The role of protein fermentation metabolites in post-weaning diarrhoea in piglets

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingAbstract

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The objective of this experiment was to identify associations between the occurrence of post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD), protein fermentation and intestinal morphology in piglets under field conditions. At four pig farms, 13 piglets with PWD and 7 control piglets were selected 4 days post-weaning from piglets that had been sampled for faeces at 2 days post-weaning as well. Five days post-weaning, these piglets were euthanized and intestinal tissue and colon digesta samples were collected. Protein fermentation did not precede PWD, as faecal NH3-N concentration at day 2 post-weaning did not differ between groups. Faecal (day 4) and colonic (day 5) NH3-N concentrations were higher in piglets with PWD, regardless the farm they were sampled from. Colonic volatile fatty acid concentration was higher in piglets with PWD, with a higher proportion of acetic acid and a lower proportion of butyric and isovaleric acid. Crypts in the distal colon were deeper in piglets with PWD and crypt depth in the proximal and distal colon related negatively with protein fermentation indicators, regardless of piglets having PWD or not. These data suggest that protein fermentation is associated with PWD, but does not precede PWD, and that protein fermentation metabolites affecting the gut wall is not the main factor contributing to PWD in practice.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEnergy and protein metabolism and nutrition
EditorsMario Luiz Chizzotti
PublisherWageningen Academic Publishers
Pages361-362
Volume138
ISBN (Electronic)9789086868919
ISBN (Print)9789086863402
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Event6th EAAP International Symposium on energy and Protein Metabolism and Nutrition - Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Duration: 9 Sept 201912 Sept 2019

Publication series

NameEAAP Publication
Number138

Conference/symposium

Conference/symposium6th EAAP International Symposium on energy and Protein Metabolism and Nutrition
Country/TerritoryBrazil
CityBelo Horizonte, Minas Gerais
Period9/09/1912/09/19

Keywords

  • ammonia
  • colon morphology
  • piglets
  • post-weaning diarrhoea

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