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Intestinal glucose absorption in calves as affected by different carbohydrate sources.
1Department of Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, Hannover, Germany.
Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition
|February 29, 2012
Summary
Dietary factors influence calf intestinal glucose absorption differently than previously thought. Calf diets impact glucose transport capacity and SGLT1 transporter expression, challenging existing models of nutrient absorption regulation.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Gastroenterology
- Molecular Physiology
Background:
- Ruminant forestomach fermentation does not negate small intestinal carbohydrate digestion.
- The influence of nutritional factors on intestinal glucose absorption requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of different calf diets on intestinal glucose absorption kinetics.
- To investigate the expression of SGLT1 (sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1) in response to dietary variations.
Main Methods:
- Isolated jejunal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) were used from 10-week-old calves.
- Calves were fed hay, concentrate, or corn silage-based diets alongside milk replacer.
- Kinetic parameters of Na(+)-dependent glucose absorption and SGLT1 expression were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Maximal glucose transport capacity was significantly higher in calves fed concentrate or corn silage.
- SGLT1 protein expression was highest in jejunal BBMV from hay-fed calves.
- Findings challenge the notion that increased SGLT1 transporter numbers solely drive Na(+)-dependent glucose uptake.
Conclusions:
- Dietary composition significantly modulates intestinal glucose absorption capacity and SGLT1 expression in calves.
- The regulation of glucose absorption is more complex than solely transporter abundance.
- Nutritional strategies can influence the efficiency of carbohydrate absorption in young ruminants.
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