Maternal galactooligosaccharides supplementation programmed immune defense, microbial colonization and intestinal...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are known prebiotics with benefits for neonates.
• The impact of maternal GOS intervention on offspring's microbial colonization and intestinal development is not well understood.
• Nutritional programming via maternal diet can influence offspring health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of maternal GOS supplementation during late gestation on piglet performance, immune status, microbiota, and intestinal development.
• To explore the potential of GOS as a tool for maternal nutritional programming in neonates.

Main Methods:

• Late gestational sows were fed a diet supplemented with GOS (10 g/day) or a control diet until parturition.
• Piglets were assessed on day 21 for growth performance, plasma IgA levels, fecal microbiota composition, and intestinal barrier function.
• Intestinal barrier markers included tight junction proteins (Occludin, Claudin-1, ZO-1), goblet cell number, and Mucin-2.

Main Results:

• Maternal GOS supplementation improved litter characteristics and piglet growth performance.
• Plasma IgA levels were elevated in both sows and piglets, indicating enhanced immune status.
• GOS intervention modulated maternal and offspring fecal microbiota, increasing specific bacterial taxa and fecal acetate, and improved piglet intestinal barrier function.

Conclusions:

• Maternal GOS supplementation during late gestation effectively programs offspring's gut microbiota and immune status.
• This neonatal programming positively influences piglet intestinal barrier integrity, immune defense, and growth performance.
• GOS shows promise for maternal-neonatal nutrition strategies to enhance offspring health.