Effect of weaning and dietary galactose supplementation on digesta glycoproteins in pigs

Changes in pig digesta mucin and glycoprotein content at weaning and with t he inclusion of galactose in the postweaning diet were studied, Mucus was c ollected from ileal contents of cannulated pigs pre- and postweaning, and g lycoproteins were analysed based on staining patterns and size exclusion ch romatography, An increased concentration of intestinal mucin in lumen conte nts was observed in newly weaned pigs compared to the same pigs prior to we aning. Analysis of O-linked oligosaccharides indicated changes in mucin str ucture from pre- to postweaning, Supplementing the diet with galactose resu lted in modification of mucin in postweaned pigs compared to a control diet and may Limit microbial degradation of mucin, These data indicate that wea ning and the subsequent transition to a grain-based diet result in changes to digesta mucin and endogenous glycoproteins; and dietary galactose may pl ay a role in the final composition and quantity of these compounds. (C) 200 0 Society of Chemical Industry.