Casein glycomacropeptide (CGMP) is a bioactive peptide derived from milk with multiple functions. This
study was aimed at evaluating the effects of CGMP as a potential feed additive on growth performance,
intestinal morphology, intestinal barrier permeability and inflammatory responses of Escherichia coli K88
(E. coli K88) challenged piglets. Eighteen weaning piglets were randomly assigned to three groups.
Control group and K88 challenged group received a basal diet, and CGMP treated group received the
basal diet supplemented with 1% of CGMP powder. The trail lasted for 12 days, K88 was orally administered
to the piglets of K88 challenged group and CGMP treated group on days 8e10. The results showed
that the diet containing 1% CGMP significantly alleviated the decrease in average daily gain (P < 0.05),
increase in pathogenic bacteria amounts in intestinal contents (P < 0.05), intestinal morphology
(P > 0.05) and barrier permeability damage (P < 0.05), and acute inflammatory response (P < 0.05)
induced by E. coli K88 infection. In conclusion, CGMP supplementation in the diet protected the weaning
piglets against E. coli K88 infection.