Comparative Histology of the Swine Colon Raised under Intensive Management Farming and Backyard Farming Systems in Thailand

Abstract

Swine farming methods can influence gut health by altering intestinal morphology and immune function. This study aimed to compare the histological characteristics of the colon in swine raised under 2 different management systems-intensive management farming and backyard farming-to evaluate how these environments impact intestinal structure and health. Colon tissues (n = 10 per group) were collected and examined using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. Histological analysis focused on the thickness of the mucosa, submucosa, and muscularis externa layers, the morphology of intestinal glands, and the presence of inflammatory cells and lymphatic nodules in the mucosa. The results showed that swine raised under intensive management farming had significantly thicker mucosal, submucosal, and muscularis externa layers than those raised under backyard conditions (p < 0.001). Backyard-farmed swine exhibited significantly shallower and narrower intestinal glands, as well as reduced numbers of inflammatory cells and lymphatic nodules (p < 0.001), suggesting a lower degree of immune activation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that intensive management enhances nutrient absorption and mucosal defense via a thicker colonic mucosa, whereas backyard farming may impair digestive efficiency and immune responsiveness. By linking husbandry conditions to intestinal histology, this study provides clinically relevant insights into how farming systems influence swine gut health which may ultimately impact overall productivity and product quality. These results underscore the importance of appropriate farm management in supporting gastrointestinal and immune function in livestock.