Effects of artificial milk on growth performance and intestinal barrier function in suckling piglets: a review

With the continuous improvement of genetic selection in modern swine production, litter size has steadily increased. However, due to the limited capacity of sows to enhance milk production, some piglets experience insufficient milk intake and restricted growth during the lactation period. As an important supplement to sow milk, artificial milk has been widely used in both production practice and scientific research. This review summarizes the effects of artificial milk on the growth performance and intestinal health of suckling piglets. It analyzes how insufficient milk yield and the nutritional composition of sow milk affect piglet growth, and then discusses the positive roles of artificial milk in alleviating the lactational burden on sows, mitigating environmental stress, and improving weaning weight and survival rate of piglets. Furthermore, the potential mechanisms by which artificial milk promotes intestinal development and enhances growth performance are examined from the perspectives of intestinal morphology, digestive function, and the mechanical, mucus, microbial, and immune barriers of the gut. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis for the management of piglets born to sows with extremely large litters.