Lactose supplementation in liquid creep feed showed no apparent effect on growth performance, appetite-regulating hormones, and function in the small intestine of artificially reared piglets

Early piglet life is challenged by reduced feed intake particularly around weaning. This study investigated whether supplementing liquid creep feed with 20% lactose from day 10–28 would enhance growth, hormone levels, and gene expression in artificially reared piglets. Twenty-seven piglets were individually housed and assigned to three treatments: milk replacer only (CON), milk replacer with liquid feed (MRLF), or milk replacer with liquid feed containing 20% lactose (LAC). Feed intake and body weight were recorded daily. Small intestine and blood samples were collected for analysis of cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and gene expression. Piglets of the LAC group had lower body weight than CON piglets (P < 0.05), though average daily gain was similar. Dry matter intake differed (P < 0.001), and CON had poorer feed conversion ratio than MRLF and LAC. No treatment effects were found on hormone levels or gene expression. Further research should explore post-weaning effects of lactose supplementation.