Mode of delivery and early nutrition differentially impactiIntestinal development of the neonatal piglet

Abstract

Route of delivery can affect microbial colonization. Herein, the hypothesis that delivery mode and early nutrition interact to modulate intestinal development was tested. Colostrum‐deprived piglets derived by vaginal (VD; n=37) or Cesarean delivery (CD; n=27) were randomized to be sow‐reared (SR) or fed formula (F) or F + fructooligosaccharides (2 g/L) and polydextrose (2 g/L) (F+P). On d7 and 14, samples of jejunum (JJ), ileum (IL) and ascending colon (AC) were collected for analysis of morphology, disaccharidase activity and electrophysiology in Ussing Chambers. JJ weight (g/kg BW) was greater in VD than CD piglets (p=0.04). IL weight increased over time (p=<0.001); there was a trend for an interaction between delivery mode and day (p=0.055). JJ mucosal weight (g/kg BW) was greater in SR than F or F+P piglets (p<0.05). Disaccharidase activities were greater in SR than F or F+P piglets (p<0.05). Transmucosal resistance was greater in JJ of SR than F or F+P piglets (p<0.05). Between d7 and d14, AC glutamine transport decreased (p<0.05) and glucose transport increased (p=0.07). Carbochal‐induced chloride secretion in the JJ was affected by diet*day and in the AC by diet*delivery. In conclusion, sow milk relative to F or F+P increased JJ mucosal weight, enzyme activity, and barrier function. In addition, prebiotics reduced chloride secretion in CD piglets to levels similar to VD piglets. (BMS Freedom to Discover Award)