Fig. 2

Histomorphometric analyses of jejunum and ileum from piglets fed three different infant diets (sow milk, soy or cow’s milk formula). Data are a pool of 6 males and 6 female piglets for each diet group and mean ± SEM from 12 animals are plotted for each diet group. Villus height and crypt depth are indicated in micrometers on Y-axis. Non parametric 2-factor ANOVA analyses of data indicated a group difference but no interaction or gender differences. a Representative pictures of ileum villus height and crypt depth of sow, soy and milk fed piglets. Villus height and crypt depth are indicated with arrows. b Jejunum statistical analyses for villus height (p < 0.01 diet, p < 0.26 gender, and p < 0.71 interaction) and crypt depth (*p < 0.05 diet, p < 0.67 gender, and p < 0.14 interaction) indicates increased villus height and crypt depth in formula groups in comparison to sow fed (KW ^†p < 0.01 villus height, *p < 0.05 crypt depth). c Ileum statistical analyses for villus height (p < 0.0008 diet, p < 0.33 gender, and p < 0.43 interaction), crypt depth (p < 0.0005 diet, p < 0.12 gender, and p < 0.95 interaction) showed increased villus height and crypt depth in formula groups in comparison to sow fed (KW #p < 0.001 villus height, ^‡p < 0.005 crypt depth)