Sophorolipid protects against early-weaning syndrome by improving the gut microenvironment in early-weaned piglets

Abstract Background In animals, weaning stress is the first and most critical stress. Weaning can negatively affect the growth performance of animals physically, psychologically, and pathologically. Our previous studies on the HT-29 cell line and early-weaned rats demonstrated that adequate sophorolipid (SPL) supplementation in feed could enhance the mucin-producing and wound healing capacities of the gut defense system by modulating gut microbiota. Results Dietary SPL supplementation at 5 and 10 mg/kg quadratically increased the average daily gain during the experimental period in the treatment groups when compared with the control group. The albumin levels of piglets fed with the SPL supplemented diet were downregulated to the normal range. Moreover, in feed, SPL supplementation at 5 and 10 mg/kg improved jejunal histological indices and gene expression levels related to mucin secretion and local inflammation markers. Consistent with these results, adequate SPL supplementation (5 and 10 mg/kg) increased the population of Lactobacillus, a beneficial bacteria, and its short-chain fatty acid production in the ceca of piglets. Conclusions The occurrence of diarrhea after weaning in piglets could be reduced by feeding an SPL-supplemented diet which improves the gut defense system by increasing the microbial population and enhancing mucin layer integrity.