Modulation of Milk Source Differences on Immunity, Nutritional Physiology and Intestinal Microbiota in Neonatal...

Area of Science:

• Animal Nutrition
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• Milk source significantly impacts nutrient utilization in early life.
• Goat milk's composition and digestibility resemble human breast milk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate goat milk formula's effects on neonatal piglet immunity, metabolism, and gut microbiota.
• Compare goat milk formula (GMF) to standard formula (CON).

Main Methods:

• Sixteen 7-day-old piglets were fed either CON or GMF for 14 days.
• Assessed growth, serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG, IgM, C-reactive protein (CRP4), trypsin, amino acids, fatty acids, hepatic/duodenal/jejunal mRNA expression, and gut microbiome.

Main Results:

• GMF group showed increased final weight, IgA, IgG, IgM, CRP4, and trypsin.
• GMF elevated serum essential/non-essential amino acids and fatty acids.
• GMF enhanced microbial richness, diversity, and short-chain fatty acids (acetic, propionic).

Conclusions:

• Goat milk formula (GMF) shows potential for improving piglet growth performance.
• GMF positively impacts immunity, nutrient metabolism, and gut microbiota.
• Findings support GMF's favorable nutritional properties and tolerability in early nutrition.