Author(s)

Ma Peiling

Corresponding Author

Ma Peiling

Abstract

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of low protein (LF) supplementation on growth performance, intestinal flora and intestinal mucosal morphology of weaned piglets. Ninety-six 21-day-old Du Chang Da crossbred weaned piglets with similar body weight were randomly divided into four groups: basal diet (control group), basal diet + 250 mg/kg low protein, basal diet + 500 mg/kg low protein and basal diet + 750 mg/kg low protein, with four replicates in each group and six piglets in each replicate. The trial period is 21 days. The results showed that compared with the control group and 750 mg/kg low protein group, dietary supplementation of 250 and 500 mg/kg low protein could significantly increase the average daily gain of piglets (P < 0.05); compared with the control group, different levels of low protein could significantly reduce the number of E. coli in cecum (P < 0.05), and the addition of 500 mg/kg low protein could significantly increase the number of Lactobacillus in cecum and colon (P < 0.05), and significantly reduce the number of colonic bacteria (P < 0.05). The number of Escherichia coli (P < 0.05) and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in duodenum, jejunum and ileum were significantly increased by adding 250 and 500 mg/kg low protein (P < 0.01). The results showed that the addition of low protein in diet could stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria and reduce the proliferation of harmful bacteria in intestinal tract, thus improve intestinal function and improve the growth performance of piglets. The suitable amount of low protein was 250 mg/kg under the experimental conditions.

Keywords

Low protein, growth performance, intestinal flora, intestinal mucosal morphology, weaned piglets