Correlation between villous height and the disaccharidase activity in the small intestine of piglets from nursing to growing

Early weaning induces villous atrophy in the small intestine. Reduction in villous height in the small intestine after weaning is associated with reductions in brush‐border enzyme activity. Body weight gain after weaning is, therefore, correlated with villous height. This evidence suggested that the maintenance of small intestinal structure and function after weaning is important for the growth of young pigs. On the other hand, the relationship between villous height and the activity of the digestive enzymes in the small intestine has not been studied with piglets from the suckling to the growing period. Five suckling piglets, four piglets in the proximal stage of weaning, four pigs in the distal stage of weaning and four growing pigs were used. The activities of lactase (LA), sucrase (SA) and maltase (MA) were determined. LA showed a positive correlation with villous height in weaning. SA and MA were positively correlated with villous height from suckling to growing. In a previous study, non‐infectious dyspeptic diarrhea was frequently observed in growing piglets on Japanese swine farms. The maintenance of villous height to retain disaccharidase activity may prevent dyspepsic diarrhea in this stage.     

The influences of weaning age and weight on carcass traits and meat quality of pigs

The purpose of this study was to establish the effects of weaning age and weight on pigs, and their interaction with carcass traits and meat quality. A total of 468 piglets were obtained from 57 sows and four boars and grouped by age at weaning (D21, 18–24 days; D28, 25–32 days). Each weaning group was subdivided into three weight groups (L, M and H) according to weaning weight. The D28 group had heavier carcass weight, redness and yellowness, but had lower marbling scores and less drip loss than the D21 group (P < 0.05). The pigs with a light weight at weaning had higher carcass weights and lower yellowness than did pigs with a medium or heavy weight at weaning (P < 0.05). Weaning age was found to have a negative correlation with drip loss, while weaning weight was negatively correlated with carcass weight and drip loss (P < 0.05). We concluded that carcass and meat quality traits in pigs were significantly related to their age and weight at weaning. Therefore, we find that piglet weaning age and weight are no less important than post‐weaning growth performance and behavior, with regard to carcass traits and meat quality.     

Lectin histochemical characterisation of the porcine small intestine around weaning

The present study was undertaken to characterise the carbohydrate profile of the porcine small intestine using lectin histochemistry during the period from 3 days prior to weaning to 9 days post-weaning. A total of 56 piglets weaned at 4 weeks of age were included in the experiment. The most prominent changes in the glycosylation pattern were observed in the goblet cells. The highest lectin reactivity of the goblet cells in the crypts was observed 7 days post-weaning which suggests that the protective effect of the mucus layer against pathogenic bacteria is increasing during the postweaning period. The staining pattern of the apical membrane remained unchanged during the experimental period. This indicates that the glycosylation process in the goblet cells is rapidly inducible whereas changes in the glycosylation pattern of the apical membrane requires more time. The glycosylation pattern of both goblet cells and apical membrane differed between the positions of the small intestine. As glycoconjugates can act as attachment sites for microorganisms, these differences in the distribution of sugar residues may be one explanation for the site-specificity of certain pathogens.     

荣昌乳仔猪小肠黏膜二糖酶活性发育规律及影响因素的研究

为了系统研究荣昌乳仔猪二糖酶的发育规律,为荣昌乳仔猪饲养工艺研究及产业化示范优化补料技术提供理论依据,试验选择30窝胎次、产仔数一致的荣昌乳仔猪随机分为补饲(A)组和非补饲(B)组,A组从6日龄开始补饲,B组不补饲,分别在第0,2,5,8,11,15,19,23,28,30,35天取仔猪十二指肠、空肠(前、中、后各段)、回肠测定麦芽糖酶、乳糖酶、蔗糖酶的活性。结果表明:补饲对小肠中3种二糖酶活性有一定的影响,补饲组乳糖酶活性在空肠段8,11,15天显著高于其他各天(P<0.05),蔗糖酶活性在空肠前段和中段11,15天显著高于其他各天(P<0.05);非补饲组麦芽糖酶在十二指肠19天、空肠前段19,15,28天显著高于其他各天(P<0.05),乳糖酶活性在十二指肠15天、空肠前段和中段15,11天显著高于其他各天(P<0.05)。说明乳仔猪进行补饲能提前二糖酶发挥高活性的时间;21日龄断奶二糖酶活性对补饲仔猪的影响小于非补饲组;21日龄断奶仔猪比28日龄断奶仔猪酶活性的波动更大;乳仔猪乳糖酶活性在8,11,15日龄达到较高水平。     

小肽营养素对断奶仔猪生产性能及小肠发育的影响

50头 2 1日龄断奶的胜利白猪随机分为 5组 ,Ⅰ组 (对照组 )为基础日粮组 ;Ⅱ ,Ⅲ ,Ⅳ组分别为基础日粮 +1 % ,2 % ,3 %小肽营养素 ;Ⅴ组为基础日粮 +2 %SDPP。试验期 2 8d。结果表明 ,添加 3 %小肽营养素后 ,仔猪平均日增重比对照组提高 33 67% (P <0 0 5) ,料重比下降8 4% (P <0 0 5)与添加 2 %SDPP的效果类似。添加小肽营养素后 ,仔猪十二指肠、空肠、回肠的绒毛长度增加、隐窝深度减小 ,这种趋势随着小肽营养素添加量的增加而提高。小肽营养素能刺激仔猪断奶后十二指肠食糜乳糖酶、淀粉酶、脂肪酶和胰蛋白酶的活性 ,以添加 3 %小肽营养素和 2 %SDPP效果较好。小肽营养素可促进断奶仔猪免疫系统发育 ,增加血液中IgG浓度 (P <0 0 5)。     

利用大规模F_2及F_3群体研究猪小肠长度及其生长发育性状的相关性

小肠是猪的主要消化吸收器官,对个体的生长发育非常重要,但到目前为止,国内外对猪小肠的研究还很少。为探讨其长度与生长发育性状之间的关系,本试验测定了白色杜洛克×二花脸资源家系F2和F3群体共计1 508头个体的240日龄小肠长度、出生重、21日龄体重、46日龄体重、0~46日龄平均日增重、46~240日龄平均日增重、240日龄平均日增重、240日龄宰前活重及屠宰后胴体直长、胴体斜长等10项生长性状指标,并对其与小肠长度的相关性进行了分析。结果显示猪240日龄小肠长度与这些生长性状都存在极显著相关(P0.001),表明小肠可能通过影响个体对营养成分的消化吸收而影响个体的生长发育。据我们所知,本试验是首次在大规模样本群体中研究猪小肠长度与生长发育性状的相关性,其结果为小肠和个体发育研究提供了重要参考。     

猪小肠抗菌肽的抗菌作用研究

采用琼脂糖弥散试验和活菌计数试验检测猪小肠抗菌肽对儿株细菌(鸡大肠杆菌(O1)C83845株、鸡白痢沙门氏菌C79-13株、大肠杆菌(O2)、大肠杆菌(O78)、猪致病性大肠杆菌自然分离株、鸡致病性大肠杆菌自然分离株、白色葡萄球菌、金黄色葡萄球菌ATCC25923株、猪致病性沙门氏菌自然分离株、绿脓杆菌ATCC27853株、鱼致病性嗜水气单胞菌)的作用。结果表明，猪小肠抗菌肽对以上各株细菌均有不同程度的抑制作用，杀菌率由59．5％～98．5％不等。扫描电镜下观察猪小肠抗菌肽分别与鸡大肠杆菌(O1)C83845株、鸡白痢沙门氏菌C79-13株和金黄色葡萄球菌ATCC25923株在37．0℃条件下共培养15min后细菌形态学的改变，结果发现，有的细菌表面出现囊泡样或不规则突起样结构；有的细菌严重变形、扭曲，一端呈火柴头状；有的细菌表面变得粗糙、皱缩、胞膜破裂、内容物外流而死亡。     

Colistin and tylosin enhances disaccharidase activities,and improves morphology and permeability of the intestine of broilers

ABSTRACT

1. The present study focused on the potential effects of antibiotics on intestinal digestion and integrity in broilers in terms of disaccharidase activity, electrophysiological properties and morphology.

2. One-day-old Arbour Acres birds were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups for 42 days; control, colistin (20 mg/kg), tylosin (55 mg/kg) or chlortetracycline (CTC, 55 mg/kg) groups. Colistin and tylosin supplementation, but not CTC supplementation, caused an increase in body weight gain.

3. Colistin and tylosin elevated the activities of maltase and sucrase in the mucosa of the jejunum on d 42. Age caused a gradual decrease in the short-circuit current (Isc) and conductance (Gt) of the ileum, as a measure of permeability. The Isc and Gt of the ileum were higher in the colistin-supplemented broilers than in the control birds on d 42. Tylosin- and CTC-supplemented birds displayed Isc and Gt values similar to those of the control birds.

4. Colistin supplementation increased the villus area in the jejunum and thinned the muscularis mucosae in the ileum compared with the control group. Tylosin supplementation decreased the thickness of the muscularis mucosae and the depth of crypt in the jejunum. CTC thickened the muscularis mucosae in the jejunum and ileum.

5. Colistin and tylosin exhibited a beneficial effect on intestinal digestion and integrity by enhancing disaccharidase activities and improving gut morphology and permeability.     

开食料补饲日龄对羔羊瘤胃和小肠组织形态的影响

为研究开食料补饲日龄对羔羊瘤胃和小肠组织形态的影响,选用72只体重接近的湖羊初生公羔(双羔,初生重3.51±0.52 kg),随机分为2组,7或42 d补饲开食料,每组36只羔羊。分别在14,28,42,56,70和84 d每组各屠宰6只羔羊,采集瘤胃和小肠组织样品。结果表明:42 d时7 d补饲组瘤胃背囊和腹囊乳头高显著高于42 d补饲组(P<0.05),42 d时7 d补饲组瘤胃腹囊乳头宽有大于42 d补饲组的趋势(P=0.053),42 d时7 d补饲组背囊肌层厚显著高于于42 d补饲组(P<0.05);28和42 d时7 d补饲组十二指肠和回肠绒毛长均显著高于42 d补饲组(P<0.05),42 d时7 d补饲组回肠隐窝深显著低于42 d补饲组(P<0.05),42 d时7 d补饲组十二指肠和回肠绒毛长和隐窝深比显著高于42 d补饲组(P<0.05)。结论 7 d补饲有利于瘤胃组织形态发育和42 d前小肠粘膜发育。     

二次制粒工艺对断奶仔猪消化器官的影响

选用360头21日龄断奶仔猪,按饲喂试验日粮的制粒工艺、原料预处理不同,分成4个处理组,研究断奶仔猪采食二次制粒颗粒饲料对主要消化器官的影响。处理1组饲粮普通一次制粒并使用未膨化玉米及豆粕;处理2组饲粮一次制粒、使用膨化玉米及豆粕;处理3组采用二次制粒工艺、使用未膨化玉米及豆粕;处理4组二次制粒、使用膨化玉米及豆粕。主要消化器官统计结果(相对指标)显示:处理4组仔猪小肠重显著大于处理1和3组(P<0.05);小肠长度和空肠黏膜重指标,处理4组显著大于其他3个处理组。小肠形态测定结果显示:处理4组仔猪空肠绒毛高度显著大于其他3个处理组;空肠肠壁厚度指标,处理4组仔猪显著大于处理1组,而处理2组和3组之间无显著差异(P>0.05)。以上结果表明,在选择膨化玉米与膨化豆粕原料的基础上,采用二次制粒工艺,先将鱼粉与膨化玉米、膨化豆粕进行第一次高温制粒所生产的饲料,饲喂断奶仔猪有效促进小肠器官发育,从而改善生长性能。     

Evaluation of the heat‐killed and dried cell preparation of Enterococcus faecalis against villous atrophy in early‐weaned mice and pigs

Early weaning induces villous atrophy in the small intestine (SI) of piglets. Oral administration of live lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can improve villous shortening. In this study, we evaluated the oral administration of a heat‐killed and dried cell preparation of Enterococcus faecalis (a LAB) strain EC‐12 against villous atrophy in early‐weaned mice (Experiment 1) and pigs (Experiments 2 and 3). Twelve 16‐days‐old mice were divided into two groups in Experiment 1: gavage of EC‐12 (10 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day), or control. On day 21, SI was collected. Eighteen 21‐day‐old pigs were divided into two groups in Experiment 2: gavage of EC‐12 (10 mg/kg BW/day), or control. After 10 days, the villous height of jejunum was measured. Six 21‐day‐old pigs were divided into two groups in Experiment 3: the basal diet supplemented with EC‐12 at 0.05%‐fed group, or the basal diet‐fed group. After 10 days, the villous height of jejunum was measured. The villous heights in SI were significantly higher by EC‐12 administration in all experiments. EC‐12 successfully improved the villous atrophy in the early‐weaned mice and pigs when EC‐12 was administered orally.     

Effects of dietary fructo-oligosaccharide on villous height and disaccharidase activity of the small intestine,pH, VFA and ammonia concentrations in the large intestine of weaned pigs

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to investigate changes in the lumen and wall of the intestinal tract of weaned pigs caused by fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and consequences for growth. Twelve male pigs weaned at 24 days were individually housed and fed either control, 0.25% FOS, or 3% FOS diets for 21 days after weaning. The pH of chyme in the caecum and proximal colon were lower (p<0.001) in 3% FOS compared to other treatments. Mean molar proportions (%) of total SCFA values along the large intestine were significantly affected by FOS diet. Acetic acid was significantly higher in control compared with other treatments. Butyric acid and isobutyric acid were significantly increased in 0.25 and 3% FOS compared to the control. Feed intake, empty body weight gain, disaccharidase activities and villous height in the small intestine were not significantly affected by FOS. It was concluded that dietary FOS stimulates fermentation in the large intestine, but does not significantly affect enzyme activity, ammonia content, villous height and growth.     

影响断奶仔猪小肠结构完整性的因素

小肠是营养物质消化吸收的主要场所,小肠结构的完整性对养分消化利用具有重要的意义。影响断奶仔猪小肠结构完整性的因素较多,包括乳源活性物质消失、断奶应激、采食量及饲粮组成等。本文综述了影响断奶仔猪小肠结构完整性的重要因素。     

Influence of creep feeding and weaning on brush border enzyme activities in the piglet small intestine

The activities of the enterocyte brush border enzymes lactase (beta-D galactoside galactohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.23) and sucrase (sucrose alpha-D glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.48) were measured at set percentage lengths along the small intestines of 112 piglets killed between 21 and 32 days of age. The influences on these activities of consumption of creep feed and of weaning were recorded. Weaning at three weeks old resulted in large, rapid reductions in lactase activity at most sites along the small intestine; sucrase activity declined temporarily and then recovered. Minimum values were recorded about four to five days after weaning. Similar changes were observed whether or not creep feed was consumed before weaning. Continued consumption of creep feed by unweaned pigs over the 21 to 32 day period also produced small but significant reductions in lactase activities. The large loss of digestive enzyme activities at brush borders in weaned animals coincided with a reduced ability to absorb xylose and to checks in growth rate in otherwise healthy piglets.     

Relationship between weaning age and antibiotic usage on pig growth performance and mortality

A total of 2,184 pigs (DNA 600 × PIC L42) were used to evaluate the effects of weaning age and antibiotic (AB) use on pig performance from weaning to marketing in a commercial production system. Experimental treatments were arranged in a 3 × 2 factorial with main effects of weaning age (18.5, 21.5, or 24.5 d of age) and with the use of ABs or an antibiotic-free (NAE) program. At birth, pigs were ear tagged, and the date of birth and sex recorded. Pigs were weaned from a 4,000-sow farm over four consecutive weeks. Four weaning batches (one per week) of 546 pigs were used. Each weaning batch had one-third of pigs of each weaning age. Pigs were placed in pens by weaning age and then randomly assigned to an AB or NAE program. There were 14 replicate pens per treatment and 26 pigs per pen (13 barrows and 13 gilts). Pigs allocated to the AB program were fed a diet containing 441 mg/kg chlortetracycline (CTC) from day 8 to 21 postweaning. They were also administered 22 mg/kg of body weight (BW) of CTC via drinking water for five consecutive days after a porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome outbreak during week 7 after weaning. In the first 42 d postweaning, increasing weaning age improved (linear, P < 0.001) BW at day 42, average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI). From weaning to 197 d of age, increasing weaning age increased (linear, P < 0.001) ADG and ADFI. Pigs on the AB program had greater (P = 0.031) ADG and ADFI compared with NAE pigs. An interaction (linear, P = 0.005) was observed for feed efficiency (G:F). When ABs were provided, increasing weaning age did not result in any change in G:F; however, in the NAE program, increasing weaning age increased G:F. Pigs on the AB program had lower (P < 0.001) total losses (mortality and removals) than those on the NAE program. Increasing weaning age marginally (linear, P = 0.097) decreased total losses. Increasing weaning age decreased (quadratic, P < 0.001) the number of pigs treated with an injectable AB but the AB program did not (P = 0.238). The weight sold (at 197 d of age) per pig weaned was increased (linear, P = 0.050) by increasing weaning age and by using AB in feed and water (P = 0.019). In summary, increasing weaning age linearly improved most of the pig performance criteria and relatively the short-term use of ABs reduced mortality and removals with both factors contributing to increased weight sold per pig weaned.     

Idiopathic perforating ulceration of the small intestine in five adult horses

Perforating ulceration of the small intestine was diagnosed in 5 adult horses. Affected horses presented with signs of low‐grade colic, depression and inappetance. Abdominal paracentesis yielded abnormal peritoneal fluid in all cases. Perforating ulcers were located at the mesenteric border in 4 horses and the ileum in one horse. All horses had diffuse septic peritonitis. The aetiology of the condition is unknown.     

Effects of sex and age on behavior and weight gain in beef calves after abrupt weaning

The effects of weaning on beef calves of different ages were investigated. Forty male and 40 female calves were either weaned at 6 (W6, n = 40) or 8 (W8, n = 40) months of age. The vocalization activity and behaviors (feeding, lying and standing/walking) were observed during the first 3 days following weaning. Body weight was recorded at 6 and 8 months and 2 weeks following weaning. W6 animals vocalized more often than W8 calves and females more than males on day 1 (P < 0.05). The vocalization activity decreased at a higher rate in W8 than in W6 from days 1 to 3. On day 2, W6 calves spent less time lying and more standing/walking than W8 calves (P < 0.05). The behaviors did not differ between males and females. The average daily gain after weaning did not differ between weaning ages (P > 0.05), but W8 calves gained more from 6 to 8 months of age. In conclusion, weaning distress was more pronounced in W6 than in W8 calves. W8 calves also had a superior growth performance during 6 to 8 months of age. The effect of the calves' sex was less pronounced. Therefore, it is recommended to wean beef calves later than 6 months of age.     

Preliminary study of capsule endoscopy in the small intestine of horses

Objective To evaluate the visibility of various portions of the small intestine in healthy horses using capsule endoscopy. Procedure Six healthy, conscious adult Thoroughbreds were restrained and an endoscopic capsule (PillCam® SB capsule) was inserted into the oesophagus using an intranasal catheter aided by a guide wire. Water (500 mL) flushed the capsule down the gastrointestinal tract. Data were collected and stored in the recorder of the endoscopic system for 6 hours after capsule insertion and the images were evaluated using an image reader and scored using a visual analogue scale. Results Capsule endoscopy enabled observation of the distinct mucosal shape, colour, and villus structure of the intestinal lumen from the duodenum through the proximal jejunum. At 4 h after passing the pylorus, the endoscopic capsule started transmitting increasingly dark images in the distal jejunum as the lumen circumference increased. Means of the visual analogue scale in the duodenum, proximal jejunum, and distal jejunum were 93.8 ± 1.3%, 86.2 ± 2.5% and 48.8 ± 6.3%, respectively. Differences among these values were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Capsule endoscopy enables observation of the distinct mucosal shape, colour and villus structure of the proximal and mid-small intestine in healthy horses.     

A genome scan for quantitative trait loci affecting the length of small intestine in a White Duroc × Chinese Erhualian intercross resource population

The small intestine is a vital organ in animal gastrointestinal system, in which a large variety of nutrients are absorbed. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the length of porcine small intestine, phenotypic values were measured in 1034 individuals at 240 d from a White Duroc × Chinese Erhualian intercross F₂ population. The length of small intestine showed strong correlation with growth traits and carcass length in the F2 population. A whole‐genome scan was performed based on 183 microsatellites covering the pig genome in the F₂ population. A total of 10 QTL for this trait were identified on 8 pig chromosomes (SSC), including four 1% genome‐wide significant QTL on SSC2, 4, 7 and 8, one 5% genome‐wide significant QTL on SSC12, and five 5% chromosome‐wide significant QTL on SSC5, 7, 13 and 14. The Erhualian alleles were generally associated with shorter length of the small intestine except the alleles on SSC7 and 13. The QTL on SSC4 overlapped with the previously reported QTL for the length of small intestine. Several significant QTL on SSC2, 8, and 12 were consistent with previous reports. The significant QTL detected on SSC7 was reported for the first time. All QTL identified in this study corresponded to the known region significantly associated with growth traits, supporting the important role of the length of small intestine in pig growth.     

Effects of mosapride on motility of the small intestine and caecum in normal horses after jejunocaecostomy

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prokinetic effects of mosapride with non-invasive assessment of myoelectrical activity in the small intestine and caecum of healthy horses after jejunocaecostomy. Six horses underwent celiotomy and jejunocaecostomy, and were treated with mosapride (treated group) at 1.5 mg/kg per osos once daily for 5 days after surgery. The other six horses did not receive treatment and were used as controls (non-treated group). The electrointestinography (EIG) maximum amplitude was used to measure intestinal motility. Motility significantly decreased following surgery. In the treated group, the EIG maximum amplitude of the small intestine was significantly higher than in the controls from day 6~31 after treatment. These findings clearly indicate that mosapride could overcome the decline of intestinal motility after jejunocaecostomy in normal horses.