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Liu H, Lu H, Wang Y, Yu C, He Z, Dong H. Unlocking the power of short-chain fatty acids in ameliorating intestinal mucosal immunity: a new porcine nutritional approach. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1449030. [PMID: 39286812 PMCID: PMC11402818 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1449030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), a subset of organic fatty acids with carbon chains ranging from one to six atoms in length, encompass acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These compounds are the endproducts of dietary fiber fermentation, primarily catalyzed by the glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathways within the gut microbiota. SCFAs act as pivotal energy substrates and signaling molecules in the realm of animal nutrition, exerting a profound influence on the intestinal, immune system, and intestinal barrier functions. Specifically, they contibute to 60-70% of the total energy requirements in ruminants and 10-25% in monogastric animals. SCFAs have demonstrated the capability to effectively modulate intestinal pH, optimize the absorption of mineral elements, and impede pathogen invasion. Moreover, they enhance the expression of proteins associated with intestinal tight junctions and stimulate mucus production, thereby refining intestinal tissue morphology and preserving the integrity of the intestinal structure. Notably, SCFAs also exert anti-inflammatory properties, mitigating inflammation within the intestinal epithelium and strengthening the intestinal barrier's defensive capabilities. The present review endeavors to synthesize recent findings regarding the role of SCFAs as crucial signaling intermediaries between the metabolic activities of gut microbiota and the status of porcine cells. It also provides a comprehensive overview of the current literature on SCFAs' impact on immune responses within the porcine intestinal mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyang Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Hongde Lu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxuan Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Chenyun Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyuan He
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Dong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
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Wang N, Wang C, Qi M, Lin X, Zha A, Tan B, Yin Y, Wang J. Phosphatidylethanolamine Improves Postnatal Growth Retardation by Regulating Mucus Secretion of Intestinal Goblet Cells in Piglets. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1193. [PMID: 38672341 PMCID: PMC11047706 DOI: 10.3390/ani14081193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), a multifunctional phospholipid, is necessary for neonate development. This study aimed to explore the impact of the regulation of exogenous PE on postnatal growth retardation (PGR) by improving intestinal barrier function. Thirty-two neonatal pigs were divided into four groups according to their body weight (BW 2.79 ± 0.50 kg or 1.88 ± 0.40 kg) at 7 days old, CON-NBW, PE-NBW, CON-PGR, and PE-PGR. PE was supplemented to NBW piglets and PGR piglets during lactation and post-weaning periods. Compared with the NBW piglets, the growth performance of PGR piglets was lower, while PE improved the poor growth performance. PGR piglets showed injured intestinal morphology, as evidenced by the reduced ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VH/CD) and goblet cell numbers in the jejunum and ileum. PE recovered the intestinal barrier injury by increasing VH/CD and goblet cell numbers. The decreased MUC2 mRNA and protein expressions were observed in the small intestine of PGR piglets, and PE remarkably increased the expression of MUC2. Mechanistically, PE increased the goblet cell differentiation promoting gene spdef mRNA levels and reduced the mRNA expressions involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress in the jejunal and ileal mucosa of PGR piglets. Overall, we found that PE alleviated growth retardation by regulating intestinal health and generalized its application in neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (N.W.); (C.W.); (M.Q.); (X.L.); (A.Z.)
- Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China;
| | - Chengming Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (N.W.); (C.W.); (M.Q.); (X.L.); (A.Z.)
- Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China;
| | - Ming Qi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (N.W.); (C.W.); (M.Q.); (X.L.); (A.Z.)
- Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China;
| | - Xingtong Lin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (N.W.); (C.W.); (M.Q.); (X.L.); (A.Z.)
- Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China;
| | - Andong Zha
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (N.W.); (C.W.); (M.Q.); (X.L.); (A.Z.)
- Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China;
| | - Bie Tan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (N.W.); (C.W.); (M.Q.); (X.L.); (A.Z.)
- Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China;
| | - Yulong Yin
- Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China;
| | - Jing Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (N.W.); (C.W.); (M.Q.); (X.L.); (A.Z.)
- Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China;
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Tang X. Probiotic Roles of Clostridium butyricum in Piglets: Considering Aspects of Intestinal Barrier Function. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1069. [PMID: 38612308 PMCID: PMC11010893 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
China, as the global leader in pork production and consumption, is faced with challenges in ensuring sustainable and wholesome growth of the pig industry while also guaranteeing meat food safety amidst the ban on antibiotics usage in animal feed. The focus of the pig industry lies in guaranteeing piglet health and enhancing overall production performance through nutrition regulation. Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum), a new type of probiotic, possesses characteristics such as heat resistance, acid resistance, and bile-salt tolerance, meaning it has potential as a feed additive. Previous studies have demonstrated that C. butyricum has a probiotic effect on piglets and can serve as a substitute for antibiotics. The objective of this study was to review the probiotic role of C. butyricum in the production of piglets, specifically focusing on intestinal barrier function. Through this review, we explored the probiotic effects of C. butyricum on piglets from the perspective of intestinal health. That is, C. butyricum promotes intestinal health by regulating the functions of the mechanical barrier, chemical barrier, immune barrier, and microbial barrier of piglets, thereby improving the growth of piglets. This review can provide a reference for the rational utilization and application of C. butyricum in swine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Tang
- State Engineering Technology Institute for Karst Desertification Control, School of Karst Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
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Yao R, Cools A, van Hees HMJ, Chiers K, Mebratu AT, Aluwé M, Maes D, Janssens GPJ. Getting clues from nature: the impact of grass hay on suckling piglets' gastrointestinal growth and colonic microbiota. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1341147. [PMID: 38268791 PMCID: PMC10806113 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1341147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The effect of dietary fiber on pig production has been extensively evaluated. Inspired by observations of the diet of wild, young piglets, this study aimed to examine the possibility of feeding grass hay to suckling piglets besides concentrated creep feed. Methods The sow-nursed piglets in this study were divided into two groups based on balanced sow parities. The control group (CON, n = 7 sows) only received a regular, concentrated creep feed, while the treatment piglets (GH, n = 8 sows) were also provided with chopped grass hay from 2 days of age until weaning (28 days). At weaning, one piglet with a median weight was selected from each litter for post-mortem evaluation. Subsequently, six pigs around median weight per sow were grouped into nursery pens and monitored for their feed intake and body weight gain until 9 weeks of age. Results and discussion Piglets in GH consumed, on average, 57 g of grass hay per piglet during the entire lactation period. The emptied weight of the small and large intestine was significantly greater in GH (280 vs. 228 g, 88.8 vs. 79.3 g, respectively, p < 0.05), and the length of the large intestine was stimulated by the grass hay (164 vs. 150 cm, p < 0.05). Morphologically, the villus height in the jejunum was higher in GH (p < 0.05). In the large intestine, the crypt depth of the mid-colon was lower in GH. Moreover, the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations in the cecum were increased in GH compared to CON (1,179 vs. 948 µmol/g dry matter, p < 0.05), whereas in the colon, SCFA concentrations were lower in CON (341 vs. 278 µmol/g dry matter, p < 0.05). There was no major impact of grass hay inclusion on the colonic microbiota composition. Only a trend was observed for a lower inverse of the classical Simpson (InvSimpon) index and a higher abundance of Lactobacillus genera in GH. After weaning, no significant differences in feed intake and body weight gain were observed. In conclusion, supplementing the grass hay to suckling piglets led to alterations in intestinal morphology, increased SCFA fermentation in proximal sections of large intestine, stimulation of gastrointestinal tract growth, and subtle modifications in colonic microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjie Yao
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - An Cools
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Hubèrt M. J. van Hees
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- Trouw Nutrition Research & Development, Amersfoort, Netherlands
| | - Koen Chiers
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Awot Teklu Mebratu
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Marijke Aluwé
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Melle, Belgium
| | - Dominiek Maes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Schregel J, Schulze Holthausen J, Sciascia QL, Görs S, Li Z, Tuchscherer A, Albrecht E, Zentek J, Metges CC. Acute and persistent effects of oral glutamine supplementation on growth, cellular proliferation, and tight junction protein transcript abundance in jejunal tissue of low and normal birthweight pre-weaning piglets. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296427. [PMID: 38165864 PMCID: PMC10760696 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Breeding for higher fertility has resulted in a higher number of low birthweight (LBW) piglets. It has been shown that LBW piglets grow slower than normal birthweight (NBW) littermates. Differences in growth performance have been associated with impaired small intestinal development. In suckling and weaning piglets, glutamine (Gln) supplementation has been associated with improved growth and intestinal development. This study was designed to examine the effects of oral Gln supplementation on growth and small intestinal parameters in LBW and NBW suckling piglets. At birth (day 0), a total of 72 LBW (1.10 ± 0.06 kg) and 72 NBW (1.51 ± 0.06) male piglets were selected. At day 1, litters were standardized to 12 piglets, and experimental piglets supplemented daily with either Gln (1 g/kg BW) or isonitrogenous amounts of Alanine (Ala) as control (1.22 g/kg BW) until day 12. Creep feed was offered from day 14 onward. Subgroups of piglets were euthanized at days 5, 12, and 26 for the analyses of jejunal morphometry, cellular proliferation, glutathione concentration and transcript abundance of tight junction proteins. From age day 11 to 21, Gln supplemented LBW (LBW-Gln) piglets were heavier than Ala supplemented LBW (LBW-Ala) littermates (P = 0.034), while NBW piglets were heavier until age day 26 compared to LBW littermates. Villus height was higher in LBW-Gln compared to LBW-Ala on age day 12 (P = 0.031). Sporadic differences among supplementation and birthweight groups were detected for jejunal cellular proliferation, cellular population and glutathione concentration, whereas age was the most dominant factor. These results show that Gln supplementation improved the growth of LBW piglets compared to LBW-Ala beyond the termination of Gln supplementation, but this was not associated with consistent effects on selected parameters of jejunal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Schregel
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | | | - Quentin L. Sciascia
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Solvig Görs
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Zeyang Li
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Armin Tuchscherer
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Elke Albrecht
- Institute of Muscle Biology and Growth, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Jürgen Zentek
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cornelia C. Metges
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Dummerstorf, Germany
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Bekebrede AF, de Boer VCJ, Gerrits WJJ, Keijer J. Functional and molecular profiling of fasted piglets reveals decreased energy metabolic function and cell proliferation in the small intestine. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2023; 325:G539-G555. [PMID: 37847725 PMCID: PMC10894671 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00240.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
The small intestine requires energy to exert its important role in nutrient uptake and barrier function. Pigs are an important source of food and a model for humans. Young piglets and infants can suffer from periods of insufficient food intake. Whether this functionally affects the small intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) metabolic capacity and how this may be associated with an increased vulnerability to intestinal disease is unknown. We therefore performed a 48-h fasting intervention in young piglets. After feeding a standard weaning diet for 2 wk, 6-wk-old piglets (n = 16/group) were fasted for 48 h, and midjejunal IECs were collected upon euthanasia. Functional metabolism of isolated IECs was analyzed with the Seahorse XF analyzer and gene expression was assessed using RNA-sequencing. Fasting decreased the mitochondrial and glycolytic function of the IECs by 50% and 45%, respectively (P < 0.0001), signifying that overall metabolic function was decreased. The RNA-sequencing results corroborated our functional metabolic measurements, showing that particularly pathways related to mitochondrial energy production were decreased. Besides oxidative metabolic pathways, decreased cell-cycle progression pathways were most regulated in the fasted piglets, which were confirmed by 43% reduction of Ki67-stained cells (P < 0.05). Finally, the expression of barrier function genes was reduced upon fasting. In conclusion, we found that the decreased IEC energy metabolic function in response to fasting is supported by a decreased gene expression of mitochondrial pathways and is likely linked to the observed decreased intestinal cell proliferation and barrier function, providing insight into the vulnerability of piglets, and infants, to decreased food intake.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Fasting is identified as one of the underlying causes potentiating diarrhea development, both in piglets and humans. With this study, we demonstrate that fasting decreases the metabolism of intestinal epithelial cells, on a functional and transcriptional level. Transcriptional and histological data also show decreased intestinal cell proliferation. As such, fasting-induced intestinal energy shortage could contribute to intestinal dysfunction upon fasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna F Bekebrede
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent C J de Boer
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Walter J J Gerrits
- Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Keijer
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Kiernan DP, O’Doherty JV, Sweeney T. The Effect of Maternal Probiotic or Synbiotic Supplementation on Sow and Offspring Gastrointestinal Microbiota, Health, and Performance. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2996. [PMID: 37835602 PMCID: PMC10571980 DOI: 10.3390/ani13192996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens has prompted the reduction in antibiotic and antimicrobial use in commercial pig production. This has led to increased research efforts to identify alternative dietary interventions to support the health and development of the pig. The crucial role of the GIT microbiota in animal health and performance is becoming increasingly evident. Hence, promoting an improved GIT microbiota, particularly the pioneer microbiota in the young pig, is a fundamental focus. Recent research has indicated that the sow's GIT microbiota is a significant contributor to the development of the offspring's microbiota. Thus, dietary manipulation of the sow's microbiota with probiotics or synbiotics, before farrowing and during lactation, is a compelling area of exploration. This review aims to identify the potential health benefits of maternal probiotic or synbiotic supplementation to both the sow and her offspring and to explore their possible modes of action. Finally, the results of maternal sow probiotic and synbiotic supplementation studies are collated and summarized. Maternal probiotic or synbiotic supplementation offers an effective strategy to modulate the sow's microbiota and thereby enhance the formation of a health-promoting pioneer microbiota in the offspring. In addition, this strategy can potentially reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the sow and her offspring, enhance the immune potential of the milk, the immune system development in the offspring, and the sow's feed intake during lactation. Although many studies have used probiotics in the maternal sow diet, the most effective probiotic or probiotic blends remain unclear. To this extent, further direct comparative investigations using different probiotics are warranted to advance the current understanding in this area. Moreover, the number of investigations supplementing synbiotics in the maternal sow diet is limited and is an area where further exploration is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon P. Kiernan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 C1P1 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - John V. O’Doherty
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, D04 C1P1 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Torres Sweeney
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 C1P1 Dublin, Ireland;
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Lerch F, Yosi F, Vötterl JC, Koger S, Ehmig J, Sharma S, Verhovsek D, Metzler-Zebeli BU. An insight into the temporal dynamics in the gut microbiome, metabolite signaling, immune response, and barrier function in suckling and weaned piglets under production conditions. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1184277. [PMID: 37720467 PMCID: PMC10500839 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1184277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Little information is available on age- and creep-feeding-related microbial and immune development in neonatal piglets. Therefore, we explored age- and gut-site-specific alterations in the microbiome, metabolites, histo-morphology, and expression of genes for microbial signaling, as well as immune and barrier function in suckling and newly weaned piglets that were receiving sow milk only or were additionally offered creep feed from day of life (DoL) 10. The experiment was conducted in two replicate batches. Creep feed intake was estimated at the litter level. Piglets were weaned on day 28 of life. Gastric and cecal digesta and jejunal and cecal tissue were collected on DoL 7, 14, 21, 28, 31, and 35 for microbial and metabolite composition, histomorphology, and gene expression. In total, results for 10 piglets (n = 5/sex) per dietary group (sow milk only versus additional creep feed) were obtained for each DoL. The creep feed intake was low at the beginning and only increased in the fourth week of life. Piglets that were fed creep feed had less lactate and acetate in gastric digesta on DoL 28 compared to piglets fed sow milk only (p < 0.05). Age mainly influenced the gastric and cecal bacteriome and cecal mycobiome composition during the suckling phase, whereas the effect of creep feeding was small. Weaning largely altered the microbial communities. For instance, it reduced gastric Lactobacillaceae and cecal Bacteroidaceae abundances and lowered lactate and short-chain fatty acid concentrations on DoL 31 (p < 0.05). Jejunal and cecal expression of genes related to microbial and metabolite signaling, and innate immunity showed age-related patterns that were highest on DoL 7 and declined until DoL 35 (p < 0.05). Weaning impaired barrier function and enhanced antimicrobial secretion by lowering the expression of tight junction proteins and stimulating goblet cell recruitment in the jejunum and cecum (p < 0.05). Results indicated that age-dependent alterations, programmed genetically and by the continuously changing gut microbiome, had a strong impact on the expression of genes for gut barrier function, integrity, innate immunity, and SCFA signaling, whereas creep feeding had little influence on the microbial and host response dynamics at the investigated gut sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederike Lerch
- Unit of Nutritional Physiology, Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Gut Health Concepts of Livestock, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fitra Yosi
- Unit of Nutritional Physiology, Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Gut Health Concepts of Livestock, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Sriwijaya, Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia
| | - Julia C. Vötterl
- Unit of Nutritional Physiology, Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Gut Health Concepts of Livestock, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simone Koger
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Gut Health Concepts of Livestock, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Juliane Ehmig
- Unit of Nutritional Physiology, Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Gut Health Concepts of Livestock, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Suchitra Sharma
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Doris Verhovsek
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Swine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara U. Metzler-Zebeli
- Unit of Nutritional Physiology, Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Gut Health Concepts of Livestock, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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St-Pierre B, Perez Palencia JY, Samuel RS. Impact of Early Weaning on Development of the Swine Gut Microbiome. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1753. [PMID: 37512925 PMCID: PMC10385335 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering that pigs are naturally weaned between 12 and 18 weeks of age, the common practice in the modern swine industry of weaning as early as between two and four weeks of age increases challenges during this transition period. Indeed, young pigs with an immature gut are suddenly separated from the sow, switched from milk to a diet consisting of only solid ingredients, and subjected to a new social hierarchy from mixing multiple litters. From the perspective of host gut development, weaning under these conditions causes a regression in histological structure as well as in digestive and barrier functions. While the gut is the main center of immunity in mature animals, the underdeveloped gut of early weaned pigs has yet to contribute to this function until seven weeks of age. The gut microbiota or microbiome, an essential contributor to the health and nutrition of their animal host, undergoes dramatic alterations during this transition, and this descriptive review aims to present a microbial ecology-based perspective on these events. Indeed, as gut microbial communities are dependent on cross-feeding relationships, the change in substrate availability triggers a cascade of succession events until a stable composition is reached. During this process, the gut microbiota is unstable and prone to dysbiosis, which can devolve into a diseased state. One potential strategy to accelerate maturation of the gut microbiome would be to identify microbial species that are critical to mature swine gut microbiomes, and develop strategies to facilitate their establishment in early post-weaning microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit St-Pierre
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Animal Science Complex, Box 2170, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
| | - Jorge Yair Perez Palencia
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Animal Science Complex, Box 2170, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
| | - Ryan S Samuel
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Animal Science Complex, Box 2170, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
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10
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Choudhury R, Gu Y, Bolhuis JE, Kleerebezem M. Early feeding leads to molecular maturation of the gut mucosal immune system in suckling piglets. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1208891. [PMID: 37304274 PMCID: PMC10248722 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1208891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Diet-microbiota-host interactions are increasingly studied to comprehend their implications in host metabolism and overall health. Keeping in mind the importance of early life programming in shaping intestinal mucosal development, the pre-weaning period can be utilised to understand these interactions in suckling piglets. The objective of this study was to investigate the consequences of early life feeding on the time-resolved mucosal transcriptional program as well as mucosal morphology. Methods A customised fibrous feed was provided to piglets (early-fed or EF group; 7 litters) from five days of age until weaning (29 days of age) in addition to sow's milk, whereas control piglets (CON; 6 litters) suckled mother's milk only. Rectal swabs, intestinal content, and mucosal tissues (jejunum, colon) were obtained pre- and post-weaning for microbiota analysis (16S amplicon sequencing) and host transcriptome analysis (RNA sequencing). Results Early feeding accelerated both microbiota colonisation as well as host transcriptome, towards a more "mature state", with a more pronounced response in colon compared to jejunum. Early feeding elicited the largest impact on the colon transcriptome just before weaning (compared to post-weaning time-points), exemplified by the modulation of genes involved in cholesterol and energy metabolism and immune response. The transcriptional impact of early feeding persisted during the first days post-weaning and was highlighted by a stronger mucosal response to the weaning stress, via pronounced activation of barrier repair reactions, which is a combination of immune activation, epithelial migration and "wound-repair" like processes, compared to the CON piglets. Discussion Our study demonstrates the potential of early life nutrition in neonatal piglets as a means to support their intestinal development during the suckling period, and to improve adaptation during the weaning transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raka Choudhury
- Host-Microbe Interactomics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Yuner Gu
- Host-Microbe Interactomics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - J. Elizabeth Bolhuis
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Michiel Kleerebezem
- Host-Microbe Interactomics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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11
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Arapovic L, Huang Y, Manell E, Verbeek E, Keeling L, Sun L, Landberg R, Lundh T, Lindberg JE, Dicksved J. Age Rather Than Supplementation with Oat β-Glucan Influences Development of the Intestinal Microbiota and SCFA Concentrations in Suckling Piglets. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081349. [PMID: 37106912 PMCID: PMC10135274 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of early supplementation with oat β-glucan during the suckling period on piglet gut microbiota composition, concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, and gut physiological markers were assessed. Fifty piglets from five litters, balanced for sex and birth weight, were divided within litters into two treatment groups: β-glucan and control. Piglets in the β-glucan group received the supplement three times/week from day 7 of age until weaning. Rectal swab samples were collected from 10 piglets per treatment group (balanced across litters) from week 1 to week 4, and plasma samples were collected at 1, 3, and 4 weeks of age. Additional samples of intestinal tissues and jugular and portal vein plasma were collected from 10 animals at weaning (one per treatment group and litter). The concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in plasma and the microbiota composition in rectal swabs were mainly influenced by piglet age, rather than the supplement. There were significant differences in microbiota composition between litters and several correlations between concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in plasma and specific microbial taxa in rectal swabs. Overall, β-glucan supplementation did not have any clear impact on the gut environment in suckling piglets, whereas a clear age-related pattern emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidija Arapovic
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Elin Manell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Else Verbeek
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Linda Keeling
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rikard Landberg
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Division of Food and Nutrition Science, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Lundh
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jan Erik Lindberg
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Dicksved
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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12
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Sampath V, Song JH, Jeong J, Mun S, Han K, Kim IH. Nourishing neonatal piglets with synthetic milk and Lactobacillus sp. at birth highly modifies the gut microbial communities at the post-weaning stage. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1044256. [PMID: 36532479 PMCID: PMC9748437 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1044256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The importance of probiotics in pig production is widely recognized. However, the precise role of probiotics in regulating the gut microbiota of piglets has not been assessed extensively. Therefore, we intend to examine whether suckling pigs ingesting with synthetic milk (SM) and probiotics along with mother milk has a carryover effect on its growth and gut health at the post-weaning stage. A total of 40 [Duroc× (Yorkshire× Landrace)] neonates with an initial BW of 1.49 ± 0.28 kg were assigned to one of two treatments groups: control (CON) and treatment (TRT). Control group piglets were nourished with synthetic milk, while TRT group piglets were nourished SM with (1 × 109 CFU/g) Lactobacillus sp. probiotics. The treatment group piglets showed higher (p < 0.05) body weight and daily gain at week 3 than the CON group piglets. 16S metagenome sequencing showed average demultiplexed reads and denoised reads counts of 157,399 and 74,945, respectively. The total ASV taxonomy number classified with a confidence threshold > 70% (default) on sequence alignment with the SILVA v138 reference database was 4,474. During week 1, Escherichia-Shigella, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, and Bacteroides were confirmed as the major dominant bacterial genera in both the groups at the genus level. However, during week 2, the relative proportion of Escherichia-Shigella, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, and Proteobacteria was decreased, while that of Lactobacillus and Bacteroidota was increased in pigs receiving the probiotic supplement. During weeks 2 and 3, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidota phyla were dominant in both groups. During week 6, the relative proportion of Proteobacteria was slightly increased in both groups. Furthermore, Prevotella was confirmed as the major dominant bacterial genus in both groups during weeks 3 and 6. This study suggests that nourishing neonatal piglets with synthetic milk and Lactobacillus sp. probiotics from birth to 21 days would be beneficial to enhance the gut health of piglets and to overcome post-weaning mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vetriselvi Sampath
- Department of Animal Resource and Science, Dankook University, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Jun Ho Song
- Department of Animal Resource and Science, Dankook University, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Jinuk Jeong
- Department of Bio-Convergence Engineering, Dankook University, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Seyoung Mun
- Department of Bio-Convergence Engineering, Dankook University, Cheonan, South Korea
- Department of Microbiology, College of Science and Technology, Dankook University, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Kyudong Han
- Department of Bio-Convergence Engineering, Dankook University, Cheonan, South Korea
- Department of Microbiology, College of Science and Technology, Dankook University, Cheonan, South Korea
- Center for Bio Medical Engineering Core Facility, Dankook University, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - In Ho Kim
- Department of Animal Resource and Science, Dankook University, Cheonan, South Korea
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13
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Maternal supplementation with a casein hydrolysate and yeast beta-glucan from late gestation through lactation improves gastrointestinal health of piglets at weaning. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17407. [PMID: 36258027 PMCID: PMC9579169 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20723-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Improving maternal nutrition during pregnancy/lactation is a promising strategy to maximise the intestinal health of piglets undergoing abrupt weaning under commercial production conditions. This experiment investigated the effects of maternal supplementation of a casein hydrolysate and yeast β-glucan (CH-YBG) from day 83 of gestation until weaning (day 28) on sow faecal microbial populations and measures of piglet gastrointestinal health parameters at weaning. Sows (n = 10 sows/group) were assigned to: (1) control diet, and (2) control diet + CH-YBG. Maternal supplementation increased the abundance of the phylum Firmicutes, including members Lactobacillus in the sows faeces, with a concomitant increase in the caecal abundance of Lactobacillus in the weaned piglets compared to the controls. Piglets weaned from the supplemented sows had increased villus height in the duodenum (P < 0.05) and increased villus height to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum, as well as a decreased expression of the proinflammatory cytokine genes (IL6/TNF/TGFB), the tight junction gene CLDN3 and the mucin gene MUC2 in the duodenum/jejunum compared to the controls (P < 0.05). In conclusion, maternal CH-YBG supplementation during pregnancy/lactation improved microbial, structural, and inflammatory measures of gastrointestinal health of piglets at weaning. This is a promising strategy to alleviate the challenges that occur with early abrupt weaning in commercial pig production.
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14
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Lin A, Yan X, Wang H, Su Y, Zhu W. Effects of lactic acid bacteria-fermented formula milk supplementation on ileal microbiota, transcriptomic profile, and mucosal immunity in weaned piglets. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:113. [PMID: 36199127 PMCID: PMC9536082 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00762-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) participating in milk fermentation naturally release and enrich the fermented dairy product with a broad range of bioactive metabolites, which has numerous roles in the intestinal health-promoting of the consumer. However, information is lacking regarding the application prospect of LAB fermented milk in the animal industry. This study investigated the effects of lactic acid bacteria-fermented formula milk (LFM) on the growth performance, intestinal immunity, microbiota composition, and transcriptomic responses in weaned piglets. A total of 24 male weaned piglets were randomly divided into the control (CON) and LFM groups. Each group consisted of 6 replicates (cages) with 2 piglets per cage. Each piglet in the LFM group were supplemented with 80 mL LFM three times a day, while the CON group was treated with the same amount of drinking water. RESULTS LFM significantly increased the average daily gain of piglets over the entire 14 d (P < 0.01) and the average daily feed intake from 7 to 14 d (P < 0.05). Compared to the CON group, ileal goblet cell count, villus-crypt ratio, sIgA, and lactate concentrations in the LFM group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis of ileal mucosa identified 487 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between two groups. Especially, DEGs involved in the intestinal immune network for IgA production pathways, such as polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR), were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.01) by LFM supplementation. Moreover, trefoil factor 2 (TFF2) in the LFM group, one of the DEGs involved in the secretory function of goblet cells, was also significantly up-regulated (P < 0.01). Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene of microbiota demonstrated that LFM led to selective enrichment of lactate-producing and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria in the ileum, such as an increase in the relative abundance of Enterococcus (P = 0.09) and Acetitomaculum (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS LFM can improve intestinal health and immune tolerance, thus enhancing the growth performance of weaned piglets. The changes in microbiota and metabolites induced by LFM might mediate the regulation of the secretory function of goblet cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailian Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China.,National Center for International Research On Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xiaoxi Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China.,National Center for International Research On Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Hongyu Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China.,National Center for International Research On Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yong Su
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China. .,National Center for International Research On Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
| | - Weiyun Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China.,National Center for International Research On Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
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15
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Effect of fermented rapeseed meal in the mixture for growing pigs on the gastrointestinal tract, antioxidant status, and immune response. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15764. [PMID: 36130989 PMCID: PMC9492901 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20227-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The ban on the use of zinc oxide has increased interest in probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and organic acids, as well as fermented components in the diet of weaned piglets. This study assessed the effect of 8% fermented rapeseed meal in weaner diets on characteristics of the gastrointestinal tract, the small intestinal microbiota, and immune and antioxidant status. The effects were determined by measuring biochemical and haematological blood parameters, levels of class G, A and M immunoglobulins and IL-6, and the antioxidant potential of the plasma. After slaughter, the gastrointestinal tract was measured, the viscosity of the digesta was determined, and microbiological tests were performed. The results showed that the fermented component reduced the viscosity of the digesta and the length of segments of the gastrointestinal tract. It caused a statistically significant increase in lactic acid bacteria and a decrease in total bacteria. The haematological and biochemical analyses of the blood confirmed the biological activity of the fermented component. Pigs from group FR had significantly higher haemoglobin levels (p = 0.001), RBC count (p = 0.015), and haematocrit (Ht) value (p < 0.001) than the control animals. A diet including 8% rapeseed meal fermented using Bacillus subtilis strain 87Y benefits gastrointestinal function by stabilizing and improving the function of the bacterial microbiota, inhibiting growth of certain pathogens, and strengthening immunity.
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16
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Zhou X, Zou Y, Xu Y, Zhang Z, Wu Y, Cao J, Qiu B, Qin X, Han D, Piao X, Wang J, Zhao J. Dietary Supplementation of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D 3 Improves Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity and Immune Function in Weaned Piglets. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:1750. [PMID: 36139824 PMCID: PMC9495450 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)VD3) and Vitamin D3 (VD3) supplemented in the diet of weaned piglets on their growth performance, bone quality, intestinal integrity, immune function and antioxidant capacity. A total of 192 weaned piglets were allocated into four groups and they were fed a control diet containing 2000 IU VD3 (negative control, NC), NC + 100 ppm colistin sulfate (positive control, PC), NC + 2000 IU VD3 (VD3) and NC + 2000 IU 25(OH)VD3 (25(OH)VD3). The results showed that 25(OH)VD3 improved the growth performance, bone quality and antioxidase activity of piglets compared with the other groups. Meanwhile, 25(OH)VD3 up-regulated ileal mRNA expressions of tight junction proteins and host defense peptides. The VD3 group had an increased intestinal sIgA content and mRNA expression of pBD-1 compared with the NC group. Both groups of VD3 and 25(OH)VD3 altered the microbial β-diversity compared with the NC group, and 25(OH)VD3 increased ileal concentrations of acetate and butyrate. In conclusion, our findings indicated that a regular dosage of 2000 IU VD3 in the weaned piglets' diet did not achieve optimal antioxidant capacity and immune function. 25(OH)VD3 had better growth performance than VD3 at the same inclusion level, which is associated with the improved intestinal integrity and antioxidant capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingjian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Youwei Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Youhan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zeyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yujun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jindang Cao
- Shandong Haineng Bioengineering Co., Ltd., Rizhao 276800, China
| | - Baoqin Qiu
- Shandong Haineng Bioengineering Co., Ltd., Rizhao 276800, China
| | - Xiaoyu Qin
- Shandong Haineng Bioengineering Co., Ltd., Rizhao 276800, China
| | - Dandan Han
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiangshu Piao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Junjun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jinbiao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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17
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Exploring the association between microbiota and behaviour in suckling piglets. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12322. [PMID: 35854042 PMCID: PMC9296644 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16259-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
It is increasingly recognised that the microbes residing in the gastrointestinal tract can influence brain physiology and behaviour, via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Here, we made a first explorative evaluation at the association between the gut microbiota and behaviour in suckling piglets. 16S microbiota profiling information was obtained from two independent replicate experiments at 2 and 4 weeks of age. Piglets underwent a backtest to assess their personality or coping style at 2 weeks of age, and were subjected to a combined open field and novel object test at 3.5 weeks of age, recording anxiety-related and exploratory behaviour. The number of squeals vocalised during the open field test was associated with microbial groups such as Coprococcus 3 and CAG-873, whereas in the novel object test, explorative behaviour was significantly associated with microbial genera like Atopobium and Prevotella. Overall, this study explores the microbiota-behavioural relation by employing multivariate analysis and exemplifies the importance of individualised analyses when evaluating such relationships.
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18
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Early Introduction of Plant Polysaccharides Drives the Establishment of Rabbit Gut Bacterial Ecosystems and the Acquisition of Microbial Functions. mSystems 2022; 7:e0024322. [PMID: 35674393 PMCID: PMC9239267 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00243-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the introduction of solid food is pivotal for the establishment of the gut microbiota. However, the effects of the first food consumed on long-term microbiota trajectory and host response are still largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the influences of (i) the timing of first solid food ingestion and (ii) the consumption of plant polysaccharides on bacterial community dynamics and host physiology using a rabbit model. To modulate the first exposure to solid nutrients, solid food was provided to suckling rabbits from two different time points (3 or 15 days of age). In parallel, food type was modulated with the provision of diets differing in carbohydrate content throughout life: the food either was formulated with a high proportion of rapidly fermentable fibers (RFF) or was starch-enriched. We found that access to solid food as of 3 days of age accelerated the gut microbiota maturation. Our data revealed differential effects according to the digestive segment: precocious solid food ingestion influenced to a greater extent the development of bacterial communities of the appendix vermiformis, whereas life course polysaccharides ingestion had marked effects on the cecal microbiota. Greater ingestion of RFF was assumed to promote pectin degradation as revealed by metabolomics analysis. However, transcriptomic and phenotypic host responses remained moderately affected by experimental treatments, suggesting little outcomes of the observed microbiome modulations on healthy subjects. In conclusion, our work highlighted the timing of solid food introduction and plant polysaccharides ingestion as two different tools to modulate microbiota implantation and functionality. IMPORTANCE Our study was designed to gain a better understanding of how different feeding patterns affect the dynamics of gut microbiomes and microbe–host interactions. This research showed that the timing of solid food introduction is a key component of the gut microbiota shaping in early developmental stages, though with lower impact on settled gut microbiota profiles in older individuals. This study also provided in-depth analysis of dietary polysaccharide effects on intestinal microbiota. The type of plant polysaccharides reaching the gut through the lifetime was described as an important modulator of the cecal microbiome and its activity. These findings will contribute to better define the interventions that can be employed for modulating the ecological succession of young mammal gut microbiota.
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19
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Tse LV, Meganck RM, Araba KC, Yount BL, Shaffer KM, Hou YJ, Munt JE, Adams LE, Wykoff JA, Morowitz JM, Dong S, Magness ST, Marzluff WF, Gonzalez LM, Ehre C, Baric RS. Genomewide CRISPR knockout screen identified PLAC8 as an essential factor for SADS-CoVs infection. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2118126119. [PMID: 35476513 PMCID: PMC9170153 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2118126119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic transmission of coronaviruses poses an ongoing threat to human populations. Endemic outbreaks of swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) have caused severe economic losses in the pig industry and have the potential to cause human outbreaks. Currently, there are no vaccines or specific antivirals against SADS-CoV, and our limited understanding of SADS-CoV host entry factors could hinder prompt responses to a potential human outbreak. Using a genomewide CRISPR knockout screen, we identified placenta-associated 8 protein (PLAC8) as an essential host factor for SADS-CoV infection. Knockout of PLAC8 abolished SADS-CoV infection, which was restored by complementing PLAC8 from multiple species, including human, rhesus macaques, mouse, pig, pangolin, and bat, suggesting a conserved infection pathway and susceptibility of SADS-CoV among mammals. Mechanistically, PLAC8 knockout does not affect viral entry; rather, knockout cells displayed a delay and reduction in viral subgenomic RNA expression. In a swine primary intestinal epithelial culture (IEC) infection model, differentiated cultures have high levels of PLAC8 expression and support SADS-CoV replication. In contrast, expanding IECs have low levels of PLAC8 expression and are resistant to SADS-CoV infection. PLAC8 expression patterns translate in vivo; the immunohistochemistry of swine ileal tissue revealed high levels of PLAC8 protein in neonatal compared to adult tissue, mirroring the known SADS-CoV pathogenesis in neonatal piglets. Overall, PLAC8 is an essential factor for SADS-CoV infection and may serve as a promising target for antiviral development for potential pandemic SADS-CoV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longping V. Tse
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| | - Rita M. Meganck
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| | - Kenza C. Araba
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| | - Boyd L. Yount
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| | - Kendall M. Shaffer
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| | - Yixuan J. Hou
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| | - Jennifer E. Munt
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| | - Lily E. Adams
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| | - Jason A. Wykoff
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| | - Jeremy M. Morowitz
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| | - Stephanie Dong
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| | - Scott T. Magness
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill/North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| | - William F. Marzluff
- Integrated Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| | - Liara M. Gonzalez
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606
| | - Camille Ehre
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| | - Ralph S. Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
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20
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Choudhury R, Kleerebezem M. Assessing the Impact of Diet on the Mucosa-Adhered Microbiome in Piglets Using Comparative Analysis of Rectal Swabs and Colon Content. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:804986. [PMID: 35273582 PMCID: PMC8902596 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.804986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we demonstrated that rectal swabs provide a legitimate alternative to faecal sampling for the assessment of the intestinal microbiota in young piglets. However, we also reported that mucosa-adhered microbial populations were more represented in rectal swabs compared to faecal samples, albeit to a degree that varied per swab-sample. Here, we explored the possibility to exploit this variable enrichment of adhered populations in the rectal swabs to assess the impact of diet on mucosa-adhered microbiota in pre-weaning piglets. Paired samples of rectal swabs and colon luminal contents were collected from piglets just before weaning during two independent but similarly designed animal experiments [n = 28 piglets (experiment 1); n = 16 piglets (experiment 2)], with an early feeding treatment (EF) group that had access to customised fibrous feed in addition to sow's milk and a control (CON) group exclusively reared on sow's milk. The intestinal microbiome composition in rectal swabs and colon samples collected at 29 days of age were subjected to metataxonomic analysis. The results identified the genera Escherichia-Shigella, Anaerococcus, Peptostreptococcus, Enterococcus, Trueperella, Actinomyces, and Peptoniphilus as discriminative taxa enriched in rectal swabs compared to colon. Apart from Escherichia-Shigella (10-11% average relative abundance), most of these mucosa-adhered microbial genera display relatively low abundance. Rectal swab microbiota was found to be more variable, which is likely due to variable enrichment of mucosa-adhered microbes. Although almost exclusively driven by one of the experiments, the post-weaning diarrhoea-associated taxa Escherichia-Shigella, was enriched in CON compared to the EF group, suggesting that early life feeding may suppress post-weaning-diarrhoea-related problems in piglets. Our findings demonstrate that rectal swabs allow the investigation of the mucosa-adhered microbial populations as a function of dietary treatment in piglets. This offers opportunities to further study dietary approaches that suppress the abundance of the post-weaning diarrhoea associated adherent microbes like Escherichia-Shigella. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the paired swab-colon microbiota information (obtained from a subset of animals) can predict the mucosa-adhered populations or "mucosity factor" in rectal swab samples, facilitating the analysis of the adhered microbiota in large animal cohort studies using readily obtainable rectal swabs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raka Choudhury
- Host-Microbe Interactomics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Michiel Kleerebezem
- Host-Microbe Interactomics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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21
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Ipema AF, Gerrits WJJ, Bokkers EAM, van Marwijk MA, Laurenssen BFA, Kemp B, Bolhuis JE. Assessing the Effectiveness of Providing Live Black Soldier Fly Larvae ( Hermetia illucens) to Ease the Weaning Transition of Piglets. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:838018. [PMID: 35252425 PMCID: PMC8890697 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.838018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Weaning is a stressful event for piglets, involving substantial changes to their nutritional and social environment. Providing edible enrichment around weaning may ease the weaning transition by increasing pre-weaning feed intake and improving post-weaning performance, health, behavior, and affective state. In this study, we investigated the effects of providing live black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) as edible enrichment pre- and/or post-weaning. Pre-weaning, piglets received either only creep feed (Pre-C, n = 14 litters) or creep feed and live BSFL (Pre-L, n = 15 litters) ad libitum, and post-weaning piglets either had no access to live BSFL (Post-C, n = 24 pens) or they could rotate tubes that released BSFL (Post-L, n = 24 pens) at levels up to 20% of their expected daily dry matter intake, resulting in treatments CC, CL, LC, and LL. No interaction between pre- and post-weaning treatment was found for any of the measured parameters. Before weaning, Pre-L piglets preferred to interact with larvae over creep feed, and Pre-C piglets interacted more with creep feed than Pre-L piglets. Total time spent on feed-directed behaviors did not differ. Continuous larvae provisioning increased caecum length and proximal stomach digesta pH, while it decreased the passage of glucose and fluorescein isothiocyanate through the colon wall on d3 post-weaning (CC vs. LL, n = 12 piglets/treatment). Post-weaning diarrhea and final body weight were not affected by treatment. After weaning, Pre-C piglets tended to eat more and grew marginally faster than Pre-L piglets. Post-C piglets spent more time eating and had a higher feed intake post-weaning than Post-L piglets. Based on home-pen behavioral observations, Post-L piglets actively explored and ate the larvae. Post-C piglets spent more time on exploring the environment and nosing pen mates, and they spent more time on manipulating pen mates on d8 and played more on d8 & 15 compared to Post-L piglets. Piglet responses to a novel environment and an attention bias test on d4 & 5 post-weaning were not influenced by larvae provisioning. In conclusion, pre-weaning larvae provisioning did not improve pre-weaning feed intake and post-weaning performance, however post-weaning larvae provisioning did benefit piglet behavior as less manipulation of pen mates was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson F. Ipema
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Walter J. J. Gerrits
- Animal Nutrition Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Eddie A. M. Bokkers
- Animal Production Systems Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Manon A. van Marwijk
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Bjorge F. A. Laurenssen
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Bas Kemp
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - J. Elizabeth Bolhuis
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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22
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Duarte ME, Kim SW. Intestinal microbiota and its interaction to intestinal health in nursery pigs. ANIMAL NUTRITION (ZHONGGUO XU MU SHOU YI XUE HUI) 2022; 8:169-184. [PMID: 34977387 PMCID: PMC8683651 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Elias Duarte
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States
| | - Sung Woo Kim
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States
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23
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Choudhury R, Middelkoop A, Boekhorst J, Gerrits WJJ, Kemp B, Bolhuis JE, Kleerebezem M. Early life feeding accelerates gut microbiome maturation and suppresses acute post-weaning stress in piglets. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:7201-7213. [PMID: 34655283 PMCID: PMC9291500 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Early life microbiome perturbations can have important effects on host development, physiology and behaviour. In this longitudinal study, we evaluated the impact of early feeding on gut microbiome colonization in neonatal piglets. Early‐fed (EF) piglets had access to a customized fibrous diet from 2 days after birth until weaning in addition to mother's milk, whereas control piglets suckled mother's milk only. Rectal swabs were collected at multiple time points until 6 weeks of age to investigate microbiota development using 16S rRNA gene profiling. The dynamic pre‐weaning microbiota colonization was followed by a relatively stable post‐weaning microbiota, represented by Prevotella, Roseburia, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, Megasphaera, Catenibacterium and Subdoligranulum. EF piglets showed an accelerated microbiota maturation, characterized by increased microbial diversity, pre‐weaning emergence of post‐weaning‐associated microbes and a more rapid decline of typical pre‐weaning microbes. Furthermore, the individual eating behaviour scores of piglets quantitatively correlated with their accelerated microbiome. Importantly, EF piglets displayed a smoother relative weight gain and tended to reach a higher relative weight gain, in addition to reduced diarrhoea scores in the first week post‐weaning. Overall, these findings demonstrate the beneficial impact of early feeding on microbiota development as well as pig health and performance during the weaning transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Choudhury
- Host-Microbe Interactomics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - A Middelkoop
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - J Boekhorst
- Host-Microbe Interactomics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - W J J Gerrits
- Animal Nutrition Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - B Kemp
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - J E Bolhuis
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - M Kleerebezem
- Host-Microbe Interactomics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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24
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Nowland TL, Kirkwood RN, Pluske JR. Review: Can early-life establishment of the piglet intestinal microbiota influence production outcomes? Animal 2021; 16 Suppl 2:100368. [PMID: 34649827 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract microbiota is involved in the development and function of many body processes. Studies demonstrate that early-life microbial colonisation is the most important time for shaping intestinal and immune development, with perturbations to the microbiota during this time having long-lasting negative implications for the host. Piglets face many early-life events that shape the acquisition and development of their intestinal microbiota. The pork industry has a unique advantage in that the producer has a degree of control over what piglets are exposed to, providing conditions that allow for optimum piglet growth and development. An influx of publications within this area has occurred in recent times and with this, interest surrounding its application in pork production has increased. However, it can be difficult to distinguish which research is of most relevance to industry in terms of delivering repeatable and reliable production outcomes. In this review, we describe the literature surrounding research within pigs, predominantly during the preweaning period that has either provided solutions to industry problems or is generating information targeted at addressing relevant industry issues, with the focus being on studies demonstrating causation where possible. This review will provide a basis for the development of new studies targeted at understanding how to better support initial intestinal microbiota colonisation in order to improve piglet health and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- T L Nowland
- Livestock Sciences, South Australian Research and Development Institute, PPPI Building, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.
| | - R N Kirkwood
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - J R Pluske
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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25
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Lee SA, Febery E, Wilcock P, Bedford MR. Application of Creep Feed and Phytase Super-Dosing as Tools to Support Digestive Adaption and Feed Efficiency in Piglets at Weaning. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2080. [PMID: 34359207 PMCID: PMC8300370 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 64 piglets were used in a 35-day study to evaluate whether creep feeding piglets on the sow or super-dosing phytase to piglets post-weaning can be used as a tool to reduce stress and support adaption to weaning. Treatments consisted of creep or no creep feed being offered pre-weaning and with or without phytase supplementation at 2000 FTU/kg post-weaning. Blood samples were collected from eight piglets per treatment on days 0 (weaning), 7 and 21 post-weaning to determine plasma cortisol and myo-inositol concentrations. Four piglets per treatment (n = 16) were administered Heidelberg pH capsules 1 week prior to weaning, on the day of weaning, as well as 7 days and 21 days post-weaning, with readings monitored over a 3 h period. In the first week post-weaning, creep-fed piglets had higher daily gains (0.23 vs. 0.14 kg/d, p < 0.05) and a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR, 0.99 vs. 1.35, p < 0.01), compared to non-creep-fed pigs. At 21 days post-weaning, irrespective of creep feed, phytase supplementation reduced FCR (1.10 vs. 1.18, p = 0.05) of piglets. Average real-time stomach pH was lower in creep-fed piglets at 1 week prior to weaning (pH 3.2 vs. 4.6, p < 0.001) and on day of weaning (pH 3.1 vs. 3.7, p < 0.01). Following weaning, phytase reduced average stomach pH of piglets at days 7 (pH 2.6 vs. 3.3, p < 0.001) and 21 (pH 2.2 vs. 2.6, p < 0.01). Both cortisol and myo-inositol concentrations in plasma decreased with age; however, cortisol levels were unaffected by either treatment. Plasma myo-inositol concentrations were higher in creep-fed piglets at day of weaning (p < 0.05) and with phytase super-dosing on day 21 (p < 0.001). These findings demonstrate that both creep feeding and phytase super-dosing are useful practices to encourage better adaption to weaning and support piglet performance. This response was not related to reduced stress in piglets, as determined by cortisol levels, but instead appears to relate to improved gastric conditions for digestion, phytate degradation and myo-inositol provision in piglets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie A. Lee
- AB Vista, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 4AN, UK; (P.W.); (M.R.B.)
| | - Erica Febery
- Drayton Animal Health, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 9RQ, UK;
| | - Pete Wilcock
- AB Vista, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 4AN, UK; (P.W.); (M.R.B.)
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