Effect of different dietary non-starch fiber fractions on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal development in weaned pigs.

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the effects of different fiber fractions on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal development in a porcine model.

METHODS: Blood and tissue samples were collected from thirty-two weaned pigs fed with control diet (CON) or diet containing 5 % cellulose (CEL), xylan (XYL) or β-glucan (GLU).

RESULTS: This reserch showed that GLU supplementation decreased the growth performance of pigs (P <0.05). The digestibility of gross energy, ash and crude fiber were higher in the XYL group than that in the GLU and CEL group (P <0.05). NSPs supplementation decreased serum glucose concentration (P <0.05). However, the serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione concentrations were elevated in GLU group (P <0.05). GLU supplementation not only increased the ratio of villus height/crypt depth in duodenum and ileum (P <0.05), but also elevated the activity of sucrase in the jejunum and ileum compared to CEL group (P <0.05). Interestingly, both XYL and GLU group showed higher expression levels of genes associated with intestinal barrier functions (zonulaoccludens 1 and claudin 1) and nutrient transportation (Na+ -glucose co-transporter 1 and facilitated glucose transporter 2). Moreover, pigs on XYL-containing diet showed higher abundance of Bifidobacterium than the GLU group in the ileum and cecum (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: This study not only indicated how the gut digestive physiology adapted to different NSP fractions, but also provided novel (to our knowledge) information that could promote our understanding of the role of dietary fibers in maintaining gut health.