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Isotonic Protein Solution Supplementation Enhances Growth Performance, Intestinal Immunity, and Beneficial Microbiota
Changliang Gong1,2, Zhuohang Hao1, Xinyi Liao1
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
Veterinary Sciences
|August 28, 2025
Summary
Intestinal peptide solution (IPS) supplementation significantly improved piglet growth, intestinal development, and immune function. This enhanced resilience supports piglets through the critical weaning phase and promotes overall health.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Suckling is vital for piglet intestinal development and gut health, improving resilience for weaning and subsequent growth.
- Intestinal peptide solution (IPS), containing Na+/K+ ions, whey protein, and glucose, positively influences animal growth and intestinal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of IPS consumption on growth performance, immunity, intestinal development, and gut microbiota in suckling piglets.
Main Methods:
- 160 newborn piglets were divided into control and IPS groups.
- IPS was administered from day 2-8 post-birth until 3 days before weaning.
- Evaluated growth parameters, jejunal morphology, plasma immune markers, jejunal SIgA, tight junction protein expression, Toll-like pathway gene expression, and gut microbiota composition.
Main Results:
- IPS increased body weight by 3.6% and body weight gain by 15.7% (16-24 days).
- Enhanced jejunal villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio.
- Elevated plasma IgA and IgM, reduced BUN, increased jejunal SIgA, upregulated tight junction proteins (GLP-2, ZO-1, Claudin-1), and downregulated Toll-like pathway genes (MyD88, TLR-4).
- Altered gut microbiota, increasing beneficial bacteria like Alloprevotella and Bacteroides.
Conclusions:
- IPS supplementation effectively enhances weaning weight, growth performance, immune function, and intestinal development in piglets.
- IPS supports the integration into pre-weaning piglet management strategies for improved health and resilience.
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