Gluconic acid improves performance of newly weaned piglets associated with alterations in gut microbiome and fermentation

Abstract

Background Weaning is a critical phase in the pigs’ life and gut health might be compromised. Gluconic acid was shown to be poorly absorbed but readily fermented to butyrate in the gut which in turn can improve gut function. Hence, a total of 144 weaning pigs were fed the experimental diets for 42 days. Three treatments were replicated in 8 pens with 6 piglets each: control; low dietary dose of gluconic acid, 9 g/kg; and high dietary dose of gluconic acid, 18 g/kg. After 21 days, one piglet from each pen was sampled for blood haematology and biochemistry, fore- and hindgut digesta characteristics and microbiota, and distal small intestinal histo-morphological indices and gene expression. Results Feeding gluconic acid enhanced performance in period d 0–14 post-weaning, in particular feed intake was increased (P = 0.028), though the high dose did not show benefits over the low dose. Regarding d 0–42, feed intake was elevated (P = 0.026). At d 21, piglets fed 18 g/kg gluconic acid showed a trend for lower number of total white blood cells (P = 0.060), caused by particularly lower numbers of lymphocytes as compared to control (P = 0.028). Highly reduced plasma urea was found for groups fed gluconic acid, it amounted to 2.6 and 2.6 mmol/L for the 9 and 18 g/kg level, respectively, as compared to 3.8 mmol/L in control (P = 0.003). Feeding gluconic acid promoted the relative abundance of lactic-acid-producing and acid-utilizing bacteria. In distal small intestine, Lactobacillus amylovorus increased substantially from 11.3 to 82.6% for control and gluconic acid 18 g/kg, respectively (P < 0.05). In mid-colon, the butyrate producers Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (P > 0.05) and Megasphaera elsdenii (P < 0.05) showed highest abundance in gluconic acid 18 g/kg. Consequently, in caecum and mid-colon, increased relative molar percentage of butyrate were found, e.g., 10.0, 12.9 et 14.7% in caecum for gluconic acid at 0, 9, and 18 g/kg, respectively (P = 0.046). Elevated mRNA anti-inflammatory cytokine and survival signalling levels in distal small intestinal mucosa were found by feeding gluconic acid which might be mediated by butyrate. Conclusions Gluconic acid may have potential to alleviate the postweaning growth-check in pigs by altering microbiota composition and fermentation in the gut.

Effects of photon irradiation in the presence and absence of hindlimb unloading on the behavioral performance and metabolic pathways in the plasma of Fischer rats

“…Gluconic acid, which, once fermented to butyrate in the gut, can improve gut function, increased feed intake and improved feed utilization in weaned piglets ( Michiels et al, 2023 ). Considering the gut–brain axis ( Willyard, 2021 ), it is remarkable that gluconic acid levels in HU animals irradiated with 3 Gy were positively associated with activity (activity levels in the first open-field test without objects and first open-field test with objects) and reduced anxiety-like behavior (time spent in the center and time spent exploring objects in the first and second open-field tests containing objects) measures in the current study.…”

Metabolomic profiling of health‐benefit compounds in fresh and preserved mustard greens

“…The reduced form of glutathione has been found to possess anti‐aging and anti‐melanogenic properties (Weschawalit et al ., 2017). Gluconic acid influences gut microbiota composition (Michiels et al ., 2023) and glucoheptonic acid derivatives promote the growth of health‐beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria (Wojciechowska et al ., 2020). Taurine acts as an antioxidant and protects against cardiovascular diseases (Xu et al ., 2008).…”

Effect of Milk-Feeding Frequency and Calcium Gluconate Supplementation on Growth, Health, and Reproductive and Metabolic Features of Holstein Heifers at a Rearing Farm

“…Intestinal health has also been enhanced with gluconic acid and its salt [26], avoiding the occurrence of a "leaky gut" [27]. In fact, gluconate supplementation has been shown to enhance the performance and health of piglets [28] and its inclusion before weaning enhanced the growth of heifers after the end of supplementation [29].…”