Dietary supplementation with yeast product improves intestinal function, and serum and ileal amino acid contents in weaned piglets

Autolyzed yeast and sodium butyrate supplemented alone to diets promoted improvements in performance, intestinal health and nutrient transporter in weaned piglets

This study investigated the effects of supplemental nucleotides, autolyzed yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and sodium butyrate in diets for nursery pigs on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, blood profile, intestinal morphology, mRNA expression of nutrient transporters, inflammatory markers, antioxidant profile, and tight junction proteins in the small intestine. One hundred eighty 21-day-old pigs (5.17 ± 0.57 kg) were assigned in a randomized block design to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: (1) CON: control, basal diet, (2) NUC: CON + nucleotides, (3) YSC: CON + lysed yeast S. cerevisiae, (4) ASB: CON + acidifier sodium butyrate. Pigs were fed for 24 days, phase 1 (21-32 days) and 2 (32-45 days). During phase 1, YSC and ASB improved average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion (FC) compared with CON. At the overall period, ASB improved ADG and YSC improved FC compared with CON. The NUC diet did not affect growth performance. The ASB increased ileal villus height compared to CON. The YSC and ASB reduced the number of Peyer's patches in the ileum compared with CON. The YSC increased mRNA expression of nutrient transporters (SMCT2, MCT1, and PepT1), tight junction proteins (OCL and ZO-1), antioxidants (GPX), and IL1-β in the jejunum compared with CON. The ASB increased mRNA expression of nutrient transporters (SGLT1 and MCT1), tight junction proteins (OCL and ZO-1), and antioxidants (GPX and SOD) compared with CON. In conclusion, autolyzed yeast and sodium butyrate promoted growth performance by improving the integrity of the intestinal barrier, the mRNA expression of nutrient transporters, and antioxidant enzymes in the jejunum of nursery pigs whereas supplementation of nucleotides did not show such effects.

Integrated Microbiome and Metabolomics Analysis of the Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Corn-Steep-Liquor-Derived Candida utilis Feed on Black Pigs

In this experiment, glucose master liquor and corn steep liquor were used as carbon and nitrogen sources, and Candida utilis was used as a strain to ferment yeast feed. The OD value and number of yeast cells were used as response values to optimize the medium components of the yeast feed through a response surface methodology. The optimal medium components were a glucose master liquor concentration of 8.3%, a corn steep liquor concentration of 1.2%, and a KH2PO4 concentration of 0.14%. Under this condition of fermentation, the OD value was 0.670 and the number of yeast cells was 2.72 × 108/mL. Then, we fed Candida utilis feed to Dongliao black piglets, and the effects of the yeast feed on the piglets' growth performance, fecal microbiota, and plasma metabolic levels were investigated through 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomics. In total, 120 black piglets with an average initial weight of 6.90 ± 1.28 kg were randomly divided into two groups. One group was fed the basic diet (the CON group), and the other was supplemented with 2.5% Candida utilis add to the basic diet (the 2.5% CU group). After a pre-feeding period, the formal experiments were performed for 21 days. The results showed that the addition of Candida utilis to the diet did not affect growth performance compared with the control group. Meanwhile, no significant differences were observed in the serum biochemical indices. However, piglets in the 2.5% CU group had a significantly altered fecal microbiota, with an increased abundance of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Lactobacillus, and Muribaculaceae_unclassified. Regarding the plasma metabolome, the 12 differential metabolites detected were mainly enriched in the histidine, tryptophan, primary bile acid, and caffeine metabolic pathways. Regarding the integrated microbiome-metabolome analysis, differential metabolites correlated with fecal flora to variable degrees, but most of them were beneficial bacteria of Firmicutes. Collectively, dietary Candida utilis feed had no adverse effect on growth performance; however, it played an important role in regulating fecal flora and maintaining metabolic levels.

Effect of yeast culture supplementation on blood characteristics, body development, intestinal morphology, and enzyme activities in geese

The objective of this experiment is to evaluate the effects of yeast culture (YC) supplementation on blood characteristics, body size, carcass characteristics, organ weights, intestinal morphology, and enzyme activities. Five groups of geese were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments: the basal diet (control) and basal diets plus 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, or 4.0% YC. Compared with the controls, YC supplementation at 0.5% and 1.0% increased the serum total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), and globulin (GLO) and decreased the uric acid and creatine kinase (CK) contents (p < 0.05). YC supplementation at 2.0% and 4.0% increased the CK, growth hormone, catalase and glutathione reductase contents, and relative proventriculus weights, and decreased the TP, ALB, and GLO contents, relative liver, gizzard, jejunum, ileum, and thymus weights (p < 0.05). YC supplementation at 2.0% improved fossil bone length, breast muscle percentage, jejunal villus height, ileal and jejunal villus height/crypt depth ratios, pepsin, lipase, amylase and pancreatic trypsin activities, and decreased abdominal fat percentage (p < 0.05). Furthermore, YC inclusion increased the body slope length (linear, p = 0.002; quadratic, p = 0.02), breast width (quadratic, p = 0.02), ileal (linear, p = 0.04; quadratic, p = 0.01) and duodenal villus height (cubic, p = 0.04), and decreased the relative gizzard (quadratic, p = 0.04) and thymus (linear, p = 0.002; quadratic, p = 0.02; cubic, p = 0.02) weights, liver (linear, p = 0.002; quadratic, p = 0.02), and serum (linear, p = 0.006; quadratic, p = 0.03) malondialdehyde contents, and jejunal crypt depth (quadratic, p = 0.03). The findings indicated that the YC supplementation had a positive effect on the growth and development of geese, with 2% YC being the most effective.

Effect of 1,3-Beta Glucans Dietary Addition on the Growth, Intestinal Histology, Blood Biochemical Parameters, Immune Response, and Immune Expression of CD3 and CD20 in Broiler Chickens

This experiment evaluated the impact of the dietary addition of 1,3-β-glucans (GLU) on broiler chickens’ growth, intestinal histology, blood biochemical parameters, and immunity. Two hundred three-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) (97.93 ± 0.19 g/chick) were randomly assigned into four treatments with five replicates, each containing ten birds, in a complete randomized design. The four treatments were formulated with 0, 50, 100, and 150 mg 1,3-β-glucans kg−1 in broiler chicken diets. During the study, no significant impacts (p > 0.05) were observed in weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) between treatment groups. Based on the results of total body weight gain and FCR, the optimal level of 1,3-β-glucan is 120 mg Kg−1. The intestinal histomorphology was improved by GLU supplementation, as indicated by increased villi height and villi height to crypt depth ratio (p < 0.01). All levels of supplemental β-1,3 glucan decreased the serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride levels, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p < 0.05). The serum levels of growth hormones (GH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) were increased in GLU-supplemented groups (p < 0.05). The serum immune indices (lysozyme activity, interleukin 10 (IL10), complement 3 (C3), and total protein levels) were increased in the GLU-supplemented groups (p < 0.05). Dietary GLU up-regulated the immunoexpression of CD3 (T-cell marker) and CD20 (B-cell marker) in the spleen of birds (p < 0.01). It can be concluded that 1,3-β-glucan can be added to broiler chicken diets for improving the development and integrity of the intestine and enhancing the bird’s immune status. The optimal level for 1,3-β-glucan dietary supplementation was 120 mg Kg−1. Dietary 1,3-β-glucan has a hypolipidemic effect and improves the hormonal profile of birds without affecting their growth rate.

Dietary stevia residue extract supplementation improves the performance and antioxidative capacity of growing-finishing pigs

BACKGROUND

Improper disposal of stevia residue causes environmental pollution and waste of resources. The extract of stevia residue is rich in chlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acids, and has a great potential in livestock and poultry breeding. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary stevia residue extract (SRE) supplementation on the performance, meat quality, antioxidative capacity and gut microbiota in growing-finishing pigs.

RESULTS

The results showed that increasing the concentration of SRE supplementation linearly increased (P < 0.05) body weight from day 1 to 35. Supplementation with SRE significantly increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) from day 1 to 75. 100 mg kg-1 SRE supplementation significantly increased (P < 0.05) hot carcass weight and gastric index. Moreover, increasing the concentration of SRE linearly increased (P < 0.05) the score of appearance of longissimus thoracis, as well as serum albumin, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol content. Further study found that increasing the concentration of SRE linearly increased (P < 0.05) serum total superoxide dismutase activity, and showed a significant quadratic relationship (P < 0.05) with activity of serum catalase, while linearly decreasing (P < 0.05) muscle malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Furthermore, supplementation with 100 mg kg-1 SRE significantly decreased (P < 0.05) serum MDA content, while 600 and 800 mg kg-1 SRE supplementation significantly decreased (P < 0.05) muscle MDA content. However, SRE supplementation had no significant effect on gut microbiota (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These data indicated that dietary SRE supplementation improves the performance and antioxidative capacity of growing-finishing pigs. We recommend that the optimal supplemental level of SRE in the diet of growing-finishing pigs is 100 mg kg-1 . © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Intestinal microbiota and its interaction to intestinal health in nursery pigs

The intestinal microbiota has gained increased attention from researchers within the swine industry due to its role in promoting intestinal maturation, immune system modulation, and consequently the enhancement of the health and growth performance of the host. This review aimed to provide updated scientific information on the interaction among intestinal microbiota, dietary components, and intestinal health of pigs. The small intestine is a key site to evaluate the interaction of the microbiota, diet, and host because it is the main site for digestion and absorption of nutrients and plays an important role within the immune system. The diet and its associated components such as feed additives are the main factors affecting the microbial composition and is central in stimulating a beneficial population of microbiota. The microbiota–host interaction modulates the immune system, and, concurrently, the immune system helps to modulate the microbiota composition. The direct interaction between the microbiota and the host is an indication that the mucosa-associated microbiota can be more effective in evaluating its effect on health parameters. It was demonstrated that the mucosa-associated microbiota should be evaluated when analyzing the interaction among diets, microbiota, and health. In addition, supplementation of feed additives aimed to promote the intestinal health of pigs should consider their roles in the modulation of mucosa-associated microbiota as biomarkers to predict the response of growth performance to dietary interventions.

Dietary Yeast Cell Wall Improves Growth Performance and Prevents of Diarrhea of Weaned Pigs by Enhancing Gut Health and Anti-Inflammatory Immune Responses

Simple Summary

Post-weaning stress can substantially affect performance of weaned pigs as well as overall pig production, and thus, a practical approach is needed to improve their performance by alleviating the stress that can cause intestinal barrier dysfunction of weaned pigs. There are potential ways to solve the concern in swine production, but dietary yeast cell wall in weaner diets may be one possible solution. The results of the present study suggest that dietary yeast cell wall improves growth performance of weaned pigs by enhancing gut health and provide its potential mechanism.

Abstract

Dietary yeast cell wall products (YCW) are recognized as a feed additive due to multifunctional benefits by the biological response modulators. Thus, this study was conducted to verify a potential advantage of YCW for improving growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immune responses, and intestinal health and microbiota of weaned pigs. A total of 112 weaned pigs (7.99 ± 1.10 kg of body weight; 28 days old) were arbitrarily allocated to two experimental treatments with eight pigs (four barrows and four gilts) per pen and seven replicate pens per treatment in a completely randomized block design (block = BW and sex): (1) a basal diet based on corn and soybean meal (CON) and (2) CON + 0.05% YCW. The experimental period was for 4 weeks. There were no differences in final body weight, average daily feed intake, and gain-to-feed ratio between dietary treatments. In contrast, pigs fed YCW had higher average daily gain (p = 0.088) and apparent ileal digestibility of DM (p < 0.05) and energy (p = 0.052) and lower diarrhea frequency (p = 0.083) than those fed control diet (CON). Pigs fed YCW also had a higher (p < 0.05) ratio between villus height and crypt depth, villus width and area, and goblet cell counts in the duodenum and/or jejunum than those fed CON. Dietary YCW decreased (p < 0.05) serum TNF-α and IL–1β of weaned pigs on day 7 and 14, respectively, compared with CON. Furthermore, pigs fed YCW had higher (p < 0.05) ileal gene expression of claudin family, occludin, MUC1, INF-γ, and IL-6 and lower (p < 0.05) that of TNF-α than those fed CON. Lastly, there were no differences in the relative abundance of bacteria at the phylum level between CON and YCW. However, dietary YCW increased (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of genera Prevotella and Roseburia compared with CON. This study provided that dietary YCW improved growth rate, nutritional digestibility, and intestinal health and modified immune responses and intestinal microbiota of weaned pigs.

Effects of hydrolyzed yeast supplementation on growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and microbial shedding in weaning pigs

Background and Aim

Weaning pigs normally suffer from many stressors which have impaired growth performance and immunity. Hydrolyzed yeast has been proposed as an alternative feed additive. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of various levels of hydrolyzed yeast (HY) supplementation in the feed of weaning pigs on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and microbial populations.

Materials and Methods

A total of 144 crossbred weaning pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Large White) with a mean body weight (BW) of 7.46 kg were randomly assigned to one of four treatments during a 5-week feeding trial. Treatments consisted of a basal diet without HY inclusion (control), or the basal diet supplemented with HY at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g/kg of diet, respectively.

Results

Piglets fed with 1.0 or 1.5 g/kg HY presented significantly increased BW (p=0.009) and decreased incidence of diarrhea (p=0.001). The final BW (p=0.012), average daily gain (p=0.094), and average daily feed intake (p=0.091) showed a linear improvement with the level of HY inclusion. However, the gain-to-feed ratio was unaffected by dietary treatments. Linear responses to the HY supplementation levels were also observed for blood urea nitrogen (p=0.030), total protein (p=0.017), lymphocyte percentage (p=0.064), catalase activity (p=0.089), malondialdehyde (MDA) level (p=0.001), Salmonella spp. (p=0.024), Escherichia coli (p=0.021), and Lactobacillus spp. (p=0.048). Dietary inclusion of HY at 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg resulted in increased immunoglobulin A and G secretions (p=0.042 and p=0.022, respectively) and decreased MDA concentration (p<0.01) and Salmonella spp. (p=0.026) and E. coli (p=0.050).

Conclusion

It was concluded that HY inclusion at 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg in the diet of weaning pigs improve BW, immunoglobulin secretion, and antioxidant enzyme activity, whereas it lowers diarrhea occurrence, lipid peroxidation, and pathogenic bacteria in weaning pigs.

The effect of a feed additive supplemented with porcine plasma protein on growth performance and selected biochemical indices of nursing piglets

The aim of this study was to evaluate the health state, performance, and selected serum biochemical indices in nursing piglets after supplementation of a feed additive containing porcine plasma protein in comparison to the control group fed a standard pre-starter feed mixture. The study was carried out in the conditions of industrial farming. Four sows of the Large White swine breed with their litters were included in the study. Piglets were homogenously distributed into control (22) and experimental (24) groups according to weight and sex. Piglets in both groups suckled their mothers' milk. In addition, piglets in the experimental group were also fed a feed supplemented by porcine plasma protein (5%), starting on the third day post partum, whereas piglets in the control group were offered a standard pre-starter feed mixture. We recorded average daily weight gains calculated per the 27-day trial, and body weight at weaning. Clinical findings, mortality, and selected biochemical indices of protein (total immunoglobulins, total protein, albumin, creatinine, urea), and energy (glucose, total cholesterol, total lipids) metabolism were assessed as well. Results of the study showed a significant difference (P < 0.01) in average daily weight gains in the experimental group compared to the control group (0.245 kg and 0.177 kg, respectively). Addition of plasma protein in the experimental group also resulted in a significantly higher serum concentration of total immunoglobulins, total protein and creatinine, and a significantly lower concentration of urea and albumin in this group compared to the control group at weaning.

Long-term effect of early antibiotic exposure on amino acid profiles and gene expression of transporters and receptors in the small intestinal mucosa of growing pigs with different dietary protein levels

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the effects of early antibiotic exposure (EAE) on subsequent amino acid (AA) profiles and small intestinal AA transporter and receptor expression level in pigs with different dietary crude protein (CP) levels. Eighteen litters of piglets were fed creep feed diets, either with or without antibiotics while with sow on day 7. The pigs were weaned at day 23 and fed the same diets until day 42, when random pigs within each group were offered a normal- or low-CP diet, thereby creating four groups. On day 120, the pigs were euthanized, and jejunal and ileal mucosa and digesta were collected for gene-expression and AA-concentration analysis.

RESULTS

With the normal-CP diet, EAE increased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of six essential amino acids (EAA) and three non-essential amino acids (NEAA) in serum, four EAAs and four NEAAs in jejunal mucosa, one EAA and two NEAAs in ileal mucosa, five EAAs and three NEAAs in jejunal digesta, and three EAAs and two NEAAs in ileal digesta. Early antibiotic exposure upregulated (P < 0.05) CAT1, ASCT2, ATB^0,+ , CaSR, T1R1, and T1R3 expression in the jejunum, downregulated PepT1 expression with a normal-CP diet. It upregulated (P < 0.05) the expressions of CAT1, ATB^0,+ , ATP1A1, and T1R3 in the ileum with a normal-CP diet.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that EAE has long-term effects on AA profiles, mainly in the jejunum and serum, by increasing AA transporter expression in the intestine, and that these effects may be influenced by dietary CP levels. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Efficacy of a Yeast Cell Wall Extract to Mitigate the Effect of Naturally Co-Occurring Mycotoxins Contaminating Feed Ingredients Fed to Young Pigs: Impact on Gut Health, Microbiome, and Growth

Mycotoxins are produced by fungi and are potentially toxic to pigs. Yeast cell wall extract (YCWE) is known to adsorb mycotoxins and improve gut health in pigs. One hundred and twenty growing (56 kg; experiment 1) and 48 nursery piglets (6 kg; experiment 2) were assigned to four dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design for 35 and 48 days, respectively. Factors were mycotoxins (no addition versus experiment 1: 180 μg/kg aflatoxins and 14 mg/kg fumonisins; or experiment 2: 180 μg/kg aflatoxins and 9 mg/kg fumonisins, and 1 mg/kg deoxynivalenol) and YCWE (0% versus 0.2%). Growth performance, blood, gut health and microbiome, and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) data were evaluated. In experiment 1, mycotoxins reduced ADG and G:F, and duodenal IgG, whereas in jejunum, YCWE increased IgG and reduced villus width. In experiment 2, mycotoxins reduced BW, ADG, and ADFI. Mycotoxins reduced ADG, which was recovered by YCWE. Mycotoxins reduced the AID of nutrients evaluated and increased protein carbonyl, whereas mycotoxins and YCWE increased the AID of the nutrients and reduced protein carbonyl. Mycotoxins reduced villus height, proportion of Ki-67-positive cells, and increased IgA and the proportion of bacteria with mycotoxin-degrading ability, whereas YCWE tended to increase villus height and reduced IgA and the proportion of pathogenic bacteria in jejunum. The YCWE effects were more evident in promoting gut health and growth in nursery pigs, which showed higher susceptibility to mycotoxin effects.

Purified β-glucans of Different Molecular Weights Enhance Growth Performance of LPS-challenged Piglets via Improved Gut Barrier Function and Microbiota

Simple Summary

Beta-glucan is currently under consideration as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics for the sustainable pig production industry in China. Modulating intestinal function by β-glucan treatment in young pigs is one potential way of decreasing disease susceptibility and presumably increasing growth performance. In the present study, as a newly developed commercial product, β-glucans have proved to modulate gut function, and have improved growth performance in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged piglets. The present study aimed to determine the mechanisms involved inβ-glucan of low and high molecular weight mediated growth alterations in weaned piglets. The results confirmed that β-glucans isolated from Agrobacterium sp. ZX09 could improve growth performance in weaned piglets and they showed intestinal modulatory properties via different mechanisms in regulating the mucosal barrier function and microbial populations between two different molecular weight β-glucans.

Abstract

This study investigated β-glucan derived from Agrobacterium sp. ZX09 with high (2000 kDa) and low (300 kDa) molecular weight (MW) to compare their effects on growth performance and gut function in LPS-induced weaned piglets. Changes in jejunal morphology, mucosal barrier function, microbial populations, and fermentation in the piglets were determined. Data showed that β-glucan prevented body weight loss in LPS challenged piglets. Supplementation with both β-glucan fractions improved jejunal morphology. Compared to low MW, β-glucan of high MW generally up-regulated transcripts of ZO-1, MUC1, and MUC2 in jejunal mucosa to a lesser extent. Mucosal D-lactate, diamine oxidase, and anti-oxidation index were effectively resumed in β-glucan treatment. Both β-glucan diets provoked the emergence of a balanced microbiota and a richer concentration of volatile fatty acids in the colon. The richest community of bifidobacterium and concentration of butyrate emerged after feeding β-glucan with high MW. Results suggested that the effect of Agrobacterium sp. ZX09 β-glucans on the gut-modulatory function is largely linked to their MW. Low MW β-glucan mainly improved the mucosal barrier function in the jejunum, while high MW β-glucan had profound effects on the microbial community and fermentation in the hindgut of piglets.

Beta-glucan from Agrobacterium sp. ZX09 improves growth performance and intestinal function in weaned piglets

Beta-glucan is currently under consideration as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics. The aim of the study was to investigate Agrobacterium sp. ZX09 beta-glucan on intestinal morphology, cytokine concentration, mucin expression and microbial populations of weaning piglets. Pigs were randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg beta-glucan. Data showed an increase in ADG at the 100 mg/kg group (p = .03). A significant increase in villus height and reduction in crypt depth were fund in ileal tissue at the 100 mg/kg inclusion level (p < .05). Dietary supplementation of 100 mg/kg beta-glucan enhanced IL-10 concentration (p = .04) and gene expression of MUC1 and MUC2 (p < .05) in the jejunum. Dietary supplementation of 100 mg/kg beta-glucan provoked the up-regulation of Lactobacillus counts and down-regulation of Escherichia coli counts in the caecum (p = .05). Data suggested that improved growth performance in response to beta-glucan supplementation at 100 mg/kg in weaned piglets may be explained by the improved intestinal function.

Effects of antibacterial compound of Saccharomyces cerevisiae from koumiss on immune function and caecal microflora of mice challenged with pathogenic Escherichia coli O8

The yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaefrom koumiss has been shown to have antibacterial effects onEscherichia coli, possibly by producing antibacterial compound in metabolism; however, there is limited knowledge about its application in animal production. We therefore investigated the effects of an antibacterial compound ofS. cerevisiaefrom koumiss on the immune function and caecal microflora of mice challenged with pathogenicEscherichia coliO8. Three groups were formed: negative control (NC), positive control (PC), and the antibacterial compound ofS. cerevisiaeat pH 2.0 (S2). Mice in the NC and PC groups were orally administered phosphate buffer solution (PBS) for 7 d. At 4 d,E. coliO8 was administered intraperitoneally in group PC. Mice in group S2 were first administered orally as mice in group NC, and subsequently intraperitoneally administeredE. coliO8 as mice in group PC. Compared with the NC group, mice in the PC group displayed clinical symptoms and pathological changes in the small intestine. Small intestine villi in the S2 group also developed some histologically pathological changes but not as severe as in the PC group. Moreover, there was less mortality in the S2 group than in the PC group. In PC group, thymus indexes, immunoglobulin A (IgA) in serum andBifidobacteriumin caecum were decreased andE. coliin the caecum was increased. In the S2 group, CD8+ of T lymphocyte subsets in blood andBifidobacteriumin caecum were decreased, while spleen indexes, IgG, IgM in serum, and CD3+ of T lymphocyte subsets in blood were increased. This suggests that S2 can relieve clinical symptoms of mice challenged with pathogenicE. coliO8, enhance their immune function, and influence their caecal microflora. The study will provide a theoretical foundation for utilizing antibacterial compound ofS. cerevisiaefrom koumiss for curative purposes.

Dietary β-glucan supplementation improves growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of finishing pigs

This experiment was conducted to investigate growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of finishing pigs with dietary β-glucan supplementation. A total of 96 healthy pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; initial average BW = 25 kg) were randomly allocated into 4 dietary treatments with 6 replicates per treatment and 4 pigs per replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, and the experimental diets were supplemented with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg Agrobacterium sp. ZX09 β-glucan, respectively. The experiment lasted 103 d. The basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg β-glucan significantly increased average daily gain and feed conversion ratio, probably due to the improved digestibility of dry matter, gross energy and crude protein (P < 0.05). Beta-glucan supplementation from 100 to 200 mg/kg of diet significantly increased carcass length (P < 0.05). The basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg β-glucan supplementation also significantly (P < 0.05) increased muscle pH, reduced drip losses and increased a^∗ values. The basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg β-glucan increased the content of intramuscular fat and changed the proportion of saturated fatty acid and unsaturated fatty acid, thereby improved the flavor of meat. In conclusion, the basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg Agrobacterium sp. ZX09 β-glucan improves growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass length, and pork quality of finishing pigs.

N-Carbamylglutamate and l-Arginine Promote Intestinal Absorption of Amino Acids by Regulating the mTOR Signaling Pathway and Amino Acid and Peptide Transporters in Suckling Lambs with Intrauterine Growth Restriction

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have revealed that dietary N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) and l-arginine (Arg) improve intestinal integrity, oxidative state, and immune function in Hu suckling lambs with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Whether these treatments alter intestinal nutrient absorption is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of dietary NCG and Arg treatment during the suckling period on intestinal amino acid (AA) absorption, alterations in the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, and the abundance of AA and peptide transporters in IUGR lambs.

METHODS

On day 7 after birth, 48 newborn Hu lambs were selected from a cohort of 424 twin lambs. Normal-birth-weight and IUGR Hu lambs were allocated randomly (n = 12/group) to a control (4.09 ± 0.12 kg), IUGR (3.52 ± 0.09 kg), IUGR + 0.1% NCG (3.49 ± 0.11 kg), or IUGR + 1% Arg (3.53 ± 0.10 kg).

RESULTS

At day 28, compared with the IUGR group, the IUGR groups receiving NCG and Arg had 7.4% and 7.2% greater (P < 0.05) body weight, respectively. Compared with the IUGR group, the serum concentration of insulin was greater (P < 0.05) and the cortisol was lower (P < 0.05) in the IUGR groups receiving NCG and Arg. Compared with the IUGR group, the IUGR groups receiving NCG and Arg had 13.2%-62.6% greater (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of arginine, cysteine, isoleucine, and proline. Dietary NCG or Arg to IUGR lambs resulted in greater protein abundance (P < 0.05) of peptide transporter 1 (41.9% or 38.2%) in the ileum compared with the unsupplemented IUGR lambs, respectively. Furthermore, dietary NCG or Arg treatment normalized the IUGR-induced variation (P < 0.05) in the ileal ratio of phosphorylated mTOR to total mTOR protein.

CONCLUSION

Both NCG and Arg can help mitigate the negative effect of IUGR on nutrient absorption in neonatal lambs.

Effect of chicken egg yolk immunoglobulins on serum biochemical profiles and intestinal bacterial populations in early-weaned piglets

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that dietary supplementation with anti-E. coli, chicken egg yolk immunoglobulins (IgY), may affect early weaned piglet (EWP) intestinal functions and enteric micro-organisms. One hundred and forty-eight ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) piglets, weaned at age day 21, were randomly assigned to receive one of three diets for 14 days. Treatment group one (control group) was fed the base diet. Treatment group two (antibiotics group) was fed the base diet which was supplemented with 100 ppm colistin sulphate and 15 ppm enramycin; treatment group three (IgY group) was fed the base diet which was supplemented with 500 mg/kg anti-E. coli IgY. The study evaluated the effects on EWPs of IgY on growth, serum biochemical, inflammatory profiles and also digestion content intestinal bacterial populations. Results showed no significant difference in diarrhoea rates between IgY-fed EWPs and antibiotic-treated EWPs. Serum biochemical analysis showed that EWPs fed an IgY-containing diet had both lower (p < 0.05) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein compared to antibiotic-treated EWPs. Escherichia coli populations measured in IgY-fed EWP ileal contents, compared to the control group, were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Clostridium and Bifidobacterium populations were unaffected by the IgY treatment. Larger (p < 0.05) Enterococcus populations and lower (p < 0.05) expression levels of heat-stable enterotoxin b (STb) were observed in IgY-fed EWP caecal digesta compared to the control group. Enteric Lactobacillus significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in EWPs fed antibiotics while it was unaffected by IgY treatment. Dietary supplementation with anti-E. coli IgY has the potential to suppress enteric E. coli growth, but not Lactobacillus, Clostridium and Bifidobacterium. This promotes and maintains a healthy EWP intestinal environment. These findings suggest that IgY may be used as an alternative to antibiotics in EWP diets.

Effects of dietary yeast extract supplementation on growth, body composition, non-specific immunity, and antioxidant status of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with yeast extract on growth, body composition, non-specific immunity, and antioxidant status of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). A total of 432 crabs (initial average weight, 4.62 ± 0.11 g) were randomly distributed into four treatment groups with six replicates of 18 crabs. The crabs were fed a basal diet or the same diet supplemented with 2.5, 5, and 10 g/kg yeast extract for 8 weeks. The results showed that dietary yeast extract inclusion enhanced the edible viscera index (linear, P < 0.001), edible viscera crude protein (CP) content (linear, P = 0.025) and serum phenoloxidase (ProPO) activity (quadratic, P = 0.023) at 56 day, increased the total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity at 28 day (quadratic, P = 0.037) and catelase (CAT) activity at 56 day (quadratic, P = 0.034) of edible viscera, and muscular T-SOD activity (quadratic, P = 0.020) at 56 day in Chinese mitten crab. Compared with the control group, the inclusion of 5 g/kg yeast extract in the diet increased the edible viscera index, enhanced the CAT activity of edible viscera at 56 day in Chinese mitten crab (P < 0.05). Dietary 10 g/kg yeast extract inclusion enhanced the edible viscera index at 56 day in Chinese mitten crab than that of the control group (P < 0.05). These results implied that dietary yeast extract inclusion improved the edible viscera index and crude protein content of edible viscera, enhanced serum immunity, and increased the antioxidant status of edible viscera and muscle in Chinese mitten crab, especially when it is supplemented at 5 g/kg yeast extract in the diet.

Effects of supplementing sow diets with Saccharomyces cerevisiae refermented sorghum dried distiller's grains with solubles from late gestation to weaning on the performance of sows and progeny

We performed 2 experiments to study the effects of supplementing sow diets with refermented sorghum dried distiller's grains with solubles (SSDDGS) from late gestation to weaning on the performance of sows and their progeny. In Exp. 1, 24 sows at 85 d of gestation were allocated to the following 3 dietary treatments: 1) sows fed a basal diet from late gestation to weaning ( = 8), 2) sows fed a diet with 2% SSDDGS ( = 8), and 3) sows fed a diet with 4% SSDDGS ( = 8). The 4% SSDDGS treatment significantly improved the sows' ADFI, the litter weaning alive rate, and the individual piglet weaning weights and significantly reduced the litter stillbirth rate and the levels of urea N and somatic cell counts (SCC) in the milk. However, the 2% SSDDGS treatment did not alter the performance of the sows or progeny. Therefore, we considered the volume of 4% SSDDGS to be more efficient than 2% SSDDGS. To verify the results of Exp. 1, we performed Exp. 2, in which 60 sows at 85 d of gestation were allocated into the following 2 dietary treatments: 1) sows fed a basal gestation diet from 85 d of gestation to weaning ( = 30) and 2) sows fed a basal diet with 4% SSDDGS from 85 d of gestation to weaning ( = 30). The 4% SSDDGS supplementation tended to increase the sows' ADFI, litter weaning size, litter weight gain during lactation, and individual piglet weaning weight and weight gain during lactation, and it also increased the milk yield and the fat and DM contents of the milk. This treatment also decreased the levels of urea N and SCC in the milk. Therefore, the present study indicates that supplementing sow diets with 4% SSDDGS from late gestation to weaning has the potential to 1) increase sow ADFI, 2) promote progeny growth performance, 3) increase sow milk production and quality, and 4) improve the maternal health status as indicated by improved protein utilization and reduced potential inflammatory response.

Increases in circulating amino acids with in-feed antibiotics correlated with gene expression of intestinal amino acid transporters in piglets

In-feed antibiotics have been commonly used to promote the growth performance of piglets. The antibiotics can increase protein utilization, but the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. The present study investigated the effects of in-feed antibiotics on intestinal AA transporters and receptors to test the hypothesis that the alteration of circulating AA profiles may be concomitant with the change of intestinal AA transporters and receptors. Sixteen litters of piglets at day 7 started to receive creep feed with (Antibiotic) or without (Control) antibiotic. Piglets were weaned at day 23 after birth, and fed the same diets until day 42. In-feed antibiotics did not affect the BW of 23-day-old (P = 0.248), or 42-day-old piglets (P = 0.089), but increased the weight gain to feed ratio from day 23 to 42 (P = 0.020). At day 42 after birth, antibiotic treatment increased the concentrations of most AAs in serum (P < 0.05), and decreased the concentrations of most AAs in jejunal and ileal digesta. Antibiotics upregulated (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression levels for jejunal AAs transporters (CAT1, EAAC1, ASCT2, y⁺LAT1), peptide transporters (PepT1), and Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase (ATP1A1), and ileal AA transporters (ASCT2, y⁺LAT1, b^0,+AT, and B⁰AT1), and ATP1A1. The antibiotics also upregulated the mRNA expression of jejunal AAs receptors T1R3 and CaSR, and ileal T1R3. Protein expression levels for jejunal AA transporters (EAAC1, b^0,+AT, and ASCT2) and PepT1 were also upregulated. Correlation analysis revealed that the alterations of AA profiles in serum after the in-feed antibiotics were correlated with the upregulations of mRNA expression levels for key AA transporters and receptors in the small intestine. In conclusion, the in-feed antibiotics increased serum level of most AAs and decreased most AAs in the small intestine. These changes correlated with the upregulations of mRNA expression levels for key AA transporters and receptors in the small intestine. The findings provide further insights into the mechanism of in-feed antibiotics, which may provide new framework for designing alternatives to antibiotics in animal feed in the future.

Dietary live yeast and mannan-oligosaccharide supplementation attenuate intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction induced by Escherichia coli in broilers

The effects of live yeast (LY) and mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) supplementation on intestinal disruption induced by Escherichia coli in broilers were investigated. The experimental design was a 3×2 factorial arrangement with three dietary treatments (control, 0·5 g/kg LY (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, 1·0×1010 colony-forming units/g), 0·5 g/kg MOS) and two immune treatments (with or without E. coli challenge from 7 to 11 d of age). Samples were collected at 14 d of age. The results showed that E. coli challenge impaired (P<0·05) growth performance during the grower period (1–21 d) and the overall period (1–35 d) of broilers, increased (P<0·05) serum endotoxin and diamine oxidase levels coupled with ileal myeloperoxidase and lysozyme activities, whereas reduced (P<0·05) maltase activity, and compromised the morphological structure of the ileum. Besides, it increased (P<0·05) the mRNA expressions of several inflammatory genes and reduced occludin expression in the ileum. Dietary treatment with both LY and MOS reduced (P<0·05) serum diamine oxidase and ileal myeloperoxidase levels, but elevated villus height (P<0·10) and the ratio of villus height:crypt depth (P<0·05) of the ileum. It also alleviated (P<0·05) E. coli-induced increases (P<0·05) in ileal Toll-like receptor 4, NF-κB and IL-1β expressions. Moreover, LY supplementation reduced (P<0·05) feed conversion ratio of birds during the grower period and enhanced (P<0·05) the community diversity (Shannon and Simpson indices) of ileal microbiota, whereas MOS addition counteracted (P<0·05) the decreased ileal IL-10 and occludin expressions in challenged birds. In conclusion, both LY and MOS supplementation could attenuate E. coli-induced intestinal disruption by alleviating intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction in broilers. Moreover, LY addition could improve intestinal microbial community structure and feed efficiency of broilers.

Characterization and Regulation of the Amino Acid Transporter SNAT2 in the Small Intestine of Piglets

The sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter 2 (SNAT2), which has dual transport/receptor functions, is well documented in eukaryotes and some mammalian systems, but has not yet been verified in piglets. The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics and regulation of SNAT2 in the small intestine of piglets. The 1,521-bp porcine full cDNA sequence of SNAT2 (KC769999) from the small intestine of piglets was cloned. The open reading frame of cDNA encodes 506 deduced amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of 56.08 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 7.16. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis revealed that SNAT2 is highly evolutionarily conserved in mammals. SNAT2 mRNA can be detected in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum by real-time quantitative PCR. During the suckling period from days 1 to 21, the duodenum had the highest abundance of SNAT2 mRNA among the three segments of the small intestine. There was a significant decrease in the expression of SNAT2 mRNA in the duodenal and jejunal mucosa and in the expression of SNAT2 protein in the jejunal and ileal mucosa on day 1 after weaning (P < 0.05). Studies with enterocytes in vitro showed that amino acid starvation and supplementation with glutamate, arginine or leucine enhanced, while supplementation with glutamine reduced, SNAT2 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). These results regarding the characteristics and regulation of SNAT2 should help to provide some information to further clarify its roles in the absorption of amino acids and signal transduction in the porcine small intestine.