Gut Health and Influencing Factors in Pigs

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The gastrointestinal tract of any organism is not only important from a digestion and nutrient absorption point of view, but it interacts in many ways with metabolism. Our knowledge regarding these connections is increasing continuously. Animals capable of intensive production to supply sufficient food are the most vulnerable to disruptions in the gut. Therefore, the knowledge of effective feed additives which can be used to avoid or cure these problems and their consequences is important in modern animal production systems. ABSTRACT: The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a complex, dynamic, and critical part of the body, which plays an important role in the digestion and absorption of ingested nutrients and excreting waste products of digestion. In addition, GIT also plays a vital role in preventing the entry of harmful substances and potential pathogens into the bloodstream. The gastrointestinal tract hosts a significant number of microbes, which throughout their metabolites, directly interact with the hosts. In modern intensive animal farming, many factors can disrupt GIT functions. As dietary nutrients and biologically active substances play important roles in maintaining homeostasis and eubiosis in the GIT, this review aims to summarize the current status of our knowledge on the most important areas.