Indian Journal of Animal Research

  • Chief EditorK.M.L. Pathak

  • Print ISSN 0367-6722

  • Online ISSN 0976-0555

  • NAAS Rating 6.43

  • SJR 0.263

  • Impact Factor 0.5 (2023)

Frequency :
Monthly (January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December)
Indexing Services :
Science Citation Index Expanded, BIOSIS Preview, ISI Citation Index, Biological Abstracts, Scopus, AGRICOLA, Google Scholar, CrossRef, CAB Abstracting Journals, Chemical Abstracts, Indian Science Abstracts, EBSCO Indexing Services, Index Copernicus
Indian Journal of Animal Research, volume 55 issue 7 (july 2021) : 737-743

The Role Effects of Dietary Fiber on Intestinal Microbial Composition and Digestive Physiological Functions of Pigs: A Review

Saddam Hussein, Yu Xiaoying, Mohammed Hamdy Farouk, Ahmed Abdeen, Abdelaziz Hussein, Jiang Hailong
1College of Animal Science and Technology Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, 130118, China. 
Cite article:- Hussein Saddam, Xiaoying Yu, Farouk Hamdy Mohammed, Abdeen Ahmed, Hussein Abdelaziz, Hailong Jiang (2021). The Role Effects of Dietary Fiber on Intestinal Microbial Composition and Digestive Physiological Functions of Pigs: A Review. Indian Journal of Animal Research. 55(7): 737-743. doi: 10.18805/IJAR.B-1345.
The intestinal microbes do not only provide nutrients for their host, but it also contributes to the maintenance of intestinal micro ecological balance, which are essential for ensuring a healthy development of the intestine, dietary fiber is one of the substrates for intestinal microbial fermentation. This can improve the structure of intestinal microflora and is of great significance in maintaining intestinal health. The research on the efficacy of dietary fiber on pig intestinal microbes and the factors affecting the intestinal microbial utilization of dietary fibre in pigs is reviewed, which provides a theoretical basis for further research on the production practice of dietary fiber addition in pig breeding industry. As well, a good digestive physiological environment is essential for pigs to benefit from the nutrients and to increase their productivity. Adding the appropriate amounts of fiber to pig diets plays an important role in regulating the digestive physiology of pig intestinal microflora, digestive tract pH, digestive juice secretion, digestive enzyme activity, digestive tract organs and their morphology. This article reviews the effects of dietary fiber on the digestive physiology of pigs.
  1. Agyekum, A.K., Slominski, B.A. and Nyachoti, C.M. (2012). Organ weight, intestinal morphology and fasting whole-body oxygen consumption in growing pigs fed diets containing distillers dried grains with solubles alone or in combination with a multi enzyme supplement. Journal of Animal Science. 90(9): 3032-3040. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2011-4380.
  2. Agyekum, Atta K. and Nyachoti, C.M. (2017). Nutritional and Consequences of Feeding High-Fiber Diets to Swine/ : A Review. Engineering. 3(5): 716-725. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENG.2017.03.010
  3. Aschalew, N.D., Wang, T., Qin, G.X., Zhen, Y.G., Zhang, X.F., Chen, X., et al. (2020). Effects of physically effective fiber on rumen and milk parameters in dairy cows: A review. Indian Journal of Animal Research. 54(11): 1317-1323. https://doi.org/10.18805/ijar.B-1104.
  4. Berrocoso, J.D., Menoyo, D., Guzmán, P., Saldaña, B., Cámara, L. and Mateos, G.G. (2015). Effects of fiber inclusion on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of piglets reared under optimal or poor hygienic conditions. Journal of Animal Science. 93(8): 3919-3931. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas2015-9137.
  5. Bindelle, J., Buldgen, A. and Leterme, P. (2008). Nutritional and environmental consequences of dietary fibre in pig nutrition: A review. Biotechnology, Agronomy and Society and Environment. 12(1): 3247-3256.
  6. Buttriss, J.L. and Stokes, C.S. (2008). Dietary fibre and health/: An overview. Nutrition Bulletin. 33(3): 186-200.
  7. Che, D., Adams, S., Wei, C., Gui-Xin, Q., Atiba, E.M. and Hailong, J. (2019). Effects of Astragalus membranaceus fiber on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, microbial composition, VFA production, gut pH and immunity of weaned pigs. Microbiology Open. 8(5): 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1002/mbo3.712.
  8. Chen, G., Chen, S. and Sui, Y. (2016). Effect of slaughter weight on production and meat quality of Juema pig. Indian Journal of Animal Research. 50(4): 588-594. https://doi.org/10.18805/ijar.8596.
  9. Chen, H., Mao, X.B., Che, L.Q., Yu, B., He, J., Yu, J., et al. (2014). Impact of fiber types on gut microbiota, gut environment and gut function in fattening pigs. Animal Feed Science and Technology. 195: 101-111. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.anifeedsci.2014.06.002.
  10. Cisse, F., Pletsch, E.A., Erickson, D.P., Chegeni, M., Hayes, A.M.R. and Hamaker, B.R. (2017). Preload of slowly digestible carbohydrate microspheres decreases gastric emptying rate of subsequent meal in humans. Nutrition Research. 45: 46-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2017.06.009.
  11. Coble, K.F., Derouchey, J.M., Tokach, M.D., Dritz, S.S., Goodband, R.D. and Woodworth, J.C. (2018). Effects of withdrawing high-fiber ingredients before marketing on finishing pig growth performance, carcass characteristics and intestinal weights. Journal of Animal Science. 96(1): 168-180. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skx048.
  12. Deehan, E.C. and Walter, J. (2016). The fiber gap and the disappearing gut microbiome: Implications for human nutrition. Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism. 27(5): 239-242. https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.tem.2016.03.001.
  13. Den Besten, G., Van Eunen, K., Groen, A.K., Venema, K., Reijngoud, D.J. and Bakker, B.M. (2013). The role of short-chain fatty acids in the interplay between diet, gut microbiota and host energy metabolism. Journal of Lipid Research. 54(9): 2325-2340. https://doi.org/10.1194/jlr.R036012.
  14. Gao, L., Chen, L., Huang, Q., Meng, L., Zhong, R., Liu, C., et al. (2015). Effect of dietary fiber type on intestinal nutrient digestibility and hindgut fermentation of diets fed to finishing pigs. Livestock Science. 174: 53-58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2015.01.002.
  15. Ivarsson, E. (2012). Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) as fibre source in pig diets: Effects on digestibility, gut microbiota and performance. Uppsala, Sweden: Sveriges lantbruksuniv., Acta Universitatis Agriculturae Sueciae, 1652-6880; 2012:19.
  16. Jensen, B.B. and Jorgensen, H. (1994). Effect of dietary fiber on microbial activity and microbial gas production in various regions of the gastrointestinal tract of pigs. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 60(6): 1897-1904. https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.60.6.1897-1904.1994.
  17. Jensen, M.B., Pedersen, L.J., Theil, P.K. and Bach Knudsen, K.E. (2015). Hunger in pregnant sows: Effects of a fibrous diet and free access to straw. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 171: 81-87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2015.08.011.
  18. Jepson, M.M., Bates, P.C. and Millward, D.J. (2005). The role of insulin and thyroid hormones in the regulation of muscle growth and protein turnover in response to dietary protein in the rat. British Journal of Nutrition. 59(3): 397-415. https://doi.org/10.1079/bjn19880049.
  19. Jha, R. and Berrocoso, J.F.D. (2016). Dietary fiber and protein fermentation in the intestine of swine and their interactive effects on gut health and on the environment: A review. Animal Feed Science and Technology. 212: 18-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2015.12.002.
  20. Johansen, H.N., Knudsen, K.E.B., Sandström, B. and Skjøth, F. (1996). Effects of varying content of soluble dietary fibre from wheat flour and oat milling fractions on gastric emptying in pigs. British Journal of Nutrition. 75(3): 339-351. https://doi.org/10.1079/bjn19960138.
  21. Jonathan, M.C., Van Den Borne, J.J.G.C., Van Wiechen, P., Souza Da Silva, C., Schols, H.A. and Gruppen, H. (2012). In vitro fermentation of 12 dietary fibres by faecal inoculum from pigs and humans. Food Chemistry. 133(3): 889-897. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.01.110.
  22. Koh, A., De Vadder, F., Kovatcheva-Datchary, P. and Bäckhed, F. (2016). From dietary fiber to host physiology: Short-chain fatty acids as key bacterial metabolites. Cell. 165(6): 1332-1345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2016.05.041.
  23. Kurian, A., Neumann, E.J., Hall, W.F. and Marks, D. (2012). Serological survey of exposure to Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in poultry in New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal. 60(2): 106-109. https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2011.639058.
  24. Laitat, M., Antoine, N., Cabaraux, J.F., Cassart, D., Mainil, J., Moula, N. et al. (2015). Influence of sugar beet pulp on feeding behavior, growth performance, carcass quality and gut health of fattening pigs. Biotechnology, Agronomy and Society and Environment, 19(1): 20-31.
  25. Liu, P., Zhao, J., Wang, W., Guo, P., Lu, W., Wang, C. et al. (2018). Dietary Corn bran altered the diversity of microbial communities and cytokine production in weaned pigs. Frontiers in Microbiology, 9(SEP): 1-10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb. 2018.02090.
  26. Low, A.G. (1989). Secretory response of the pig gut to non-starch polysaccharides. Animal Feed Science and Technology. 23 (1-3): 55-65. https://doi.org/10.1016/0377-8401(89)90089-8.
  27. Luo, Y., Chen, H., Yu, B., He, J., Zheng, P., Mao, X. et al. (2018). Dietary pea fibre alters the microbial community and fermentation with increase in fibre degradation-associated bacterial groups in the colon of pigs. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 102(1): e254-e261. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.12736.
  28. Montagne, L., Pluske, J.R. and Hampson, D.J. (2003). A review of interactions between dietary fibre and the intestinal mucosa and their consequences on digestive health in young non-ruminant animals. Animal Feed Science and Technology. 108(1-4): 95-117. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0377-8401(03)00163-9.
  29. Mosenthin, R., Sauer, W.C. and Ahrens, F. (1994). Dietary pectin’s effect on ileal and fecal amino acid digestibility and exocrine pancreatic secretions in growing pigs. The Journal of Nutrition. 124(8): 1222-1229. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/124.8.1222.
  30. Ohanaka, A.U.C., Okoro, V.M.O., Etuk, I.F., Unamba-Oparah, I.C. and Okoli, I.C. (2018). Effects of palm kernel shell ash as organic mineral supplement on performance of broiler chicks. Indian Journal of Animal Research. 52(11): 1590-1596. https://doi.org/10.18805/ijar.B-792.
  31. Oliveira, C., Domiciano, T., Martins, D., Souza, C.G. De, Pavlak, S.D., Luiz, J. et al. (2017). Non-starch polysaccharides on nutrient digestibility of diets for different production stages of pigs polissacarídeos não amiláceos (pnas) sobre a digestibilidade DOS. 279-286.
  32. Owusu-Asiedu, A., Patience, J.F., Laarveld, B., Van Kessel, A.G., Simmins, P.H., Zijlstra, R.T. et al. (2006). Effects of guar gum and cellulose on digesta passage rate, ileal microbial populations, energy and protein digestibility and performance of grower pigs. Journal of Animal Science. 84(4): 843-852.
  33. Rana, N. and Dahiya, S. (2019). Antioxidant activity, mineral content and dietary fiber of grains. Asian Journal of Dairy and Food Research. 38(1): 81-84. https://doi.org/10.18805/ajdfr.dr-1421.
  34. Riar, C.S. and Paul, K. (2017). Development and characterization of dietary fiber and natural antioxidant supplemented Chhana based sweet dairy product ‘Sandesh.’ Asian Journal of Dairy and Food Research. 36(01): 9-15. https://doi.org/10.18805/ajdfr.v36i01.7453.
  35. Sapkota, A., Marchant-Forde, J.N., Richert, B.T. and Lay, D.C. (2016). Including dietary fiber and resistant starch to increase satiety and reduce aggression in gestating sows. Journal of Animal Science. 94(5): 2117-2127. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2015-0013.
  36. Slavin, J. (2013). Fiber and prebiotics: Mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients. 5(4): 1417-1435. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5041417.
  37. Sun, H.Q., Tan, C.Q., Wei, H.K., Zou, Y., Long, G., Ao, J.T. et al. (2015). Effects of different amounts of konjac flour inclusion in gestation diets on physio-chemical properties of diets, postprandial satiety in pregnant sows, lactation feed intake of sows and piglet performance. Animal Reproduction Science. 152: 55-64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.11.003.
  38. von Heimendahl, E., Breves, G. and Abel, H. (2010). Fiber-related digestive processes in three different breeds of pigs. Journal of Animal Science. 88(3): 972-981. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2009-2370.
  39. Wanders, A.J., Jonathan, M.C., Van Den Borne, J.J.G.C., Mars, M., Schols, H.A., Feskens, E.J.M. and De Graaf, C. (2013). The effects of bulking, viscous and gel-forming dietary fibres on satiation. British Journal of Nutrition. 109(7): 1330-1337. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114512003145.
  40. Wang, J., Qin, C., He, T., Qiu, K., Sun, W., Zhang, X., et al. (2018). Alfalfa-containing diets alter luminal microbiota structure and short chain fatty acid sensing in the caecal mucosa of pigs. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology. 9(1): 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40104-017-0216-y.
  41. Wenk, C. (2001). The role of dietary fibre in the digestive physiology of the pig. Animal Feed Science and Technology. 90(1-2): 21-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0377-8401(01)00194-8.
  42. Woyengo, T.A, Beltranena, E. and Zijlstra, R.. (2014). Nonruminant nutrition symposium: Controlling feed cost by including alternative ingredients into pig diets: A Review. 92(4): 1293-1305. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas2013-7169.
  43. Wu, X., Chen, D., Yu, B., Luo, Y., Zheng, P., Mao, X., et al. (2018). Effect of different dietary non-starch fiber fractions on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal development in weaned pigs. Nutrition. 51-52: 20-28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2018.01.011
  44. Yan, C.L., Kim, H.S., Hong, J.S., Lee, J.H., Han, Y.G., Jin, Y.H., et al. (2017). Effect of Dietary sugar beet pulp supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal Microflora, blood profiles and Diarrhea incidence in weaning pigs. Journal of Animal Science and Technology. 59(1): 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40781-017-0142-8
  45. Yan, H., Potu, R., Lu, H., Vezzoni de Almeida, V., Stewart, T., Ragland, D., et al. (2013). Dietary fat content and fiber type modulate hind gut microbial community and metabolic markers in the pig. PLoS ONE. 8(4): https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. pone.0059581.
  46. Zhang, Y.J., Liu, Q., Zhang, W.M., Zhang, Z.J., Wang, W.L. and Zhuang, S. (2018). Gastrointestinal microbial diversity and short-chain fatty acid production in pigs fed different fibrous diets with or without cell wall-degrading enzyme supplementation. Livestock Science. 207: 105-116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2017.11.017.
  47. Zhou, L., Fang, L., Sun, Y., Su, Y. and Zhu, W. (2017). Effects of a diet high in resistant starch on fermentation end-products of protein and mucin secretion in the colons of pigs. Starch/Staerke. 69(7-8): 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1002/star.201600032.

Editorial Board

View all (0)