Effects of dietary glutamine and glutamate supplementation on small intestinal structure, active absorption and DNA, RNA concentrations in skeletal muscle tissue of weaned piglets during d 28 to 42 of age

Seventy-four piglets were used to investigate the effects of dietary glutamine (Gln) and glutamate (Glu) on the mucosal structure and active absorption of small intestinal, DNA and RNA concentrations of skeletal muscle tissue in piglets during d 28 to 42 of age. Postweaning piglets were fed for 14 d corn- and soybean meal-based diets supplemented with 0.0 or 1.0% L-Gln or L-Glu. On d 7 and 14 postweaning, pigs' small intestinal sections and longissimus dorsi were collected, at the same time, the D-xylose absorption test was conducted. The results suggested that in comparison to control piglets, jejunal atrophy during the first week postweaning was prevented by the glutamine and glutamate supplementation (1%) and the capability of small intestine to absorb D-xylose was improved. Furthermore the RNA concentration in skeletal muscle tissue was increased. These results provide an experimental basis for use of glutamine and glutamate on alleviating the weaning stresses and improving piglets' growth performance.