Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 9, 2025
08:43
Investigating Intestinal Inflammation in DSS-induced Model of IBD
Published on: February 1, 2012
67.6K
Histological Assessment of Intestinal Changes Induced by Liquid Whey-Enriched Diets in Pigs
Kamel Mhalhel1,2, Mauro Cavallaro3, Lidia Pansera1,2
1Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy.
Veterinary Sciences
|August 28, 2025
Summary
Liquid whey (LW) supplementation enhanced pig growth and gut health. It improved intestinal morphology, boosted mucosal defense, and positively influenced leptin signaling, supporting its use in animal nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Liquid whey (LW) is a nutrient-rich dairy by-product with potential for animal feed.
- Limited data exists on LW's effects on intestinal morphology and endocrine signaling in pigs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of liquid whey on intestinal morphology and endocrine signaling in growing pigs.
- To assess LW's potential as a functional dietary strategy for animal nutrition.
Main Methods:
- 14 crossbred pigs were divided into control and LW-supplemented groups.
- Pigs were fed a pelleted diet with or without 1.5 L of LW.
- Intestinal morphology, goblet cell counts, and specific hormone expressions (Cholecystokinin8, Galanin, leptin) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- LW supplementation significantly increased body weight gain in pigs.
- Intestinal analysis revealed increased villus height, crypt depth, and muscularis externa thickness in LW-fed pigs.
- Goblet cell abundance and leptin expression were significantly higher in the LW group, indicating enhanced mucosal defense and altered endocrine signaling.
Conclusions:
- Liquid whey promotes growth, gut mucosa remodeling, and neuroendocrine signaling in pigs.
- LW shows promise as a functional dietary strategy, though adaptation should be considered.
