Effects of high- and low-fiber diets on intestinal oxidative stress in growing-finishing pigs.

The gastrointestinal tract provides the location for the digestion and absorption of nutrients. It has physical and chemical barriers to protect body from pathogens and toxins. Oxidative stress tends to weaken the physical and chemical barriers of the intestine, which in turn can lead to intestinal dysfunction. Fiber has been suggested to have beneficial effects on the intestine health of pigs. Revealing how fiber can maintain intestinal health is important for pig production. In the present research, we investigated the effect of fiber on the oxidative stress status and antioxidant content in the pig intestine. Our data revealed that a low-fiber diet contributed to oxidative stress in the pig intestine (jejunum). Pigs fed a high-fiber diet had less intestinal oxidative stress and grew heavier. Pigs fed a low-fiber diet may produce more antioxidants to cope with the increased oxidative stress in the intestine.