In modern animal husbandry, animal intestinal health is considered a key factor in improving production efficiency and reducing disease risk. In recent years, with the exploration of functional sugar alcohols in feed, Mannitol has gradually entered the field of researchers and breeding enterprises. It is not only a polyol naturally present in seaweed, mushrooms, and some plants, but also a functional molecule that combines osmotic pressure regulation and antioxidant properties.

1. Regulate the structure of gut microbiota and maintain microbial ecological balance

The stability of gut microbiota is the core foundation of intestinal health in livestock. Mannitol is not easily broken down by digestive enzymes in the upper gastrointestinal tract (stomach, upper small intestine) of livestock, and can reach the large intestine intact in the form of "prebiotic precursors". After entering the large intestine, it can selectively provide carbon sources for beneficial bacteria (such as bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria) in the intestine, promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria; At the same time, beneficial bacteria metabolize short chain fatty acids (such as acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid) produced by mannitol, which can lower the pH value in the intestine, inhibit the growth and colonization of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella, thereby optimizing the composition of the gut microbiota and reducing the risk of intestinal inflammation and infection.

2. Improve intestinal morphology and enhance barrier function

The intestinal mucosal barrier (composed of intestinal epithelial cells, tight junction proteins, etc.) is a key defense line that prevents intestinal endotoxins and pathogenic bacteria from invading the body. Research has shown that moderate supplementation of mannitol can promote the proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells, upregulate the expression of tight junction proteins (such as occludin and ZO-1), reduce the gaps between intestinal epithelial cells, and decrease intestinal permeability; At the same time, mannitol can stimulate the secretion of mucus from intestinal mucosal glands, thicken the mucus layer, further enhance the physical and chemical barrier functions of the intestine, and reduce systemic inflammatory reactions caused by "intestinal leakage".

3. Relieve intestinal stress and alleviate diarrhea symptoms

When livestock are subjected to stress (such as weaning, transportation, feeding, pathogen infection), intestinal motility disorders and osmotic pressure imbalances can easily lead to diarrhea. Mannitol has a certain dual effect of "permeability laxative and intestinal regulation": at low doses, its slight permeability in the intestine can promote intestinal peristalsis, help eliminate toxins and undigested waste accumulated in the intestine; At high doses (strictly controlled), although it increases the osmotic pressure of intestinal contents, it can soften feces by absorbing water and reduce the absorption of harmful metabolites by intestinal mucosa, thereby alleviating bacterial or stress-induced diarrhea and shortening the course of the disease.