Age Rather Than Supplementation with Oat β-Glucan Influences Development of the Intestinal Microbiota and SCFA Concentrations in Suckling Piglets

The effects of early supplementation with oat beta-glucan during the suckling period on piglet gut microbiota composition, concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, and gut physiological markers were assessed. Fifty piglets from five litters, balanced for sex and birth weight, were divided within litters into two treatment groups: beta-glucan and control. Piglets in the beta-glucan group received the supplement three times/week from day 7 of age until weaning. Rectal swab samples were collected from 10 piglets per treatment group (balanced across litters) from week 1 to week 4, and plasma samples were collected at 1, 3, and 4 weeks of age. Additional samples of intestinal tissues and jugular and portal vein plasma were collected from 10 animals at weaning (one per treatment group and litter). The concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in plasma and the microbiota composition in rectal swabs were mainly influenced by piglet age, rather than the supplement. There were significant differences in microbiota composition between litters and several correlations between concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in plasma and specific microbial taxa in rectal swabs. Overall, beta-glucan supplementation did not have any clear impact on the gut environment in suckling piglets, whereas a clear age-related pattern emerged.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the effects of early supplementation with oat beta-glucan on the gut microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acid concentrations, and gut physiological markers in suckling piglets. The results showed that piglet age had a greater influence on the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in plasma and the microbiota composition than the supplement. There were significant differences in microbiota composition between litters, and correlations between short-chain fatty acid concentrations and specific microbial taxa were observed. Overall, beta-glucan supplementation did not have a clear impact on the gut environment in suckling piglets, while an age-related pattern emerged.