Short-term effect of dietary yeast nucleotide supplementation on total and diurnal variation of small intestinal enzyme activities in piglets

J Anim Sci. 2012 Dec:90 Suppl 4:179-81. doi: 10.2527/jas.53890.

Abstract

A study was carried out to investigate, whether short-term supplementation of dietary yeast nucleotides affects total and diurnal variation of enzyme activities in the small intestine of weaned piglets. Twelve barrows, weaned at 18 d of age (5 kg initial BW), were fitted with a simple T-cannula at the distal ileum. Twice daily (0730 and 1930 h), 6 piglets each received a cereal-soybean (Glycine max) meal-based diet with or without supplementation of 1 g/kg of a yeast nucleotide product in 2 consecutive periods. In each period, digesta samples were collected 6 times at given intervals during 24 h digesta collection. Dietary supplementation with yeast nucleotides did not affect (P > 0.05) total enzyme activities for α-amylase, leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), maltase, and lactase in ileal digesta. Therefore, data of both treatments were pooled to determine diurnal variations in enzyme activities. For α-amylase, a diurnal variation in enzyme activity could be observed (P < 0.05). Variations in diurnal activities of LAP, maltase, and lactase were not observed (P > 0.05). In conclusion, yeast nucleotides do not affect total small intestinal enzyme activities. Independent of diet composition, α-amylase activities may vary over time, with peak flow at 6 h postprandially.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed / analysis
  • Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Animals
  • Circadian Rhythm / drug effects*
  • Diet / veterinary*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Intestine, Small / physiology*
  • Male
  • Nucleotides / administration & dosage
  • Nucleotides / pharmacology*
  • Swine / physiology*
  • Yeasts / physiology*

Substances

  • Nucleotides