NUTRIÇÃO E O SISTEMA IMUNOLÓGICO GASTROINTESTINAL NO PÓS-DESMAME DE LEILÕES

Abstract

Pig farming has significant importance in the supply of animal protein to national food industry. This segment has been experiencing in recent years adaptations in production system due requirements of current consumer market. Within this reality, has the weaning that occurred until the 35th day’s of piglet's life, however, currently occurs in the third week of the piglet's life, with an average of 21 to 24 days after birth, being called early weaning. The weaning in pig production is the most critical phase for the microbiota of piglets, since stress compromises the intestinal structure and mucosal barrier function. This dysbiosis can cause a decrease in piglet immunity and trigger problems such as diarrhea, lack of appetite and slow growth. Thus, reducing the impacts caused by weaning has become one of the main purposes in the nursery phase. An interesting alternative to improve the intestinal barrier function is the optimization of nutrients available in the diet necessary for the desirable microbiota to be constituted. The addition of good quality ingredients is necessary to improve use of nutrients, as it favors growth, maintenance of the immune system, control of stomach pH and mainly modulation of intestinal microbiota. The intestine is no longer considered only as an organ of digestion and absorption, and began to be more evidenced in the actions of the immune system. However, this topic requires more comprehensive studies to reach a consensus regarding the interactions of the TGI and the complex immune system with regard to the well-being of animals postweaning. Thus, the present work aims to elucidate the role of the relationship between nutrition and the gastrointestinal immune system in the post-weaning phase of piglets, highlighting specific nutrients.