Differences in Intestinal Length between Specific-Pathogen-Free (SPF) and Conventional Swine

Abstract

The length of the small intestine, cecum, and the rest of the large intestine of specific-pathogen-free (SPF) swine was compared with that of conventional swine. The average length of the small intestine of SPF swine was shorter than that of conventional swine. The difference was significant for female SPF swine. There was no difference between SPF and conventional swine in the length of the cecum, colon and rectum.