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Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
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Short Administration of Combined Prebiotics Improved Microbial Colonization, Gut Barrier, and Growth Performance of

Yujun Wu1, Xiangyu Zhang1, Dandan Han1

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.

ACS Omega
|August 25, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Early administration of a galactooligosaccharides, milk fat globule membrane, and fructooligosaccharides (GMF) combination enhanced piglet growth and gut health. GMF promoted beneficial bacteria colonization and improved intestinal barrier function in neonatal piglets.

Area of Science:

  • Animal Science
  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Neonatal piglet gut microbiota and intestinal barrier development are critical for overall health and growth.
  • Early life nutrition significantly influences the establishment of a healthy gut microbiome.
  • The combined effects of galactooligosaccharides (GOS), milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) on neonatal gut health require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of short-term GMF administration on microbiota composition, intestinal barrier function, and growth performance in neonatal piglets.
  • To determine the effects of GMF on key microbial genera, short-chain fatty acid levels, and intestinal gene expression.

Main Methods:

  • Sixteen neonatal piglets were divided into GMF and control groups.
  • GMF solution or saline was administered daily during the first week post-birth.
  • Microbiota composition, luminal metabolites, intestinal gene expression, and plasma diamine oxidase (DAO) were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • GMF administration improved piglet growth on days 8 and 21.
  • Enrichment of beneficial bacteria, including *Lactobacillus*, *norank_f__Muribaculaceae*, *Christensenellaceae_R-7_group*, *Enterococcus*, and *Romboutsia*.
  • Increased luminal acetate and propionate, upregulated intestinal tight junction and mucin gene expression, and decreased plasma DAO levels.

Conclusions:

  • First-week GMF administration promotes beneficial bacterial colonization and enhances microbiota-associated intestinal barrier functions.
  • GMF supplementation improves growth performance and intestinal development in neonatal piglets.
  • Findings support the use of combined prebiotics for modulating neonatal microbial colonization and gut development.

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