PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHANGES TO STARCH STRUCTURE DURING PROCESSING OF RAW MATERIALS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR STARCH DIGESTIBILITY IN NEWLY- WEANED PIGLETS

摘要

At weaning, young piglets are faced with many challenges. Some of the most important stresses they are subjected to are their removal from the sow, their relocation to unfamiliar surroundings (often with new littermates) and a major change in their diet. These in turn may cause challenges to their digestive tract, weaning anorexia and suppressed immunity, which can all contribute to the post-weaning growth check commonly observed during this time. This growth check can greatly compromise the overallgrowing and finishing performance of the animal, in terms of reduced daily live-weight gain and increased days to slaughter. Marked changes in gut structure (e.g. villus atrophy, crypt hyperplasia) are typically observed within the first few days immediately following weaning, along with severely reduced digestive enzyme secretion and absorptive capacity of the small intestine (Miller et al., 1986).