Intrauterine growth restriction, defined by an elevated brain-to-liver weight ratio, affects faecal microbiota composition and, to a lesser extent, plasma metabolome profile at different ages in pigs

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) affects up to 20% of newborn piglets, leading to increased morbidity and mortality, altered metabolism, stunted growth, and decreased feed conversion efficiency. This study aimed to investigate the effects of IUGR on the faecal microbiota and blood metabolome profiles of pigs, from birth to slaughter, to better understand the underlying mechanisms of this condition