Influence of probiotics in different energy and nutrient density diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality, and blood characteristics in growing-finishing pigs

Gut–Brain Axis: Focus on Neurodegeneration and Mast Cells

Many studies highlighted that a bidirectional communication between the gut and the central nervous system (CNS) exists. A vigorous immune response to antigens must be avoided, and pathogenic organisms crossing the gut barrier must be detected and killed. For this reason, the immune system developed fine mechanisms able to maintain this delicate balance. The microbiota is beneficial to its host, providing protection against pathogenic bacteria. It is intimately involved in numerous aspects of host physiology, from nutritional status to behavior and stress response. In the last few years, the implication of the gut microbiota and its bioactive microbiota-derived molecules in the progression of multiple diseases, as well as in the development of neurodegenerative disorders, gained increasing attention. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the gut microbiota with particular attention toward neurological disorders and mast cells. Relevant roles are played by the mast cells in neuroimmune communication, such as sensors and effectors of cytokines and neurotransmitters. In this context, the intake of beneficial bacterial strains as probiotics could represent a valuable therapeutic approach to adopt in combination with classical therapies. Further studies need to be performed to understand if the gut bacteria are responsible for neurological disorders or if neurological disorders influence the bacterial profile.

Effects of dietary probiotic (Pediococcus acidilactici) supplementation on productive performance, egg quality, and body composition in laying hens fed diets varying in energy density

This study was conducted to determine the effect of probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici (PA) strain MA18/5M supplementation of diets with different dietary energy levels on productive performance, egg quality, and body composition in Hy-Line Brown hens during a 16-week period from 32 to 47 wk of age. The experimental treatments with a 2 × 2 factorial design received a 2 wheat–corn–soybean diet: a moderately low energy density diet with 2,650 kcal ME/kg (M-LED) and a low energy density diet based on the M-LED diet with 2,550 kcal ME/kg (LED), each diet without and with probiotic supplementation (M-LED, LED, M-LEDp, and LEDp, respectively). Reduced dietary energy levels had a particularly negative effect on egg weight (61.7 vs. 63.3 g; −2.6%, P < 0.001), egg mass output (1.67 vs. 1.71 kg; −2.4%, P = 0.015), and FCR (2.01 vs. 1.97 kg feed/kg egg; +2%, P = 0.028). In hens administered the LED diet, deteriorated productive performance was accompanied by greater body weight loss (P < 0.001) and reduced abdominal fat content (P < 0.033) as compared with the M-LED group. Dietary probiotic inclusion increased egg weight (P = 0.015), including relative eggshell weight (P = 0.008) and eggshell thickness (P = 0.002) and significantly improved FCR (P = 0.010). No interactions between the PA-based probiotic and dietary energy levels were found in any of the tested parameters. Adding the probiotic on top of the M-LED diet improved layers performance but resulted in nonbioequivalence for the egg weight, egg mass output, and FCR compared with this group without probiotic. Probiotic supplementation of the LEDp diet improved all performance parameters except for egg weight. As a result, the laying rate, egg mass output, daily feed intake, and FCR in the LEDp treatment were bioequivalent to those noted in the M-LED group without the probiotic. The results of a bioequivalence test suggest that a low energy diet fed to laying hens promoted a probiotic response to improve energy utilization by birds.

Productivity and parameters of blood of sows fed with probiotic supplements

Feeding lactating sows with the probiotic supplements “Citexflor-1” and “Sgol-1-40” at 14.4–13.1 MJ of exchange energy released from digesting 1 kg of dry matter of feed mixtures included in the diet had a positive effect on productivity, nutrient digestibility and morphological and biochemical parameters of blood. The inclusion of adequate amounts of “Citexflor-1” enhanced milk production by sows in the second trial group compared to the control by 2.03 %, in the third by 6.6 % and in the fourth by 3.9 %, with the survival in piglets observed at 89–92 %. Supplementation of probiotic preparation “Sgol-1-40” was carried out, the sows showed to produce more milk by 5.8 % in the second trial group, 16.3 % in the third, and 20.7 % in the fourth group compared to the control. In the study of morphological and biochemical parameters of blood in sows in the first experiment, the erythrocyte number was greater in the third trial group by 6.2 %, and in the fourth by 4.7 %. In the second experiment, with probiotic supplementation of “Sgol-1-40” fed to sows, the number of red blood cells was 4.2; 18.1 and 32.1 % greater, respectively, along with hemoglobin level higher at 2.8; 15.3; 24.1 %, respectively.

Effect of natural feed additives on meat quality and caecotrophic fatty acid profile of New Zealand rabbits

ABSTRACT The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effects of commercial probiotic and chitosan as food additives on the quality and meat composition of 36 New Zealand White rabbits (57 ± 8 days old and 1,648 ± 0.194 kg) and on the fatty acid profile of caecotrophs. The treatments were CT (diets without inclusion of additives), PRO (inclusion of 4 g / kg of commercial probiotic) and CHI (inclusion of 4 g / kg of chitosan). The additives increased triglycerides and decreased urea compared to the control group, as well as increased oleic and linoleic acids, Ʃ unsaturated, Ʃ monounsaturated and Ʃ polyunsaturated in caecotrophs. CHI animals showed a decrease in myristic and palmitic acids compared to PRO. CHI decreased the meat's crude protein and the meat's fat. In addition, there was a decrease in omega-3, omega-6 and the relationship unsaturated and saturated fatty acids for the CHI group and an increase in erucic acid and a decrease in the rate of hypocholesterolemic acids. As a conclusion, the data showed that the animals that ingested probiotic had better meat quality, for having better fatty acid profile and hypocholesterolemic index, compared to the treatment with chitosan. The additives improved the caecotrophs fatty acid profile.

Comparative effects of low zinc oxide dose with or without probiotics relative to high zinc oxide dose on the performance, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, and noxious gases emission in weaned piglets

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of low-dose zinc oxide (ZnO) supplemented with or without probiotic complex compared with pharmacological ZnO (3000 mg kg−1) on the performance, digestibility, blood metabolites, fecal Lactobacillus and enterobacteria counts of weaned piglets. One-hundred and twenty crossbred piglets were randomly allocated to three treatments based on their initial body weight (BW). Treatments consisted of corn–soybean-meal-based basal diet supplemented with 3000 mg kg−1 ZnO as positive control (ZH), basal diet supplemented with 300 mg kg−1 ZnO as negative control (ZL), and ZL + 0.1% probiotic complex (ZLP). At the end of the experiment, fecal samples were collected by direct rectal massage to determine nutrient digestibility, Lactobacillus and enterobacteria counts, and gas emission, whereas blood samples were taken via jugular venipuncture for determination of blood metabolites. The BW of piglets at week 6, and the average daily gain (ADG) at week 6 and during overall period were higher (P < 0.05) in pigs fed ZH diet compared with those fed ZL diet. The supplementation of ZLP increased the ADG during week 6 and overall making it comparable with ZH diet (P < 0.05). However, other parameters described above were comparable with ZH in pigs fed ZLP diet.

Influence of the efficacy of a probiotic complex containing Bacillus subtilis and Pichia farinosa on the growth performance and fecal microbiota of finishing pigs

A total of 120 finish pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc; 52.61 ± 2.37 kg] were randomly allotted into three treatments for a 70 d trial to evaluate the growth performance and fecal microbiota counts in finishing pigs. Treatment groups were (i) basal diet (CON), (ii) CON + 0.1% probiotic complex (TRT1), and (iii) CON + 0.2% probiotic complex (TRT2). Each treatment consisted of eight replicate pens with five pigs per pen. The average daily gain and fecal Lactobacillus counts of TRT2 were increased (P < 0.05) compared with CON treatment. The result showed that 0.2% complex probiotic was more effective than 0.1%.

The Facilitating Effect of Tartary Buckwheat Flavonoids and Lactobacillus plantarum on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Antioxidant Capacity, and Fecal Microbiota of Weaned Piglets

Simple Summary

There has been a growing interest in the use of flavonoids and probiotics as alternatives of antibiotics in livestock production and as natural products for human health benefit. The effect of tartary buckwheat flavonoid supplementation in the diet has not been clearly investigated. The supplementation of tartary buckwheat flavonoids or Lactobacillus plantarum improved the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant capacity of weaned piglets. In combination, they exhibited a synergistic effect on nutrient digestibility.

Abstract

Natural plant extracts and probiotics has been proved as the most preferred and effective alternatives for antibiotics in animal feeding. The current study aimed to investigate the facilitating effect of tartary buckwheat flavonoids and Lactobacillus plantarum on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and microbiota of weaned piglets. Fifty 35-day-old weaned piglets (7.85 ± 0.67 kg) were randomly divided into five treatments with 10 piglets per treatment. Piglets in the negative control (NC) group were fed a basal diet, and others were fed basal diets supplemented with 40 mg/kg of colistin sulfate (positive control, PC), 10⁹ CFU/kg Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), 40 mg/kg of tartary buckwheat flavonoids (BF), and a combination of 10⁹ CFU/kg Lactobacillus plantarum and 40 mg/kg of tartary buckwheat flavonoids (LB). Supplementation of BF increased the average daily gain of piglets in the BF group (p < 0.05). The nutrient digestibility of piglets in the NC group was lower than that in other groups, while the digestibility of gross energy, dry matter, organic matter, and phosphorus of piglets in the LB group was higher than the other four groups (p < 0.05). Compared with the NC and pC group, supplementation of Lp increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), and catalase (CAT), while the BF increased the content of IgA and IgM (p < 0.05). Supplementation of colistin sulfate decreased the alpha diversity index, including chao and observed species, while the addition of Lp or combination of Lp and BF increased the abundance of Selenomonas or Mitsuokella in fecal samples, respectively. The results indicated that supplementation of Lactobacillus plantarum can improve the antioxidant capacity, while tartary buckwheat flavones can increase the growth performance and immune ability of weaned piglets. Moreover, in combination, they promote nutrient digestibility.

Effects of dietary probiotic, liquid feed and nutritional concentration on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and fecal score of weaning piglets

Objective

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary probiotic blend and liquid feed program at different nutritional densities on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal score of weaning piglets.

Methods

A total of 120 weaning pigs with an initial body weight of 7.05±0.93 kg per pig (21 days of age) were randomly allocated into 1 of the following 8 dietary treatments (3 replicates per treatment with 5 pigs per replicate) in a 2×2×2 factorial arrangement (nutrition levels: apparent metabolic energy [AME] = 3,500 kcal/kg, crude protein [CP] = 20% vs AME = 3,400 kcal/kg, CP = 19.42%; feed types:dry vs wet; probiotics levels: 0 mg/kg vs 300 mg/kg).

Results

During d 5 to d 15, greater average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p<0.05) were observed in probiotics treatments. During d 15 to d 25, gain:feed (G:F) ratio (p<0.05) were significantly improved in probiotics, wet feed and high nutrition diet. Moreover, two interactions i) between nutrition levels and feed types, and ii) between nutrition levels and probiotics were found in G:F ratio. Furthermore, there was a significant positive interaction on G:F among those 3 factors (p<0.05). Overall, increasing ADG, ADFI, and G:F ratio were detected in probiotics treatment significantly (p<0.05). Besides, an obvious reduction on fecal score was observed in probiotics treatment from d 0 to d 5 (p<0.05). There was an interactive effect on fecal score between feed types and nutrition concentrations from d 5 to d 25 (p<0.05).

Conclusion

These results indicated that probiotics supplementation could benefit growth performance and reduce the frequency of watery feces. Besides, wet feed program (feed:water = 1:1.25) could improve the G:F. The effect of liquid feed or probiotic could be influenced by dietary nutrition density in weaned piglets. An increased value of G:F was obtained when wet feeding a high nutrition diet (100 kcal higher than NRC 2012 recommendations) was supplemented with probiotics for 15 to 25 days.

Effects of oligosaccharides on the growth and stress tolerance of Lactobacillus plantarum ZLP001 in vitro, and the potential synbiotic effects of L. plantarum ZLP001 and fructo-oligosaccharide in post-weaning piglets1

In this study, we evaluated the effects of seven oligosaccharides on the growth rate and stress tolerance of Lactobacillus plantarum ZLP001 in vitro, and the potential synbiotic effects of the most effective oligosaccharide [fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS)] and L. plantarum ZLP001 on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, fecal microbiota, and serum immune index in weaning piglets. Most oligosaccharides were utilized as carbohydrate sources by L. plantarum ZLP001, but we observed obvious differences in the bacterial growth depending on oligosaccharide type and concentration. Oligosaccharides and glucose significantly alleviated the decrease in L. plantarum ZLP001 viability in artificial gastric fluid, whereas none of the sugars affected viability in artificial intestinal fluid. FOS and galacto-oligosaccharide significantly improved the viability of L. plantarum ZLP001 under heat stress (65 °C for 15 and 30 min). FOS and soybean oligosaccharide significantly increased the viability of L. plantarum ZLP001 in response to cold stress (4 °C for 30 and 60 days). On the basis of the findings of in vitro experiments, we selected FOS for in vivo studies. Eighty-four weaned piglets were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: control (basal diet, no additives), freeze-dried L. plantarum ZLP001 (4.2 × 109 CFU/g, 2 g/kg diet), FOS (5 g/kg diet), and combination (0.2% L. plantarum ZLP001 + 0.5% FOS). Body weight and feed consumption were recorded for determinations of the average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed-to-gain ratio (F/G). On day 28, fresh fecal samples were collected to evaluate the apparent digestibility of nutrients and microbiota, and serum samples were collected to determine the immune status. L. plantarum ZLP001 plus FOS significantly increased ADG and decreased the F/G ratio compared with the no-additive control. The combination treatment also increased the apparent nutrient digestibility of dry matter and crude protein. Compared with the control and single supplementation, the combination treatment had a significant regulatory effect on the intestinal microbiota, as evidenced by increases in Lactobacillus spp. and a decrease in Enterobacteriaceae. In addition, the combination treatment increased the concentrations of serum IFN-γ and immunoglobulin G. In conclusion, FOS can be utilized well by L. plantarum ZLP001 and can be combined with it as a potential synbiotic that shows synergistic effects in weaning piglets.

Effects of dietary mixture of protease and probiotics on growth performance, blood constituents, and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing pigs

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary mixture of protease and probiotics on growth performance, blood constituents, and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing pigs. A total of 48 growing pigs were randomly allotted into 2 dietary (6 pigs/pen; 4 replicates/treatment). The treatments were a diet based on corn and soybean meal (CON) and CON supplemented with 0.01% of dietary mixture of protease and probiotics (MULTI). No differences were found on growth performance (average daily gain, ADG; overall, 874.06 vs. 881.14 g/d; p > 0.05), blood constituents (white blood cell, WBC; phase I, 17.51 vs. 19.96 × 10³ /μL; phase II, 19.65 vs. 21.95 × 10³ /μL; p > 0.05), and carcass characteristics during overall experimental period between CON and MULTI. In conclusion, the addition of dietary mix-ture of protease and probiotics in growing-finishing pig diet did not have any beneficial effects.

Influence of Bacillus subtilis GCB-13-001 on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, faecal microbiota and faecal score in weanling pigs

The present study investigated the influence of Bacillus subtilis GCB-13-001 on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, faecal microbiota and faecal score in weanling pigs. A total of 120 weaning pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc; 7.73 ± 0.75 kg (28 days of age)] were randomly allotted into three treatments according to their initial body weight (BW) and gender in a 6-week experiment. There were 8 replication pens in each treatment, with five pigs/pen. Dietary treatment groups were as follows: (a) basal diet (CON), (b) CON + 0.1% Bacillus subtilis GCB-13-001 1 × 10⁸  CFU/kg (T1) and (c) CON + 0.1% Bacillus subtilis GCB-13-001 1 × 10⁹  CFU/kg (T2). Days 1 to 7, the BW and ADG with T2 treatment were higher (p < .05) than CON treatment, as well as F:G showed trends in linear reduction (p < .1). Days 8 to 21, the BW and ADG were improved (p < .05) in pigs offered T1 and T2 diets compared with CON diet. Days 22 to 42, BW and ADG were higher (p < .05) in pigs fed T2 diet than CON and T1 diets, and the pigs fed T1 diet had higher BW than CON treatment. Overall, the ADG with the T2 treatment was higher (p < .05) than that with the T1 and CON treatments, and pigs offered T1 treatment had higher (p < .05) ADG than CON treatment. Moreover, F:G ratio were significantly decreased (p < .05) by T2 treatment compared with CON treatment. The faecal Lactobacillus counts were improved, and E. coli counts were reduced (p < .05) in pigs fed T2 diet compared with CON at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, supplementation of 0.1% Bacillus subtilis GCB-13-001 1 × 10⁹  CFU/kg has shown a beneficial effect in improving BW, increase ADG, decrease F:G ratio.

Effect of Multi-Microbial Probiotic Formulation Bokashi on Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines Profile in the Serum, Colostrum and Milk of Sows, and in a Culture of Polymorphonuclear Cells Isolated from Colostrum

The use of probiotics in sows during pregnancy and lactation and their impact on the quality of colostrum and milk, as well as the health conditions of their offspring during the rearing period, are currently gaining the attention of researchers. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Bokashi formulation on the concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the serum of sows during pregnancy, in their colostrum and milk, and in a culture of Con-A-stimulated polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) isolated from the colostrum. The study was conducted on 60 sows aged 2–4 years. EM Bokashi were added to the sows’ feed. The material for the study consisted of peripheral blood, colostrum, and milk. Blood samples were collected from the sows on days 60 and 114 of gestation. Colostrum and milk samples were collected from all sows at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 h after parturition. The results indicate that the use of Bokashi as feed additives resulted in increased concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, which increase the protective capacity of the colostrum by stimulating cellular immune mechanisms protecting the sow and neonates against infection. At the same time, the increased concentrations of cytokines IL-4, IL-10, TGF-β, and of immunoglobulins in the colostrum and milk from sows in the experimental group demonstrate the immunoregulatory effect of Bokashi on Th2 cells and may lead to increased expression of regulatory T cells and polarization of the immune response from Th1 to Th2.

Longitudinal investigation of the swine gut microbiome from birth to market reveals stage and growth performance associated bacteria

BACKGROUND

Despite recent advances in the understanding of the swine gut microbiome at different growth stages, a comprehensive longitudinal study of the lifetime (birth to market) dynamics of the swine gut microbiome is lacking.

RESULTS

To fill in this gap of knowledge, we repeatedly collected a total of 273 rectal swabs from 18 pigs during lactation (day (d) 0, 11, 20), nursery (d 27, 33, 41, 50, 61), growing (d 76, 90, 104, 116), and finishing (d 130, 146, 159, 174) stages. DNA was extracted and subjected to sequencing with an Illumina Miseq sequencer targeting the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Sequences were analyzed with the Deblur algorithm in the QIIME2 package. A total of 19 phyla were detected in the lifetime pig gut microbiome with Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes being the most abundant. Alpha diversity including community richness (e.g., number of observed features) and diversity (e.g., Shannon index) showed an overall increasing trend. Distinct shifts in microbiome structure along different growth stages were observed. LEfSe analysis revealed 91 bacterial features that are stage-specific. To validate these discoveries, we performed fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) by inoculating weanling pigs with mature fecal microbiota from a growing stage pig. Similar stage-specific patterns in microbiome diversity and structures were also observed in both the FMT pigs and their littermates. Although FMT remarkably increased growth performance, it did not change the overall swine gut microbiome. Only a few taxa including those associated with Streptococcus and Clostridiaceae were enriched in the FMT pigs. These data, together with several other lines of evidence, indicate potential roles these taxa play in promoting animal growth performance. Diet, especially crude fiber from corn, was a major factor shaping the swine gut microbiome. The priority effect, i.e., the order and timing of species arrival, was more evident in the solid feed stages.

CONCLUSIONS

The distinct stage-associated swine gut microbiome may be determined by the differences in diet and/or gut physiology at different growth stages. Our study provides insight into mechanisms governing gut microbiome succession and also underscores the importance of optimizing stage-specific probiotics aimed at improving animal health and production.

Effects of dietary energy and crude protein levels on growth performance, blood profiles, and carcass traits in growing-finishing pigs

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary energy and crude protein (CP) levels on growth performance, blood profiles, and carcass traits in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 180 crossbred pigs ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc) with an average body weight of 30.96 ± 3.068 kg were used for a 12-week feeding trial. Experimental pigs were allotted to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement using a randomized complete block (RCB) design. The first factor was two levels of dietary metabolizable energy (ME) density (13.40 MJ/kg or 13.82 MJ/kg), and the second factor was three dietary CP levels based on subdivision of growing-finishing phases (high: 18%/16.3%/16.3%/13.2% middle: 17%/15.3%/15.3%/12.2% and low: 16%/14.3%/14.3%/11.2%). Average daily gain (ADG) and gain-feed ratio (G:F ratio) decreased as dietary CP level was decreased linearly (linear, p < 0.05; p < 0.05, respectively) in the early growing period, and G:F ration also decreased as dietary CP level was decreased linearly (linearly, p < 0.05) over the whole growing phase. Over the entire experimental period, G:F ratio decreased as dietary ME level decreased (p = 0.01). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration was increased as dietary energy level decreased in growing period (p < 0.01). During finishing period, total protein concentration was decreased by lower dietary energy level (p < 0.05). In this study, there were no significant differences in proximate factors, physiochemical properties, muscle TBARS assay results, pH changes, or color of pork by dietary treatments. However, saturated fatty acid (SFA) increased (p < 0.01) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) decreased (p < 0.05) when ME was decreased by 0.42 MJ/kg in growing-finishing pig diets. In addition, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) tended to increase when CP level was decreased in growing-finishing pig diets (p = 0.06). A growing-finishing diet of 13.82 MJ/kg diet of ME with the high CP level can improve growth performance and show better fatty acids composition of pork.

Effect of dietary supplementation of Bacillus coagulans or yeast hydrolysates on growth performance, antioxidant activity, cytokines and intestinal microflora of growing-finishing pigs

This study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of Bacillus coagulans (BC) and yeast hydrolysates (YH) on growth performance, antioxidant activity, cytokines and intestinal microflora of growing-finishing pigs. Thirty-six barrows (initial BW = 26.87 ± 2.65 kg) were assigned randomly to 3 treatments with 4 replicates, 3 pigs per replicate. Pigs in the control group (CON) were fed a basal diet, and the diets for the other 2 groups were the basal diet plus BC at 200 mg/kg and the basal diet plus YH at 3,000 mg/kg. The trial lasted for 104 d. Compared with CON, YH treatment significantly increased average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) during the finishing phase (P < 0.05), and significantly enhanced ADG during the overall period (P < 0.05). Dietary inclusion of BC tended to increase ADFI during the finishing period (P = 0.08). Compared with CON, BC treatment improved lysozyme (LZM), complement 3 (C3), complement 4 (C4), interlenkin-10 (IL-10) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) level in serum (P < 0.05). Dietary inclusion of YH enhanced the serum IL-10 level (P < 0.05) and tended to increase T-AOC level (P = 0.06). Dietary inclusion of YH elevated (P < 0.05) the number of Lactobacillus and Bacillus in cecal contents of pigs, promoted the populations of Bifidobacterium and Bacillus in colonic contents. Moreover, the BC diet increased (P < 0.05) the count of Bifidobacterium in colonic contents. These results indicated that dietary BC supplementation is beneficial to improve the immunity. Dietary YH supplementation promoted the growth performance and the populations of beneficial bacteria in the hindgut of the growing-finishing pigs.

Toward rational selection criteria for selection of probiotics in pigs

An accurate understanding of properties of probiotics is a prerequisite for selecting probiotic organisms for use in swine production. This review aims to review selection criteria for probiotic organism in swine. The systematically investigated ecological history rather than the source of isolates should be regarded as the natural origin of probiotic strains, which helps to correct the inconsistencies arising from incorrect identification of the source. Moreover, in vivo studies are suggested as follow-up assessment to validate the characteristics of probiotic predicted by in vitro experiments. In addition, the intended probiotic effect depends on the age of the animal and disease prevention in young animals may require different probiotic strains when compared to growth promotion in older animals. With adequate selection criteria, the inclusion of probiotic in feed supplementation is a promising way to exert positive effects on sows, newborns, weanling animals and grower-finisher pigs. Both host-adapted probiotics and nomadic probiotics can be applied for pathogen inhibition but host adapted organisms appear to have a different mode of action. Host-adapted probiotic strains are likely to be associated with exclusive colonization while the nomadic or environmental strain exert better immune stimulating functions. Strains with potent enzymatic activity are fitter for grower pigs favoring feed digestion and enhancing growth performance.

Evaluation of synbiotics as gut health improvement agents against Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from the pig

Colibacillosis is one of the major health problems in young piglets resulting in poor health and death caused by Escherichia coli producing F18 pili and Shiga toxin 2e. It is pivotal to reduce colibacillosis in weaned piglets to enhance production performance. In this study, we evaluated synbiotics as the gut health improvement agents in the mouse model challenged with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) isolated from piglets. Prebiotic lactulose was formulated with each 5.0 × 10⁶ CFU/mL of Pediococcus acidilactici GB-U15, Lactobacillus plantarum GB-U17, and Lactobacillus plantarum GB 1-3 to produce 3 combinations of synbiotics. A total of 40 three weeks old BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 10): a control group and 3 synbiotics treated groups. Each treatment groups were daily administrated with 5.0 × 10⁶ CFU/mL of one synbiotics for the first week, and every 3 days during the second week. All the mice were challenged with 8.0 × 10⁸ CFU/mL of STEC 5 days after animals began to receive synbiotics. Mice treated with synbiotics based on Pediococcus acidilactici GB-U15 and Lactobacillus plantarum GB-U17 significantly improved daily weight gain compared to mice in other groups. While mice treated with GB-U15 showed better fecal index, no significant differences were observed among groups. Gross lesion and histopathological evaluations showed that mice treated with GB-U15 moderately improved recovery from STEC infection. In conclusion, our results suggest that the synbiotics formulated with lactulose and Pediococcus acidilactici GB-U15 have potential benefits to prevent and improve colibacillosis in weaned piglets.

Screening of intestinal probiotics and the effects of feeding probiotics on the growth, immune, digestive enzyme activity and intestinal flora of Litopenaeus vannamei

In this experiment, 426 strains were isolated from the intestinal tract of Litopenaeus vannamei, and 11 strains showed strong digestive enzyme production activity and antagonistic effect against common bacterial pathogens of shrimp. After hemolysis activity test and drug sensitivity test, 2 candidate probiotics with good bacteriostatic activity, strong enzyme production ability and relatively sensitive to antibiotics were screened out, and were identified by 16s rDNA molecular identification and Biolog-System as Enterobacter hominis (E3) and lactobacillus (L3). First, the biological characteristics of 2 candidate probiotics were studied. The optimum growth conditions of E3: temperature, 30 °C; pH, 8.0; NaCl, 2.5%; bovine bile salt, 0.15%; and the optimum growth conditions of L3: temperature, 40 °C; pH, 6.0; NaCl, 0.5%; bovine bile salt, 0.0015%. Secondly, a 28-day feeding experiment was conducted using probiotic concentration of 10⁷ CFU g^-1 to determine the changes of the activities of blood related immune enzymes (SOD, PPO, ACP, POD, CAT, LZM) and intestinal digestive enzymes (NP, AL, LPS) during the feeding process of shrimp, the results showed that during the course of feeding, the activities of immune enzyme and digestive enzyme of shrimp fed with probiotics showed an increasing trend, and the growth rate of body weight of shrimp was higher than that of control group. After feeding, the cumulative mortality of probiotics groups were significantly lower than that of the control group after WSSV infection. And the mid-gut of L. vannamei was observed by electron microscope, the results showed that the intestinal mucosa was tight and the epithelium cells showed an active secretory state in probiotics group. Finally, the intestinal microbial communities of shrimp were compared and analyzed by using Biolog-ECO method in the later period of feeding, the results showed: compared with the control group, the average color change rate of the experimental group fed with probiotics increased significantly, indicating that probiotics enhanced the intestinal microorganism activity; The ability of intestinal microorganism to utilize carbon source was significantly enhanced in the experimental group, which indicated that the digestive enzyme secreted by probiotics could improve the digestion and absorption rate of prawn feed, thus promoting the rapid growth of shrimp; The Shannon index, Simpson index and McIntosh index of probiotics groups showed significant difference in 1st and 5th days, but tended to be the same in the 10th day, the results showed that probiotics could maintain in L. vannamei intestines at least 5 days.

Effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus subtilis on ileal digestibility of AA and total tract digestibility of CP and gross energy in diets fed to growing pigs

The objective of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of AA, CP, and GE, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of CP and GE, and the apparent hindgut digestibility of CP and GE by growing pigs may be improved by supplementing diets with two direct-fed microbials (DFM) containing different Bacillus strains. Twenty-four growing barrows (initial BW: 22.69 ± 1.48 kg) that had a T-cannula installed in the distal ileum were individually housed and randomly allotted to a three diet, three period design with 24 pigs and three 21-d periods. There were eight pigs per diet in each period for a total of 24 observations per diet. Three diets that were based on corn, soybean meal, and distillers dried grains with solubles were formulated. The control diet contained no DFM, but two additional diets contained two different Bacillus strains (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens or Bacillus subtilis). Feed was provided in mash form in two daily meals at 0800 and 1600 hours. The initial 12 d of each period was the adaptation period to the diet. Fecal and urine samples were collected from days 13 to 18, and ileal digesta were collected for 8 h on days 20 and 21. Results indicated that there were no differences among diets in ATTD of CP, but the AID of CP was reduced (P < 0.05) for the B. subtilis diet compared with control and B. amyloliquefaciens diets. Therefore, the apparent hindgut digestibility of CP was greater (P < 0.005) in pigs fed the B. subtilis diet compared with the other diets. The AID of total indispensable, total dispensable, and total AA was greater (P < 0.05) in the B. amyloliquefaciens diet compared with the control diet. There were no differences among diets in ATTD of GE, but the AID of GE was greater for the B. amyloliquefaciens diet than for the control and the B. subtilis diets (P < 0.001). Therefore, the apparent hindgut digestibility of GE was less (P < 0.05) in the B. amyloliquefaciens diet compared with the other diets. The DE (DM basis) for the B. subtilis diet was greater (P < 0.05) compared with the control and the B. amyloliquefaciens diets. In conclusion, supplementation of Bacillus spp. to diets fed to growing pigs may increase the AID of AA and GE, but there appears to be differences among strains of Bacillus spp. in their impact on AA and energy digestibility.

Histopathological and ultrastructural findings induced by heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum and the culture supernatant on the intestinal mucosa of piglets: an ex vivo approach

ABSTRACT In the present study, histological, morphometrical and ultrastructural analysis were performed to investigate intestinal mucosa changes in piglets jejunal explants exposed to two concentration of heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum and their respective culture supernatants. Jejunal explants were incubated for 4 hours in DMEM culture medium with a) only culture medium (control group), b) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain1 - LP1 (1.1 x 108CFU/ml), c) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain2 - LP2 (2.0 x 109CFU/ml), d) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain1 culture supernatant (CS1), and e) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain2 culture supernatant (CS2). Explants exposed to heat-inactivated L. plantarum strain 1 and 2 showed multifocal to difuse villi atrophy, villi apical necrosis and enterocyte flattening. Morphological assessment revealed similar results with bacterial adhesion to mucus and intestinal epithelial cells and, morphometric analysis showed a decreased villi height compared to the control group. Alterations in explants treated with the culture supernatant of both strains include mild villi atrophy and mild enterocyte apical necrosis. Morphological assesment reveled numerous well delineated villi and, morphometric analysis showed a significant increase in villi height compared to the control group. In general, exposure to the culture supernatants improved the intestinal morphology.

Effect of dietary fermented oats in different nutrient-density diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and ileal microorganisms of weanling pigs

A total of 160 crossbred weanling pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc, 28 days old] with an initial bodyweight of 8.01 ± 0.74 kg were used in a 42-day trial (Phase 1: Days 1–14, Phase 2: Days 14–42). The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of fermented oats (FO) to a corn and soybean meal-based diet on the performance of weanling pigs fed with high nutrient-density (HD) and low nutrient-density (LD) diets. Pigs were randomly distributed into one of four dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Two levels of nutrient density [LD = 3323 (Phase 1: 1–14 days) and 3269 kcal/kg (Phase 2: 14–42 days); HD = 3446 (Phase 1: 1–14 days) and 3325 kcal/kg (Phase 2: 14–42 days), the differences in dietary energy were based on differences in the content of fish meal, animal fat, corn and FO [0%, 5% (Phase 1) or 2.5% (Phase 2)] were used according to the bodyweight and sex of pigs [8 replicate pens per treatment with 5 pigs in a pen (3 gilts and 2 barrows)]. During the overall trial period (Days 1–42), the average daily gain and gain:feed ratio of pigs fed HD and FO diets were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than those of pigs fed with LD and non-fermented oats diets respectively. On Day 14, the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen of the HD groups were significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) than those of the LD groups. The apparent total tract digestibility of energy of the FO groups was significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) than that of the non-fermented oats diet groups during the whole experimental period. Pigs fed with FO showed higher (P ≤ 0.05) ileal Lactobacillus and lower (P ≤ 0.05) Escherichia coli counts compared with those fed with the non-fermented oats diet. In conclusion, administration of FO to a LD diet demonstrated beneficial effects on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and ileal microorganisms balance of weanling pigs.

Effect of probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici FT28 on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, health status, meat quality, and intestinal morphology in growing pigs

Aim

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of swine-origin probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici FT28 on growth, nutrient utilization, health status, meat quality and intestinal morphology in growing female pigs.

Materials and Methods

Pigs (n=27) were distributed into three groups (3 replicates of 3 each) and supplemented with basal diet either without probiotics (C) or with a probiotic of dairy-based (Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC-15; TLact) or swine based (P. acidilactici FT28; TPedic). The probiotics were fed as fermented feed at 200 g/pig/day. At the end of the trial, six pigs from each group were selected for metabolism trial and then sacrificed to determine meat quality and intestinal morphology.

Results

Supplementation of both probiotics improved growth performance, whereas feed intake, digestibility of CP and N retention were better (p<0.05) in P. acidilactici FT28-fed group. However , the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), ether extracts (EE), crude fiber and nitrogen free extract did not show any significant effect on probiotic supplementation. The serum A: G ratio, triglyceride, and cholesterol level were also improved (p<0.05) in TPedic group compared to other treatment groups. Both probiotic supplementations showed lower (p<0.05) serum glucose level with similar protein and albumin value, which indicated good utilization of feed as well as health status of growing pigs. Dressing percentage, vital organ weight, and EE of loin meat were higher (p<0.05) in probiotic-supplemented groups compared to control. However, P. acidilactici FT28-fed animals showed higher (p<0.05) CP and total ash percentage of meat without affecting pH, water holding capacity, and extract release volume of loin muscle. The villi height and crypt depth were better in both supplemented groups compared to control.

Conclusion

Results of the present study revealed that P. acidilactici FT28 could serve as better probiotic source in swine production for the better utilization of CP and N-retention in meat with improved health status and intestinal morphology.

Effects of a blend of organic acids and medium-chain fatty acids with and without Enterococcus faecium on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, and meat quality in finishing pigs

An experiment was conducted to assess effects of Enterococcus faecium and a blend of organic acids (OAs) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in finishing pigs. A total of 120 pigs [Duroc × (Yorkshire × Landrace); 51.04 ± 1.82 kg] were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments: CON, basal diet; BOM1, CON + 500 mg kg−1 blend of OAs and MCFAs; BOM2, CON + 1000 mg kg−1 blend of OAs and MCFAs; EBOM1, BOM1 + 20 mg kg−1 E. faecium; EBOM2, BOM2 + 20 mg kg−1 E. faecium. Pigs fed EBOM1 and EBOM2 diets had higher average daily gain and average daily feed intake (during days 36–70 and days 1–70) and greater digestibility of dry matter (days 35 and 70) compared with those fed BOM1 and BOM2 diets (P < 0.05). However, no differences on blood parameters and meat quality were observed between pigs offered BOM1 and BOM2 diets and those fed EBOM1 and EBOM2 diets (P > 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation with the combination of E. faecium and a blend of OAs and MCFAs was more effective in improving growth performance and nutrient digestibility than supplementation with blend of OAs and MCFAs alone in finishing pigs.

Effect of probiotics and xylo-oligosaccharide supplementation on nutrient digestibility, intestinal health and noxious gas emission in weanling pigs

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of probiotics (Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecium) and xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum profiles, intestinal health, fecal microbiota and noxious gas emission in weanling pigs.

METHODS

A total of 240 weanling pigs ([Yorkshire×Landrace]×Duroc) with an average body weight (BW) of 6.3±0.15 kg were used in this 28-day trial. Pigs were randomly allocated in 1 of the following 4 dietary treatments in a 2×2 factorial arrangement with 2 levels of probiotics (0 and 500 mg/kg probiotics) and XOS (0 and 200 mg/kg XOS) based on the BW and sex.

RESULTS

Administration of probiotics or XOS improved average daily gain (p<0.05) during 0 to 14 d and the overall period, while pigs that were treated with XOS had a greater average daily gain and feed efficiency (p<0.05) compared with unsupplemented treatments throughout 15 to 28 d and the whole experiment. Either probiotics or XOS treatments increased the apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients (p<0.05) during 0 to 14 d. No effects on serum profiles were observed among treatments. The XOS increased villus height: crypt depth ratio in jejunum (p<0.05). The supplementation of probiotics (500 mg/kg) or XOS (200 mg/kg) alone improved the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen and gross energy on d 14, the activity of trypsin and decreased fecal NH3 concentration (p<0.05). Administration of XOS decreased fecal Escherichia coli counts (p<0.05), while increased lactobacilli (p<0.05) on d 14. There was no interaction between dietary supplementation of probiotics and XOS.

CONCLUSION

Inclusion of XOS at 200 mg/kg or probiotics (Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecium) at 500 mg/kg in diets containing no antibiotics significantly improved the growth performance of weanling pigs. Once XOS is supplemented, further providing of probiotics is not needed since it exerts little additional effects.

The effect of three tropical medicinal plants and superzist probiotic on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood constitutes, immune response, and gut microflora of broiler

The pivotal aim of the present context was to determine the effect of probiotic (superzist) and medicinal plants (R. coriaria, H. persicum, and M. piperita) powder on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, immunity response, and microflora counts of broilers over a 42-day feeding period. One hundred and fifty one-day-old chickens were randomly allocated to the following five treatments: (1) Control diets; (2) control diets + 0.03% w/v superzist; (3) control diets + 0.5% w/v R. coriaria; (4) control diets + 0.5% w/v H. persicum; and (5) control diets + 0.5% w/v M. piperita. No significant differences among treatments on broiler performance during 29th to 35th days of age, whereas a gradual reduction (P < 0.05) in the feed efficiency and economic index values between 36th to 42nd days of age, across the treatments versus control diet. Supplementations were increased (P < 0.05), the colon weight, colon length, and right cecum weight versus control. However, the superzist and phytogenic supplementation slightly increased the jejunum length, ileum length, and left cecum length. The supplementation showed reduced heterophils, increased lymphocytes and monocytes percentage, and decreased heterophils/lymphocytes ratio. Additions of superzist and medicinal plants reduced (P < 0.05) the total counts of E. coli and improved (P < 0.05) the cecal lactobacilli. In conclusion, under the appropriate conditions of this investigation, the superzist and tested medicinal plants could undoubtedly be ideal alternatives to the use of existing antibiotics as growth promoters in poultry industry.

Effect of Lactobacillus salivarius on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, fecal bacterial population and intestinal morphology of suckling pigs challenged with F4+ enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

Objective

Gut health improvements were monitored with respect to growth performance, diarrhea incidence, fecal bacterial population and intestinal morphology of suckling pigs orally supplemented with live Lactobacillus salivarius (L. salivarius) oral suspensions and challenged with F4⁺ enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC).

Methods

Two groups of newborn pigs from 18 multiparous sows were randomly designated as non-supplemented (control: n = 114 piglets) and L. salivarius supplemented groups (treatment: n = 87 piglets). Treatment pigs were orally administered with 2 mL of 10⁹ colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL L. salivarius on days 1 to 3, then they were orally administered with 5 mL of 10⁹ CFU/mL L. salivarius on days 4 to 10, while those in control group received an equal amount of phosphate buffered saline solution. On day 24 (2 weeks post supplementation), one pig per replicate of both groups was orally administered with 10⁸ CFU/mL F4⁺ ETEC, then they were euthanized on day 29 of experiment.

Results

Results revealed that pigs in treatment group had a statistically significant increase in average daily gain, body weight and weight gain, and tended to lower diarrhea throughout the study. Numbers of Lactobacillus population in feces of treatment pigs were higher than control pigs, especially on day 10 of study. Numbers of total bacteria in intestinal contents of control pigs were also increased, but not Coliform and Lactobacillus populations. Histological examination revealed statistically significant improvements of villous height and villous/crypt ratio of duodenum, proximal jejunum and distal jejunum parts of treatment pigs compared with controls. Duodenal pH of treatment group was significantly decreased.

Conclusion

Oral supplementation of live L. salivarius during the first 10 days of suckling pig promoted growth performance and gut health, reduced diarrhea incidence, increased fecal Lactobacillus populations and improved intestinal morphology.

Effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecumL.) seed extract supplementation in different energy density diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, fecal microbiota, and fecal gas emission in growing pigs

This study evaluated the efficacy of fenugreek seed extract (FSE) in growing pigs. About 140 growing pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an average body weight (BW) of 23.70 ± 2.80 kg were used in a 6 wk trial. Treatments were (on as-fed basis) two levels of FSE (FSE0, 0 or FSE0.2, 2 g kg−1basal diet), and two levels of energy [low-energy diet (LED); 3160 or high-energy diet (HED); 3260 kcal kg−1metabolizable energy (ME)]. Pigs in HED and FSE0.2 diets had higher final BW, average daily gain, and gain:feed ratio (G:F) compared with in LED, and FSE0 diets, respectively (P < 0.05). Pigs fed the FSE0.2 and HED diets had higher energy (E) digestibility than the FSE0 and LED diets, respectively (P < 0.05). Pigs fed the FSE0.2 diet increased serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), and reduced total cholesterol (TC) concentration than the FSE0 diet (P < 0.05). Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3) gas emission in FSE0.2 diet were lower than that in FSE0 group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, results indicated that dietary supplementation of FSE improved growth performance, digestibility, serum IgG, reduced serum TC, and noxious gas emission in growing pigs.

Non-antibiotic feed additives in diets for pigs: A review

A number of feed additives are marketed to assist in boosting the pigs' immune system, regulate gut microbiota, and reduce negative impacts of weaning and other environmental challenges. The most commonly used feed additives include acidifiers, zinc and copper, prebiotics, direct-fed microbials, yeast products, nucleotides, and plant extracts. Inclusion of pharmacological levels of zinc and copper, certain acidifiers, and several plant extracts have been reported to result in improved pig performance or improved immune function of pigs. It is also possible that use of prebiotics, direct-fed microbials, yeast, and nucleotides may have positive impacts on pig performance, but results have been less consistent and there is a need for more research in this area.

Effect of dietary fermented corn in different energy dense diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, ileal microorganisms, and fecal noxious gas emission of growing pigs

This study evaluated the efficacy of fermented corn (FC) in growing pigs. One hundred twenty-eight growing pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc)] with an initial body weight of 29.59 ± 1.34 kg were used in a 6 wk experiment. Pigs were assigned into one of four dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two levels of nutrient density (high energy: 3.37 Mcal kg−1, or low energy: 3.29 Mcal kg−1) and FC (0% or 20% substitute for corn). Pigs fed diets with FC increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) overall. Pigs fed with high-density (HD) diets increased (P < 0.05) ADG and gain to feed (G/F) ratio overall. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), and nitrogen (N) increased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed with FC diets compared with pigs fed the diets without FC. In addition, pigs fed with HD diets increased (P < 0.05) ATTD of DM and GE compared with low-density (LD) diets. Furthermore, pigs fed with HD diets had a higher (P < 0.05) ATTD of DM and GE than those fed with LD diets. Both LD and FC supplementation led to lower (P < 0.05) fecal gas emission content. Pigs fed FC diets increased ileal Lactobacillus concentration and decreased Escherichia coli concentration. An interactive effect between nutrient density diet and FC was observed on the G/F, Lactobacillus on ileal microorganisms, and nutrient digestibility. In conclusion, the results indicated that dietary supplementation of HD diets and FC improved performance in growing pigs.

Application of Complex Probiotics in Swine Nutrition – A Review

The use of probiotics as alternatives to antibiotics for farm animals is gaining more and more interest during recent years. Probiotics are living microorganisms that provide a wide variety of health benefits to the host when ingested in adequate amounts. The bacterial strains most frequently used as probiotic agents are Bacillus, lactic acid bacteria, Enterococcus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It has been suggested that multi-strain probiotics might be more effective than mono-strain probiotics due to the additive and synergistic effects, and many previous studies demonstrated that dietary complex probiotics supplementation had growth promoting effects on pigs. However, the effect of complex probiotics in practice is not always consistent, the effect of probiotic could be affected by strain composition, dosage, feed formula, and the age of animals. In this review, we will give an overview on the current use of complex probiotics for weaning, growing and finishing pigs and sows.

Probiotic supplementation affects the glycan composition of mucins secreted by Brunner's glands of the pig duodenum

The effect of a dietary probiotic blend on the carbohydrate composition of mucins secreted by the Brunner's glands in the duodenum of growing-finishing pigs was investigated by means of conventional (periodic acid-Schiff, Alcian Blue pH 2.5, high iron diamine staining) and lectin (15 lectins) histochemistry. Pigs were assigned to two dietary treatments: a control basal diet without the probiotic blend (No-Pro) and a test diet that included the probiotic blend (Pro). Duodenal tissue fragments were fixed in 4% phosphate-buffered-saline-buffered paraformaldehyde, dehydrated through a graded alcohol series, and embedded in paraffin wax. The secretory cells of the Brunner's glands from No-Pro pigs primarily produced neutral glycoproteins and a small amount of acidic non-sulphated mucins. This glycan pattern was opposite that of the Brunner's glands from Pro animals. A comparison of lectin-binding profiles of the secretory cells of Brunner's glands in these two groups showed that in Pro pigs, there was (i) a decrease in N-linked glycans containing α1,2-linked fucose (Con A, UEA I); (ii) a loss of complex types of N-glycans (PHA-L, PHA-E) terminating with lactosamine (RCA₁₂₀), α1,6- and α1,3-linked fucose (LTA), and α-galactose (GSA I-B₄), as well as of O-glycans with terminal Galβ1,3GalNAc (PNA); and (iii) an increase in O-glycans containing GalNAc HPA. No-Pro and Pro samples showed no change in the expression of α2,6 sialoglycans and terminal GlcNAc residues and no affinity for MAL II, DBA, and SBA. These results indicate that probiotic supplementation affects the glycan composition of mucins produced in the Brunner's glands of growing-finishing pigs. These changes could effectively act on the gastrointestinal function and health status of these animals because the probiotic blend induced higher growth performance and meat quality in the test probiotic group than it did in the control basal diet group (Tufarelli et al., 2017).

Effect of Postpartum Endocrine Function, Metabolism, and Mastitis on Fertility in High-Yielding Cows – A Review

Decreasing fertility in dairy cows, especially in the highest yielders, may be due to excessive metabolic burdens placed on their bodies. Many authors attribute decreasing reproductive efficiency in high-yielding cows to energy deficiencies in early lactation and to associated metabolic and hormonal disorders. The complexity of the issues involved in the efficient reproductive management of cows and the scientifically and practically important understanding of factors affecting fertility in high-producing cows mandate continuous updating of existing knowledge. The aim of this study was to present the effect of postpartum endocrine function, metabolism, and mastitis on fertility in high-yielding cows. Gaining insight into these mechanisms and their relationships with factors such as nutrition and milk yield appears to be crucial for improving dairy cow fertility.

Influence of Probiotics-Friendly Pig Production on Meat Quality and Physicochemical Characteristics

In this study, the dietary effects of probiotics with a liquid application system on meat quality and physicochemical characteristics of pigs were evaluated. A total of 80 Landrace×Yorkshire×Duroc (LYD) 3-way crossbred pigs (average age 175±5 d) were assigned to a conventional farm and a probiotics farm equipped with a liquid probiotics application system (40 pigs in each farm). The two treatments were: CON (diet without probiotics) and PRO (diet with probiotics). Dietary probiotics decreased shear force in the longissimus muscle compared to the control group (p<0.05). The treatment diet did not affect backfat thickness, carcass weight, meat color, cooking loss, water holding capacity (WHC), and drip loss. Dietary probiotics significantly reduced ash, salinity, and pH (at 5 and 15 d) (p<0.05). There was no significant effect on thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values. Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and omega fatty acids (ω3 and ω6) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the PRO group, whereas monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) was decreased. The free amino acid composition, serine, lysine, histidine, and arginine levels were significantly lower in the PRO than in the control group. The treatment group exhibited higher nucleotide compounds (hypoxanthine, inosine, GMP, IMP) than the controls. Also, levels of ascorbic acid and thiamin were significantly different (p<0.05), while minerals were not significantly different between the groups. In conclusion, feeding of probiotics had effects on shear force, ash, salinity, pH, PUFA, and some amino acids which related to taste and flavor without any negative effects on the pigs’ carcass traits.

Effects of the butyric acid-producing strain Clostridium butyricum MIYAIRI 588 on broiler and piglet zootechnical performance and prevention of necrotic enteritis

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of a probiotic strain Clostridium butyricumMIYAIRI 588 (CBM588) on broiler and weaned piglet health and zootechnical performance. Five field studies were carried out in broilers and five in weaned piglets under European feed additive guidelines. Each study followed a randomized blocked design with two treatments: Control (basal diet) and CBM588 supplemented groups. The zootechnical performance parameters selected were body weight, daily gain, feed intake and feed efficiency (feed:gain). Broilers fed diets with CBM588 gained significantly more weight (+2%, p < .001) and exhibited significantly better feed efficiency (-1.6%, p < .001) in comparison with Controls. Similarly, analysis of pooled data of weaned piglet trials showed that CBM588-fed piglets were significantly heavier than Controls (+2.6%, p = .014), exhibited significantly higher mean daily gain (+4.7%; p = .004), and significantly improved feed efficiency (-4.2%, p = .001). In addition to the zootechnical efficacy studies, the preventive effect of CBM588 on necrotic enteritis (NE) was assessed in a natural challenge model in broilers where CBM588 reduced the incidence and severity of NE lesions. These data indicate the potential of CBM588 to improve broiler and weaned piglet zootechnical performance, and to make a positive contribution to animal health.

The effect of probiotics and polysaccharides on the gut microbiota composition and function of weaned rats

A combination of probiotics and polysaccharides may be used as a functional food to modulate the composition and function of gut microbiota.

Probiotic supplementation protects weaned pigs against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 challenge and improves performance similar to antibiotics

These studies evaluated the effects of probiotics (PB) as a potential substitute for antibiotics (AB) on diarrhea in relation to immune responses and intestinal health in weaned pigs challenged with enterotoxigenic (ETEC) K88 (Exp. 1) and the effects of PB on performance and nutrient digestibility in weaned pigs (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, 24 weaned barrows (4.9 ± 0.4 kg initial BW) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments. The treatments consisted of pigs fed an unsupplemented corn-soybean meal basal diet and not challenged (NON-C) or challenged with ETEC K88 (CHA-C) on d 9 and pigs fed the same basal diet supplemented with AB (100 mg/kg zinc bacitracin, 50 mg/kg colistin sulfate, and 100 mg/kg olaquindox; CHA-AB) or 500 mg/kg PB ( and ; CHA-PB) and challenged with ETEC K88 on d 9. In Exp. 2, 108 weaned pigs (7.5 ± 0.9 kg initial BW) not challenged with ETEC K88 were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments, including an AB-free basal diet (CON) and the basal diet with AB (ABD) or 500 mg/kg PB supplementation (PBD). In Exp. 1, after challenge, CHA-C decreased ( < 0.05) ADG and ADFI, whereas CHA-AB and CHA-PB revealed no significant change compared with NON-C. Compared with CHA-C, CHA-AB and CHA-PB improved ( < 0.05) ADG and ADFI and decreased ( < 0.05) the diarrhea incidence in pigs. Mucosal secretory Ig A contents in the jejunum and ileum were greater in CHA-C than in NON-C ( < 0.05) and lower than in CHA-PB ( < 0.05). The diet containing PB alleviated the increase in the endotoxin and diamine oxidase concentration and cecal count ( < 0.05) and the decrease in intestinal villus height, cecal count, and jejunal mucosal occludin protein abundance ( < 0.05). In Exp. 2, dietary supplementation with AB and PB had positive effects on ADG and feed efficiency ( < 0.05). Compared with CON, apparent digestibility of nutrients in PBD was improved ( < 0.05). Collectively, PB supplementation protected the pigs against ETEC K88 infection by enhancing immune responses and attenuating intestinal damage and improved the performance and nutrient digestibility of weaned pigs. Therefore, PB could be a potential effective alternative to AB for ameliorating diarrhea and improving performance in weaned pigs.

Effects of complex probiotic supplementation in growing pig diets with and without palm kernel expellers on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, fecal microbial shedding and noxious gas emission

In Experiment 1, a total of 100 growing pigs (Duroc × [Landrace × Yorkshire]) with an average initial body weight (BW) of 24.88 ± 1.57 kg were randomly allotted to 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two concentrations of palm kernel expellers (PKE) in diets at 0% or 10%, and two concentrations of supplemental probiotics at 0 or 6.0 × 10⁷  colony-forming units/kg. There were five replicate pens per treatment with five pigs per pen. In Experiment 2, eight barrows with average initial BW of 25.78 ± 0.19 kg were allotted to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with four diets and four periods per square. Four experimental diets were the same as Experiment 1. In Experiment 1, dietary probiotic supplementation improved (P < 0.05) the average daily gain (ADG), nutrient digestibility and the fecal Lactobacillus counts. Furthermore, interactive effects (P < 0.05) between PKE and probiotics were observed on ADG and growth-to-feed ratio. In Experiment 2, an interactive effect (P < 0.05) of PKE and probiotics was observed in apparent ileal digestibility of nitrogen and some amino acids. In conclusion, dietary probiotics did not improve PKE utilization and the use of probiotics in non-PKE-containing diet was more favorable than in PKE-containing diet.

Efficacy of species-specific probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici FT28 on blood biochemical profile, carcass traits and physicochemical properties of meat in fattening pigs

The present study investigates the influence of supplementing Pediococcus acidilactici strain FT28 on serum biochemistry, carcass and physicochemical properties of meat in fattening pigs. A total of 36 piglets (28day) were randomly divided into three groups of four replicates of three animals in each. Each group was fed one of the experimental diet as basal diet alone (Control-T0); basal diet supplemented with Pediococcus acidilactici strain FT28 (swine origin probiotic-T1) and basal diet supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC-15 (dairy origin probiotic-T2). Increased (P<0.05) level of serum total protein and albumin, and decreased (P<0.05) triglyceride were observed with probiotic supplementation either of swine or dairy origin, compared to control. The level globulin and glucose were higher (P<0.05) in T1 group among the dietary groups. Carcass traits remained unaltered except for the weight of ham, kidney and spleen which were higher (P<0.05) in the T1 group. Water holding capacity and TBARS were improved (P<0.05) in the T1 group than control, however comparable to the T2 group. The ether extract, pH and sensory attributes (juiciness and appearance) were improved (P<0.05) in the T1 group among the dietary groups. It is evident from the present study that P. acidilactici FT28 could serve as probiotic for enhancing carcass quality and physicochemical properties of pork without influencing the blood metabolites.