Phytogenic Compounds Supplemented to Gestating Hyperprolific Sows Affects the Gut Health-Related Gene Expression and Histological Responses in Neonate Piglets

• Published in: Frontiers in veterinary science 2021-06, Vol.8, p.639719-639719
• Main Authors: Reyes-Camacho, David, Pérez, José Francisco, Vinyeta, Ester, Aumiller, Tobias, Criado-Mesas, Lourdes, Folch, Josep Maria, Van der Klis, Jan Dirk, Solà-Oriol, David
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: hyperprolific sows; neonatal programming; phytogenic compounds; piglet gut health; prenatal exposure; Veterinary Science
• ISSN: 2297-1769; 2297-1769
• DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.639719

This research aims to determine whether a specific blend of phytogenic compounds (BPC) supplemented in gestating hyperprolific sow diets can promote prenatal maternal effects in terms of piglet gut function and morphology. Twenty-eight (Landrace × Yorkshire) gilts and sows (parity 0 to 7) were randomly distributed by parity number and body weight into two dietary treatments: unsupplemented Control (CON) ( n = 14) or CON diet supplemented with 1 g/kg feed of BPC during gestation ( n = 14). The BPC supplementation during gestation of sows downregulated the neonate piglets' jejunal genes involved in oxidation ( SOD2 ) and nutrient transport ( SLC16A1/MCT1, SLC11A2/DMT1 , and SLC39A/ZIP4 ), while IFNG and CLDN4 related to immune response and barrier function, respectively, were upregulated ( q < 0.10). In addition, the jejunal villus height and the ratio of the villus height to crypt depth tended to increase ( p < 0.10), while goblet cell volume density was higher ( p < 0.05) in BPC compared to CON. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of BPC in gestating diets for hyperprolific sows influences neonatal histomorphology and expression of genes related to the intestinal function and health.