WEANING PIGLETS, MICROBIAL FERMENTATION, SHORT-CHAIN FATTY-ACIDS AND DIARRHEA

The effect of weaning on the absorptive capacity of the large intestin e (LI) of weaned and unweaned pigs for short chain fatty acids (SCFA), sodium, potassium, and water has been determined by perfusion studies . Ligated loops were formed at four sites in the LI, In both groups th e rate of absorption of SCFA, sodium and potassium was increased from the proximal to the distal sites, but this increase was not followed b y an increase in the absorption of water. It is concluded that unweane d and weaned pigs can absorb SCFA and electrolytes immediately after w eaning, but that a period of adaptation is required for the optimal ab sorption of water, This lower capacity for the absorption of water in the first two weeks after weaning makes the recently weaned pig vulner able to a loss of fluid from the intestines.