Effect of creep feeding on selected microflora and short-chain fatty acids in the ileum of weanling pigs

Abstract

Pigs cannulated at the ileum were used to investigate the effect of creep feeding on specific intestinal microflora and VFA and lactate concentrations. In two replicate trials performed 50 d apart, a total of 24 15-d-old nursing pigs from seven sows were cannulated in the terminal ileum and randomly assigned to two test groups. One group was allowed access to a creep diet, whereas the other group was denied access to the diet by removal from the farrowing crate. Ileal samples were collected at 19, 22, 26, and 29 d of age (preweaning) and at 33, 36, and 40 d of age (postweaning). Samples were assayed for total and hemolytic E. coli, total lactobacilli, pH, acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, valerate, isovalerate, D(-), and L(+) lactate. Creep feeding did not affect lactobacilli or E. coli concentrations (P > .05), nor did it affect short-chain fatty acid concentrations (P > .05). Most volatile fatty acid concentrations decreased (P < .05), total lactate increased (P < .05), and the proportion of E. coli that were hemolytic increased (P < .05) following weaning. Consumption of creep feed did not affect specific microbial populations or fermentative byproducts in the ileum of the young pig.