Intestinal barrier function and absorption in pigs after weaning: a review

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Gastroenterology
• Swine Nutrition

Background:

• Weaning piglets commercially induces significant stress, negatively impacting small-intestinal barrier and absorptive functions.
• Previous research primarily utilized Ussing chambers or marker probes to evaluate small-intestinal permeability post-weaning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of weaning age on small-intestinal barrier function and absorptive capacity in piglets.
• To determine the role of weaning stress and feed intake in post-weaning intestinal health.

Main Methods:

• Assessment of paracellular barrier function and active/passive absorption in weaned piglets.
• Comparison of intestinal function in pigs weaned at different ages (≤3 weeks vs. ≥4 weeks).

Main Results:

• Weaning piglets at 3 weeks or earlier significantly decreases paracellular barrier function and active absorption.
• Pigs weaned at 4 weeks or later show less compromised barrier function and maintained or increased active absorption.
• Adequate post-weaning feed intake is crucial for preserving intestinal barrier function; transcellular transport decreases, potentially aiding maturation.

Conclusions:

• Weaning age critically influences piglet intestinal adaptation, with later weaning (≥4 weeks) promoting better gut health.
• Weaning stress negatively affects intestinal barrier function, while sufficient feed intake mitigates these effects.
• Future research should focus on specific nutrient deficiencies (energy/protein) impacting feed intake and barrier function.