In a groundbreaking study published in ‘Animal Nutrition’ (formerly known as ‘Animal Feed Science and Technology’), researchers led by Dongdong Lu from the State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding at China Agricultural University have uncovered a novel way to mitigate oxidative stress in piglets. The findings, which could have significant implications for the livestock industry, reveal that maternal dietary inulin intake during late gestation and lactation can significantly reduce oxidative stress in piglets. This is achieved through the modulation of gut microbiota and bile acids (BAs) metabolism.
The study, which involved 40 sows, divided them into two groups: one receiving a control diet and the other a diet supplemented with 2% inulin. The results were striking. Piglets from the inulin-supplemented group showed a notable reduction in serum levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, both markers of oxidative stress. Conversely, their levels of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and total superoxide dismutase—all crucial antioxidants—were significantly higher. This suggests that inulin not only reduces oxidative stress but also enhances the piglets’ antioxidant defenses.
One of the most intriguing findings was the impact of inulin on bile acids. Piglets from the inulin group had higher levels of specific bile acids, including ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA), and lithocholic acid (LCA). These bile acids are known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which could explain their role in mitigating oxidative stress.
The study also delved into the role of gut microbiota. The inulin diet increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Ruminococcus and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group. These bacteria are known for their role in maintaining gut health and could be instrumental in the observed benefits.
To further understand the mechanisms at play, the researchers conducted an in vitro study using the intestinal porcine epithelial cell-jejunum 2 (IPEC-J2) cell line. They found that specific bacterial bile acids, including UDCA, LCA, and HDCA, attenuated intestinal oxidative stress by mediating the kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 signaling pathway. This pathway is crucial for the body’s antioxidant response.
Dongdong Lu, the lead author of the study, emphasized the potential commercial impacts of these findings. “Our results suggest that maternal dietary inulin intake during late gestation and lactation could be a practical and cost-effective strategy to improve piglet health and productivity,” Lu said. “By reducing oxidative stress and enhancing antioxidant defenses, inulin supplementation could lead to healthier piglets with better growth rates and reduced incidence of diseases.”
The implications of this research extend beyond the pig industry. The findings could inspire similar studies in other livestock species, potentially leading to broader applications in animal husbandry. Moreover, the insights into the role of gut microbiota and bile acids in mitigating oxidative stress could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies in both animal and human health.
As the global demand for animal protein continues to rise, ensuring the health and productivity of livestock becomes increasingly important. This study, published in ‘Animal Nutrition’, offers a promising avenue for achieving these goals, highlighting the potential of dietary interventions to enhance animal health and welfare.