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Untargeted metabolomics as a tool to assess the impact of dietary approaches on pig gut health: a review

Summary

This review examines how different types of food and feed additives affect the chemical compounds in pig digestive systems. By analyzing thousands of tiny molecules in pig samples using advanced laboratory techniques, researchers can understand which dietary approaches help pigs maintain healthy guts and resist disease. The study shows that adjusting the levels of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in pig feed can influence beneficial bacteria and protective compounds in their intestines.

Background

Metabolomics is a comprehensive analytical technique that measures small molecules in biological samples. Nutritional metabolomics studies in pigs have identified hundreds of metabolites across various sample types following dietary interventions, helping to identify biomarkers of gastrointestinal functionality and investigate interactions between diet, host, microbiome, and metabolites.

Objective

This review summarizes current literature on nutritional metabolomics in pigs to investigate how different dietary approaches impact pig gut health. The study categorizes the impact of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and feed additives (amino acids, bile acids, probiotics) along with feeding strategies on the pig metabolome.

Results

The review identified key metabolites affected by dietary interventions including short-chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids, amino acids, and oxidized linoleic acid metabolites. Different dietary carbohydrate sources influenced linoleic acid metabolism and immune function, while protein level reductions increased beneficial metabolites like azelaic acid and hypoxanthine. Dietary fat sources affected bile acid and lipid metabolism pathways.

Conclusion

Untargeted metabolomics provides valuable insights into how dietary approaches affect pig gut health through metabolite profiling. Strategic modifications in macronutrient levels and sources, along with targeted feed additives and feeding strategies, can modulate key metabolic pathways to improve intestinal health, reduce disease risk, and enhance pig production sustainability.
  • Published in:Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMC12281987, 40691647
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