Stimulating effect of pancreatic-like enzymes on the development of the gastrointestinal tract in piglets.

Use of nutritional components from the milk and eventually from the solid feed relates to the growth and development of gastrointestinal tract (GIT). We studied the effect of pancreatic-like enzymes [porcine pancreatic enzymes (Creon) or microbial-derived amylase, protease, and lipase] on GIT morphology and lipid absorption in suckling piglets. Both enzyme preparations, in low or high dose, were fed via a stomach tube twice a day for 7 d starting at 8 d of age and controls received vehicle, n = 6. The day after treatments ended, lipid absorption was tested after which pigs were euthanized and GIT was examined. Enzyme cocktails, irrespective of their origin, increased (P < 0.001) triglyceride level in blood. Enzyme preparation affected (P < 0.001) small intestinal mucosal thickness, villi length, and crypt depth and (P < 0.01) mitotic division of enterocytes. In addition, the external administration of pancreatic enzymes stimulated pancreatic growth as observed by increased (P < 0.05) mitotic division of pancreatic cells. The study revealed that pancreatic or pancreatic-like enzymes of microbial origin administrated in the early postperinatal period enhance GIT development and may be used to better prepare the GIT of piglets for milk use and weaning.

Effect of feeding colostrum versus exogenous immunoglobulin G on gastrointestinal structure and enteric nervous system in newborn pigs.

Colostrum is an indispensable source of antibodies (IgG) protecting the newborn pig against infection. We studied the effect of feeding colostrum and purified IgG on early structure and development of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Newborn littermate pigs were fed either colostrum, an elemental diet (ED), or an ED supplemented with purified serum IgG (ED + IgG) for 24 h or then only ED up to 72 h. Afterwards, pigs were slaughtered. Colostrum-fed pigs or ED supplemented with IgG (ED + IgG) increased thickness (P < 0.001) of stomach mucosa and muscularis (P < 0.05) compared to the ED group not receiving IgG. Feeding an ED supplemented with IgG improved morphology of the GIT towards that of colostrum-fed piglets and indicates a beneficial effect of IgG on GIT development in neonatal pigs. Immunohistochemical studies indicate that ED feeding may influence the expression of nitric oxide synthase in jejunal myenteric (but not submucous) neurons of newborn pigs.