Nucleotide supplementation to piglets

Nucleotides represent a group of bioactive compounds known to be determinant for the development of the gastrointestinal tract and immune function. Sow colostrum is a good source of nucleotides, but their concentration tends to decrease during lactation in milk. Some prophylaxis practices, like vaccination, in this phase that can cause an increase of nucleotide needs to face the immunostimulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term effect of oral administration of nucleotides before and after weaning on growth performance, health, immunity, and microbiota profile of weaned piglet preliminarily vaccinated against colibacillosis.