Potassium Diformate Attenuates Inflammation and Enhances Intestinal Barrier Function Associated With Gut Microbiota...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Nutritional Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Nursery piglets face challenges with growth performance, inflammation, and intestinal health post-weaning.
• Dietary interventions are crucial for mitigating these challenges and improving overall piglet well-being.
• Potassium diformate (K-diformate) is explored for its potential benefits in animal nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of K-diformate supplementation on growth performance in nursery piglets.
• To evaluate the impact of K-diformate on inflammatory markers and intestinal barrier function.
• To analyze the modulation of gut microbiota composition by K-diformate in piglets.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four weaned piglets were divided into four groups, receiving diets with 0%, 0.6%, 1.2%, or 1.8% K-diformate for 28 days.
• Growth performance parameters, including feed conversion ratio (FCR), were monitored.
• Serum and jejunal samples were analyzed for inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α), intestinal permeability markers (D-lactate, LPS), and barrier proteins (ZO-1, Occludin, MUC2).
• Gut microbiota composition was assessed using sequencing techniques.

Main Results:

• K-diformate supplementation linearly decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR), with the 1.8% group showing significant improvements.
• The 1.8% K-diformate group exhibited reduced serum and jejunal inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α).
• Intestinal barrier function was enhanced, indicated by decreased D-lactate and LPS, increased GLP-2, and upregulated jejunal ZO-1, Occludin, and MUC2 expression.
• Gut microbiota analysis revealed shifts in bacterial abundances, with increased beneficial bacteria like Treponema and Roseburia, and decreased potentially harmful bacteria.

Conclusions:

• Dietary K-diformate, particularly at 1.8%, significantly improves growth performance in nursery piglets.
• K-diformate supplementation effectively reduces inflammation and enhances intestinal barrier integrity.
• These benefits are associated with favorable alterations in the gut microbiota composition, highlighting K-diformate as a promising feed additive.