Classical and post-genomic methods to study GIT function with emphasis on the pig

Fermented soybean meal increases nutrient digestibility via the improvement of intestinal function, anti-oxidative capacity and immune function of weaned pigs

The nutritional components of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) vary because of the complex process of microbial fermentation. The objective of this study was to investigate the nutritional value of FSBM from two sources and explore the mode of actions of FSBM on the improvement of nutrient digestibility with the measurements of digestive enzymes and serum biomarkers. Eight weaned barrows (initial BW: 14.12 ± 0.24 kg) equipped with T-cannula in the distal ileum were allotted to a duplicated 4 × 4 Latin-square design with four experimental diets and four periods. Four experimental diets included a soybean meal control diet, two FSBM diets, and a nitrogen-free diet. The two sources of FSBM increased the contents of CP, amino acid and lactic acid, while decreased the levels of anti-nutritional factors, including glycinin, β-conglycinin and trypsin inhibitors. Compared to soybean meal control diet, both FSBM diets significantly increased the apparent and standardised ileal digestibility of CP and amino acids (P < 0.05), increased the activities of lipase, maltase and invertase in digesta (P < 0.05), increased total antioxidant capacity, activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, the levels of interleukin-4, IgA, IgG and IgM in serum (P < 0.05), while decreased the levels of diamine oxidase, malondialdehyde, interleukin-6, and interleukin-2 in serum (P < 0.05). Additionally, the standardised ileal digestibility of amino acids were highly correlated with the aforementioned digestive enzymes and health-related serum biomarkers. In summary, FSBM diets showed an improved nutritional value evidenced by the higher nutrient digestibility, which may be partially derived from its beneficial effects on intestinal integrity, anti-oxidative capacity and immune function.

Dose-dependent effects of two inulin types differing in chain length on the small intestinal morphology, contractility and proinflammatory cytokine gene expression in piglets

Inulin is a linear fructose polymer which may affect small intestinal physiology. The effects of dietary level of two inulin types on morphology, contractility and proinflammatory cytokine gene expression in the small intestine of piglets were investigated. Fifty six piglets were divided into seven groups fed diets without inulin addition or with 1%, 2% or 3% of inulin with an average degree of polymerisation of 10 (IN10) or 23 (IN23). All diets were offered from day 10 of life for 40 d. Feeding IN10 diets did not affect villous height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum, while in the jejunum the 2% IN10 diet increased it as compared to other groups. Jejunal muscle contractions induced by electrical field stimulation were impaired by the 2% and 3% IN10 diets. The ileal expression of interleukin-12p40 was decreased by the 2% IN10 diet. There was no effect of IN23 level on villous height to crypt depth ratio in any segment of the small intestine as well as on jejunal motility. The 2% and 3% IN23 diets decreased the jejunal expression of tumour necrosis factor-α. In conclusion, IN10 is more active in the small intestine than IN23. At the 2% dietary level, it increases absorptive area in the jejunum, but may slightly impair smooth muscle contractions.

The Effect of Combined Feed Additives on Growing Pigs’ Performance and Digestive Tract Parameters

The aim of the research was to determine the affectivity of 4 different eubiotic preparations on the growth performance of pigs, microbial status, the integrity of intestinal mucosa, and some blood parameters. The experiment was conducted for 28 days on 48 male piglets allocated to six dietary treatments. Group 1 was offered a diet without eubiotic; 2 – a diet with acids mixture; 3 – phytobiotic, medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) and yeast; 4 – probiotic, MCFA, and yeast; 5 – phytobiotic, probiotic, acids mixture, and sodium butyrate; 6 – phytobiotic, probiotic, MCFA, and sodium butyrate. The average daily weight gains and feed intake were recorded. Blood samples, digesta samples, and ileal tissue samples were collected for studies. There was no significant difference in gain, feed intake, or FCR among the treatments as well as in the ileal and caecal pH value, microbial content, and total SCFA content in caecal digesta. Ammonia content in ileal digesta was significantly higher in comparison with other groups and in caecal digesta was significantly higher in group 6 in comparison with groups 1 and 2. Villi height was significantly higher (P<0.05) in groups 2, 3 and 6 compared to the control. Villi height to crypt depth ratio was significantly higher (P<0.05) in groups 5 and 2, but the most promising effects seem to be from combinations 3 and 4. In comparison with control: in groups 2, 3 and 5 higher ALT, glucose and triglyceride; in groups 3, 4 and 5 higher total protein and cholesterol; in group 4 higher albumin and in group 6 higher BUN, were found. Generally, used eubiotic preparations affected gut morphology and some blood parameters but did not affect microbiota, pig growth or feed utilization.

Terminalia Sericea aqueous leaf extract protects growing wistar rats against fructose-induced fatty liver disease

Background Terminalia sericea (T. sericea) is traditionally used to treat stomach ailments, infections, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Previous in vitro studies have reported that T. sericea has lipolytic properties. This study interrogated the effects of T. sericea on linear growth, development of fatty liver disease, viscera morphometry and health of growing rats fed a 12% fructose solution (FS). Methods Thirty 21-day old male Wistar rat pups were randomly allocated to five treatments: group I - plain gelatine cubes (PGC) + plain tap water (PW), group II - 12% FS + PGC, group III - gelatine cubes containing fenofibrate (Feno) at a dose of 100 mg/kg body + FS, group IV - gelatine cubes containing the low dose (100 mg/kg body mass per day) of the T. sericea extract (TsL) + FS, group V - gelatine cubes containing the high dose (400 mg/kg body mass per day) of the T. sericea extract (TsH) + FS. Following 12 weeks of feeding, the rats were fasted overnight, euthanized and plasma and viscera harvested for analysis. Results Consumption of fructose resulted in significantly increased (p<0.05) liver lipid content and caused macrovesicular steatosis. The T. sericea extracts at 400 mg/kg per day suppressed the fructose-induced liver lipid accumulation and macrovesicular steatosis similarly to 100 mg/kg per day of Feno. Conclusions These findings suggest that the aqueous T. sericea leaf extract at 400 mg/kg per day could potentially protect against fructose-induced lipid accumulation as well as macrovesicular steatosis.