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Published on: November 15, 2019
Effects of Early Fructooligosaccharides Intervention on Growth Performance and Jejunal Development in Suckling
Zhuang Hao1, Xuedong Ding1, Yajun Gao1
1National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
Early fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) supplementation boosts piglet growth by enhancing jejunal development. This prebiotic intervention improves intestinal morphology and stem cell function, leading to better nutrient absorption and overall performance.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) are prebiotics influencing gut microbiota and metabolism.
- Jejunal development is critical for rapid growth in suckling piglets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of early FOS supplementation on jejunal development in suckling piglets.
- To understand the underlying mechanisms, including Wnt/β-catenin signaling and microbiota changes.
Main Methods:
- Sixty newborn piglets were divided into control and FOS groups.
- FOS was administered orally from day 2 to 21.
- Piglet growth, jejunal morphology, gene expression, and microbiota were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Early FOS supplementation significantly improved piglet growth performance (p < 0.01).
- FOS enhanced jejunal morphology, stem cell function, and nutrient transport via Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation.
- Increased Lactobacillus abundance and SCFA concentrations were observed in the jejunum.
Conclusions:
- Early FOS intervention promotes jejunal development in suckling piglets.
- The mechanism involves microbiota-metabolite shifts activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, enhancing stem cell renewal and growth.
