Role of dietary amino acids and microbial metabolites in the regulation of pig intestinal health

Abstract

With the rapid development of sequencing technology, research on pigs has focused on intestinal microbes. Accumulating evidence suggests that the metabolites of intestinal microbes are the key medium for interactions between microbes and the host. Amino acid metabolism is involved in the growth and immune processes of pigs. The gut microbes of pigs are heavily involved in the metabolism of amino acids in their hosts. Here, we review the latest relevant literature. Research findings show that microbial metabolites, such as indoles, short-chain fatty acids, and ammonia, play a key role in gut health. Moreover, we summarize the effects of amino acids on the structure of the gut microbial community and the metabolism of amino acids by pig gut microbes. Evidence shows that microbial amino acid metabolites act as signal molecules in the intestine and play an important role in the intestinal health of pigs.

Keywords

• Pig
• Amino acid
• Intestinal microbe
• Metabolite