Weaning age effects on gut health and microbiota in piglets
Piglets were weaned at two different ages: 3 weeks and 5 weeks old with the aim of investigating intestinal host responses and colonic microbiota composition between early and late weaned piglets. Host responses were assessed at five different timepoints by evaluating villus and crypt development, along with the expression of genes associated with inflammation, barrier function and innate epithelial defense and function in both the duodenum and mid jejunum. Colonic microbiota were also analyzed during each of the five timepoints. Because weaning significantly disrupts the delicate balance between host physiology and the gut microbiota, understanding these mechanisms is critical for developing and improving strategies to mitigate early-weaning associated challenges.