Microbiology, Digestive Environment and Health (MEDIS), Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (T.S.); (C.D.); (K.F.); (F.C.-D.); (L.E.-M.)
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; (F.V.H.); (K.D.); (J.V.L.); (T.V.d.W.)
| | - Florence Van Herreweghen
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; (F.V.H.); (K.D.); (J.V.L.); (T.V.d.W.)
| | - Karen Delbaere
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; (F.V.H.); (K.D.); (J.V.L.); (T.V.d.W.)
| | - Claude Durif
- UMR 454 INRAE, Microbiology, Digestive Environment and Health (MEDIS), Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (T.S.); (C.D.); (K.F.); (F.C.-D.); (L.E.-M.)
| | - Josefien Van Landuyt
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; (F.V.H.); (K.D.); (J.V.L.); (T.V.d.W.)
| | - Khaled Fadhlaoui
- UMR 454 INRAE, Microbiology, Digestive Environment and Health (MEDIS), Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (T.S.); (C.D.); (K.F.); (F.C.-D.); (L.E.-M.)
| | | | - Frédérique Chaucheyras-Durand
- UMR 454 INRAE, Microbiology, Digestive Environment and Health (MEDIS), Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (T.S.); (C.D.); (K.F.); (F.C.-D.); (L.E.-M.)
- Lallemand SAS, 19 Rue des Briquetiers, BP 59, CEDEX, F-31702 Blagnac, France
| | - Lucie Etienne-Mesmin
- UMR 454 INRAE, Microbiology, Digestive Environment and Health (MEDIS), Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (T.S.); (C.D.); (K.F.); (F.C.-D.); (L.E.-M.)
| | - Stéphanie Blanquet-Diot
- UMR 454 INRAE, Microbiology, Digestive Environment and Health (MEDIS), Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (T.S.); (C.D.); (K.F.); (F.C.-D.); (L.E.-M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)4-73-17-83-90
| | - Tom Van de Wiele
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; (F.V.H.); (K.D.); (J.V.L.); (T.V.d.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bai Y, Wang Z, Zhou X, Zhang Y, Ye H, Wang H, Pi Y, Lian S, Han D, Wang J. Ingestion of xylooligosaccharides during the suckling period improve the feed efficiency and hindgut fermentation capacity of piglets after weaning. Food Funct 2021; 12:10459-10469. [PMID: 34550161 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo02275j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Fiber ingestion during the suckling period is helpful for gut development and probiotic colonization. Xylooligosaccharides (Xos) and xylan (Xyl) were selected to investigate the effects of different polymerization degree fiber ingestion on the growth performance and microbiota fermentation capacity of pre- and post-weanling piglets. An in vitro fermentation trial was also conducted to verify the microbial fermentation capacity of weanling piglet fecal microbiota. Results showed that Xos and Xyl ingestion had no significant effect on the piglet body weight and D-lactate level in the plasma at 21 d during the suckling period. After weaning, piglets in the Xyl group had a lower average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05), vitro dry matter (DM) fermentability (P < 0.05) and activity of xylanase (P < 0.05) than the control and Xos groups. The Xos group had no significant difference in the ADG when compared with the control group, but a significantly lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05) than the control group, which means a high feed efficiency in the Xos group. The highest carbohydrate digestion and absorption ability of fecal microbiota (P < 0.05) was found in the Xos group. Meanwhile, the Xos group had the highest butyrate production ability (P < 0.05) and activity of xylanase (P < 0.05) during in vitro fermentation. The ingestion of Xyl during the suckling period had negative effects on the feed efficiency and hindgut fermentation capacity of weanling piglets. Xylooligosaccharide ingestion to suckling piglets improves growth performance and feed efficiency after weaning through increasing the fermentation capacity of microbiota and fiber-degrading enzyme secretion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xingjian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yaowen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hao Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Haotian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yu Pi
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biological Feed, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Boen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Shuai Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.,College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163000, China
| | - Dandan Han
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Junjun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Using Nutritional Strategies to Shape the Gastro-Intestinal Tracts of Suckling and Weaned Piglets. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020402. [PMID: 33562533 PMCID: PMC7914898 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This is a comprehensive review on the use of nutritional strategies to shape the functioning of the gastro-intestinal tract in suckling and weaned piglets. The progressive development of a piglet's gut and the associated microbiota and immune system offers a unique window of opportunity for supporting gut health through dietary modulation. This is particularly relevant for large litters, for which sow colostrum and milk are insufficient. The authors have therefore proposed the use of supplemental milk and creep feed with a dual purpose. In addition to providing nutrients to piglets, supplemental milk can also serve as a gut modulator in early life by incorporating functional ingredients with potential long-term benefits. To prepare piglets for weaning, it is important to stimulate the intake of solid feed before weaning, in addition to stimulating the number of piglets eating. The use of functional ingredients in creep feed and a transition diet around the time of weaning helps to habituate piglets to solid feed in general, while also preparing the gut for the digestion and fermentation of specific ingredients. In the first days after weaning (i.e., the acute phase), it is important to maintain high levels of feed intake and focus on nutritional strategies that support good gastric (barrier) function and that avoid overloading the impaired digestion and fermentation capacity of the piglets. In the subsequent maturation phase, the ratio of lysine to energy can be increased gradually in order to stimulate piglet growth. This is because the digestive and fermentation capacity of the piglets is more mature at this stage, thus allowing the inclusion of more fermentable fibres. Taken together, the nutritional strategies addressed in this review provide a structured approach to preparing piglets for success during weaning and the period that follows. The implementation of this approach and the insights to be developed through future research can help to achieve some of the most important goals in pig production: reducing piglet mortality, morbidity and antimicrobial use.
Collapse
|