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Changes in caecal microbiota and mucosal morphology of weaned pigs
Marisol Castillo1, Susana M Martín-Orúe, Miquel Nofrarías
1Animal Nutrition, Management and Welfare Research Group, Departament de Ciència Animal i dels Aliments, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
Veterinary Microbiology
|May 29, 2007
Summary
Early weaning in piglets significantly alters the gut microbiota, increasing harmful bacteria and impacting the intestinal immune system and structure. These changes highlight weaning as a critical period for piglet gut health.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Early weaning is a common practice in pig farming.
- The impact of weaning on the developing gut microbiota and intestinal health is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of early weaning on the caecal microbiota composition and intestinal mucosal architecture in piglets.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative PCR and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (t-RFLP) were used to analyze caecal microbial populations.
- Histological examination assessed changes in crypt density, mitotic index, and goblet cell counts.
- Immunological parameters, including intraepithelial lymphocytes and lamina propria lymphocyte density, were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Weaning significantly increased the enterobacteria:lactobacilli ratio.
- While total bacterial counts and microbial richness remained similar, distinct microbial profiles emerged between weaned and non-weaned groups.
- Weaning led to decreased crypt density, increased mitotic index, reduced goblet cells, and altered immune cell distribution in the caecum.
Conclusions:
- Early weaning critically influences the establishment of the piglet caecal microbiota.
- Significant alterations in microbial composition, caecal mucosal architecture, and immune response are associated with weaning.
