Table 3.

Experimental details, strengths, and limitations of models of necrotizing enterocolitis in piglets

Experimental Details	Strengths	Limitations	References
Ischemia induced by hypoxia in neonatal term piglets.	Mimics the ischemic injury that may be seen in NEC.	Term piglets are used raising questions regarding the clinical significance.	89
		Lack of enteral feeding.
Hypoxia and hypothermia in neonatal term piglets.	Mimic the ischemic injury.	Term piglets are used.	18, 23
	High NEC severity.	No enteral feeding.
		Uncertain clinical significance
Luminal perfusion of 1-day-old piglet jejunoileum with predigested and bile acid-solubilized preterm cow milk-based infant formula coupled with ischemia and reperfusion.	Short duration of the model.	Term piglets were used.	24
		Uncertain clinical significance.
Injection of acidified casein solution into the intestinal loop of neonatal piglets.	Introduction of intestinal dysmotility, which is a risk factor for NEC.	Term piglets are used and the experimental model is very short, raising questions. regarding the clinical significance.	26
Administration of total parenteral nutrition followed by the administration of infant formula in preterm piglets which are delivered by cesarean section at 92% gestation.	Combined preterm-birth, parenteral nutrition and formula-feeding increase the clinical relevance.	Need for a well-equipped veterinary surgical facility.	8, 55, 56, 85, 91, 92, 93, 98, 100