ISSUE FOCUS 40 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE November 2024 with epithelial cells, which can be damaged by pathogens, toxins or stress, compromising growth and performance. In young animals like piglets and calves, intestinal development is crucial during the early weeks of life. At birth, their intestinal tracts are immature and proper management and nutrition are vital for developing cellular structures that are needed for efficient digestion. Healthy villi support optimal nutrient absorption, which impacts growth and overall health throughout the animals’ lives. CONSEQUENCES OF INTESTINAL DAMAGE Damage to the villi in early life has lasting consequences. Inflammation, infection or poor nutrition can hinder villi growth, reducing nutrient absorption and weakening immune defenses. In gilts, compromised intestinal health may delay optimal weight gain and reduce longevity. Similarly, heifers with intestinal damage may face challenges meeting nutritional demands during pregnancy. EARLY NUTRITION: THE FOUNDATION FOR A THRIVING GUT Proper nutrition in both the pre-weaning and post-weaning phases is essential for developing and protecting intestinal health. Both piglets and calves undergo significant dietary transitions during this time, and their gut health can be stressed. In piglets, early nutrition supports gut integrity, promoting better growth and immune function. For calves, early gut health management helps ensure future milk production. Nutritional strategies that prevent inflammation and foster beneficial gut bacteria are key for long-term productivity and animal well-being. PROTECTING THE GUT FOR LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE Healthy villi and intestinal cells are critical for longterm livestock performance. Without proper intestinal health, animals struggle to absorb nutrients necessary for growth and reproduction. Early interventions to support gut health lead to significant long-term benefits for both swine and ruminant systems. For example, strong gut health benefits sows not only during gestation but throughout their reproductive careers. Likewise, cows with healthy intestines are better equipped to avoid metabolic disorders and maintain milk production over time. DRIVING PROFITABILITY THROUGH BETTER GUT HEALTH Maximising growth, improving feed efficiency and supporting reproductive performance depend heavily on intestinal health. Investing in solutions that enhance early gut development can result in healthier animals, reduced medical costs and greater productivity in both meat and milk production. GUT HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUNG LIVESTOCK Using solutions that focus on feeding intestinal cells directly can stimulate growth and improve villi funcVilli Serosa Submucosa Mucosa Small intestine A fold or the intestinal lining Villi Mucosa Vein Capillary GOBLET CELL ENTEROCYTE PANETH CELL Lacteal Venule Arteriole Artery Longitudinal Muscle Lymphatic Vessel Submucosa Serosa Longitudinal Muscle Circular Muscle Circular Muscle
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