Why is the gut integrity of pigs important ?
The gut is the 2nd largest organ in the body (the 1st being the skin). It has a large absorption surface and harbors many different species of living micro-organisms, both beneficial and potentially pathogenic. Scientists have found that these living micro-organisms play a vital role in maintaining a healthy state of the gut. A healthy gut ensures maximum digestion, absorption and assimilation of nutrients (*). In modern farming, the pig is under stress to perform to its genetic potential. The stress, the high housing density and the varying quality of feed conspire to lower the immunity of the animal and disrupt the microbial balance in the gut. As a result, the pig is not able to perform to its genetic potential. For example, under ideal, albeit experimental, conditions of growth and fattening, scientists2 have demonstrated that the average daily weight gain (A.D.G.) during the growing-finishing stage of a gnotobiotic pig could achieve its genetic potential of 1.07 kg! The current A.
