Weaning piglets, microbial fermentation, short chain fatty acids and diarrhoea.
The effect of weaning on the absorptive capacity of the large intestine (LI) of weaned and unweaned pigs for short chain fatty acids (SCFA), sodium, potassium, and water has been determined by perfusion studies. Ligated loops were formed at four sites in the LI. In both groups the rate of absorption of SCFA, sodium and potassium was increased from the proximal to the distal sites, but this increase was not followed by an increase in the absorption of water. It is concluded that unweaned and weaned pigs can absorb SCFA and electrolytes immediately after weaning, but that a period of adaptation is required for the optimal absorption of water. This lower capacity for the absorption of water in the first two weeks after weaning makes the recently weaned pig vulnerable to a loss of fluid from the intestines.
van Beers-Schreurs
H M
HM
Department of Large Animal Medicine and Nutrition, Veterinary Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Nabuurs
M J
MJ
Vellenga
L
L
Kalsbeek-van der Valk
H J
HJ
Wensing
T
T
Breukink
H J
HJ
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000662:veterinary*; D004435:Eating; D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile / Q000378:metabolism*; D005285:Fermentation; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007420:Intestine, Large / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000382:microbiology; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D010477:Perfusion; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism; D013047:Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; D013552:Swine / Q000378:metabolism*; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D014867:Water / Q000378:metabolism; D014886:Weaning; D015430:Weight Gain
D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile; D014867:Water; D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium