The research investigated the impact of formula supplementation with 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) and Bifidobacterium longum subsp.infantis Bi-26 (Bi-26) on piglet growth, organ weights, and intestinal development. Utilizing a 2×2 design, two-day-old piglets were randomized to receive either a control diet or a diet supplemented with 1.0 g/L 2'-FL, with further sub-groups receiving either Bi-26 or no probiotic. Over the study period, body weights and food intake were monitored, with no significant differences in formula intake among groups. The study found that piglets fed with 2'-FL or Bi-26 showed a significant reduction in ileal crypt depth, suggesting a potential for decreased intestinal cell proliferation. However, overall growth and organ development were unaffected by the treatments, indicating that supplementation did not adversely affect the animals. The addition of 2'-FL increased sucrase activity in the ileum, highlighting a possible enhancement in digestive function. These findings suggest that 2'-FL and Bi-26 can support piglet growth and intestinal development without negative impacts, potentially offering benefits for formula-fed infants.
Daniels, V. C., Monaco, M. H., et al. Evaluation of 2'-fucosyllactose and Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis on growth, organ weights, and intestinal development of piglets. Nutrients. 2021, 14(1): 199. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.
