Effects of L-analyl-L-glutamine dipeptide administration during 35 days of postnatal life on intestinal mucosa bone properties, and performance of piglets in their early post-weaning period

The experiment was performed on piglets, divided into control and experimental groups The experimental group received orally, from the birth to the 35th d of life, 0.4 g/kg b.w. /d of L-alanyl-L-glutamine dipeptide (Ala-Gln). One week after weaning the piglets were killed and the small intestine and bones were sampled for histological analyses. Measurements of bone physical and geometric properties were performed according to Ferreti method. The mineral density was analysed by the DEXA method. Ala-Gin treated piglets had a higher body weight at the 35 d of age compared to that of the control piglets. Mucosa thickness, villus length, and crypt depth in the jejunum of the piglets showed higher values compared to controls. In Ala-Gin treated piglets bone physical and geometric parameters and mineral density were significantly higher, and the bone structure revealed a shift in its organisation and mineralization process. In conclusion, oral administration of Ala-Gln protects the piglets from body weight loss and intestinal hypotrophy correlated with weaning and preserved the normal development of the femora during the post-weaning period.