A combined pig model to determine the net absorption of volatile fatty acids in the large intestine under different levels of crude fiber

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to develop a combined model to quantify the net absorption of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the large intestine (LI) of pigs. METHODS: Fifteen female growing pigs (Duroc × Large White × Landrace) were ranked by body weight (30 ± 2.1 kg) on day 0 and assigned to one of three treatments, namely the basal diet containing different crude fiber (CF) levels (LCF: 3.0% CF, MCF: 4.5% CF, and HCF: 6.0% CF). The pigs were implanted with the terminal ileum fistula and the cannulation of the ileal mesenteric vein (IMV), portal vein (PV), and left femoral artery (LFA) from days 6 to 7. [(13)C]‐Labeled VFA and P‐aminohippuric acid were constantly perfused into the terminal ileum fistula and the cannulation of the IMV (day 15), respectively. Blood samples were collected from the PV and the LFA during perfusion (5 h), and LI samples were collected. RESULTS: The net flux of [(12)C]‐acetic acid in the PV was greater for LCF versus MCF (p = 0.045), but no difference was observed in the net flux of [(12)C]‐propionic acid (p = 0.505) and [(12)C]‐butyric acid (p = 0.35) in the PV among treatments. The deposition of [(12)C]‐acetic acid in the LI was greater for LCF versus MCF (p = 0.014), whereas the deposition of [(12)C]‐propionic acid (p = 0.007) and [(12)C]‐butyric acid (p = 0.037) in the LI was greater for LCF versus HCF. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this pig model was found conducive to study the net absorption of VFAs in the LI, and LCF had more net absorption of VFAs in the LI than MCF and HCF.