Archives of Current Research International

The small intestine plays a vital role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and intestinal immunity in pigs, which also serve as an important model for translational gastrointestinal research. This study investigated the gross morphometry of the small intestine across different postnatal age groups of Indian domestic pigs. Eighteen apparently healthy pigs were divided into three postnatal age groups: Group I (0–4 weeks), Group II (4–10 weeks), and Group III (above 10 weeks), with six animals in each group. Samples of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were collected immediately after slaughter from local abattoirs in and around Hyderabad. The length and width of each intestinal segment were recorded using a measuring tape and digital Vernier callipers. The small intestine extended from the pyloric sphincter to the ileocaecal orifice and comprised three distinct segments: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Among these segments, the jejunum was the longest and exhibited numerous closely arranged coils suspended by a fan-shaped mesentery. The mean total length of the small intestine increased significantly from 387.81 ± 46.16 cm in Group I to 714.05 ± 46.44 cm in Group II and 1677.82 ± 176.94 cm in Group III. The mean length and width of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum increased progressively with age. These findings demonstrate marked age-related growth and morphological changes in the small intestine of Indian domestic pigs, consistent with the increasing functional demands associated with postnatal development and dietary transition.