Isotonic Protein Solution Supplementation Enhances Growth Performance, Intestinal Immunity, and Beneficial Microbiota in Suckling Piglets.

Tonisity Px: +250 g and +15% ADG

Reference
Gong, L.; Hao, Y.; Liao, Z.; Collier, J.; Xiao, C.; Zhao, L.; Chen, H. Isotonic Protein Solution Supplementation Enhances Growth Performance, Intestinal Immunity, and Beneficial Microbiota in Suckling Piglets. Veterinary Sciences, MDPI, 30 July 2025.

Open-access article (https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/12/8/715).  

Executive summary

• An isotonic protein solution (IPS) given once daily on days 2–8, then mixed at 3% into creep-feed porridge for the last 3 days before weaning, was associated with higher day-24 body weight (~+250 g; ≈ +3.6%) and higher ADG from day 16–24 (~+15.7%). The product used in the study was Tonisity Px.
• Signals of improved gut development (villus height and villus:crypt ratio), barrier function (up-regulated tight-junction genes), and mucosal immunity (higher IgA/IgM and jejunal SIgA) were observed.
• Microbiota composition shifted towards taxa typically considered beneficial (for example Bacteroides, Alloprevotella, Lactobacillus).

Study at a glance

• Design: 160 piglets, 16 litters; litter-level analysis; one commercial farm.
• Intervention: IPS 3% as a drink once daily on days 2–8; then creep-feed porridge with 3% IPS for 3 days pre-weaning (control received isovolumetric porridge with water).
• Endpoints: Growth to day 24; plasma biochemistry; jejunal morphology; gene expression for barrier and signalling; mucosal immunoglobulins; small-intestine and caecal microbiota.

Key Findings: Superior Growth Performance

For producers, the most striking results were related to growth. Piglets given Tonisity Px showed:

Higher Weaning Weight: On day 24, treated piglets were on average 250 g heavier, representing a 4% increase. This early boost provides a lasting advantage through to finishing, as confirmed in previous large-scale studies.

Greater Pre-weaning Weight Gain: Supplemented piglets gained an additional 14 g/day, equating to a 6% improvement.

Faster Daily Growth: Between days 16–24 (the critical week before weaning), average daily gain (ADG) was 15% higher compared to controls. This reflects faster, more efficient growth precisely when it matters most.

Why It Works: Strengthening Gut Efficiency

The study demonstrated that Tonisity Px enhances growth by creating a more effective digestive system.

1. Healthier Villi for Better Absorption

Villi are tiny finger-like structures in the gut that absorb nutrients. Taller and healthier villi provide a greater surface area for absorption. Tonisity Px improved villus height by 6–8% and the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio by 31%. These structural improvements translate into better nutrient uptake and sustained growth.

Effect of Tonisity Px (IPS)  on intestinal morphology of jejunum and ileum in suckling piglets (n = 6 piglets /treatment).
(A) Jejunum architecture in the control group ;
(B) jejunum architecture in the treatment group;
(C) ileum architecture in the control group;
(D) ileum architecture in the treatment group;
scale bar, 200 μm.

2. More Growth, Less Waste

A 19% reduction in Blood Urea Nitrogen indicated that piglets retained more protein in their tissues instead of breaking it down as waste. This means more efficient weight gain from the same feed intake.

3. The Natural Growth Signal

Levels of GLP-2, a hormone that stimulates gut development, were 3.4 times higher in piglets supplemented with Tonisity Px. GLP-2 promotes intestinal renewal and enhances nutrient absorption, enabling piglets to convert feed into weight more effectively.

4. Stronger Gut Barrier

Tonisity Px improved gut barrier integrity by increasing the proteins ZO-1 and Claudin by 60%. This reduces the risk of “leaky gut”, preventing harmful bacteria and toxins from entering the bloodstream, and protecting piglets from inflammation.

5. Lower Inflammation

Markers of gut inflammation were reduced by 37%. With less inflammation, piglets can allocate more energy towards growth rather than fighting unnecessary immune responses.

6. Enhanced Immune Defence

Piglets supplemented with Tonisity Px demonstrated stronger antibody responses and cellular immunity. In practice, this meant fewer cases of diarrhoea and setbacks, allowing more energy to be channelled into growth and resilience.

7. Improved Microbiome Balance

The treatment significantly shifted the gut microbiome in favour of beneficial bacteria.

In the Jejunum: beneficial bacteria increased by 13%, while harmful bacteria decreased by 66%.

In the Caecum: beneficial bacteria rose by 31%, with detrimental bacteria reduced by 50%.

This healthier microbial balance supports digestion, immunity, and overall piglet performance.

Implications and potential benefits for producers

Intestinal health and function. The combination of taller villi, a higher villus:crypt ratio, and up-regulation of tight-junction markers indicates a more mature and tighter mucosal surface. This profile is consistent with improved nutrient absorption and a reduced risk of paracellular leakage. Together with increased jejunal SIgA and reduced TLR-4/MyD88 signalling, this suggests a more balanced mucosal environment that may handle routine microbial and nutritional challenges with greater stability during late lactation and the peri-weaning window.

Growth efficiency and nutrient utilisation. The lower blood urea nitrogen, alongside a favourable microbiota shift towards Bacteroides and Alloprevotella, points to more efficient nitrogen handling and short-chain fatty acid generation. In practical terms, an earlier gain in body weight at weaning can create a head start that farms typically associate with better subsequent growth trajectories when management remains consistent, as shown in many previous studies.

General health and resilience. Higher circulating IgA and IgM, together with stronger mucosal SIgA, indicate a more prepared first-line defence in the gut. Farms may observe a steadier transition behaviour at weaning and a reduced need for purely symptomatic supportive measures in the immediate peri-weaning period, provided hygiene, water quality, and creep-feeding practices are maintained.

Operational and welfare benefits. A simple, standardised pre-weaning hydration-nutrition step can be integrated with existing creep-feed routines, helping staff to deliver a consistent protocol. Clear routines around preparation and offering can support better record-keeping, facilitate technician coaching, and contribute to a calmer weaning process, which is positive for both piglet welfare and labour efficiency.

Ready to see heavier pigs and boost your bottom line? Speak to our team today to find out how Tonisity solutions can transform your production.

https://www.tonisity.com/contact/

FAQ

Q1. Who conducted the study and where was it published?
The research was performed by an academic–industry team from Southwest University (China), Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences (China), and the University of Idaho (USA), and published in Veterinary Sciences (peer reviewed, open access; 30 July 2025).

Q2. What was the study design in one paragraph?
The trial followed 160 piglets from 16 litters on a commercial farm. Litters were assigned to either a control or an IPS group. Piglets in the IPS group received a 3% isotonic protein solution once daily on days 2–8, and the same 3% solution mixed into creep-feed gruel for the final three days before weaning. Outcomes included growth to day 24, plasma biochemistry, jejunal morphology, mucosal immunoglobulins, barrier-related gene expression, and small-intestine and caecal microbiota.

Q3. What are the headline results customers will care about?
Higher day-24 weight (about +250 g, ≈ +3.6%) and higher ADG from day 16–24 (≈ +15.7%). Signals of improved gut maturation and barrier integrity (greater villus height and villus:crypt ratio; up-regulation of tight-junction genes), higher mucosal immunity (IgA/IgM; jejunal SIgA), and a beneficial shift in microbiota composition.

Q4. Were the differences statistically significant?
Yes. The day-24 weight and the ADG from day 16–24 were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Several gut and immune markers were also significant at p < 0.05.

Q5. How should we explain the mechanism to a farmer in one sentence?
An isotonic protein drink in early life and again just before weaning was associated with a more mature and tighter intestinal lining, better mucosal immune readiness, and a microbiota profile that supports digestive function, which coincided with heavier piglets at day 24.

Q6. Was the control truly comparable to the IPS group?
Yes, the control received isovolumetric gruel with water during the same pre-weaning window. The authors indicate that the energy contribution of the IPS was low, which suggests the effect is likely functional rather than caloric.

Q7. Did the trial include post-weaning growth or health outcomes?
No. The observation period ended at weaning day 24. Post-weaning outcomes were not reported. However, many other studies (until nursery or finisher) are available on demand.

Q8. Did the study report diarrhoea or mortality outcomes?
No. The study did not report diarrhoea incidence or mortality.

Q9. How comparable are the trial conditions to my farm?
It was a single-farm study with litter-level analysis. Genetics, creep-feed practice, hygiene, and water quality can differ by farm. Replication under local conditions is advisable to quantify on-farm benefit.

Q10. What about water quality, hygiene, and creep-feed type in the study?
Standard good practices applied on a commercial farm. If a customer asks, emphasise that offering fresh solution, clean containers, and potable water is important for any oral supplementation protocol.

Q11. How quickly should a farmer expect to see a difference?
Differences in growth were observed by day 24 in this study window.

Q12. Does IPS replace milk or creep feed?
No. IPS is a complementary pre-weaning step that runs alongside the sow and standard creep-feeding practices.

Q13. Are there any safety or compatibility concerns reported in the paper?
No specific safety issues were reported in the paper. Distributors should always advise customers to follow the product label and local veterinary guidance.

Q14. Is the formula shown in the paper the formula of our product?
No. The researchers used our Tonisity Px in the trial, but the composition table printed in the article is the authors estimate compiled from public information and label references. It does not represent our proprietary formulation. Our formula is protected by intellectual property, and we do not disclose detailed composition. This does not affect the study’s findings, which reflect the performance of our product when used under the reported protocol. For technical accuracy, please refer customers to our official product specification and label rather than the article’s estimated composition.

Q15. What should a distributor say when asked for a take-home message?
A structured pre-weaning IPS protocol (days 2–8 plus the last three days before weaning) in a peer-reviewed study was associated with heavier piglets at day 24 and multiple signals of improved gut integrity, mucosal immunity, and microbiota balance. Farmers can verify relevance by measuring weights on their own farms under their usual management.