Feeding an elemental diet vs a milk-based formula does not decrease intestinal mucosal growth in infant pigs.

Background: We previously showed that the level of enteral nutrient intake determines the rate of intestinal growth in piglets. Our objective was to determine whether providing enteral nutrition in the form of elemental nutrients (glucose, amino acids, lipid [ED]) rather than cow's milk formula (lactose, protein, lipid [FORM]) reduces small intestinal growth and lactase activity.

Methods: Three-week-old piglets were fed either ED (n = 7) intragastrically or FORM (n = 6) orally for 6 days.