Effects of diets with different amino acid release characteristics on the gut microbiota and barrier function of weaned pigs

Abstract

Background The absorption and utilization of proteins by animals is affected by the amino acid (AA) release characteristics of their diets. In the present study, we aimed to determine the effects of diets with various amino acid release characteristics on the intestinal barrier function and diversity of gut microbiota of weaned pigs. Results Forty-eight pigs (7.45 ± 0.58 kg) were fed with diets having different amino acid release characteristics during a period of 28 days. We used a 2 × 3 full-factor (two protein levels and three protein sources with differing amino acid release characteristics) experimental design, with normal (standard terminal ileal digestibility of 17.5%) or low (standard terminal ileal digestibility of 14.9%) protein levels as the first factor. Casein (CAS), corn gluten meal (CGM) and a MIX diet were used as protein sources. Due to the more balanced release of amino acids, the diamine oxidase (DAO) concentrations in the CAS and MIX groups were significantly lower than those in the CGM group (P < 0.05); Reducing the dietary protein content from 17.5% to 14.9% had no significant effects on the levels of serum DAO or D-lactic acid. By contrast, it increased the microbial diversity (chao1 and ACE values) and the number of Lactobacillus in the jejunum (P < 0.05). The CAS-containing diet and the MIX diet resulted in significantly higher microbial diversity (Simpson and Shannon) than the CGM-containing diet in the jejunum. Conclusion The balanced release of amino acids in CAS and MIX diets maintained intestinal barrier function and increased gut microbiota diversity. These findings could potentially provide a scientific reference for the rational preparation of piglet feed.

A meta-analysis of Preclinical Studies About The Effect of Spray-dried Porcine Plasma on Microbiota Composition

“…The prediction in this meta-analysis about functional profiling of the bacterial communities revealed that bacteria associated with metabolic processes, such as starch, sucrose, and amino acid metabolism, were more abundant in pigs fed the SDPP diet. Prior research has demonstrated that enhancements in the amino acid metabolism pathway levels are regarded as a reliable predictor of more efficient utilization of dietary protein [40,41]. One of the prevalent bacteria affected by SDPP was Firmicutes.…”

Gut Health and Influencing Factors in Pigs

“…Strong intestine anti-inflammatory activity is exhibited by indole, the most prevalent microbial metabolite of aromatic amino acids, and its anti-inflammatory mechanism has been extensively researched [ 165 , 166 ]. A recent study on the effects of diets with different amino acid release properties on the gut microbiota of weaned pigs revealed that the diversity of the gut microbiota was increased by the balanced release of amino acid diets [ 167 ]. Furthermore, Zhao and his colleagues highlighted that dietary protein’s source, level, and amino acid balance of dietary protein primarily influence its composition, shape, and function.…”

Microbial signatures and enterotype clusters in fattening pigs: implications for nitrogen utilization efficiency

“…The absorption and utilization of proteins in pigs is influenced by the AA availability in the diet ( Mi et al, 2023 ). Different protein sources exhibit various patterns of AAs release, that are influenced by the solubility and digestibility of the protein ( Wang et al, 2021 ).…”

“…The diets with lower standardized ileal digestibility resulted in greater microbial diversity and an increased abundance of Lactobacillus in the jejunum. Casein or mix diet as protein source led to a higher microbial diversity in the jejunum than the diet with corn gluten meal through the equalized release of AAs ( Mi et al, 2023 ). A dietary crude protein (CP) content of 12% led to lower growth performance in pigs combined with lower abundance of Prevotella , while Christensenellaceae , Aligiphilus , and Algoriphagus were more abundant in the pig feces ( Spring et al, 2020 ).…”