Effects of fructooligosaccharides and inulin on growth performance, immunity and the gut microbiome in weaned piglets.
4 affiliations
- 1Departement of Animal Biotechnology, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea.
- 2Division of Food and Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea.
- 3Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea.
- 4Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Abstract
Prebiotics such as fructooligosaccharides and inulin are biological activators that selectively stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. However, their specific effects when applied during the weaning period in piglets remains limited. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of fructooligosaccharides and inulin supplementation in weaned piglets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immune response, and gut microbiota composition with the aim of exploring their potential benefits for piglet health during the weaning transition. A total of 72 weaned piglets (28 days of age) were allocated to three dietary groups: CON (basal diet), FOS (CON + 0.3% fructooligosaccharides), and INU (CON + 3% inulin) to investigate the effects of fructan supplementation. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, immune responses, and fecal microbiota were evaluated. Although fructan supplementation did not induce significant changes in growth performance or nutrient digestibility, it significantly increased serum immunoglobulin A levels. Furthermore, the fecal microbiota of the fructan supplemented piglets was enriched with short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, including Phascolarctobacterium, Agathobacter, Clostridium sensu stricto, and Flavonifractor. Fructan supplementation in the diets of weaned piglets positively influenced immune response and gut microbiota composition, suggesting its potential to enhance gut health during the weaning period.
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BibTeX
@article{keum2026effects,
title = {{Effects of fructooligosaccharides and inulin on growth performance, immunity and the gut microbiome in weaned piglets.}},
author = {Gi Beom Keum and Jinho Cho and Minho Song and Yejin Choi and Juyoun Kang and Hyunok Doo and Jinok Kwak and Haram Kim and Yeongjae Chae and Hyunjin Yang and Suyoung Lee and Eun Sol Kim and Sheena Kim and Hyeun Bum Kim},
journal = {Journal of animal science and technology},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.5187/jast.2500218},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42898582},
note = {CC BY-NC},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Effects of fructooligosaccharides and inulin on growth performance, immunity and the gut microbiome in weaned piglets.
AU - Gi Beom Keum
AU - Jinho Cho
AU - Minho Song
AU - Yejin Choi
AU - Juyoun Kang
AU - Hyunok Doo
AU - Jinok Kwak
AU - Haram Kim
AU - Yeongjae Chae
AU - Hyunjin Yang
AU - Suyoung Lee
AU - Eun Sol Kim
AU - Sheena Kim
AU - Hyeun Bum Kim
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/30
JO - Journal of animal science and technology
DO - 10.5187/jast.2500218
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42898582
AB - Prebiotics such as fructooligosaccharides and inulin are biological activators that selectively stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. However, their specific effects when applied during the weaning period in piglets remains limited. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of fructooligosaccharides and inulin supplementation in weaned piglets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immune response, and gut microbiota composition with the aim of exploring their potential benefits for piglet health during the weaning transition. A total of 72 weaned piglets (28 days of age) were allocated to three dietary groups: CON (basal diet), FOS (CON + 0.3% fructooligosaccharides), and INU (CON + 3% inulin) to investigate the effects of fructan supplementation. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, immune responses, and fecal microbiota were evaluated. Although fructan supplementation did not induce significant changes in growth performance or nutrient digestibility, it significantly increased serum immunoglobulin A levels. Furthermore, the fecal microbiota of the fructan supplemented piglets was enriched with short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, including Phascolarctobacterium, Agathobacter, Clostridium sensu stricto, and Flavonifractor. Fructan supplementation in the diets of weaned piglets positively influenced immune response and gut microbiota composition, suggesting its potential to enhance gut health during the weaning period.
SN - 2055-0391
ER -