Evaluation of dietary supplementation of Ascophyllum nodosum and Lithothamnium calcareum as functional algae in F4+ Escherichia coli challenged piglets

Introduction

Despite progress in reducing antimicrobial use in the veterinary field, it is crucial to find alternatives to preserve effectiveness and limit antimicrobial resistance. In pig farming, pathogenic strains of E. coli are the main cause of gastrointestinal disorders and antibiotic use. In this field, algae represent an innovation in animal nutrition that aligns with livestock sustainability principles and provide a high content of functional molecules.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an innovative dietary combination of Ascophyllum nodosum and Lithothamnium calcareum, on growth, duodenum gene expression, jejunum intestinal morphology, and serum oxidative status in F4+ Escherichia coli challenged piglets.

Materials and methods

Forty-eight weaned pigs, aged 28 ± 2 days, were divided into two groups (n = 24 pigs/group): the control group was fed a commercial diet (CTRL), while the seaweeds group was fed a commercial diet supplemented with 1.5% A. nodosum and 0.5% L. calcareum for 27 days (ALGAE). After 13 days, 50% of animals in each group were challenged with a single dose of 108 CFU/dose of E. coli F4+, resulting in two infected groups (CTRL+ and ALGAE+, n = 12 pigs/group). Growth performance was assessed by measuring the individual body weight. At day 27, from six animals/group duodenum and jejunum sections were sampled for gene expression analysis via qRT-PCR and histological evaluation.

Results and discussion

The results indicated a significantly higher body weight in the ALGAE+ group compared to CTRL+ after 7 days post-challenge (p < 0.0001). Jejunum morphology revealed lower villus height, villus width and villus height/crypt depth ratio in CTRL+ compared to ALGAE+ (p < 0.05) suggesting a protective effect of seaweeds on gut health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, algae mixture exerted a protective effect against intestinal damage from E. coli F4+ infection proposing A. nodosum and L. calcareum supplementation as interesting strategy to support animal growth, enhance health and reduce antibiotic treatments in weaned piglets.

A blend of bacillus-fermented soybean meal, functional amino acids, and nucleotides improves nutrient digestibility, bolsters immune response, reduces diarrhea, and enhances growth performance in weaned piglets

This study investigated the effects of a blend of bacillus-fermented soybean meal, functional amino acids, and nucleotides (Functional protein blend-FP Blend) as a replacement for animal protein sources in a weaner pig diet without antibiotic growth promoters on nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, intestinal morphology, diarrhea incidence, and growth performance. A total of 288 crossbred weaned piglets [♂ Duroc x ♀ (Yorkshire × Landrace)] with an average body weight (BW) of 6.89 ± 0.71 kg were randomly allocated to 6 groups based on initial BW and sex (8 replicate pens per treatment; 3 gilts and 3 barrows/pen). The experiment lasted for 5 wk. Dietary treatments included PC [standard diet with 3% fish meal (FM) and 2% plasma protein (PP)], NC (nonanimal protein, AP), T1 (3% FM replaced with 5% FP Blend), T2 (3% FM and 1% PP replaced with 5% FP Blend), T3 (2% PP replaced with 5% FP Blend), and T4 (3% FM and 2% PP replaced with 5% FP Blend). Data were analyzed using Minitab version 17 software. Key results indicated that FP Blend improved the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) coefficient of dry matter, gross energy, lysine, and valine in T4 compared with NC treatment (P < 0.05), whereas AID coefficient of crude protein and other amino acids remained constant (P > 0.05). Compared with NC diet, the weaned pigs fed T4 diet reduced malondialdehyde, serum IL8, TNF-α, and increased IgG (P < 0.05), while showing no effect on serum IL6, IL10, white blood cells, IgA, and endotoxin (P > 0.05). Furthermore, FP blend significantly increased villus height in the duodenum and ileum in T4 compared with NC (P < 0.05). The average daily gain (ADG) was highest in T4 (502.73 g/d), followed by T1 (477.96 g/d) and T2 (475.85 g/d), compared with PC (450.86 g/d) and NC (439.79 g/d). T4's ADG significantly differed from PC and NC (P < 0.001), whereas no significant differences were observed in T1, T2, and T3 (P > 0.05). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly lower in T4 (1.45) compared with PC (1.57) and NC (1.59) (P < 0.001), with no significant differences among other groups. In conclusion, FP Blend demonstrated efficacy in improving nutrient digestibility, optimizing intestinal morphology, bolstering immune responses, reducing diarrhea incidence, alleviating the adverse effects of weaning stress, and enhancing growth performance of weaned piglets.

Microalgae-Sustainable Source for Alternative Proteins and Functional Ingredients Promoting Gut and Liver Health

Dietary proteins derived from animal sources, although containing well-balanced profiles of essential amino acids, have considerable environmental and adverse health effects associated with the intake of some animal protein-based products. Consuming foods based on animal proteins carries a higher risk of developing non-communicable diseases such as cancer, heart disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Moreover, dietary protein consumption is increasing due to population growth, posing a supply challenge. There is, therefore, growing interest in discovering novel alternative protein sources. In this context, microalgae have been recognized as strategic crops that can provide a sustainable source of protein. Compared to conventional high-protein crops, using microalgal biomass for protein production presents several advantages in food and feed in terms of productivity, sustainability, and nutritional value. Moreover, microalgae positively impact the environment by not exploiting land or causing water pollution. Many studies have revealed the potential of microalgae as an alternative protein source with the added value of positive effects on human health due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. The main emphasis of this review is on the potential health-promoting applications of microalgae-based proteins, peptides, and bioactive substances for IBD and NAFLD.

Effects of different dietary protein levels on intestinal aquaporins in weaned piglets

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between changes in intestinal aquaporins (AQPs) in piglets fed diets with different protein levels and nutritional diarrhoea in piglets. Briefly, 96 weaned piglets were randomly divided into four groups fed diets with crude protein (CP) levels of 18%, 20%, 22% and 24%. The small intestines and colons of the weaned piglets were collected, and several experiments were conducted. In the small intestine, AQP4 protein expression was higher in weaned piglets fed the higher-CP diets (22% and 24% CP) than in those fed the 20% CP diet except at 72 h (p < 0.01). At 72 h, the AQP4 protein expression in the small intestine was lower in the 18% group than in the other three groups (p < 0.01). Under 20% CP feeding, AQP2, AQP4 and AQP9 protein expression in the colons of piglets peaked at certain time points. The AQP2 and AQP4 mRNA levels in the colon and the AQP4 and AQP4 mRNA levels in the distal colon were approximately consistent with the protein expression levels. However, the AQP9 mRNA content in the colon was highest in the 18% group, and the AQP2 mRNA content in the distal colon was significantly higher in the 24% group than in the 20% group. AQP2 and AQP4 were expressed mainly around columnar cells in the upper part of the smooth colonic intestinal villi, and AQP9 was expressed mainly on columnar cells and goblet cells in the colonic mucosa. In conclusion, 20% CP is beneficial to the normal expression of AQP4 in the small intestine, AQP2, AQP4 and AQP9 in the colon of weaned piglets, which in turn maintains the balance of intestinal water absorption and secretion in piglets.

Maternal and/or direct supplementation with a combination of a casein hydrolysate and yeast β-glucan on post-weaning performance and intestinal health in the pig

A 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of maternal supplementation from day 83 of gestation and/or direct supplementation from weaning of a bovine casein hydrolysate plus a yeast β-glucan (CH-YBG) on pig performance and intestinal health on day ten post-weaning. Twenty cross bred gilts (Large White × Landrace) were randomly assigned to one of two dietary groups (n = 10 gilts/group): basal diet (basal sows) and basal diet supplemented with CH-YBG (supplemented sows) from day 83 of gestation until weaning (2g/sow/day). At weaning, 120 pigs (6 pigs/sow) were selected. The two dam groups were further divided, resulting in four experimental groups (10 replicates/group; 3 pigs/pen) as follows: 1) BB (basal sows + basal pigs); 2) BS (basal sows + supplemented pigs); 3) SB (supplemented sows + basal pigs); 4) SS (supplemented sows + supplemented pigs). Supplemented pigs were offered 0.5g CH-YBG/kg of feed for 10 days post-weaning. On day 10 post-weaning, 1 pig/pen was humanely sacrificed and samples were taken from the gastrointestinal tract for analysis. Pigs weaned from supplemented sows (SS, SB) had reduced faecal scores and incidence of diarrhoea (P<0.05) compared to pigs weaned from basal sows (BB, BS), with SS pigs not displaying the transient rise in faecal scores seen in the other three groups from day 3 to day 10 post-weaning (P<0.05). Pigs weaned from supplemented sows had reduced feed intake (P<0.05), improved feed efficiency (P<0.05), increased butyrate concentrations (P<0.05), increased abundance of Lactobacillus (P<0.05) and decreased abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and Campylobacteraceae (P<0.05) compared to pigs weaned from basal sows. In conclusion, maternal supplementation increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and decreased the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and Campylobacteraceae while also increasing butyrate concentrations. The combination of maternal and direct supplementation led to pigs having the lowest faecal scores compared to all other groups.

Selenium-Enriched Mushroom Powder Enhances Intestinal Health and Growth Performance in the Absence of Zinc Oxide in Post-Weaned Pig Diets

This study was conducted to examine the effects of varying selenium (Se) inclusion levels, in the form of Se-enriched mushroom powder (SeMP) and selenite, on post-weaning growth performance (Period 1; day 1−21), intestinal health and antioxidant capacity (Period 2; day 21−39). Weaned pigs were blocked according to live weight, sex and litter of origin and randomly assigned to the following experimental groups: basal (basal + selenite (0.3 ppm Se)); ZnO (basal + ZnO + selenite (0.3 ppm Se)); 0.15 SeMP (basal + SeMP (0.15 ppm Se)); 0.3 SeMP (basal + SeMP (0.3 ppm Se)) and 0.6 SeMP/Sel (basal + SeMP (0.3 ppm Se) + selenite (Sel) (0.3 ppm Se)) with eight replicates/experimental group. After 21 days, the ZnO experimental group was removed from the experiment and the remaining pigs continued on their respective diet until day 39 post-weaning (Period 2). In Period 1, 0.15 SeMP supplementation reduced (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and day 21 body weight, and increased (p < 0.05) faecal scores compared to the ZnO group. Supplementation with 0.3 SeMP and 0.6 SeMP/Sel during Period 1 resulted in similar (p > 0.05) ADG, ADFI, gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) and body weight compared to the ZnO group. However, 0.6 SeMP/Sel supplementation increased (p < 0.05) faecal scores compared to the ZnO group. In Period 2, 0.6 SeMP/Sel increased (p < 0.05) ADG, feed efficiency and day 39 body weight compared to the basal group. Supplementation with Se-enriched mushroom powder, at all inclusion levels, increased (p < 0.05) the abundance of Prevotellaceae and Prevotella, decreased (p < 0.05) the abundance of Sporobacter and increased (p < 0.05) the expression of SELENOP in the jejunum compared to the basal group. Lactobacillaceae and Lactobacillus was increased (p < 0.05) in 0.15 SeMP and 0.3 SeMP pigs compared to the basal group. Selenium deposition in muscle and liver tissue increased (p < 0.001) as a function of inclusion level while pigs supplemented with 0.3 ppm organic Se (0.3 SeMP) had an increase (p < 0.05) in total Se in the muscle compared to pigs supplemented with 0.3 ppm inorganic Se (basal). In conclusion, 0.3 SeMP supplementation led to positive effects on faecal scores and had similar pig performance compared to ZnO in Period 1, while the addition of 0.3 ppm selenite to 0.3 SeMP (0.6 SeMP/Sel) in Period 2 led to enhanced pig performance and aspects of gastrointestinal health.

Effects of Replacing Medical Zinc Oxide with Different Ratios of Inorganic: Organic Zinc or Reducing Crude Protein Diet with Mixed Feed Additives in Weaned Piglet Diets

One hundred twenty weaned piglets (9.34 ± 0.74 kg) were used in a four-week experiment to investigate the effects of replacing medical ZnO with a different ratio of inorganic and organic zinc (IZ:OZ) or a low-crude-protein diet (LP) with mixed feed additives (MFAs) in the weaned piglets' diet. The dietary treatments included a control (CON), T1 (T1; ZnO 1000 mg/kg), T2 (IZ:OZ 850:150), T3 (IZ:OZ 700:300), T4 (IZ:OZ, 500:500), and T5 (LP with MFAs (0.1% essential oils + 0.08% protease + 0.02% xylanase)). The growth performance was decreased (p < 0.05) in the CON treatment compared with the T4 treatment. The diarrhea incidence was decreased (p < 0.05) in the T4 and the T5 treatment compared with the CON and the T1 treatments. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients were increased (p < 0.05) in the T4 and T5 treatments compared with the CON, T1, and T2 treatments. The T4 treatment had a higher (p < 0.05) ATTD of zinc than the T1, T2, and T3 treatments. The fecal microflora was improved (p < 0.05) in the T5 treatment compared with the CON and T3 treatments. In conclusion, IZ:OZ 500:500 could improve growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and zinc utilization while reducing diarrhea incidence in weaned piglets. Moreover, LP with MFA could replace medical ZnO.

Effects of different inorganic:organic zinc ratios or combination of low crude protein diet and feed additives in weaned piglet diets

Thirty-six weaned piglets with an initial body weight (BW) of 8.43 ± 0.40 kg (28 days of age, ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) were randomly assigned to 6 treatments for a 2-week feeding trial to determine the effects of different inorganic zinc (IZ), organic zinc (OZ) or combination of low crude protein diet (LP) and Mixed feed additive (MFA) on diarrhea score, nutrient digestibility, zinc utilization, blood profiles, organ weight, and fecal microflora in weaned piglet diet. The pigs were individually placed in 45 × 55 × 45 cm stainless steel metabolism cages in an environmentally controlled room (30 ± 1°C). The dietary treatments included a negative control (NC), positive control (PC; zinc oxide, 1,000 mg/kg), T1 (IZ : OZ, 850 : 150), T2 (IZ : OZ 700 : 300), T3 (IZ : OZ, 500 : 500), and T4 (LP + MFA [0.1% Essential oils + 0.08% Protease + 0.02% Xylanase]). The daily feed allowance was adjusted to 2.7 times the maintenance requirement for digestible energy (2.7 × 110 kcal of DE/kg BW^0.75). This allowance was divided into two equal parts, and the piglets were fed at 08 : 30 and 17 : 30 each day. Water was provided ad libitum through a drinking nipple. The diarrhea score was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in NC treatment compared with other treatments. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and gross energy (GE) was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the T2 treatment compared with the PC and NC treatments in week 1. In week 2, the ATTD of DM, N, and GE was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the NC treatment compared with other treatments. The T3 treatment had significantly higher (p < 0.05) ATTD and apparent ileal digestibility of zinc than the PC and T1 treatments. The Escherichia coli count in feces was significantly decreased in the T4 treatment compared with the NC and T2 treatments. The Lactobacillus count in feces was significantly increased in the T4 and T1 treatment compared with the T2 and T3 treatments. In conclusion, IZ : OZ 500 : 500 levels could improve nutrient digestibility and zinc utilization in weaned piglets, Moreover, MFA in LP diets could be used as a zinc alternative.

The effects of mushroom powder and vitamin D2 -enriched mushroom powder supplementation on the growth performance and health of newly weaned pigs

A complete randomised block design experiment was conducted to examine the effects of mushroom powder (MP) and vitamin D₂ -enriched mushroom powder (MPD₂ ) on growth performance, faecal scores, coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD) of nutrients and selected microflora in weaned pigs up to day 35 post-weaning. One hundred and ninety-two weaned pigs (7.8kg [SD 1.08kg]) were blocked according to live weight, sex and litter of origin and randomly assigned to the following: (T1) control diet; (T2) control diet +MP; (T3) control diet + MPD₂ ; and (T4) control diet +zinc oxide (ZnO) (n = 12 replicates/treatment). Mushroom powders were included at 2 g/kg of feed achieving a β-glucan content of 200ppm. ZnO was included at 3100 mg/kg feed and halved to 1550 mg/kg after 21 days. Vitamin D content was enhanced in MPD₂ using synthetic UVB exposure to obtain a vitamin D₂ level of 100 µg/kg of feed. Faecal samples were collected on day 14 for microbial and nutrient digestibility analysis. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in ADG, G:F, faecal scores, microbial populations and CATTD of nutrients in pigs supplemented with MP or MPD₂ compared with the control diet. The supplementation of MP and MPD₂ caused a reduction (p < 0.05) in feed intake compared with the control and ZnO diet throughout the 35-day experimental period. ZnO supplementation increased ADG and ADFI (p < 0.05) during the first period (D0-21) compared with pigs offered MP and MPD₂ . In conclusion, MP and MPD₂ supplementation resulted in similar ADG, G:F, faecal scores compared with the control but were not comparable to ZnO, mainly due to a reduction in feed intake.

Source of fiber influences growth, immune responses, gut barrier function and microbiota in weaned piglets fed antibiotic-free diets

This study examined the impacts of different fiber sources on growth, immune status and gut health in weaned piglets fed antibiotic-free diets. Sixty piglets (BW = 8.18 ± 1.35 kg) were assigned to 3 dietary treatments based on BW and gender in a randomized complete block design (5 replicates/treatment and 4 piglets [2 barrows and 2 gilts]/replicate): (1) an antibiotic-free diet (control, CON); (2) CON + 6% wheat bran (WB); (3) CON + 4% sugar beet pulp (SBP). Dietary WB supplementation tended to increase ADG compared with CON from d 1 to 14 (P = 0.051) and from d 1 to 28 (P = 0.099). Supplementation of WB increased (P < 0.05) G:F compared with CON and SBP from d 1 to 14 and from d 1 to 28. Compared with CON, the addition of WB reduced (P < 0.05) diarrhea rate from d 1 to 14 and tended (P = 0.054) to reduce diarrhea rate from d 1 to 28. The addition of WB decreased (P < 0.05) serum diamine oxidase activity on d 14, and up-regulated (P < 0.05) ileal mRNA levels of occludin on d 28 when compared with CON. Piglets fed WB showed decreased (P < 0.05) serum interleukin-6 levels compared to those fed SBP and decreased (P < 0.05) ileal interleukin-8 levels compared to those fed CON and SBP on d 28. Supplementation of WB increased (P < 0.05) serum levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG and IgM compared with SBP on d 14, and increased (P < 0.05) the levels of serum IgA and ileal sIgA compared with CON and SBP on d 28. Piglets fed WB showed an enhanced (P < 0.05) α-diversity of cecal microbiota than those fed SBP, while piglets fed SBP showed reduced (P < 0.05) α-diversity of cecal microbiota than those fed CON. Compared with CON, the addition of WB elevated (P < 0.05) the abundance of Lachnospira and cecal butyric acid level. Piglets fed WB also showed increased (P < 0.05) abundances of Lachnospira and unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae compared with those fed SBP. Collectively, the supplementation of WB to antibiotic-free diets improved performance, immune responses, gut barrier function and microbiota compared with the CON and SBP fed piglets. Therefore, supplementing weaned piglets with WB was more effective than SBP.

Effects of reducing dietary crude protein concentration and supplementation with laminarin or zinc oxide on the faecal scores and colonic microbiota in newly weaned pigs

A 2 × 3 factorial design experiment was conducted to examine the effects of reducing dietary crude protein (CP) concentration and/or supplementation with zinc oxide (ZnO) or laminarin on faecal scores (FS) and the large intestinal microbiota post-weaning (PW). One hundred and forty-four pigs were assigned to (T1) 21% standard CP diet (SCP); (T2) SCP + ZnO (SCP ZnO); (T3) SCP + laminarin (SCP LAM); (T4) 18% low CP diet (LCP); (T5) LCP + ZnO (LCP ZnO); and (T6) LCP + laminarin (LCP LAM; n = 8 replicates/treatment). The LCP diet had no effect on FS (p > .05), it increased two measures of alpha diversity, reduced Bacteroidetes and increased Enterobacteriaceae and Helicobacteraceae in the colon relative to the SCP diet (p < .05). ZnO supplementation reduced FS and increased Ruminococcaceae compared with unsupplemented pigs (p < .05). ZnO supplementation increased the genera Frisingicoccus (p < .001), Lachnoclostridium (p < .05) and Peptoclostridium (p < .05) in the colon and reduced total caecal volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations compared with the unsupplemented and laminarin-supplemented pigs. Laminarin supplementation reduced FS compared with unsupplemented pigs but had no major effect on the microbiota compared with the unsupplemented pigs. There were CP concentration × additive interactions on both Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Firmicutes were increased in the LCP ZnO group compared with the LCP group, but there was no difference between the SCP groups. Proteobacteria were reduced in the LCP ZnO group compared with the LCP and LCP LAM groups (p < .05), but there was no difference between the SCP groups. In conclusion, reducing CP did not improve FS; it increased the relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae; however, it also increased bacterial diversity. Supplementation with ZnO and laminarin improved FS, although all groups had scores within the healthy range. ZnO altered the large intestinal microbiota and VFA concentrations; however, laminarin did not enhance these parameters, suggesting these compounds have differing modes of action.

Effect of a Laminarin Rich Macroalgal Extract on the Caecal and Colonic Microbiota in the Post-Weaned Pig

Dietary supplementation with 300 ppm of a laminarin rich macroalgal extract reduces post-weaning intestinal dysfunction in pigs. A comprehensive analysis of the impact of laminarin on the intestinal microbiome during this period is essential to inform on the mode of action of this bioactivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing the diet of newly weaned pigs with 300 ppm of a laminarin rich extract, on animal performance, volatile fatty acids, and the intestinal microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Pigs fed the laminarin-supplemented diet had higher average daily feed intake, growth rate, and body weight compared to pigs fed the control diet (p < 0.05). Pigs fed the laminarin-supplemented diet had reduced abundance of OTUs assigned to Enterobacteriaceae and increased abundance of OTUs assigned to the genus Prevotella (p < 0.05) compared to pigs fed the control diet. Enterobacteriaceae had negative relationships (p < 0.05) with average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and butyric acid concentrations. In contrast, Prevotellaceae were positively correlated (p < 0.05) with ADFI, ADG, total VFA, acetic, propionic, butyric acids, and negatively correlated with isovaleric acid. Hence supplementation with a laminarin enriched extract potentially improves performance during the post-weaning period by promoting the proliferation of bacterial taxa such as Prevotella that favourably enhance nutrient digestion while reducing the load of potentially pathogenic bacterial taxa including Enterobacteriaceae.

Laminarin-rich extract improves growth performance, small intestinal morphology, gene expression of nutrient transporters and the large intestinal microbial composition of piglets during the critical post-weaning period

The identification of natural bioactive compounds which can prevent the post-weaning growth check and enhance gastrointestinal health in the absence of in-feed medications is an urgent priority for the swine industry. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of increasing dietary inclusion levels of laminarin in the first 14 d post-weaning on pig growth performance and weaning associated intestinal dysfunction. At weaning, ninety-six pigs (8·4 (sd 1·09) kg) (meatline boars × (large white × landrace sows)) were blocked by live weight, litter and sex and randomly assigned to: (1) basal diet; (2) basal + 100 parts per million (ppm) laminarin; (3) basal + 200 ppm laminarin and (4) basal + 300 ppm laminarin (three pigs/pen). The appropriate quantity of a laminarin-rich extract (65 % laminarin) was added to the basal diet to achieve the above dietary inclusion levels of laminarin. After 14 d of supplementation, eight pigs from the basal group and the best-performing laminarin group were euthanised for sample collection. The 300 ppm laminarin group was selected as this group had higher ADFI compared with all other groups and higher ADG than the basal group (P < 0·05). Laminarin supplementation increased villus height in the duodenum and jejunum (P < 0·05). Laminarin supplementation increased the expression of SLC2A8/GLUT8 in the duodenum, SLC2A2/GLUT2, SLC2A7/GLUT7, SLC15A1/PEPT1 and FABP2 in the jejunum and SLC16A1/MCT1 in the colon. Laminarin supplementation reduced Enterobacteriaceae numbers in the caecum (P < 0·05) and increased lactobacilli numbers (P < 0·05), total volatile fatty acid concentrations and the molar proportions of butyrate (P < 0·01) in the colon. In conclusion, 300 ppm laminarin from a laminarin-rich extract has potential, as a dietary supplement, to improve performance and prevent post-weaning intestinal dysfunction.

A combination of yeast beta-glucan and milk hydrolysate is a suitable alternative to zinc oxide in the race to alleviate post-weaning diarrhoea in piglets

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is currently used as a dietary supplement to support gut homeostasis during the standard ‘abrupt’ weaning practices in commercial pig production. However, a replacement is urgently required as a ban on ZnO usage is imminent. The objective of this study was to explore the potential of a bovine casein hydrolysate (5kDaR) and yeast β-glucan, and their combination, as an alternative to ZnO. Eighty 21d old male piglets received a basal diet or supplemented with 5kDaR and yeast β-glucan alone or in combination, or ZnO from the day of weaning and were monitored for 10 days (n = 8/group; dietary groups: control diet; control diet + 5kDaR; control diet + yeast β-glucan; control diet + 5kDaR + yeast β-glucan; control diet + ZnO). Individually, supplement yeast β-glucan or 5kDaR did not improve gut health. In contrast, the yeast β-glucan + 5kDaR combination supplement supported a healthy gut, indicated by healthy faecal scores and improved growth parameters; similar to ZnO inclusion (P > 0.05). There was no negative effect on the gut microbiota with yeast β-glucan + 5kDaR supplementation; while ZnO negatively affected the Bifidobacterium spp. abundance (P < 0.05). The inflammatory NFκB pathway was suppressed by yeast β-glucan + 5kDaR supplementation, similar to ZnO (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the dietary supplement yeast β-glucan + 5kDaR restored homeostasis of the newly weaned piglet gut similar to the widely used ZnO, and can potentially replace ZnO.

Feeding sows resistant starch during gestation and lactation impacts their faecal microbiota and milk composition but shows limited effects on their progeny

Background

Establishment of a beneficial microbiota profile for piglets as early in life as possible is important as it will impact their future health. In the current study, we hypothesized that resistant starch (RS) provided in the maternal diet during gestation and lactation will be fermented in their hindgut, which would favourably modify their milk and/or gut microbiota composition and that it would in turn affect piglets’ microbiota profile and their absorptive and immune abilities.

Methods

In this experiment, 33% of pea starch was used in the diet of gestating and lactating sows and compared to control sows. Their faecal microbiota and milk composition were determined and the colonic microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) production and gut health related parameters of the piglets were measured two days before weaning. In addition, their overall performances and post-weaning faecal score were also assessed.

Results

The RS diet modulated the faecal microbiota of the sows during gestation, increasing the Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio and the relative abundance of beneficial genera like Bifidobacterium but these differences disappeared during lactation and maternal diets did not impact the colonic microbiota of their progeny. Milk protein concentration decreased with RS diet and lactose concentration increased within the first weeks of lactation while decreased the week before weaning with the RS diet. No effect of the dietary treatment, on piglets’ bodyweight or diarrhoea frequency post-weaning was observed. Moreover, the intestinal morphology measured as villus height and crypt depths, and the inflammatory cytokines in the intestine of the piglets were not differentially expressed between maternal treatments. Only zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1) was more expressed in the ileum of piglets born from RS sows, suggesting a better closure of the mucosa tight junctions.

Conclusion

Changes in the microbiota transferred from mother to piglets due to the inclusion of RS in the maternal diet are rather limited even though milk composition was affected.