Feed restriction is thought to be both a primary and secondary cause of intestinal dysfunction and increased intestinal permeability. This may be exacerbated in post-weaning pigs due to their intestinal developmental stage and additional stressors including disease, transport, or environment. A feed restriction model was used to assess multiple methods to analyze changes in colonic barrier function and permeability in post-weaned pigs. Multiple methods were utilized, as there is currently no single measure that shows a full picture of intestinal barrier function. Results showed minimal changes in the colon due to feed restriction, however, there were some changes in the structure of the intestine.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.