Lactic Acid and Glutamine Have Positive Synergistic Effects on Growth Performance, Intestinal Function, and...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Nutritional Science
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Weaning piglets face challenges in growth and intestinal health.
• Lactic acid and glutamine are potential feed additives for improving piglet performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of dietary lactic acid and glutamine, and their interactions, on weaning piglet growth and intestinal functions.
• To assess impacts on nutrient digestibility, enzyme activity, intestinal barrier, microflora, and gene expression.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-six weaning piglets were fed basal, lactic acid, glutamine, or combined diets in a 2x2 factorial arrangement for 28 days.
• Evaluated growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), digestive enzyme activity, intestinal morphology, gene expression, and gut microflora.

Main Results:

• Lactic acid and glutamine improved feed intake, growth, and nutrient digestibility (CP, ash).
• Combined supplementation enhanced digestive enzyme activity, villus height, and intestinal barrier gene expression (e.g., OCLN, ZO-1).
• Both additives modulated gut microflora and volatile fatty acid production, with synergistic effects observed.

Conclusions:

• Dietary lactic acid and glutamine exhibit a synergistic effect, improving growth performance in weaning piglets.
• The combination promotes small intestine development, enhances digestive and barrier functions, and balances gut microflora.
• This synergistic effect suggests potential as a feed additive for piglet health and growth, especially in the post-antibiotic era.