Effects of different methionine levels on offspring piglets during late gestation and lactation

Swine Gastrointestinal Microbiota and the Effects of Dietary Amino Acids on Its Composition and Metabolism

Many researchers consider gut microbiota (trillions of microorganisms) an endogenous organ of its animal host, which confers a vast genetic diversity in providing the host with essential biological functions. Particularly, the gut microbiota regulates not only gut tissue structure but also gut health and gut functionality. This paper first summarized those common bacterial species (dominated by the Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria phyla) in swine gut and then briefly discussed their roles in swine nutrition and health, which include roles in nutrient metabolism, pathogen exclusion, and immunity modulation. Secondly, the current knowledge on how dietary nutrients and feed additives affect the gut bacterial composition and nutrient metabolism in pigs was discussed. Finally, how dietary amino acids affect the relative abundances and metabolism of bacteria in the swine gut was reviewed. Tryptophan supplementation promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria and suppresses pathogens, while arginine metabolism affects nitrogen recycling, impacting gut immune response and health. Glutamate and glutamine supplementations elevate the levels of beneficial bacteria and mitigate pathogenic ones. It was concluded that nutritional strategies to manipulate gut microbial ecosystems are useful measures to optimize gut health and gut functions. For example, providing pigs with nutrients that promote the growth of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can lead to better gut health and growth performance, especially when dietary protein is limited. Further research to establish the mechanistic cause-and-effect relationships between amino acids and the dynamics of gut microbiota will allow swine producers to reap the greatest return on their feed investment.

Effect of increasing dietary methionine-to-lysine ratio during early gestation on fetal development and piglet birth weight

It was hypothesized that increasing dietary methionine (Met) for sows in early gestation would have a positive effect on fetal and placental growth and development, thereby also increasing the birth weight of piglets. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of increasing the total dietary methionine-to-lysine ratio (Met:Lys) from 0.29 (Control diet) to 0.41 (Met diet) from mating to day 50 of gestation. A total of 349 multiparous sows were allocated to either the Control or Met diet group. The sows' backfat thickness was measured pre-farrowing, post-farrowing, and at weaning in the previous cycle and on days 14, 50 and 112 of gestation in the current cycle. On day 50, three Control and six Met sows were slaughtered. In 116 litters, piglets were weighed and measured individually at farrowing. The dietary treatment did not affect the sows' backfat thickness before or during gestation (P > 0.05). The number of liveborn and stillborn piglets at farrowing were similar in both groups (P > 0.05) and no differences in average piglet birth weight, total litter weight at birth or within-litter variation in birth weight (P > 0.05) were observed. In conclusion, increasing the dietary Met:Lys ratio for sows in early gestation had no effect on piglet birth weight.

Metabolome, microbiome, and gene expression alterations in the colon of newborn piglets with intrauterine growth restriction

Newborn animals with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are characterized by impaired intestinal structure and function; however, their intestinal microbiota and metabolome profiles have not been fully identified. The present study investigated the differences in colonic microbiota, metabolomics, and barrier function-related gene expression profiles between the IUGR and normal birth weight (NBW) piglets at 7, 21, and 28 days of age. Forty-eight piglets (24 NBW and 24 IUGR) from 24 litters were assigned to assess the differences in colonic microbiota, metabolomics, and gene expression between IUGR and NBW piglets. Compared with the NBW piglets, IUGR piglets showed decreased Shannon index and increased Simpson index at 7 days of age and Chao1 index at 21 days of age (p < 0.05). The IUGR piglets had lower abundances of Firmicutes, Subdoligranulum, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-002, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-003 at 7 days of age, and Bacteroidetes, Phascolarctobacterium, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 at 21 days of age, when compared with the NBW piglets (p < 0.05). Metabolomics analysis showed significant changes in 147 metabolites mainly involved in organic acids and their derivatives in the colon. Six differential metabolic pathways were significantly enriched, including purine metabolism, amino sugar/nucleotide sugar metabolism, ubiquinone/other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis, phenylalanine/tyrosine/tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, and histidine metabolism. Spearman’s correlation analysis further demonstrated significant correlations between colonic microbiota and metabolites. In addition, colonic isobutyrate at 7 days of age, isovalerate and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) at 21 days of age, and acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total SCFAs levels at 28 days of age were lower and isovalerate was higher at 28 days of age in the IUGR piglets than in the NBW piglets (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of zonula occludens (ZO)-1 at 7 days of age, ZO-1, occludin, and interleukin (IL)-4 at 21 days of age were down-regulated in the IUGR piglets, whereas tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) at 28 days of age were up-regulated, when compared with the NBW piglets (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that the IUGR pigs present abnormal microbiota and nutrient metabolism in the colon, which may further affect the intestine barrier function by regulating gene expressions.

Role of dietary amino acids and microbial metabolites in the regulation of pig intestinal health

With the rapid development of sequencing technology, research on pigs has focused on intestinal microbes. Accumulating evidence suggests that the metabolites of intestinal microbes are the key medium for interactions between microbes and the host. Amino acid metabolism is involved in the growth and immune processes of pigs. The gut microbes of pigs are heavily involved in the metabolism of amino acids in their hosts. Here, we review the latest relevant literature. Research findings show that microbial metabolites, such as indoles, short-chain fatty acids, and ammonia, play a key role in gut health. Moreover, we summarize the effects of amino acids on the structure of the gut microbial community and the metabolism of amino acids by pig gut microbes. Evidence shows that microbial amino acid metabolites act as signal molecules in the intestine and play an important role in the intestinal health of pigs.

Differences in Metabolic Profiles of Healthy Dogs Fed a High-Fat vs. a High-Starch Diet

Obesity is a common problem in dogs and overconsumption of energy-rich foods is a key factor. This study compared the inflammatory response and fecal metabolome of dogs fed a high-fat vs. a high-starch diet. Ten healthy lean adult beagles were equally allocated into two groups in a cross-over design. Each group received two diets in which fat (horse fat) and starch (pregelatinized corn starch) were exchanged in an isocaloric way to compare high fat vs. high starch. There was a tendency to increase the glucose and glycine concentrations and the glucose/insulin ratio in the blood in dogs fed with the high-fat diet, whereas there was a decrease in the level of Non-esterified fatty acids and a tendency to decrease the alanine level in dogs fed with the high-starch diet. Untargeted analysis of the fecal metabolome revealed 10 annotated metabolites of interest, including L-methionine, which showed a higher abundance in dogs fed the high-starch diet. Five other metabolites were upregulated in dogs fed the high-fat diet, but could not be annotated. The obtained results indicate that a high-starch diet, compared to a high-fat diet, may promote lipid metabolism, anti-oxidative effects, protein biosynthesis and catabolism, mucosal barrier function, and immunomodulation in healthy lean dogs.

Betaine hydrochloride addition in Bama mini-pig's diets during gestation and lactation enhances immunity and alters intestine microbiota of suckling piglets

BACKGROUND

Maternal nutrition during gestation and lactation is essential for offspring's health. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of betaine hydrochloride addition to sow diets during gestation and lactation on suckling piglet's immunity and intestine microbiota composition. Forty Bama mini-pigs were randomly allocated into two groups and fed a basal diet (control group) and a basal diet supplemented with 3.50 kg ton^-1 betaine hydrochloride (betaine group) from day 3 after mating to day 21 of lactation. After 21 days of the delivery, 12 suckling piglets from each group with similar body weight were selected for sample collection.

RESULTS

The results showed that maternal betaine hydrochloride addition decreased (P < 0.05) the plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α in suckling piglets. Furthermore, dietary betaine hydrochloride addition in sow diets increased (P < 0.05) the villus height (VH) and VH to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum and ileum of suckling piglets. In the piglets' intestinal microbiota community, the relative abundances of Roseburia (P < 0.05) and Clostridium (P = 0.059) were lower in the betaine group compared to those in the control group. Moreover, betaine hydrochloride addition in sow diets decreased the colonic tyramine (P = 0.091) and skatole (P = 0.070) concentrations in suckling piglets.

CONCLUSION

Betaine hydrochloride addition in sow diets enhanced the intestinal morphology, improved immunity, and altered intestinal microbiota of suckling piglets. These findings indicated that betaine hydrochloride addition in sow diets during gestation and lactation will impact suckling piglets' health. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Maternal Supply of Ruminally-Protected Lysine and Methionine During Close-Up Period Enhances Immunity and Growth Rate of Neonatal Calves

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplying ruminally-protected lysine (RPL), methionine (RPM), or the two in combination (RPML) to transition dairy cows on the immunity and performance of their offspring. Eighty heifer calves (n = 20 calves per group) were assigned to four treatments based on their dam diet; basal diet (CON), a basal diet with lysine [RPL, 0.33% of dry matter (DM)], a basal diet with methionine (RPM, 0.16% DM), or with the combination (RPML). Calves were fed colostrum from their dams within 2 h of birth. Calves were then fed milk only (d 2-22), a combination of milk and milk replacer (d 23-25), and milk replacer (d 25-60). Starter feed was fed to the calves twice daily after liquid feeding. Calves blood samples were collected after calving on 0, 12, 24, and 48 h and 5 and 7 d after birth. Data were analyzed by SAS software v9.4. Providing ruminally-protected amino acids (RPAA) to transition cows improved colostrum quality compared to the CON (Brix; P < 0.01). Serum total protein concentrations were higher in calves from supplemented cows than in calves from unsupplemented cows (P < 0.01). Calves born to dams in the RPM, RPL, and RPML groups had higher plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations 0, 12, 24, and 48 h and 7 d after birth than those born to dams in the CON group (P < 0.05). The percentage of calves with adequate passive immunity transfer was increased with RPM and RPL or the two in combination (P < 0.01). However, there was no difference in the percentage of calves with adequate passive immunity transfer between the RPM and RPL groups (P = 0.21). Calves from cows that receive supplemental RPAA have a greater average daily gain (ADG) than those born to cows in the CON group (P < 0.01). These results indicate that maternal supplementation with RPM or RPL or the two in combination during the periparturient period could be an alternative strategy to improve the performance of calves, especially in accelerated growth programs in calves.

Low-protein diets supplemented with methionine and lysine alter the gut microbiota composition and improve the immune status of growing lambs

Feeding low-protein (LP) diets with essential amino acids could be an effective strategy for ruminants from economic, health and environmental perspectives. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of rumen-protected methionine and lysine (RML) in the LP diet on growth performance, innate immunity, and gut health of growing lambs. After 15 days of adaption, sixty-three male Hulunbuir lambs aged approximately 4 months were allotted to three dietary groups and each group had three pens with seven lambs for 60 days. The dietary treatments were as follows: a normal protein diet (14.5% CP, positive control; NP), LP diet (12.5% CP, negative control; LP), and LP diet with RML (12.5% CP, LP + RML). Lambs fed with LP + RML diet showed improved villus architecture and gut barrier function than those fed with the other two diets. The mRNA expressions of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, toll-like receptor-4, and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 were downregulated in most regions of the intestinal segments by feeding the LP + RML diet. Compared with the NP diet, feeding lambs with the LP diet increased the abundance of Candidatus_Saccharimonas in all regions of the intestinal tract and reversed by feeding the LP + RML diet. Lambs in the LP + RML diet group had lower abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-009 and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 than those in the LP diet group. The results showed that supplementing RML in the LP diet exhibited beneficial effects on host immune function, intestinal mucosal integrity, and microbiota composition. KEY POINTS: • Adding methionine and lysine in a low-protein diet improve the intestinal mucosal growth and integrity. • Feeding a low-protein diet with methionine and lysine enhance the innate immune status. • Adding methionine and lysine in a low-protein diet alter the intestinal microbiota composition.

Effect of gestation dietary methionine-to-lysine ratio on methionine metabolism and antioxidant ability of high-prolific sows

The uptake and metabolism of methionine (Met) are critical for epigenetic regulation, redox homeostasis, and embryo development. Our previous study showed that appropriate supplementation of dietary Met promoted the birth weight and placental angiogenesis of high-prolific sows. To further explore the metabolic effect of Met on pregnant sows, we have evaluated the influence of dietary Met level on Met metabolism, and the relationship between metabolites of Met and reproductive performance, antioxidant ability, and placental angiogenesis throughout the gestation of high-prolific sows. Sixty sows (the 3rd parity, Large White) were randomly divided into 5 groups that were fed diets with standardized ileal digestible (SID) methionine-to-lysine (Met:Lys) ratios of 0.27 (control), 0.32, 0.37, 0.42, and 0.47 from the mating day (gestational d 0, G0d) until the farrowing day. HPLC-MS/MS analysis was used to simultaneously evaluate the metabolites related to Met, e.g. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), homocysteine (Hcy), cysteine (Cys), and glutathione (GSH). The concentration of SAM and SAH in plasma had significant fluctuations, especially in late pregnancy. Increasing dietary Met supplementation significantly improved the plasma SAM and methylation potential (SAM-to-SAH ratio) at d 114 of pregnancy (G114d). Moreover, a positive association of the plasma SAM concentration at G114d was observed with the litter weight of born alive (P < 0.05; R 2 = 0.58). Furthermore, Hcy concentration in plasma was at the lowest level for 0.37 ratio group at G114d. However, it significantly increased during late pregnancy. Moreover, there were negative correlations between plasma Hcy concentration at G114d (P < 0.05) and the placental vascular density in the fold and stroma (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) in the placenta tissue of 0.37 ratio group increased significantly (P < 0.05). Collectively, these findings indicate that dietary Met:Lys ratio (0.37 to 0.57) in the pregnant diet dose not influence the antioxidant ability of the high-prolific sows; however, the improvement of fetal development and placental angiogenesis of high-prolific sows by supplementation of Met are closely associated to the key Met-related metabolite of SAM and Hcy, respectively.

Genome-wide association studies reveals polygenic genetic architecture of litter traits in Duroc pigs

With continuous improvement of sow litter size, breeders are gradually paying more attention to the quality of litter traits that directly impact the production efficiency of pig companies, such as the rate of piglets born alive (RBA) and the rate of healthy births (RHB). The objectives of this study are to dissect the genetic basis of litter traits in pig and to identify valuable genes and genetic markers, especially pleiotropic, for pig breeding. Herein, 1140 Duroc pigs and 2046 reproduction records, 5 litter traits, including the number of healthy births (NHB), number of deformed fetuses (NDF), number of stillborn (NSB), RBA, and RHB, were used in this study. Subsequently, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed for the five litter traits in the first two parities from two Duroc populations. A total of 76 significantly related SNPs and 10 potential candidate genes (CAV1, DAB2, FGF12, FHOD3, DYNC2H1, GRHL1, TCTN3, PYROXD2, MMP8, MMP13, and PGR) were detected, including 13 pleiotropic SNPs that affected more than one litter trait. Finally, the functional enrichment analysis of functional genes that were closest to these significant SNPs indicated that most of the significant pathways were associated with hormone secretion and embryo and organ development. This study advances our understanding of the genetic mechanisms of litter traits, especially the survival rate of piglets born, and provides an opportunity to increase the quality of litter using marker-assisted selection or genomic selection in pigs.

How Does Protein Nutrition Affect the Epigenetic Changes in Pig? A Review

Simple Summary

Epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene expression and depend of nutrition. In farm animals, and concretely, in pigs, some papers on protein nutrition have been realized to improve several productive traits. Changes in protein diet influence on epigenetic mechanisms that could affect productive and reproductive traits in individuals and their offspring. The purpose of this review was to update the current knowledge about the effects of these nutritional changes on epigenetic mechanisms in pigs.

Abstract

Epigenetic changes regulate gene expression and depend of external factors, such as environment and nutrition. In pigs, several studies on protein nutrition have been performed to improve productive and reproductive traits. Indeed, these studies aimed not only to determine broad protein requirements but also pigs’ essential amino acids requirements. Moreover, recent studies tried to determine these nutritional requirements for each individual, which is known as protein precision nutrition. However, nutritional changes could affect different epigenetic mechanisms, modifying metabolic pathways both in a given individual and its offspring. Modifications in protein nutrition, such as change in the amino acid profile, increase or decrease in protein levels, or the addition of metabolites that condition protein requirements, could affect the regulation of some genes, such as myostatin, insulin growth factor, or genes controlling cholesterol and glucose metabolism pathways. This review summarizes the impact of most common protein nutritional strategies on epigenetic changes and describes their effects on regulation of gene expression in pigs. In a context where animal nutrition is shifting towards precision protein nutrition (PPN), further studies evaluating the effects of PPN on animal epigenetic are necessary.

Effects of Maternal Fiber Intake on Intestinal Morphology, Bacterial Profile and Proteome of Newborns Using Pig as Model

Dietary fiber intake during pregnancy may improve offspring intestinal development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of maternal high fiber intake during late gestation on intestinal morphology, microbiota, and intestinal proteome of newborn piglets. Sixteen sows were randomly allocated into two groups receiving the control diet (CD) and high-fiber diet (HFD) from day 90 of gestation to farrowing. Newborn piglets were selected from each litter, named as CON and Fiber group, respectively. Maternal high fiber intake did not markedly improve the birth weight, but increased the body length, the ileal crypt depth and colonic acetate level. In addition, maternal high fiber intake increased the -diversity indices (Observed species, Simpson, and ACE), and the abundance of Acidobacteria and Bacteroidetes at phylum level, significantly increased the abundance of Bradyrhizobium and Phyllobacterium at genus level in the colon of newborn piglets. Moreover, maternal high fiber intake markedly altered the ileal proteome, increasing the abundances of proteins associated with oxidative status, energy metabolism, and immune and inflammatory responses, and decreasing abundances of proteins related to cellular apoptosis, cell structure, and motility. These findings indicated that maternal high fiber intake could alter intestinal morphology, along with the altered intestinal microbiota composition and proteome of offspring.

Opportunities of prebiotics for the intestinal health of monogastric animals

The goal of prebiotic applications from different sources is to improve the gut ecosystem where the host and microbiota can benefit from prebiotics. It has already been recognized that prebiotics have potential roles in the gut ecosystem because gut microbiota ferment complex dietary macronutrients and carry out a broad range of functions in the host body, such as the production of nutrients and vitamins, protection against pathogens, and maintenance of immune system balance. The gut ecosystem is very crucial and can be affected by numerous factors consisting of dietary constituents and commensal bacteria. This review focuses on recent scientific evidence, confirming a beneficial effect of prebiotics on animal health, particularly in terms of protection against pathogenic bacteria and increasing the number of beneficial bacteria that may improve epithelial cell barrier functions. It has also been reviewed that modification of the gut ecosystem through the utilization of prebiotics significantly affects the intestinal health of animals. However, the identification and characterization of novel potential prebiotics remain a topical issue and elucidation of the metagenomics relationship between gut microbiota alteration and prebiotic substances is necessary for future prebiotic studies.

Perspective: Methionine Restriction-Induced Longevity-A Possible Role for Inhibiting the Synthesis of Bacterial Quorum Sensing Molecules

Methionine restriction (MR) extends lifespans in multiple species through mechanisms that include enhanced oxidative stress resistance and inhibition of insulin/insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) signaling. Methionine and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) are the essential precursors of bacterial quorum sensing (QS) molecules, and therefore, MR might also affect bacterial communication to prevent enteric bacterial infection as well as chronic inflammation, which contributes to lifespan prolongation. Here, we discuss the influence of MR on oxidative stress resistance and inhibition of insulin/IGF-I cell signaling and further propose a potential mechanism involving bacterial QS inhibition for lifespan extension. Unraveling the connection between MR and inhibition of QS provides new strategies for combating infectious diseases, resulting in enriched understanding of MR-induced lifespan extension.

Sulfur-containing amino acid supplementation to gilts from late pregnancy to lactation altered offspring's intestinal microbiota and plasma metabolites

Maternal nutrition during late pregnancy and lactation is highly involved with the offspring's health status. The study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different ratios of methionine and cysteine (Met/Cys: 46% Met, 51% Met, 56% Met, and 62% Met; maintained with 0.78% of total sulfur-containing amino acids; details in "Materials and methods") supplements in the sows' diet from late pregnancy to lactation on offspring's plasma metabolomics and intestinal microbiota. The results revealed that the level of serum albumin, calcium, iron, and magnesium was increased in the 51% Met group compared with the 46% Met, 56% Met, and 62% Met groups. Plasma metabolomics results indicated that the higher ratios of methionine and cysteine (0.51% Met, 0.56% Met, and 0.62% Met)-supplemented groups enriched the level of hippuric acid, retinoic acid, riboflavin, and δ-tocopherol than in the 46% Met group. Furthermore, the 51% Met-supplemented group had a higher relative abundance of Firmicutes compared with the other three groups (P < 0.05), while the 62% Met-supplemented group increased the abundance of Proteobacteria compared with the other three groups (P < 0.05) in piglets' intestine. These results indicated that a diet consisting with 51% Met is the optimum Met/Cys ratio from late pregnancy to lactation can maintain the offspring's health by improving the serum biochemical indicators and altering the plasma metabolomics profile and intestinal gut microbiota composition, but higher proportion of Met/Cys may increase the possible risk to offspring's health.

Increased Consumption of Sulfur Amino Acids by Both Sows and Piglets Enhances the Ability of the Progeny to Adverse Effects Induced by Lipopolysaccharide

Simple Summary

Our results suggest that maternal consumption of total sulfur amino acids exceeding the NRC 2012 recommendations by 25% during late gestation and lactation benefits sow productivity and piglet neonatal performance. Moreover, increased consumption of sulfur amino acids by both sows and post-weaned piglets improved their ability to counteract the adverse effects by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. In addition, OH-Met showed a better response than DL-Met in both neonatal and weaned piglets. Taken together, our findings indicate that it might be necessary to update the recommendations for sulfur amino acids for gestating and lactating sows. Attention should also be given to sulfur amino acids supply during an inflammatory challenge as often encountered by piglets early in life.

Abstract

This study determined the effects of increased consumption of sulfur amino acids (SAA), as either DL-Met or Hydroxy-Met (OH-Met), by sows and piglets on their performance and the ability of the progeny to resist a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Thirty primiparous sows were fed a diet adequate in SAA (CON) or CON + 25% SAA, either as DL-Met or OH-Met from gestation day 85 to postnatal day 21. At 35 d old, 20 male piglets from each treatment were selected and divided into 2 groups (n = 10/treatment) for a 3 × 2 factorial design [diets (CON, DL-Met or OH-Met) and challenge (saline or LPS)]. OH-Met and/or DL-Met supplementation increased (p ≤ 0.05) piglets’ body weight gain during day 0–7 and day 7–14. Sow’s milk quality was improved in the supplemented treatments compared to the CON. The LPS challenge decreased (p ≤ 0.05) piglets’ performance from 35 to 63 d and increased (p ≤ 0.05) the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-a, and malondialdehyde. Plasma albumin, total protein, total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase decreased post-challenge. The results were better with OH-Met than DL-Met. The increase of Met consumption, particularly as OH-Met increased piglets’ growth performance during the lactation phase and the challenging period.

Supply of Methionine During Late-Pregnancy Alters Fecal Microbiota and Metabolome in Neonatal Dairy Calves Without Changes in Daily Feed Intake

To our knowledge, most studies demonstrating the role of manipulating maternal nutrition on hindgut (i.e., large intestine) microbiota in the offspring have been performed in non-ruminants. Whether this phenomenon exists in cattle is largely unknown. Therefore, the objectives of the current study were to evaluate the impact of maternal post-ruminal supply of methionine during late-pregnancy in dairy cows on fecal microbiota and metabolome in neonatal calves, and their association with body development and growth performance during the preweaning period. To achieve this, heifer calves, i.e., neonatal female offspring, born to Holstein cows receiving either a control (CON) diet (n = 13) or CON plus rumen-protected methionine (MET; Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH) during the last 28 days of pregnancy were used. Fecal samples from heifers were collected from birth until 6 weeks of age, i.e., the preweaning period. Fecal microbiota was analyzed with QIIME 2 whereas fecal metabolites were measured using an untargeted LC-MS approach. At birth, MET heifers had greater (P ≤ 0.05) BW, HH, and WH. During the preweaning period, no differences between groups were detected for starter intake (P = 0.77). However, MET heifers maintained greater (P ≤ 0.05) BW, HH and tended (P = 0.06) to have greater WH and average daily gain (ADG) (P = 0.10). Fecal microbiota and metabolome profiles through 42 days of age in MET heifers indicated greater capacity for hindgut production of endogenous antibiotics and enhanced hindgut functionality and health. Enhancing maternal post-ruminal supply of methionine during late-gestation in dairy cows has a positive effect on hindgut functionality and health in their offspring through alterations in the fecal microbiota and metabolome without affecting feed intake. Those alterations could limit pathogen colonization of the hindgut while providing essential nutrients to the neonate. Together, such responses contribute to the ability of young calves to achieve better rates of nutrient utilization for growth.

Egg Protein Transferrin-Derived Peptides IRW and IQW Regulate Citrobacter rodentium-Induced, Inflammation-Related Microbial and Metabolomic Profiles

Bioactive peptides that target the gastrointestinal tract can strongly affect the health of animals and humans. This study aimed to evaluate the abilities of two peptides derived from egg albumin transferrin, IRW and IQW, to treat enteritis in a mouse model of Citrobacter rodentium-induced colitis by evaluating serum metabolomics and gut microbes. Forty-eight mice were randomly assigned to six groups: basal diet (CTRL), intragastric administration Citrobacter rodentium (CR), basal diet with 0.03%IRW (IRW), CR with 0.03% IRW (IRW+CR), basal diet with 0.03%IQW (IQW) and CR with 0.03% IQW (IQW+CR). CR administration began on day 10 and continued for 7 days. After 14 days of IRW and IQW treatment, serum was collected and subjected to a metabolomics analysis. The length and weight of each colon were measured, and the colon contents were collected for 16srRNA sequencing. The colons were significantly longer in the CR group, compared to the CTRL group. A serum metabolomics analysis revealed no significant difference in microbial diversity between the six groups. Compared with the CTRL group, the proportions of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria species decreased significantly and the proportions of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria species increased in the CR group. There were no significant differences between the CTRL and other groups. The serum metabolomics analysis revealed that Infected by CR increased the levels of oxalic acid, homogentisic acid and prostaglandin but decreased the levels of L-glutamine, L-acetyl carnitine, 1-methylhistidine and gentisic acid. Therefore, treatment with IRW and IQW was shown to regulate the intestinal microorganisms associated with colonic inflammation and serum metabolite levels, thus improving intestinal health.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Probiotics on Cytokine Profiles

Probiotics confer immunological protection to the host through the regulation, stimulation, and modulation of immune responses. Researchers have shifted their attention to better understand the immunomodulatory effects of probiotics, which have the potential to prevent or alleviate certain pathologies for which proper medical treatment is as yet unavailable. It has been scientifically established that immune cells (T- and B-cells) mediate adaptive immunity and confer immunological protection by developing pathogen-specific memory. However, this review is intended to present the recent studies on immunomodulatory effects of probiotics. In the early section of this review, concepts of probiotics and common probiotic strains are focused on. On a priority basis, the immune system, along with mucosal immunity in the human body, is discussed in this study. It has been summarized that a number of species of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium exert vital roles in innate immunity by increasing the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells and phagocytosis of macrophages and mediate adaptive immunity by interacting with enterocytes and dendritic, Th1, Th2, and Treg cells. Finally, immunomodulatory effects of probiotics on proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine production in different animal models have been extensively reviewed in this paper. Therefore, isolating new probiotic strains and investigating their immunomodulatory effects on cytokine profiles in humans remain a topical issue.