Reduced fasting periods increase intestinal permeability in chickens

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Gastroenterology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Fasting is known to increase intestinal permeability (IP) in chickens.
• L-glutamine supplementation has shown protective effects on gut barrier function in other species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if fasting durations of 4.5 and 9 hours increase IP in broiler chickens.
• To determine if l-glutamine supplementation protects against fasting-induced increases in IP.

Main Methods:

• A 2x4 factorial study with 96 Ross 308 male broilers, involving control or 1% l-glutamine supplemented diets and fasting periods of 0, 4.5, 9, or 19.5 hours.
• Intestinal permeability was assessed using oral gavage of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d) and lactulose, mannitol, and rhamnose (LMR) sugars.
• Serum FITC-d and plasma L/M/R ratios were measured, along with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations.

Main Results:

• Fasting for 4.5, 9, and 19.5 hours significantly increased serum FITC-d and plasma L/M/R ratios compared to non-fasted birds (p < .05).
• Dietary l-glutamine supplementation did not significantly alter IP compared to the control group (p > .05).
• LPS concentrations were below detectable levels in all groups.

Conclusions:

• Fasting periods of 4.5 and 9 hours increase intestinal permeability in broiler chickens.
• Dietary l-glutamine supplementation does not appear to ameliorate fasting-induced changes in intestinal permeability in this study.
• Further research may be needed to explore other strategies for maintaining gut barrier function during feed withdrawal periods.