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This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary ISF:SF ratio on reproductive performance, biochemical parameters, colostrum composition, and fecal microbial composition in gestating sows. A total of 30 multiparous sows were randomly allocated to three dietary treatment groups: 8% inulin diet (ISF:SF 1.14, Inulin group), 8% cotton fiber diet (ISF:SF 6.61, Cotton group), and 4% inulin + 4% cotton fiber diet (ISF:SF 2.37, Inulin + Cotton group). The results showed that, compared to the other groups, the Inulin group had a significantly higher number of piglets born alive, as well as increased plasma concentrations of acetic acid, butyric acid, hexanoic acid, and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) (p < 0.05). Sows in the Inulin group had significantly lower fecal scores than those in the other groups from days 81 to 85 and from days 106 to 110 of gestation (p < 0.05). On day 90 of gestation, the serum levels of albumin, urea, uric acid, calcium, and phosphorus in the Inulin group were significantly lower than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the serum levels of triacylglycerol in the Inulin + Cotton Fiber group were significantly higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in serum concentrations of total protein, creatinine, glucose, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, or LDL-cholesterol among the treatments (p > 0.05). On day 110 of gestation, the serum content of urea, uric acid, calcium, and phosphorus in the Inulin group was significantly lower than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the plasma levels of uric acid, triacylglycerol, and HDL-cholesterol in the Inulin + Cotton Fiber group were significantly higher than those in the Cotton Fiber group (p < 0.05), while the creatinine levels in the Inulin group were higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in the composition and immune performance of colostrum (p > 0.05). Microbial sequencing analysis showed that dietary inulin supplementation to increase the proportion of soluble fiber significantly decreased the abundance of Firmicutes, Clostridia, Clostridiales, Lachnospiraceae, Streptococcaceae, and Streptococcus (p < 0.05). The abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing microorganisms—Bacteroidetes, Bacteroidia, Bacteroidales, and Muribaculaceae—was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The results indicated that inulin supplementation decreased the dietary ISF:SF ratio, significantly alleviated constipation in sows, increased the number of piglets born alive, regulated intestinal microecology, and increased the plasma concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetic, propionic, and butyric acids.

Stomach and intestines are involved in the secretion of gastrointestinal fluids and the absorption of nutrients and fluids, which ensure normal gut functions. Aquaporin water channels (AQPs) represent a major transcellular route for water transport in the gastrointestinal tract. Until now, at least 11 AQPs (AQP1–11) have been found to be present in the stomach, small and large intestines. These AQPs are distributed in different cell types in the stomach and intestines, including gastric epithelial cells, gastric glands cells, absorptive epithelial cells (enterocytes), goblet cells and Paneth cells. AQP1 is abundantly distributed in the endothelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract. AQP3 and AQP4 are mainly distributed in the basolateral membrane of epithelial cells in the stomach and intestines. AQP7, AQP8, AQP10 and AQP11 are distributed in the apical of enterocytes in the small and large intestines. Although AQP-null mice displayed almost no phenotypes in gastrointestinal tracts, the alterations of the expression and localization of these AQPs have been shown to be associated with the pathology of gastrointestinal disorders, which suggests that AQPs play important roles serving as potential therapeutic targets. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the expression, localization and distribution of AQPs in the stomach, small and large intestine of human and animals. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the potential roles of AQPs in the physiology and pathophysiology of stomach and intestines.

Our previous study has shown that replacing 100% inorganic trace minerals with 30% amino acid-chelated ones can enhance antioxidant capacity, improve nutrient digestibility, and reduce fecal excretion in growing-finishing pigs without compromising performance. This study aimed to further reduce the amino acid-chelated trace minerals content in pig diets and assess its impact. Seventy-two growing-finishing barrows (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire), with an initial average body weight of 67.04 ± 0.12 kg, were divided into four groups: negative control (NC, no additional trace minerals), high-dose inorganic trace minerals (HITM, 100% inorganic; 75 mg/kg Fe, 10 mg/kg Cu, 65 mg/kg Zn, 25 mg/kg Mn), and two low-dose groups (15 mg/kg Fe, 4 mg/kg Cu, 12.5 mg/kg Zn, 5 mg/kg Mn) receiving either inorganic sulfates (LITM) or amino acid-chelates (LOTM). The trial concluded when the body weight of pigs reached ~130 kg. Results showed that low-dose trace mineral substitution did not adversely affect growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, or nutrient digestibility in growing-finishing pigs (p > 0.05). The LOTM pigs exhibited significantly higher serum glutathione peroxidase, liver total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and CuZn-SOD activities, muscle CuZn-SOD and catalase activities, and lower liver malondialdehyde content compared with LITM (p < 0.05). Muscle CuZn-SOD in LITM was lower than HITM (p < 0.05), but not in LOTM (p > 0.05). LOTM showed significantly higher muscle Fe content and lower muscle Mn content compared with HITM (p < 0.05), yet its muscle Mn level was higher than that of LITM (p < 0.05). Liver Zn content decreased in LITM compared with HITM (p < 0.05), but remained unchanged in LOTM (p > 0.05). Both LITM and LOTM significantly reduced fecal emissions of Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn compared with HITM (p < 0.05), with greater reductions in Cu, Zn, and Mn in LOTM. In conclusion, low-dose substitution of inorganic or organic trace minerals did not negatively affect growth, carcass traits, meat quality, or nutrient digestibility in growing-finishing pigs, while it effectively reduced fecal heavy metal emissions. Organic trace minerals were more effective in enhancing antioxidant activity and trace mineral deposition.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of replacing fishmeal with H. illucens larval meal on the colonic immune homeostasis in weaned piglets in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-challenged pig housing. Seventy-two weaned piglets, aged 28 days, were randomly divided into three groups for dietary treatment: the basal diet (negative control, NC), the positive control diet (PC) supplemented with 1445 mg zinc/kg zinc oxide in the basal diet, and the H. illucens larval meal complete replacement of fishmeal in the basal diet (HILM), for 28 days in ETEC-challenged pig housing. The results showed that the relative transcript abundances of ZO-1, pBD2, PR39, and PG1–5 were increased (p < 0.05) in pigs fed the HILM diet compared with those fed the NC diet. In addition, the HILM diet reduced (p < 0.05) the serum contents of IL-8 and increased (p < 0.05) the serum contents of IL-10 and IgG compared with the NC diet. In terms of the molecular mechanisms by which immune homeostasis is improved, the p-NF-κB/ NF-κB ratio and TLR2 protein expression in the colon were decreased (p < 0.05) in pigs fed the HILM diet compared with those fed the NC diet. Compared with the NC diet, the HILM diet reduced (p < 0.05) the protein expression of HDAC3 and HDAC7 in the colon of pigs. The SIRT1, acH3K9, and pH3S10 protein expressions in the colon were the greatest (p < 0.05) in pigs fed the HILM diet compared with the NC diet. HILM diets improved the colonic immune homeostasis in weaned piglets by enhancing the antimicrobial peptide expression, thereby mitigating ETEC challenges in pig housing. Mechanistically, HILM diets promote antimicrobial peptide expression through increased histone acetylation (acH3K9 and pH3S10).

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of crude protein (CP) levels and antibiotics in feed on the growth performance, body composition, nutrient digestion and absorption, gut health, and microbiota of weaned piglets. A total of 100 piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, weaned at day 21) with an initial weight of 6.39 ± 0.03 kg were randomly assigned to four treatments and fed with 18% CP antibiotic-free diets, 18% CP with antibiotics diets, 24% CP antibiotic-free diets, and 24% CP with antibiotics diets for 0–14 d (S1). Furthermore, the piglets were fed with an identical diet (19% CP and without antibiotics) starting day 15 until they reached 25 kg (S2). Results indicated that the average daily gain (ADG) and gain feed ratio (G:F) during the S1 phase as well as BW at day 14, were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the 18% CP group compared with the 24% CP group. Similarly, piglets in the 18% CP group showed a significantly decreased body protein content and body water, protein deposition rates at the S1 phase, and significantly improved the body lipid content and deposition rate but not (p > 0.05) at the S2 phase. The 18% CP group demonstrated significantly increased (p < 0.05) serum concentrations of Threonine, Valine, Isoleucine, and Lysine in weaned piglets during the S1 phase, while Glycine concentration significantly decreased, and no significant (p > 0.05) effects were observed in the S2 phase. Furthermore, dietary antibiotic supplementation had no effect on (p > 0.05) piglet growth performance, body composition, nutrient digestion, and metabolism throughout the entire trial period. In the absence of antibiotics, compared to the 24% CP diet group, the piglets fed with an 18% CP diet significantly increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the colon of weaned piglets upon reaching 25 kg BW (p < 0.05). Compared to the diet without added antibiotics, the addition of antibiotics to the diet significantly decreased the relative abundance of Pseudoramibacter in the colon of weaned piglets on day 14. No significant (p > 0.05) difference was observed in intestinal morphology or gastrointestinal pH among the groups. In conclusion, lower dietary protein levels in the early post-weaning period reduced growth performance and promoted gut microbiota balance, and compensatory growth occurred after returning to higher protein levels two weeks after weaning.

This study aimed to explore the effect of L-arginine on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress in IPEC-2 cells. We found that the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14), nuclear factor-kappaBp65 (NF-κBp65), chemokine-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and chemokine-6 (IL-6) mRNA were significantly increased by LPS. Exposure to LPS induced oxidative stress as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malonaldehyde (MDA) production were increased while glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were decreased in LPS-treated cells compared to those in the control. LPS administration also effectively induced cell growth inhibition through induction of G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. However, compared with the LPS group, cells co-treatment with L-arginine effectively increased cell viability and promoted the cell cycle into the S phase; L-arginine exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect in alleviating inflammation induced by LPS by reducing the abundance of TLR4, MyD88, CD14, NF-κBp65, and IL-8 transcripts. Cells treated with LPS+L-arginine significantly enhanced the content of GSH-Px, while they decreased the production of ROS and MDA compared with the LPS group. Furthermore, L-arginine increased the activity of arginase-1 (Arg-1), while Arg-1 inhibitor abolished the protection of arginine against LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. Taken together, these results suggested that L-arginine exerted its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects to protect IPEC-J2 cells from inflammatory response and oxidative stress challenged by LPS at least partly via the Arg-1 signaling pathway.

Weaning stress leads to intestinal dysfunction and impaired growth performance and intestinal development in piglets. This study aims to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus reuteri LR1 on growth performance and amino acid metabolism in the gut–liver axis of weaned piglets. A total of 48 weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, 21 days old) were randomly assigned to the CON group (fed a basal diet) and the LR1 group (fed the basal diet supplemented with 5 × 1010 CFU/kg of Lactobacillus reuteri LR1) with six pens per group and 4 piglets each pen. The results demonstrated that LR1 significantly increased average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and final body weight (p < 0.05). Additionally, LR1 significantly enhanced the villus height of the ileum (p < 0.05) and upregulated the expression of SLC6A19 in the jejunum, as well as SLC6A19, SLC7A1, and SLC38A9 in the ileum (p < 0.05). Amino acid analysis revealed that LR1 elevated the serum concentrations of glycine and hydroxyproline, along with increased taurine in the liver. Masson staining indicated LR1 reduced ileum fiber deposition, with COL3A1 identified as a key component. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomic analysis identified 27 amino acid-related differential metabolites and 11 significantly up-regulated in the plasma of the hepatic portal vein, including L-asparagine, L-citrulline, His-Cys, N-acetyltryptophan, 4-hydroxy-l-isoleucine, Gly-Arg, creatine, ornithine, ectoine, 3-methyl-l-histidine, and stachydrine. Correlation analysis suggested that COL1A2 and COL3A1 were closely associated with these metabolic changes. Overall, these findings suggest that LR1 supplementation promotes growth, improves intestinal morphology, reduces fiber deposition, and enhances amino acid metabolism in the gut–liver axis of weaned piglets.

Constipation is a common issue in sows, characterized by dry and hard feces or prolonged absence of defecation, which exerts adverse effects on the overall health and reproductive performance of sows. While dietary neutral detergent fiber (NDF), due to its physicochemical properties, can enhance satiety and promote gastrointestinal health. The present study aims to determine the effect of different dietary NDF intake levels on reducing constipation without impairing the reproductive capacity of gestating sows. A total of 110 primiparous crossbred gilts (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly assigned to five groups with different NDF levels of 19.28% (Group A), 21.36% (Group B), 22.08% (Group C), 22.67% (Group D), and 23.43% (Group E), respectively. The daily feed intake was adjusted across groups to ensure a gradual increase in NDF intake from Group A to Group E, while maintaining consistent intake of other nutrients. The results revealed that dietary higher NDF intake (Groups D and E) significantly reduced the rates of constipation and stereotypic behaviors in gilts ( < 0.05). The experiment lasted for two parities, starting from day 30 of the first parity gestation to the end of parturition in the second parity. During the second parity, all groups were fed the same diet, and only the reproductive performance of the sows was observed and recorded. Notably, NDF intake had no significant effect on gilts' first-parity reproductive performance. This study confirms that an appropriate increase in dietary NDF intake can alleviate constipation in gilts. This finding provides critical, targeted references for optimizing nutritional strategies in primiparous gilt management, filling the void in tailored dietary guidelines for this understudied group and offering a practical solution to balance production efficiency and animal stress in commercial pig farming.

This study evaluated the effect of mixed meal replacement of soybean meal on growth conditions, carcass traits, and meat quality of finishing pigs by partially and entirely replacing soybean meal with equal proportions of rapeseed, cotton, and sunflower meal. A total of fifty-four pigs with an average initial weight of 97.60 ± 0.30 kg were selected and randomly divided into three groups according to their initial weight, with six pens in each group and three pigs in each pen. The experimental groups were as follows: control group (CON), fed corn–soybean meal type basal diet; corn–soybean mixed meal group (CSM), using equal proportions of rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal (3.52% each) to replace 9.06% of soybean meal in the basal diet; and corn mixed meal group (CMM), using equal proportions of rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal (6.46% each) to replace soybean meal in the basal diet completely. According to the results, the use of mixed meal as a replacement for soybean meal did not have a significant impact (p > 0.05) on the average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake, feed-to-weight ratio, body size, carcass traits, and meat quality of finishing pigs. The entire replacement of soybean meal with a mixed meal resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.05) in leaf fat weight. The use of mixed meal as a substitute for soybean meal had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the antioxidant capacity and fatty acid composition of the longissimus thoracis in finishing pigs. However, longissimus thoracis muscle fiber diameter was reduced in the mixed meal partially replaced soybean meal group compared to the mixed meal completely replaced soybean meal group (p < 0.05). In addition, mixed meal replacing soybean meal did not significantly affect (p > 0.05) the expression of the longissimus thoracis muscle fiber type genes MYHC1 and MYHC2. Mixed meal replacement of soybean meal did not significantly affect (p > 0.05) the expression of ACACA, FASN, and PPARG genes in the longissimus thoracis. This study showed that mixed meal as an alternative to soybean meal in diets did not have significant negative effects on the growth performance and meat quality of finishing pigs. These results can help develop further mixed meals as a functional alternative feed ingredient for soybean meals in pig diets.

This study investigated the effects of potassium magnesium sulfate (PMS) on intestinal dissociation and absorption rate, immune function, and expression of the NOD-like receptor thermal domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, aquaporins (AQPs), and potassium and magnesium ion channels in weaned piglets. Experiment 1 involved the assessment of the dissociation rate of PMS in pig digestive fluid and the absorption rate of PMS in the small intestine using an Ussing chamber in vitro. In Experiment 2, 216 healthy 21-day-old weaned piglets were selected and randomly assigned to six groups (0%, 0.15%, 0.30%, 0.45%, 0.60%, and 0.75% PMS), with each group 6 replicates of six piglets per replicate. The in vitro Ussing chamber results indicated that the absorption of K+ and Mg2+ in the jejunum and ileum was significantly higher than that in the duodenum (p < 0.05). The in vivo study demonstrated that the addition of PMS resulted in a linear increase in serum K+, IgG, and interleukin (IL)-2 levels while simultaneously reducing serum IL-1β levels (p < 0.05). Dietary PMS significantly elevated serum IL-10 and Mg2+ levels in feces (p < 0.05). Furthermore, supplementation with 0.60% or 0.75% PMS significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of NLRP3 in the jejunum (p < 0.05). Dietary PMS supplementation linearly reduced the mRNA expression levels of cysteine protease 1 (Caspase-1) and IL-1β in both the jejunum and colon as well as the mRNA expression levels of two-pore domain channel subfamily K member 5 (KCNK5) in these regions (p < 0.05). Notably, supplementation with 0.15% PMS significantly decreased the mRNA expression of transient receptor potential channel 6 (TRPM6) in the jejunum and significantly increased the expression of TRPM6 in the colon (p < 0.05). Dietary addition of 0.45% and 0.60% PMS significantly increased the mRNA expression of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) in the colon (p < 0.05), whereas 0.75% PMS significantly increased the mRNA expression of aquaporin 8 (AQP8) in both the jejunum and colon. Moreover, the expression levels of AQP3 and AQP8 were significantly negatively correlated with the diarrhea rate observed between days 29 and 42. In conclusion, dietary PMS supplementation improved immune function, inhibited the activation of intestinal NLRP3, and modulated the expression of water and ion channels in weaned piglets, thereby contributing to the maintenance of intestinal water and ion homeostasis, which could potentially alleviate post-weaning diarrhea in piglets. The recommended supplemental level of PMS in the corn-soybean basal diet for weaned piglets is 0.30%.