Post-weaning feed intake level modulates gut morphology but not gut permeability in weaned piglets

Piglets with a high voluntary feed intake were compared with piglets fed restrictedly. Weaning induced changes in gut morphology and permeability. The intake level of dry pelleted feed affected intestinal villous architecture but did not affect permeability to small or large molecules from d0 to d7 post-weaning. A restricted feed intake level negatively affected gut morphology at d4 post-weaning. This effect could be alleviated but not completely prevented by a high voluntary intake of dry pelleted feed directly after weaning.