Dietary fibre and weaning age influence morphology, mucin distribution, and immunological traits in the porcine colon

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of dietary fibre type, particle size, and weaning age on colonic morphology, mucin distribution, and immune function in piglets. Ninety-four piglets were assigned to groups based on weaning age (28 ± 2 days, conventional weaning, CW; 42 ± 2 days, late weaning, LW) and fed diets with hay or sugar beet pulp (SBP, fine or coarse particles). After two weeks, tissue samples were collected. SBP enhanced the expression of IL-10 (P = 0.001) and GPR43 mRNA (P = 0.029), while it enhanced mucin presence in LW piglets (P < 0.01). In LW piglets, coarse particles increased crypt area (P = 0.012), and fine particles increased immune cell infiltration. Weaning age also affected crypt morphology and goblet cell numbers, with LW piglets showing deeper crypts (P < 0.001). Results suggest that fibre type, particle size, and weaning age significantly influence gut health and immunity.