The gut microbiome, which is made up of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, plays a crucial role in the development of a newborn’s digestive and immune systems. The composition of this microbiome is influenced by several factors, including the diet of the mother. This study focused on how supplementing the diet of lactating sows with a specific amino acid, i.e. arginine (Arg), can affect the growth and health of piglets, as well as their gut microbiome. The results showed that Arg supplementation increased the lactose content in the sows’ milk, helped piglets gain weight after weaning, and reduced their mortality. Interestingly, dietary Arg in sows diet also led to changes in the gut microbiomes of their piglets, in terms of the bacteria and viruses present. The study suggests that Arg can improve piglet growth and promote a healthy gut microbiome, which may be beneficial for their overall health. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between bacteria and viruses in the gut.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.