Effects of dietary fatty acids on gut health and function of pigs pre- and post-weaning

n-3 enriched Fish oil diet enhanced intestinal barrier integrity in broilers after Eimeria infection

Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria spp. results in substantial economic losses in the poultry industry. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids-enriched fish oil on growth performance, intestinal barrier integrity, and intestinal immune response of broilers challenged with Eimeria spp. A total of 576 fourteen-day-old broilers were randomly assigned in a completely randomized design with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, comprising 2 diets supplemented with either 5% fish oil or 5% soybean oil, and 3 Eimeria spp. infection levels: a nonchallenge control, a low dose of Eimeria challenge, and a high challenge dose. The results of the study revealed significant interactions between diet and Eimeria challenge to parameters of gut barrier integrity and feed intake. A significant interaction was observed in feed intake between 5 and 8 d postinfection (DPI), where the fish oil groups exhibited a higher amount of feed intake compared to the soybean oil diet groups after coccidiosis infection. The effects of the fish oil diet resulted in enhanced gut barrier integrity, as evidenced by a trend of decreased gastrointestinal leakage and a lower mean of small intestine lesion scores after Eimeria challenge. Additionally, significant interactions were noted between Eimeria spp. challenge and diet regarding jejunal crypt depth. The positive impact of the fish oil diet was particularly noticeable with the high Eimeria challenge dose. Overall, these findings underscore the relationship between the fish oil diet and Eimeria challenge on broiler chicken intestinal health. Dietary supplementation of fish oil has the potential to maintain small intestine barrier integrity with severe Eimeria infection conditions.

Dietary nutrition, intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and post-weaning diarrhea in piglets

Weaning is a critical transitional point in the life cycle of piglets. Early weaning can lead to post-weaning syndrome, destroy the intestinal barrier function and microbiota homeostasis, cause diarrhea and threaten the health of piglets. The nutritional components of milk and solid foods consumed by newborn animals can affect the diversity and structure of their intestinal microbiota, and regulate post-weaning diarrhea in piglets. Therefore, this paper reviews the effects and mechanisms of different nutrients, including protein, dietary fiber, dietary fatty acids and dietary electrolyte balance, on diarrhea and health of piglets by regulating intestinal function. Protein is an essential nutrient for the growth of piglets; however, excessive intake will cause many harmful effects, such as allergic reactions, intestinal barrier dysfunction and pathogenic growth, eventually aggravating piglet diarrhea. Dietary fiber is a nutrient that alleviates post-weaning diarrhea in piglets, which is related to its promotion of intestinal epithelial integrity, microbial homeostasis and the production of short-chain fatty acids. In addition, dietary fatty acids and dietary electrolyte balance can also facilitate the growth, function and health of piglets by regulating intestinal epithelial function, immune system and microbiota. Thus, a targeted control of dietary components to promote the establishment of a healthy bacterial community is a significant method for preventing nutritional diarrhea in weaned piglets.

Impact of dietary Laminaria digitata with alginate lyase or carbohydrase mixture on nutrient digestibility and gut health of weaned piglets

Laminaria digitata is a brown seaweed rich in prebiotic polysaccharides, mainly laminarin, but its alginate-rich cell wall could compromise nutrient access. Carbohydrase supplementation, such as individual alginate lyase and carbohydrases mixture (Rovabio® Excel AP), could enhance nutrient digestibility and prebiotic potential. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of these enzymes on nutrient digestibility and gut health of weaned piglets fed with 10% L. digitata. Diets did not affect growth performance (P > 0.05). The majority of the feed fractions had similar digestibility across all diets, but the supplementation of alginate lyase increased hemicellulose digestibility by 3.3% compared to the control group (P = 0.047). Additionally, we observed that algal zinc was more readily available compared to the control group, even without enzymatic supplementation (P < 0.001). However, the increased digestibility of some minerals, such as potassium, raises concerns about potential mineral imbalance. Seaweed groups had a higher abundance of beneficial bacteria in colon contents, such as Prevotella, Oscillospira and Catenisphaera. Furthermore, the addition of alginate lyase led to a lower pH in the colon (P < 0.001) and caecum (P < 0.001) of piglets, which is possibly a result of released fermentable laminarin, and is consistent with the higher proportion of butyric acid found in these intestinal compartments. L. digitata is a putative supplement to enhance piglet gut health due to its prebiotic polysaccharides. Alginate lyase supplementation further improves nutrient digestibility and prebiotic potential. These results suggest the potential use of L. digitata and these enzymatic supplements in commercial piglet-feeding practices.

Multi-omics unveils tryptophan metabolic pathway as a key pathway influencing residual feed intake in Duroc swine

The genetic trait of residual feed intake (RFI) holds considerable importance in the swine industry. Recent research indicates that the gut microbiota of pigs plays a pivotal role in the manifestation of the RFI trait. Nevertheless, the metabolic pathways involved in the functioning of these microorganisms remain elusive. Thus, based on the ranking of the RFI trait in Duroc pigs, the present study selected the top 10 and bottom 10 pigs as the experimental subjects. The distribution and metabolite differences of cecal microbiota were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) techniques. The low RFI cecal group was named LRC, and the high RFI cecal group was named HRC. The results indicate that the LRC group had lower RFI, feed conversion ratio (FCR), average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p < 0.001), and thinner backfat (p < 0.05) compared with the HRC group. We simultaneously recorded the foraging behavior as well, the LRC group had a significant increase in total time spent at the feeder per day (TPD) (p < 0.05) and a significant increase in average feed intake per mins (AFI) and the number of visits to the feeder per day (NVD) compared to the HRC group (p < 0.001). Clostridium_XVIII, Bulleidia, and Intestinimonas were significantly enriched in the LRC group (p < 0.01), while Sutterella, Fusobacterium, and Bacteroides were significantly increased in the HRC group (p < 0.01). In the metabolome, we detected 390 (248 metabolites up and 142 down in the LRC compared with HRC), and 200 (97 metabolites up and 103 down in the LRC compared with HRC) differential metabolites in positive and negative ionization modes. The comprehensive analysis found that in the LRC group, Escherichia and Eubacterium in the gut may increase serotonin content, respectively. Bacteroides may deplete serotonin. We suggest that the RFI may be partly achieved through tryptophan metabolism in gut microbes. In individuals with low RFI, gut microbes may enhance feed efficiency by enhancing host synthesis and metabolism of tryptophan-related metabolites.

Microbial perspective on the skin-gut axis and atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a relapsing inflammatory skin condition that has become a global health issue with complex etiology and mounting prevalence. The association of AD with skin and gut microbiota has been revealed by virtue of the continuous development of sequencing technology and genomics analysis. Also, the gut-brain-skin axis and its mutual crosstalk mechanisms have been gradually verified. Accordingly, the microbiota-skin-gut axis also plays an important role in allergic skin inflammation. Herein, we reviewed the relationship between the microbiota-skin-gut axis and AD, explored the underlying signaling molecules and potential pathways, and focused on the potential mechanisms of probiotics, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), coagulase-negative staphylococci transplantation, fecal microbiota transplantation, AMPs, and addition of essential fatty acids in alleviating AD, with the aim to provide a new perspective for targeting microbiota in the treatment of allergic skin inflammation.

Diarrhea induced by insufficient fat absorption in weaned piglets: Causes and nutrition regulation

Fat is one of the three macronutrients and a significant energy source for piglets. It plays a positive role in maintaining intestinal health and improving production performance. During the weaning period, physiological, stress and diet-related factors influence the absorption of fat in piglets, leading to damage to the intestinal barrier, diarrhea and even death. Signaling pathways, such as fatty acid translocase (CD36), pregnane X receptor (PXR), and AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK), are responsible for regulating intestinal fat uptake and maintaining intestinal barrier function. Therefore, this review mainly elaborates on the reasons for diarrhea induced by insufficient fat absorption and related signaling pathways in weaned-piglets, with an emphasis on the intestinal fat absorption disorder. Moreover, we focus on introducing nutritional strategies that can promote intestinal fat absorption in piglets with insufficient fat absorption-related diarrhea, such as lipase, amino acids, and probiotics.

Nutritional and Antioxidative Benefits of Dietary Macroalgae Supplementation in Weaned Piglets

This study explores the effects of dietary brown macroalgae (Ascophyllum nodosum) inclusion on digestibility and blood biochemical indices and redox markers in piglets fed diets with varying levels (0%, 0.6% and 1%) of macroalgae from 18 to 64 days of age. Macroalgae significantly influenced lipid profiles, reducing total cholesterol levels (quadratic contrast p = 0.001) and demonstrating an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, particularly with 1% macroalgae inclusion (linear contrast p < 0.001), with a decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in both macroalgae-supplemented groups (linear contrast p = 0.001). Additionally, macroalgae had a positive impact on the activities of antioxidative enzymes (ferric-reducing ability of plasma, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione) and reduced lipid peroxidation products (lipid hydroperoxide, malondialdehyde) in the blood, liver tissue, and intestinal epithelium of the ileum, suggesting enhanced antioxidative defense mechanisms. These changes were dose-dependent; in blood plasma, they exhibited both a linear and quadratic response, while in the tissues, the response was primarily linear. Additionally, an increase in the digestibility of crude fat in macroalgae-supplemented groups was observed (linear contrast p < 0.001), highlighting their potential role in improving nutrient absorption and digestion. The study findings emphasize the health benefits of natural, seaweed-based additives in diets, particularly in managing oxidative stress and improving lipid profiles, and highlight the potential of macroalgae as a natural dietary supplement to improve antioxidant systems and lipid metabolism in piglets.

Exogenous alpha-linolenic acid and Vibrio parahaemolyticus induce EPA and DHA levels mediated by delta-6 desaturase to enhance shrimp immunity

Globally, penaeid shrimp are the most farmed and traded aquatic organisms, although they are easily susceptible to microbial pathogens. Moreover, there is a desire to increase the nutritional value of shrimp, especially the levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which also possess immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Some aquatic animals can synthesize EPA and DHA from dietary plant-sourced alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), but penaeid shrimps' ability to synthesize these n-3 PUFAs is unknown. Here, molecular biology techniques, including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, qPCR, ELISA, etc., were used to demonstrate that exogenous ALA or Vibrio parahaemolyticus could modulate EPA and DHA levels and immune genes in Penaeus vannamei by inducing key enzymes involved in n-3 PUFAs biosynthesis, such as delta desaturases and elongation of very long-chain fatty acid (ELOVLs). Most importantly, knockdown or inhibition of ∆6 desaturase significantly decreased EPA and DHA levels and immune gene expression even with exogenous ALA treatment, consequently affecting shrimp antibacterial immunity and survival. This study provides new insight into the potential of P. vannamei to synthesize n-3 PUFAs from exogenous ALA or upon bacteria challenge, which could be leveraged to increase their nutritional content and antimicrobial immunity.

Effects of dietary xylanase supplementation on growth performance, intestinal health, and immune response of nursery pigs fed diets with reduced metabolizable energy

This study aimed to investigate the effects of xylanase on growth performance and intestinal health of nursery pigs fed diets with reduced metabolizable energy (ME). One hundred ninety-two pigs at 8.7 kg ± 0.7 body weight (BW) after 7 d of weaning were allotted in a randomized complete block design with initial BW and sex as blocks. Eight dietary treatments consisted of 5 ME levels (3,400, 3,375, 3,350, 3,325, and 3,300 kcal ME/kg) below the NRC (2012) requirement and 4 levels of xylanase (0, 1,200, 2,400, and 3,600 XU/kg) to a diet with 3,300 kcal ME/kg. All pigs received their respective treatments for 35 d in 2 phases, pre-starter (14 d) and starter (21 d). On day 35, eight pigs in 3,400 kcal/kg (CON), 3,300 kcal/kg (LE), and 3,300 kcal/kg + 3,600 XU xylanase/kg (LEX) were euthanized to collect jejunal tissues and digesta for the evaluation of mucosa-associated microbiota, intestinal immune response, oxidative stress status, intestinal morphology, crypt cell proliferation, and digesta viscosity as well as ileal digesta to measure apparent ileal digestibility. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure on SAS 9.4. The LE increased (P < 0.05) jejunal digesta viscosity, tended to have decreased (P = 0.053) relative abundance of Prevotella, and tended to increase (P = 0.055) Lactobacillus. The LE also increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of protein carbonyl whereas malondialdehyde, villus height (VH), villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD), apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients, and finally average daily feed intake were decreased (P < 0.05). The LE did not affect average daily gain (ADG). The LEX decreased (P < 0.05) digesta viscosity, increased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Prevotella, decreased (P < 0.05) Helicobacter, decreased (P < 0.05) the concentration of protein carbonyl, tended to increase (P = 0.065) VH, and decreased (P < 0.05) VH:CD and crypt cell proliferation. Moreover, LEX increased (P < 0.05) the AID of dry matter and gross energy and tended to increase (P = 0.099; P = 0.076) AID of crude protein, and ether extract. The LEX did not affect ADG but did tend to decrease (P = 0.070) fecal score during the starter phase. Overall, reducing ME negatively affected intestinal health parameters and nutrient digestibility without affecting growth. Supplementation of xylanase mitigated some of the negative effects observed by ME reduction on intestinal health and digestibility of nutrients without affecting growth.

Dietary Qi-Weng-Huangbo powder enhances growth performance, diarrhoea and immune function of weaned piglets by modulating gut health and microbial profiles

Introduction

The evolution of nutritional strategies to improve the gut health and microbiota profiles of early-weaned piglets is essential to reduce diarrhoea caused by weaning stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of Qi-Weng-Huangbo powder, a traditional herbal medicine consisting of a mixture of Pulsatilla chinensis, Chinese Schneid and Astragalus extracts (PCE), on the growth performance, diarrhoea rate, immune function and intestinal health of weaned piglets.

Methods

162 piglets were randomly assigned to the CON group (no PCE added), the PCEL group (300 mg/kg PCE) and the PCEH group (500 mg/kg PCE) at the end of the third week post farrowing. There were 9 replicates of each group with 6 pigs per replicate. The experiment lasted for 28 days and sampling was performed on the final day.

Results

The results showed that the PCE diet increased the average daily gain (ADG) and final body weight (BW) compared to the CON group. Both supplemented doses of PCE reduced the faecal scores of piglets, and the diarrhoea rate in the PCEL group was significantly lower than that in the CON group. The application of PCE diets promoted the development of the spleen in piglets and up-regulated serum immunoglobulin concentrations to enhance immune function, which was also reflected in the down-regulated gene expression of the colonic TLR/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. Supplementation with PCE improved intestinal morphology, and all doses of PCE significantly increased villus height (VH) in the ileum, whereas colonic crypt depth (CD) was significantly lower in the PCEH group than in the CON group. The PCEH diet significantly increased the levels of valeric and isovaleric acid in the colon content. Dietary PCEH also improved the colonic microbial community profile, reflected by a significant increase in Shannon's index compared with CON group. The abundance of Veillonellaceae and Rhodospirillales was significantly increased in the PCEH group at the family level.

Discussion

In conclusion, dietary PCE reduced diarrhoea rates, improved growth performance and enhanced immune function in weaned piglets. These improvements were potentially supported by altered ileum and colonic morphology, elevated colonic VFA levels, and modulation of colonic microbial profiles.

Effect of Low Protein Diets Supplemented with Sodium Butyrate, Medium-Chain Fatty Acids, or n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on the Growth Performance, Immune Function, and Microbiome of Weaned Piglets

This study aimed to investigate the effects of low-protein (LP) diets supplemented with sodium butyrate (SB), medium-chain fatty acids (MCT), or n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) on the growth performance, immune function, and the microbiome of weaned piglets. A total of 120 healthy weaned piglets ((Landrace × Large White × Duroc); 7.93 ± 0.7 kg initial body weight), were randomly divided into five groups. Each group consisted of six replications with four piglets per replication. Dietary treatments included control diet (CON); LP diet (LP); LP + 0.2% SB diet (LP + SB); LP + 0.2% MCT diet (LP + MCT); and LP + PUFA diet (LP + PUFA). The experimental period lasted for 4 weeks. Compared with the CON diet, LP, LP + SB, LP + MCT, and LP + PUFA diets decreased the final weight and average daily gain (ADG) of piglets (p < 0.05). There were lower (p < 0.05) concentrations of IL-8 and higher (p < 0.05) Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in the plasma of piglets fed with LP + SB, LP + MCT, and LP + PUFA diets than those fed with the LP diet. The piglets in the LP + SB and LP + PUFA groups had lower IKK-alpha (IKKa) mRNA expression in the colonic mucosa compared with those in the CON and LP groups (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of TLR4 in the colonic mucosa of piglets in the LP + SB, LP + MCT, and LP + PUFA groups was decreased when compared with the CON and LP groups (p < 0.05). The LP + MCT diets increased the gene expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the colonic mucosa of piglets compared with CON, LP, and LP + SB diets (p < 0.05). The abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae in the colonic microbiome of piglets in the LP group was higher than that in the other four groups (p < 0.05). Collectively, this study showed that LP diets supplemented with SB, MCT, or n-3 PUFA reduced plasma inflammatory factor levels, increased plasma GSH-Px activity, and declined mRNA expression of TLR4 and IKKa in the colonic epithelium, whereas it reduced the abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae in the colon of piglets.

Meta-analysis reveals the predictable dynamic development of the gut microbiota in commercial pigs

IMPORTANCE

The swine gut microbiome undergoes an age-dependent assembly pattern with a developmental phase at early ages and a stabilization phase at later ages. Shorter time intervals and a wider range of data sources provided a clearer understanding of the gut microbiota colonization and succession and their associations with pig growth and development. The rapidly changing microbiota of suckling and weaning pigs implies potential time targets for growth and health regulation through gut microbiota manipulation. Since swine gut microbiota development is predictable, swine microbiota age can be calculated and compared between animal treatment groups rather than relying only on static time-matched comparisons.

Immunomodulatory effect of marine lipids on food allergy

Seafood is highly enriched in n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3), in contrast to the ultra-processed foods included in the modern Western diet that have high levels of n-6 linoleic acid (LA, 18:2 n-6), precursor for the pro-inflammatory n-6 arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4 n-6). The capacity of marine lipids to reduce plasmatic triglycerides and blood pressure have been well-described. Moreover, recent studies have also raised evidence of a potential regulatory action of marine lipids on inflammation, the immune system, and food allergy (FA). FA is considered one of the main concerns to become life threatening in food safety. The prevalence of this emerging global problem has been increasing during the last two decades, especially in industrialized countries. About a 6-8% of young children and 2-4% of adults is estimated to be affected by FA. The main objective of the current study is to update the existing knowledge, but also the limitations, on the potential impact of marine lipids and their lipid mediators in regulating immunity, inflammation, and ultimately, food allergies. In particular, the focus is on the effect of marine lipids in modulating the key factors that control the sensitization and effector phases of FA, including gut microbiota (GM), inflammation, and immune system response. Results in animal models highlight the positive effect that consuming marine lipids, whether as a supplement or through seafood consumption, may have a relevant role in improving gut dysbiosis and inflammation, and preventing or reducing the severity of FA. However, more systematic studies in humans are needed to optimize such beneficial actions to each particular FA, age, and medical condition to reach an effective clinical application of marine lipids to improve FAs and their outcomes.

Effects of L-theanine on intestinal morphology, barrier function, and MAPK signaling pathways in diquat-challenged piglets

This study aimed to explore the protective effects of L-theanine supplementation on the diquat-challenged weaned piglets. A total of 160 weaned piglets were randomly divided into 4 groups using a 2 × 2 two-factor design, there were 4 replicates per group and 10 pigs per replicate. Piglets were fed diets (with 1000 mg/kg L-theanine addition or not), then challenged with diquat or saline on day 7. 21 days after challenge, two pigs from each replicate were selected for sample collection. Results showed that supplement with 1000 mg/kg L-theanine down-regulated the diarrhea rate, serum D-lactate level, tumor necrosis factor-α, and phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK1/2), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling in pigs without diquat challenge (p < 0.05). While for diquat-challenged piglets, L-theanine addition increased average daily gain, jejunum villus height, and interferon-γ level (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, L-theanine addition decreased the diarrhea rates and mortality, serum D-lactate level, and phosphorylation of ERK and JNK in diquat-challenged pigs (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that L-theanine pretreatment could alleviate diquat-induced oxidative stress and improve intestinal barrier function in diquat-challenged weaned piglets, which can be attributed to suppression of MAPK phosphorylation signaling pathways.

Effects of maternal supplementation of fish oil during late gestation and lactation on growth performance, fecal microbiota structure and post-weaning diarrhoea of offspring piglets

Homeostasis of gut microbiota is a critical contributor to growth and health in weaned piglets. Fish oil is widely reported to benefit health of mammals including preventing intestinal dysfunction, yet its protective effect during suckling-to-weaning transition in piglets remains undetermined. Low (30 g/d) and high (60 g/d) doses of n-3-rich fish oil were supplemented in sows from late gestation to lactation. Serum indicators and gut microbiota were determined to evaluate the effects of maternal fish oil on growth performance, immunity and diarrhea of piglets. DHA and EPA in the colostrum as well as serum of suckling and 1-week post-wean piglets were significantly and linearly increased by maternal supplementation of fish oil (P < 0.05). IGF1 and T3 in nursing and weaned piglets were significantly elevated by maternal fish oil (P < 0.05), and the increase of IGF1 was concerning the dosage of fish oil. Colostrum IgG, plasma IgG, IgM in suckling piglets, IgG, IgM and IgA in weaned piglets were significantly increase as maternal replenishment of fish oil increased (P < 0.05). Additionally, cortisol was significantly reduced in weaned pigs (P < 0.05), regardless of dosage. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that α-diversity of fecal microbiota in nursery piglets, and fecal Lactobacillus genus, positively correlated with post-weaning IgA, was significantly increased by high dosage. Collectively, maternal fish oil during late pregnancy and lactation significantly promoted growth, enhanced immunity, and reduced post-weaning diarrhea in piglets, therefore facilitated suckling-to-weaning transition in piglets, which may be partially due to the altered gut microbial community.

Salmonella enterica induces biogeography-specific changes in the gut microbiome of pigs

Swine are a major reservoir of an array of zoonotic Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica lineage I serovars including Derby, Typhimurium, and 4,[5],12:i:- (a.k.a. Monophasic Typhimurium). In this study, we assessed the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome composition of pigs in different intestinal compartments and the feces following infection with specific zoonotic serovars of S. enterica (S. Derby, S. Monophasic, and S. Typhimurium). 16S rRNA based microbiome analysis was performed to assess for GI microbiome changes in terms of diversity (alpha and beta), community structure and volatility, and specific taxa alterations across GI biogeography (small and large intestine, feces) and days post-infection (DPI) 2, 4, and 28; these results were compared to disease phenotypes measured as histopathological changes. As previously reported, only S. Monophasic and S. Typhimurium induced morphological alterations that marked an inflammatory milieu restricted to the large intestine in this experimental model. S. Typhimurium alone induced significant changes at the alpha- (Simpson's and Shannon's indexes) and beta-diversity levels, specifically at the peak of inflammation in the large intestine and feces. Increased community dispersion and volatility in colonic apex and fecal microbiomes were also noted for S. Typhimurium. All three Salmonella serovars altered community structure as measured by co-occurrence networks; this was most prominent at DPI 2 and 4 in colonic apex samples. At the genus taxonomic level, a diverse array of putative short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) producing bacteria were altered and often decreased during the peak of inflammation at DPI 2 and 4 within colonic apex and fecal samples. Among all putative SCFA producing bacteria, Prevotella showed a broad pattern of negative correlation with disease scores at the peak of inflammation. In addition, Prevotella 9 was found to be significantly reduced in all Salmonella infected groups compared to the control at DPI 4 in the colonic apex. In conclusion, this work further elucidates that distinct swine-related zoonotic serovars of S. enterica can induce both shared (high resilience) and unique (altered resistance) alterations in gut microbiome biogeography, which helps inform future investigations of dietary modifications aimed at increasing colonization resistance against Salmonella through GI microbiome alterations.

Effects of meal processing of black soldier fly on standardized amino acids digestibility in pigs

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of incorporating black soldier fly (BSF) larvae and its processed form as an alternative source of protein to fish meal (FM) on the digestibility of amino acids (AA) in weaned pigs. Four cannulated pigs with an initial bodyweight of 13.25 ± 0.25 kg and aged 30 days were subjected to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with three treatments, as well as a nitrogen-free treatment. The diets used for each treatment consisted of a FM diet, a diet containing BSF larvae meal (BSFM), and a diet containing extruded BSF (BSFE). The study was conducted over four stages, with a total duration of 28 days. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of protein was higher in the FM treatment compared with the BSFM. Among essential AA, the AID of Arg, His, Leu, and Thr were higher in the FM compared with the BSFM and BSFE. A greater AID of Ile and Phe was observed in pigs in the FM treatment compared with the BSFM. The average AA digestibility did not show any difference between treatments. Among non-essential AA, the AID of Ala (p = 0.054) and Glu (p = 0.064) tended to be increased in the FM compared with the BSFM. Among essential AA, the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of Arg, His, Ile, and Leu were higher in the FM compared with the BSFM. Among non-essential AA, the SID of Cys (p = 0.074) tended to be increased in the FM compared with the BSFM. In conclusion, the processing and thermal conditioning techniques utilized for BSF larvae meal showed a tendency for increased AA digestibility. Therefore, when formulating a diet, it is important to take into account the difference in AA digestibility between FM and BSFM.

Different Effect of Vitamin E or Hydroxytyrosol Supplementation to Sow's Diet on Oxidative Status and Performances of Weaned Piglets

Different feeding strategies are being applied to sows in order to obtain homogeneous piglets' weights and improved health status. This study evaluated how the dietary supplementation of vitamin E (VE) (100 mg/kg), hydroxytyrosol (HXT) (1.5 mg/kg) or the combined administration (VE + HXT) given to Iberian sows from day 85 of gestation affected the growth pattern of the piglets and their oxidative status; and quantified what these effects were due to. Dietary VE and HXT improved the oxidative status of sows and piglets. Both VE and HXT modified the growth pattern at birth and performances of the piglets in a different way according to the growing period. Piglets' performances were positively correlated with plasma VE and negatively with plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) of the sow. However, the highest variation in growth patterns was explained by the colostrum composition. Significant linear equations were observed between piglets' performances and colostrum saturated (SAT), n-7 monounsaturated fatty acids (C16:1n-7 and C18:1n-7) and different desaturases indices. This study would confirm that VE supplementation to the sow diet could be more adequate than HXT for the improved development during the first weeks of a piglet's life. The combined administration of both antioxidants would not produce additional positive effects compared to the individual supplementation.

Nutrition and Gut Health: Recent Advances and Implications for Development of Functional Foods

The small intestine is a highly differentiated and complex organ with many nutritional, physiological, and immunological functions [...].

Stevioside Improves Antioxidant Capacity and Intestinal Barrier Function while Attenuating Inflammation and Apoptosis by Regulating the NF-κB/MAPK Pathways in Diquat-Induced Oxidative Stress of IPEC-J2 Cells

As a natural sweetener, stevioside is extracted from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and possesses potent antioxidant activity. However, little information is known about its protective role in maintaining the intestinal epithelial cells health under oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of stevioside on alleviating inflammation, apoptosis, and improving antioxidant capacity in intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) under oxidative stress by diquat. The results demonstrated that the pretreatment with stevioside (250 μM) for 6 h increased cell viability and proliferation and prevented apoptosis induced by diquat at 1000 μM for 6 h in IPEC-J2 cells, compared with the diquat alone-treated cells. Importantly, stevioside pretreatment significantly reduced ROS and MDA production as well as upregulated T-SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activity. Moreover, it also decreased cell permeability and improved intestinal barrier functions by significantly upregulating the tight junction protein abundances of claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1. At the same time, stevioside significantly down-regulated the secretion and gene expression of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α and decreased the phosphorylation levels of NF-κB, IκB, and ERK1/2 compared with the diquat alone group. Taken together, this study demonstrated that stevioside alleviated diquat-stimulated cytotoxicity, inflammation, and apoptosis in IPEC-J2 cells, protecting cellular barrier integrity and mitigating oxidative stress by interfering with the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

Different Fatty Acid Supplementation in Low-Protein Diets Regulate Nutrient Utilization and Lipid and Amino Acid Metabolism in Weaned Pigs Model

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a low-protein (LP) diet supplemented with sodium butyrate (SB), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on nutrient utilization and lipid and amino acid metabolism in weaned pigs. A total of 120 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire pigs (initial body weight: 7.93 ± 0.65 kg) were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments, including the control diet (CON), LP diet, LP + 0.2% SB diet (LP + SB), LP + 0.2% MCFA diet (LP + MCFA) and LP + 0.2% n-3 PUFA diet (LP + PUFA). The results show that the LP + MCFA diet increased (p < 0.05) the digestibility of dry matter and total P in pigs compared with the CON and LP diets. In the liver of the pigs, the metabolites involved in sugar metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation significantly changed with the LP diet compared with the CON diet. Compared with the LP diet, the altered metabolites in the liver of the pigs fed with the LP + SB diet were mainly associated with sugar metabolism and pyrimidine metabolism; the altered metabolites in the liver of pigs fed with the LP + MCFA and LP + PUFA diets were mainly associated with lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. In addition, the LP + PUFA diet increased (p < 0.05) the concentration of glutamate dehydrogenase in the liver of pigs compared with the LP diet. Furthermore, the LP + MCFA and LP + PUFA diets increased (p < 0.05) the mRNA abundance of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 and acetyl-CoA carboxylase in the liver compared with the CON diet. The LP + PUFA diet increased (p < 0.05) mRNA abundances of fatty acid synthase in the liver compared with the CON and LP diets. Collectively, the LP diet supplemented with MCFAs improved nutrient digestibility, and the LP diet supplemented with MCFAs and n-3 PUFAs promoted lipid and amino acid metabolisms.

Dietary Vitamin E and/or Hydroxytyrosol Supplementation to Sows during Late Pregnancy and Lactation Modifies the Lipid Composition of Colostrum and Milk

Modifying the composition of a sow's milk could be a strategy to improve the intestinal health and growth of her piglet during the first weeks of life. This study evaluated how dietary supplementation of vitamin E (VE), hydroxytyrosol (HXT) or VE+HXT given to Iberian sows from late gestation affected the colostrum and milk composition, lipid stability and their relationship with the piglet's oxidative status. Colostrum from VE-supplemented sows had greater C18:1n-7 than non-supplemented sows, whereas HXT increased polyunsaturated (∑PUFAs), ∑n-6 and ∑n-3 fatty acids. In 7-day milk, the main effects were induced by VE supplementation that decreased ∑PUFAs, ∑n-6 and ∑n-3 and increased the Δ-6-desaturase activity. The VE+HXT supplementation resulted in lower desaturase capacity in 20-day milk. Positive correlations were observed between the estimated mean milk energy output and the desaturation capacity of sows. The lowest concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in milk was observed in VE-supplemented groups, whereas HXT supplementation increased oxidation. Milk lipid oxidation was negatively correlated with the sow's plasma oxidative status and to a great extent with the oxidative status of piglets after weaning. Maternal VE supplementation produced a more beneficial milk composition to improve the oxidative status of piglets, which could promote gut health and piglet growth during the first weeks, but more research is needed to clarify this.

Effects of Different Combinations of Sodium Butyrate, Medium-Chain Fatty Acids and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on the Reproductive Performance of Sows and Biochemical Parameters, Oxidative Status and Intestinal Health of Their Offspring

The aim of the study was to investigate the comparative effects of different combinations of sodium butyrate (SB), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on the reproductive performances of sows, as well as on the biochemical parameters, oxidative statuses, and intestinal health of the sucking piglets. A total of 30 sows were randomly allocated to five treatments: (1) control diet (CON); (2) CON with 1 g/kg of coated SB and 7.75 g/kg of coated MCFAs (SM); (3) CON with 1 g/kg of coated SB and 68.2 g/kg of coated n-3 PUFAs (SP); (4) CON with 7.75 g/kg of coated MCFAs and 68.2 g/kg of coated n-3 PUFAs (MP); (5) CON with 1 g/kg of coated SB, 7.75 g/kg of coated MCFAs and 68.2 g/kg of coated n-3 PUFA (SMP). The results showed that sows fed the SP, MP, and SMP diets had shorter weaning-to-estrus intervals than those fed the CON diet (p < 0.01). The piglets in the SM, SP, and MP groups showed higher increases in the plasma catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities than those of the CON group (p < 0.01). The diarrhea incidence of piglets in the SM, SP and SMP groups was lower than that of piglets in the CON group (p < 0.01). Additionally, the addition of SM, SP, MP, and SMP to the sow diets increased the contents of immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, fat, and proteins in the colostrum (p < 0.01), as well as the plasma total superoxide dismutase activities (p < 0.01) in the suckling piglets, whereas it decreased the mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and toll-like receptor 4 in the jejunum mucosa of the piglets. The relative abundances of Prevotella, Coprococcus, and Blautia in the colonic digesta of the piglets were increased in the SM group (p < 0.05), and the relative abundances of Faecalibacterium increased in the SMP group (p < 0.05), compared with the CON group. The relative abundances of Collinsella, Blautia, and Bulleidia in the MP group were higher than those in the CON group (p < 0.05). Collectively, dietary combinations of fatty acids with different chain lengths have positive effects on the growth performances and intestinal health of suckling piglets.

Impact of cafeteria diet and n3 supplementation on the intestinal microbiota, fatty acids levels, neuroinflammatory markers and social memory in male rats

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of omega-3 (n3) supplementation on intestinal microbiota, fatty acids profile, neuroinflammation, and social memory of cafeteria diet (CAF)-fed rats.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were fed with CAF for 20 weeks. Omega-3 (500 mg/kg/day) was supplemented between the 16th and 20th week. Colon morphology, intestinal microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the plasma, fatty acids profile, TLR-4 and claudin-5 expressions in the brain, and social memory were investigated.

RESULTS

CAF reduced colon length, crypts' depth, and microbiota diversity, while n3 increased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. CAF increased SCFA plasma levels, but n3 reduced butyrate and isobutyrate in obese rats. LPS was increased in CAF-fed rats, and n3 decreased its levels. In the cerebral cortex, n3 increased caprylic, palmitic, stearic, tricosanoic, lignoceric, myristoleic, and linoleic acids. CAF increased palmitic acid and TLR-4 expression in the cerebral cortex while decreasing claudin-5 in the hippocampus. In the social memory test, CAF-fed animals showed greater social interaction with no effect of n3.

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of n3 effect in some of the evaluated parameters may be due to the severity of the obesity caused by CAF. However, n3 reduced LPS levels, suggesting its ability to reverse endotoxemia.

Fecal Microbiota, Bile Acids, Sterols, and Fatty Acids in Dogs with Chronic Enteropathy Fed a Home-Cooked Diet Supplemented with Coconut Oil

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are considered to be interesting energy sources for dogs affected by chronic enteropathies (CE). This study analyzed the clinical scores, fecal microbiota, and metabolomes of 18 CE dogs fed a home-cooked diet (HCD) supplemented with virgin coconut oil (VCO), a source of MCFA, at 10% of metabolizable energy (HCD + VCO). The dogs were clinically evaluated with the Canine Chronic Enteropathy Activity Index (CCECAI) before and at the end of study. Fecal samples were collected at baseline, after 7 days of HCD, and after 30 days of HCD + VCO, for fecal score (FS) assessment, microbial analysis, and determination of bile acids (BA), sterols, and fatty acids (FA). The dogs responded positively to diet change, as shown by the CCECAI improvement (p = 0.001); HCD reduced fecal fat excretion and HCD + VCO improved FS (p < 0.001), even though an increase in fecal moisture occurred due to HCD (p = 0.001). HCD modified fecal FA (C6:0: +79%, C14:0: +74%, C20:0: +43%, C22:0: +58%, C24:0: +47%, C18:3n-3: +106%, C20:4n-6: +56%, and monounsaturated FA (MUFA): -23%, p < 0.05) and sterol profile (coprostanol: -27%, sitostanol: -86%, p < 0.01). VCO increased (p < 0.05) fecal total saturated FA (SFA: +28%, C14:0: +142%, C16:0 +21%, C22:0 +33%) and selected MCFAs (+162%; C10:0 +183%, C12:0 +600%), while reducing (p < 0.05) total MUFA (-29%), polyunsaturated FA (-26%), campesterol (-56%) and phyto-/zoosterols ratio (0.93:1 vs. 0.36:1). The median dysbiosis index was <0 and, together with fecal BA, was not significantly affected by HCD nor by VCO. The HCD diet increased total fecal bacteria (p = 0.005) and the abundance of Fusobacterium spp. (p = 0.028). This study confirmed that clinical signs, and to a lesser extent fecal microbiota and metabolome, are positively influenced by HCD in CE dogs. Moreover, it has been shown that fecal proportions of MCFA increased when MCFAs were supplemented in those dogs. The present results emphasize the need for future studies to better understand the intestinal absorptive mechanism of MCFA in dogs.

Creep Feeding and Weaning Influence the Postnatal Evolution of the Plasma Metabolome in Neonatal Piglets

Data on the evolution of blood metabolites and metabolic markers in neonatal piglets are scarce, although this information is vital to detect physiological aberrations from normal development. We aimed to characterize age- and nutrition-related changes in the plasma metabolome and serum biochemistry of suckling and newly weaned piglets and assess metabolite patterns as physiological markers for the two phases. In two replicate batches (n = 10 litters/group), piglets either received sow milk alone or were additionally offered creep feed from day 10 until weaning (day 28). Blood was collected from one piglet/litter on days 7, 14, 21, 28, 31 and 35 of life, totaling five females and five males/group/day. Signature feature ranking identified plasma triglycerides (TG) as discriminative for age and nutrition during the suckling phase. Influential TG 20:4_36:5, TG 17:0_34:2 and TG 18:2_38:6 were higher in creep-fed piglets on days 14, 21 and 28 of life, respectively, compared to only sow milk-fed piglets. Metabolites belonging to pathways within histidine, D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism as well as hippuric acid were distinctive for the postweaning compared to the suckling period. In conclusion, plasma lipid profiles especially corresponded to the type of nutrition in the suckling phase and showed a strong weaning effect.

Constitutive Androstane Receptor Agonist, TCPOBOP: Maternal Exposure Impairs the Growth and Development of Female Offspring in Mice

Environmental chemicals, which are known to impact offspring health, have become a public concern. Constitutive activated receptor (CAR) is activated by various environmental chemicals and participates in xenobiotic metabolism. Here, we described the effects of maternal exposure to the CAR-specific ligand 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)] benzene (TCPOBOP, TC) on offspring health outcomes. Maternal TC exposure exhibited a stronger inhibition of body weight in 3-week-old and 8-week-old first-generation (F1) offspring female mice compared to controls. Further, maternal TC exposure obtained a strong increase in hepatic drug-metabolizing enzyme expression in 3-week-old female mice that persisted into 8-week-old adulthood. Interestingly, we observed distorted intestinal morphological features in 8-week-old F1 female mice in the TC-exposed group. Moreover, maternal TC exposure triggered a loss of intestinal barrier integrity by reducing the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins. Accordingly, maternal exposure to TC down-regulated serum triglyceride levels as well as decreased the expression of intestinal lipid uptake and transport marker genes. Mechanistically, maternal TC exposure activated the intestinal inflammatory response and disrupted the antioxidant system in the offspring female mice, thereby impeding the intestinal absorption of nutrients and seriously threatening offspring health. Altogether, these findings highlight that the effects of maternal TC exposure on offspring toxicity could not be ignored.

Dietary supplementation with full-fat Hermetia illucens larvae and multi-probiotics, as a substitute for antibiotics, improves the growth performance, gut health, and antioxidative capacity of weaned pigs

BACKGROUND

Dietary supplementation of full-fat black soldier fly larvae (BSFL full-fat meal; alone or in combination with multi-probiotics) was tested as an alternative to dietary antibiotics in weaning piglets. We also tested the effects of these diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility coefficients, immune status, oxidative stress, intestinal histomorphology, and rectal microbial modulations in weaned pigs. A total of 80 piglets [(Landrace × Large White) × Duroc] of both sexes (a ratio of gilts and barrows; 1:1), were randomly allotted to four diet groups: positive control (PC) diet supplemented with 0.02% amoxicillin; negative control (NC) diet without supplement addition; BSFL12 diet (NC + 12% BSFL full-fat meal); and BSFL + Pro diet (BSFL full-fat meal + 0.1% multi-probiotics, including Bacillus subtilis, B. licheniformis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae). All groups had five replicates, with four piglets per replicate.

RESULTS

Dietary BSFL + Pro improved the overall average daily gain (P = 0.013), and gain-to-feed ratio (P = 0.032). The BSFL12 and BSFL + Pro diets improved nutrient digestibility and increased the serum levels of immunoglobulin A and glutathione peroxidase, while reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The spleen weight was higher and caecal pH was lower in pigs fed the BSFL + Pro diet than in those fed the NC diet (P = 0.011 and P = 0.021, respectively). Pigs fed the BSFL diets had longer duodenal villi, a higher villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (P = 0.004), and shorter crypt depth (P = 0.017) than those fed NC. The BSFL + Pro diet also increased faecal Lactobacillus spp. count (P = 0.008) and reduced Escherichia coli (P = 0.021) counts compared with that seen with PC and NC diets, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary supplementation with BSFL or BSFL + multi-probiotics can improve the growth performance and intestinal health of pigs and may be an effective strategy to replace antibiotics for weaned pigs.

Protective effects of Fagopyrum dibotrys on oxidized oil-induced oxidative stress, intestinal barrier impairment, and altered cecal microbiota in broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to evaluate protective effects of Fagopyrum dibotrys on antioxidant ability, intestinal barrier functions, and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens fed oxidized soybean oil. A total of 640 male Tiejiaoma broilers were randomly assigned to 8 treatments with 8 cages (10 birds per cage), as follows: birds fed basal diets containing fresh soybean oil and 0, 0.5, 1, or 2% F. dibotrys (FSCON, FSFAL, FSFAM, and FSFAH, respectively), and birds fed basal diets containing oxidized oil and 0, 0.5, 1, or 2% F. dibotrys (OSCON, OSFAL, OSFAM, and OSFAH). Oxidized oil significantly decreased transcription of Nrf2 and its downstream genes, including CAT and SOD1 in the jejunal mucosa, increased jejunal mucosa IL-6 mRNA expression, and decreased jejunal mucosa IL-22 mRNA expression and downregulated Claudin-1 and ZO-1; however, all these effects were reversed by F. dibotrys. Either 1 or 2% F. dibotrys alleviated the decreased liver SOD induced by oxidized oil on d 42. The decreased SOD and GPX, and increased MDA induced by oxidized oil were reversed by adding 1 or 2% F. dibotrys in jejunal mucosa. In addition, based on 16S rDNA, 2% F. dibotrys promoted the Firmicutes phylum and Candidatus_Arthromitus genera, but suppressed the Proteobacteria phylum and Streptococcus, Enterococcus, and Escherichia genera. In summary, oxidative stress induced by oxidized oil was ameliorated by F. dibotrys upregulating transcription of Nrf2 and its downstream genes to restore redox balance, reinforcing the intestinal barrier via higher expression of Claudin-1/ZO-1, ameliorating the inflammatory response by regulating expression of IL-6 and IL-22, and facilitating growth of Candidatus_arthromitus in the cecum. Therefore, F. dibotrys has potential as a feed additive for poultry by ameliorating oxidative stress caused by oxidized oil, enhancing barrier function, and improving gut microbiome composition.

The effects of dietary essential fatty acid ratios and energy level on growth performance, lipid metabolism, and inflammation in grow-finish pigs

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary metabolizable energy (ME) level and the ratio of linoleic acid:α-linolenic acid (LA:ALA) on the growth performance, lipid metabolism, circulatory and joint inflammatory status, and synovial fluid proteome of grow-finish pigs. A total of 224 pigs (BW = 41.5 ± 6.1 kg; PIC Genus 337 × 1050, Hendersonville, TN) were randomly assigned to either a high (3.55 Mcal/kg; HE) or low (3.29 Mcal/kg; LE) ME dietary treatment with a high (23:1) or low (12:1) LA:ALA in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Diets were fed across three 28-d phases. Pigs were housed either four barrows or four gilts per pen. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 21, 42, and 84. Synovial fluid was collected from the hock and carpus joints on days 0 and 84. Liver and adipose tissue samples were collected on day 84. Data were analyzed as repeated measures using PROC MIXED (SAS 9.4) with pen as the experimental unit and energy level, essential fatty acid ratio, sex, phase, and their interactions as fixed effects. Compared to LE, HE increased days 28, 56, and 84 body weight (BW; P = 0.005). For the overall period, HE increased average daily gain (ADG) compared to LE (P < 0.001) and improved feed efficiency (P = 0.001), while LE increased feed intake compared to HE (P < 0.001). Gilts receiving diets with low LA:ALA had similar final BW to barrows receiving a low LA:ALA at days 28, 56, and 84 (P = 0.024), resulting from improved overall days 0-84 ADG compared to gilts receiving the high LA:ALA (P = 0.031). In the liver, HE decreased the mRNA abundance of acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACACA; P = 0.004), cluster of differentiation 36 (P = 0.034), and tended to decrease fatty acid synthase (FASN; P = 0.056). In adipose tissue, HE decreased ACACA (P = 0.001) and FASN (P = 0.017). Plasma inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) were reduced on day 84 compared to day 0 (P ≤ 0.014). In the hock and carpus synovial fluid, LE tended to reduce CRP and TNFα (P ≤ 0.096). Hock and carpus synovial fluid CRP were also reduced on day 84 compared to day 0 (P = 0.001). Age of the pig impacted serum and hock synovial fluid protein abundance, but not energy level, LA:ALA, or their interactions (P < 0.05). To conclude, the high and low LA:ALA ratios utilized in this study can be fed at varying energy levels without impacting growth. Additionally, LA:ALA ratios can differentially impact the growth of barrows and gilts.

Effect of 3-caffeoylquinic acid on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal functions in weaned pigs

Phenolic acid like with the 3-caffeoylquini acid (3-CQA) is formed by caffeic acid and qunic acid. This study was conducted to explore the effect of 3-CQA on growth performance and intestinal functions in weaned pigs. A total of 180 weaned pigs were randomly allocated into five treatments with 6 replicate pens per treatment (6 pigs per pen). Pigs in the control group (CON) were fed with basal diet (BD), and the others in the experimental groups were fed with BD and supplemented with 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg 3-CQA. On day 43, the blood sample-collected pigs in the CON and optimal-dose group (only based on growth performance) were picked, and housed in metabolism cages (a total of 12 pigs, N = 6). 3-CQA increased the feed efficiency from days 21 to 42 of the trial and throughout the trial (P < 0.05). 3-CQA increased the serum concentrations of total protein, albumin, and total cholesterol (P < 0.05). Moreover, 3-CQA supplementation at 25 mg/kg increased the apparent digestibility of DM, energy, and ash (P < 0.05). Interestingly, 3-CQA decreased the crypt depth but increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05). Moreover, 3-CQA also increased the activities of sucrase, lactase, and catalase in the jejunal mucosa, and increased the activities of alkaline phosphatase and superoxide dismutase in the ileal mucosa (P < 0.05). 3-CQA also increased the abundance of secretory immunoglobulin A in the ileal mucosa (P < 0.05). Importantly, 3-CQA not only elevated the expression levels of critical functional genes such as the zonula occludens-1 , occludin, solute carrier family 7 , and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the duodenum but also elevated the expression levels of divalent metal transporter-1 and Nrf2 in the jejunum (P < 0.05). These results suggested a positive effect of 3-CQA supplementation on the growth and intestinal functions of weaned pigs. The mechanisms of action may be associated with elevated anti-oxidant capacity and improved intestinal barrier functions.

Evaluation of supplemental fat sources and pre-farrow essential fatty acid intake on lactating sow performance and essential fatty acid composition of colostrum, milk, and adipose tissue

A total of 91 sows (Line 241, DNA Genetics) were used to evaluate the effects of supplemental fat sources and essential fatty acid intake on sow farrowing performance, litter growth performance, and essential fatty acid composition of colostrum, milk, and adipose tissue. At approximatelyday 107 of gestation, sows were blocked by body weight and parity, then allotted to 1 of 5 experimental treatments as part of a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement. Experimental diets were corn-soybean meal-based with a control diet that contained no added fat or diets with 3% added fat as either beef tallow or soybean oil, with consumption of the added fat diets starting on day 107 or 112 of gestation and fed until weaning. Thus, sows were provided low essential fatty acids (EFA; as linoleic and α-linolenic acid) without supplemental fat or with beef tallow or high EFA with soybean oil. Sows were provided approximately 2.8 kg/d of their assigned lactation diet pre-farrow and then provided ad libitum access after parturition. Sows consuming diets with beef tallow had greater lactation ADFI (fat source, P = 0.030), but lower daily linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) intake than sows that consumed diets with soybean oil (fat source, P < 0.001). Supplemental fat sources providing either low or high EFA did not influence litter growth performance (fat source, P > 0.05). Sows fed diets with beef tallow did not influence the LA composition of colostrum; however, lactation diets with high EFA provided by soybean oil on day 107 of gestation increased colostrum LA concentration compared to providing diets on day 112 of gestation (fat source × time, P = 0.084; time, P < 0.001). Additionally, regardless of pre-farrow timing, ALA concentration of colostrum increased when sows consumed diets with soybean oil compared to beef tallow (fat source, P < 0.001). Both LA and ALA concentrations of milk at weaning were greater for sows that consumed diets with soybean oil compared to beef tallow (fat source, P < 0.001). Furthermore, concentrations of LA and ALA within adipose tissue were greater at weaning when sows consumed diets with high EFA compared to low EFA (fat source, P < 0.05). These responses suggest that providing dietary fat sources with high concentrations of EFA can increase backfat, colostrum, and milk LA and ALA. However, in this experiment, changes in colostrum and milk composition did not influence litter growth performance.

Dietary fiber alters immunity and intestinal barrier function of different breeds of growing pigs

Introduction

Dietary fiber (DF) regulates immune response and barrier function by interacting with epithelial cells and immune cells. However, the differences in the regulation of intestinal health of different pig breeds by DF remain obscure.

Methods

A total of 60 healthy pigs (20 pigs/breed) from Taoyuan black (TB), Xiangcun black (XB), and Duroc (DR) pigs (body weight = 11.00 ± 1.00 kg) were fed two different levels (low and high) of DF for 28 days to evaluate the differences in the modulation of intestinal immunity and barrier function by DF in different pig breeds.

Results

TB and XB pigs had higher plasma Eos level, Eos%, and Lym% but lower Neu level compared with the DR pigs when fed low DF (LDF). The TB and XB pigs had higher plasma Eos, MCV, and MCH levels and Eos% while lower Neu% compared with the DR pigs when fed high DF (HDF). HDF decreased IgA, IgG, IgM, and sIgA concentrations in the ileum of TB and XB pigs compared with the DR pigs, while the plasma IgG and IgM concentrations of TB pigs were higher than those of the DR pigs. Moreover, compared with the DR pigs, HDF decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-17, and TGF-β in the plasma, and IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, TGF-β, and TNF-α in the ileum of TB and XB pigs. However, HDF did not affect the mRNA expression of cytokines in the ileum of TB, XB, and DR pigs, while HDF increased the TRAF6 expression of TB pigs compared with the DR pigs. In addition, HDF increased the Claudin abundance of TB and DR pigs compared with the pigs feeding with LDF. Moreover, in the LDF and HDF groups, the XB pigs had higher protein abundances of Claudin and ZO-1 compared with the TB and DR pigs.

Conclusions

DF regulated the TB and DR pigs' plasma immune cells, the XB pigs showed enhanced barrier function, and the DR pigs had increased ileal inflammation, which indicates that Chinese indigenous pigs are more DF tolerant than the DR pigs.

Zinc Laurate Protects against Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction and Inflammation Induced by ETEC in a Mice Model

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection is one of the most common bacterial causes of diarrhea in children and young farm animals. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) have been widely used for their antibacterial and immune functions. However, there is limited information regarding the role of MCFAs chelated with Zn in diarrhea induced by ETEC infection. Here, zinc laurate (ZnLa) was used to evaluate its protective effect in a mice diarrhea model induced by ETEC. A total of 45 ICR-weaned female mice were randomly assigned to marginal zinc deficiency (dZn), dZn, and ETEC infection groups (dZn+ETEC); ETEC infection was co-treated with a low, middle, or high dose of ZnLa (ZnLa LOW+ETEC, ZnLa MID+ETEC, and ZnLa HIGH+ETEC), respectively, to explore the effect and its mechanism of ZnLa on diarrhea and intestinal health of mice challenged with ETEC. To further compare the antibacterial efficiency of ZnLa and ZnSO₄ in mice with ETEC infection, a total of 36 ICR-weaned female mice were randomly divided into ZnLa, ZnLa+ETEC, ZnSO₄, and ZnSO₄ and ETEC infection groups (ZnSO₄+ETEC); moreover, the growth curve of ETEC also compared ZnLa and ZnSO₄ in vitro. Mice pretreated with ZnLa were effectively guarded against body weight losses and increases in diarrhea scores induced by ETEC. ZnLa pretreatment also prevented intestinal barrier damage and ion transport in mice challenged with ETEC, as evidenced by the fact that the intestinal villus height and the ratio of villus height and crypt depth, tight junction protein, and Na⁺ absorption were higher, whereas intestinal permeability and anion secretion were lower in mice pretreated with ZnLa. In addition, ZnLa conferred effective protection against ETEC-induced intestinal inflammatory responses, as the increases in protein and mRNAs of proinflammatory cytokines were prevented in serum and jejunum, which was likely associated with the TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The increase in ETEC shedding and virulence-related gene expression was prevented in mice with ZnLa pretreatment. Finally, the growth of ETEC and virulence-related gene expression were lower in the ZnLa group than in ZnSO₄ with an equal concentration of zinc. These findings suggest that ZnLa is a promising prevention strategy to remedy ETEC infection.

Effects of dietary supplementation with bioactive peptides derived from rapeseed protein on the growth performance, serum biochemistry and faecal micro‐organism composition of weaned piglets

The present study investigated the effects of supplementing bioactive peptides derived from rapeseed protein (rapeseed peptide, Rsp) on the growth performance, serum biochemistry and faecal micro-organism composition of weaned piglets. Sixty Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire weaned piglets of similar weights were randomly divided into three groups. The control group (NC) was fed a basal diet, and the two treatment groups, Rsp-1 and Rsp-2, were fed a basal diet supplemented with 1% or 2% Rsp, respectively, for 28 days. Each treatment consisted of five replicates with four piglets per replicate. The results showed that Rsp treatment significantly improved the average daily gain and had a better feed-to-gain ratio (p < 0.05). The diarrhoea incidence and indices of Rsp-1 and Rsp-2 groups were significantly lower than the NC group (p < 0.05), and the effect of Rsp-2 on reducing the incidence of diarrhoea was significantly higher than that of Rsp-1 (p < 0.05). The serum albumin, serum immunoglobulin A and catalase levels of the Rsp-1 and Rsp-2 groups were significantly better than the NC group (p < 0.05). Additionally, Rsp treatment significantly gained the relative abundance of faecal Lactobacillaceae and decreased the relative abundance of faecal Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, Treponema and Coprococcus (p < 0.05). In summary, Rsp supplementation improved the growth performance, ameliorated the diarrhoea, enhanced the immune and antioxidant functions and changed the composition of faecal micro-organisms in piglets. These findings indicate that Rsp positively affected the health of weaned piglets.

Influence of dietary n-3 long-chain fatty acids on microbial diversity and composition of sows' feces, colostrum, milk, and suckling piglets' feces

Introduction

Very little is known about the impact of n-3 long-chain fatty acids (n-3 LCFAs) on the microbiota of sows and their piglets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of n-3 LCFA in sow diets on the microbiota composition of sows' feces, colostrum, and milk as well as that of piglets' feces.

Methods

Twenty-two sows were randomly assigned to either a control or an n-3 LCFA diet from service to weaning. Sows' and piglets' performance was monitored. The gestating and lactating sows' microbiomes in feces, colostrum, and milk were characterized by 16s ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. The fecal microbiome from the two lowest (>800 g) and the two highest birth weight piglets per litter was also characterized, and the LPS levels in plasma were analyzed at weaning.

Results and Discussion

n-3 LCFA increased microbiota alpha diversity in suckling piglets' and gestating sows' feces. However, no effects were observed in colostrum, milk, or lactating sows' feces. Dietary n-3 LCFA modified the microbiota composition of gestating sows' feces, milk, and suckling piglets' feces, without affecting lactating sows' feces or colostrum. In gestating sows' feces and milk, the decrease in genus Succinivibrio and the increase of Proteobacteria phylum, due to the increased genera Brenneria and Escherichia, respectively, stand out. In the feces of suckling piglets, the higher abundance of the beneficial genus Akkermansia and Bacteroides, and different species of Lactobacillus are highlighted. In addition, positive correlations for families and genera were found between lactating sows' feces and milk, milk and suckling piglets' feces, and lactating sows' feces and suckling piglets' feces. To conclude, dietary n-3 LCFA had a positive impact on the microbiome of suckling piglet's feces by increasing microbial diversity and some beneficial bacteria populations, had a few minor modifications on the microbiome of milk and gestating sows' feces and did not change the microbiome in lactating sows' feces or colostrum. Therefore, this study shows the effect of dietary n-3 LCFA on the microbiota of sows, colostrum, milk, and suckling piglets during the lactation period providing crucial information on the microbiota status at the early stages of life, which have an impact on the post-weaning.

Immunomodulatory effects of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) on porcine monocytes (CD14 +) immune response in vitro

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) found mostly in fish oil. They have been commonly used as dietary integrators in human and animal nutrition, modulating the immune system, mostly by exerting anti-inflammatory activities as demonstrated by in vivo and in vitro studies. The precise mechanisms of action at the background of EPA and DHA immunomodulatory activity are still not fully elucidated. Moreover, no information on their effects on porcine monocytes immune response is available yet. To cover this gap, the study aimed to evaluate DHA and EPA's in vitro impact on porcine monocytes (CD14 +) defensive functions. Briefly, monocytes were isolated from the blood of twenty-six healthy pigs, using a magnetic-activated cell sorting technique (MACS). Monocytes were first treated with increasing concentrations of DHA and EPA (25, 50, 100 and 200 µM) and apoptosis and viability were measured to assess potential cytotoxic effects. Once determined EPA and DHA subtoxic working concentrations (25, 50 and 100 µM), their effects on chemotaxis, phagocytosis and total, intracellular and extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were evaluated. DHA and EPA only decreased porcine monocytes viability at the highest concentration (200 µM), but their apoptosis was unaffected. DHA (100 µM) decreased the cells' chemotaxis, while EPA (25 µM) increased their intracellular ROS production after 60 min under non-inflammatory or resting conditions and at 90 min under pro-inflammatory conditions (PMA challenge). EPA (50 µM) decreased monocytes' intracellular ROS levels only under resting conditions at 30 min. No effects were observed on porcine monocytes phagocytic capacity. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that DHA and EPA can exert differential in vitro immunomodulatory effects in pigs, by dampening monocytes chemotaxis and potentiating their oxidative burst, respectively. Thus, our results suggest these n-3 PUFA might exert both anti-inflammatory and/or immune-enhancing effects in pigs.

Identification of Novel mRNA Isoforms Associated with Acute Heat Stress Response Using RNA Sequencing Data in Sprague Dawley Rats

The molecular mechanisms underlying heat stress tolerance in animals to high temperatures remain unclear. This study identified the differentially expressed mRNA isoforms which narrowed down the most reliable DEG markers and molecular pathways that underlie the mechanisms of thermoregulation. This experiment was performed on Sprague Dawley rats housed at 22 °C (control group; CT), and three acute heat-stressed groups housed at 42 °C for 30 min (H30), 60 min (H60), and 120 min (H120). Earlier, we demonstrated that acute heat stress increased the rectal temperature of rats, caused abnormal changes in the blood biochemical parameters, as well as induced dramatic changes in the expression levels of genes through epigenetics and post-transcriptional regulation. Transcriptomic analysis using RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) data obtained previously from blood (CT and H120), liver (CT, H30, H60, and H120), and adrenal glands (CT, H30, H60, and H120) was performed. The differentially expressed mRNA isoforms (DEIs) were identified and annotated by the CLC Genomics Workbench. Biological process and metabolic pathway analyses were performed using Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. A total of 225, 5764, and 4988 DEIs in the blood, liver, and adrenal glands were observed. Furthermore, the number of novel differentially expressed transcript lengths with annotated genes and novel differentially expressed transcript with non-annotated genes were 136 and 8 in blood, 3549 and 120 in the liver, as well as 3078 and 220 in adrenal glands, respectively. About 35 genes were involved in the heat stress response, out of which, Dnaja1, LOC680121, Chordc1, AABR07011951.1, Hsp90aa1, Hspa1b, Cdkn1a, Hmox1, Bag3, and Dnaja4 were commonly identified in the liver and adrenal glands, suggesting that these genes may regulate heat stress response through interactions between the liver and adrenal glands. In conclusion, this study would enhance our understanding of the complex underlying mechanisms of acute heat stress, and the identified mRNA isoforms and genes can be used as potential candidates for thermotolerance selection in mammals.

Weaning stress and intestinal health of piglets: A review

Weaning is considered to be one of the most critical periods in pig production, which is related to the economic benefits of pig farms. However, in actual production, many piglets are often subjected to weaning stress due to the sudden separation from the sow, the changes in diet and living environment, and other social challenges. Weaning stress often causes changes in the morphology and function of the small intestine of piglets, disrupts digestion and absorption capacity, destroys intestinal barrier function, and ultimately leads to reduced feed intake, increased diarrhea rate, and growth retardation. Therefore, correctly understanding the effects of weaning stress on intestinal health have important guiding significance for nutritional regulation of intestinal injury caused by weaning stress. In this review, we mainly reviewed the effects of weaning stress on the intestinal health of piglets, from the aspects of intestinal development, and intestinal barrier function, thereby providing a theoretical basis for nutritional strategies to alleviate weaning stress in mammals in future studies.

Weaning Stress in Piglets Alters the Expression of Intestinal Proteins Involved in Fat Absorption

BACKGROUND

In vivo data on intestinal fat absorption in weanling piglets are scarce.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the effect of weaning stress on intestinal fat absorption.

METHODS

Eighteen 7-d-old sow-reared piglets (Duroc-Landrace-Yorkshire) were assigned to 3 groups (n = 6/group, 3 males and 3 females per group). Piglets were nursed by sows until 24 d of age (suckling piglets, S), or weaned at 21 d of age to a corn-soybean meal-based diet until 24 d (3 d postweaning, W3) or 28 d (7 d postweaning, W7) of age, respectively. Duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were collected to determine intestinal morphology and abundance of proteins related to fat absorption.

RESULTS

Compared with the S group, the W3 group had lower villus height (17-34%) and villus height to crypt depth ratio (13-53%), as well as 1-1.45 times greater crypt depth; these values were 1.18-1.31, 0.69-1.15, and 1.47-1.87 times greater in the W7 group than in the W3 group, respectively. Compared with the S group, weaning stress for both W3 and W7 groups reduced intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity (26-73%), serum lipids (26-54%), and abundances of proteins related to fatty acid transport [fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4) and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP)] and chylomicron assembly [microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP), apolipoprotein A-IV (APOA4), B (APOB), and A-I (APOA1)] in the duodenum and ileum (10-55%), as well as in the jejunum (25-85%). All these indexes did not differ between W3 and W7 groups. Compared with the S group, the W3 group had lower mRNA abundances of duodenal APOA4 and APOA1 (25-50%), as well as jejunal FATP4, IFABP, MTTP, APOA4, and APOA1 (35-50%); these values were 5-15% and 10-37% lower in the W7 group than in the W3 group, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Weaning stress in piglets attenuates the expression of intestinal proteins related to fatty acid transport (FATP4 and I-FABP) and chylomicron synthesis (APOA4).

SLC16A7 Promotes Triglyceride Deposition by De Novo Lipogenesis in Chicken Muscle Tissue

Triglyceride (TG) content in chicken muscle tissue signifies intramuscular fat (IMF) content, which is important for improving meat quality. However, the genetic basis of TG deposition in chicken is still unclear. Using 520 chickens from an artificially selected line with significantly increased IMF content and a control line, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) with TG content reports a region of 802 Kb located in chromosome 1. The XP-EHH and gene expression analysis together reveal that the solute carrier family 16 member A7 (SLC16A7) gene is the key candidate gene associated with TG content in chicken muscle tissue. Furthermore, the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) confirmed the regulatory effects of SLC16A7 on promoting TG deposition by de novo lipogenesis (DNL). Functional verification of SLC16A7 in vitro also supports this view, and reveals that this effect mainly occurs in myocytes. Our data highlight a potential IMF deposition pathway by DNL, induced by SLC16A7 in chicken myocytes. These findings will improve the understanding of IMF regulation in chicken and guide the formulation of breeding strategies for high-quality chicken.

Review on Preventive Measures to Reduce Post-Weaning Diarrhoea in Piglets

In many countries, medical levels of zinc (typically as zinc oxide) are added to piglet diets in the first two weeks post-weaning to prevent the development of post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD). However, high levels of zinc constitute an environmental polluting agent, and may contribute to the development and/or maintenance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among bacteria. Consequently, the EU banned administering medical levels of zinc in pig diets as of June 2022. However, this may result in an increased use of antibiotic therapeutics to combat PWD and thereby an increased risk of further AMR development. The search for alternative measures against PWD with a minimum use of antibiotics and in the absence of medical levels of zinc has therefore been intensified over recent years, and feed-related measures, including feed ingredients, feed additives, and feeding strategies, are being intensively investigated. Furthermore, management strategies have been developed and are undoubtedly relevant; however, these will not be addressed in this review. Here, feed measures (and vaccines) are addressed, these being probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, proteobiotics, plants and plant extracts (in particular essential oils and tannins), macroalgae (particularly macroalgae-derived polysaccharides), dietary fibre, antimicrobial peptides, specific amino acids, dietary fatty acids, milk replacers, milk components, creep feed, vaccines, bacteriophages, and single-domain antibodies (nanobodies). The list covers measures with a rather long history and others that require significant development before their eventual use can be extended. To assess the potential of feed-related measures in combating PWD, the literature reviewed here has focused on studies reporting parameters of PWD (i.e., faeces score and/or faeces dry matter content during the first two weeks post-weaning). Although the impact on PWD (or related parameters) of the investigated measures may often be inconsistent, many studies do report positive effects. However, several studies have shown that control pigs do not suffer from diarrhoea, making it difficult to evaluate the biological and practical relevance of these improvements. From the reviewed literature, it is not possible to rank the efficacy of the various measures, and the efficacy most probably depends on a range of factors related to animal genetics and health status, additive doses used, composition of the feed, etc. We conclude that a combination of various measures is probably most recommendable in most situations. However, in this respect, it should be considered that combining strategies may lead to additive (e.g., synbiotics), synergistic (e.g., plant materials), or antagonistic (e.g., algae compounds) effects, requiring detailed knowledge on the modes of action in order to design effective strategies.

Effects of Multi-Strain Probiotics and Perilla frutescens Seed Extract Supplementation Alone or Combined on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Indices, and Intestinal Health of Weaned Piglets

Simple Summary

Weaning piglets face stressors from changes in feed and environment, which affects their growth. To resolve this problem, we explored the separate effects of multi-strain probiotics and Perilla frutescens seed extract and their combined effect on weaning piglets. We found multi-strain probiotics or Perilla frutescens seed extract both improved the gain to feed ratio and antioxidant capacity. In addition, multi-strain probiotics improved jejunal villus height and the villus height/crypt depth ratio. Perilla frutescens seed extract improved ileal villus height. The interactive effects were observed in jejunal villus height and the villus height/crypt depth ratio, ileal villus height, and the gene expression of IL-1β and mucin2 in the intestinal mucosa. This study shows that using either multi-strain probiotics or Perilla frutescens seed extract alone is more effective than their combined use in weaning piglets.

Abstract

This study examined the effects of multi-strain probiotics (BL) and Perilla frutescens seed extract (PSE), alone or in combination, on weaning piglets. In total, 96 weaning piglets were allocated into four treatments: CON group (the basal diet), PSE group (basal diet + 1g/kg PSE), BL group (basal diet + 2 g/kg BL), and BL+PSE group (basal diet +1 g/kg PSE + 2 g/kg BL) according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The supplementation of BL or PSE improved the gain to feed ratio. Dietary BL reduced diarrhea occurrence and Escherichia coli, but increased Lactobacillus counts in the ileal digesta. Dietary PSE tended to increase Lactobacillus counts in the ileal digesta. Interactive effects were found in terms of ileal villus height, the gene expression of IL-1β, and malondialdehyde in the ileal mucosa. Dietary BL lowered malondialdehyde in the spleen, liver, and jejunal mucosa but increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the liver and ileum mucosa. The supplementation of PSE improved superoxide dismutase in serum and T-AOC in the liver, and reduced MDA in liver, spleen, and jejunum mucosa. Taken together, BL or PSE showed positive effects, improving growth and intestinal morphology and enhancing antioxidant capacity. However, their interaction showed no beneficial effects on the antioxidant indices and the intestinal morphology of weaned piglets.

Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture mitigates heat stress-related dame in dairy cows by multi-omics

The effect of heat stress on ruminants is an important issue. In recent years, the growth of the Chinese dairy industry has rapidly increased, generating RMB 468,738 million revenue in 2021. A decreased milk yield is the most recognized impact of heat stress on dairy cows and results in significant economic loss to dairy producers. Heat stress also lowers immunity and antioxidant capacity and changes the bacterial composition and metabolites of the rumen. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of addition Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture on heat-stressed cows. The impact of S. cerevisiae culture on microbiota composition, functional profiles, and metabolomics was assessed in heat-stressed cows. A total of 45 Holstein cows in mid-lactation were selected and randomly divided into three groups (15 cows per group). Groups D-C, D-A, and D-B were fed with the basal diet, the basal diet + first S. cerevisiae culture 100 g/day, and the basal diet + second S. cerevisiae culture 30 g/day, respectively. The trial lasted 60 days. There was an increased abundance of the Phylum Firmicutes in the rumen of heat-stressed dairy cows fed with S. cerevisiae, of which four genera had significantly higher abundance, Ruminococcus_gauvreauii_group, Butyrivibrio_2, Moryella, and Ruminiclostridium_6. At the functional level, ten pathways differed significantly between the three groups (P < 0.05), with an increase in fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, PPAR signaling pathway, ferroptosis, and biotin metabolism in the treatment groups. More differential metabolites were found in the D-C and D-A groups than in the D-C and D-B groups. These results indicate that S. cerevisiae cultures can influence the health status of heat-stressed cows by modulating rumen microbial composition, function, and metabolites, thereby improving rumen cellulolytic capacity. This study can provide or offer suggestions or recommendations for the development and utilization of feed additives.

Alterations in Essential Fatty Acids, Immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM), and Enteric Methane Emission in Primiparous Sows Fed Hemp Seed Oil and Their Offspring Response

This study shows the effects of dietary hemp seed oil on the milk composition, blood immunoglobulins (Ig), and enteric methane (E-CH4) production of primiparous sows, and their offspring’s response at three time points. A bifactorial experiment was conducted for 21 days (d) on 18 primiparous sows (195 ± 3 days old). The sows were fed two diets: (i) a control diet (SO) based on soybean oil (1.6%), with an 18.82 n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ratio; (ii) an experimental diet (HO) based on hemp seed oil (1.6%), with a 9.14 n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio. The milk contained an elevated level of linoleic acids (LA), n-3 FA, and especially alpha-linolenic acids (ALA), while the n-6:n-3 ratio declined using hemp oil. The Ig concentration was higher in colostrum than in milk. In the first few hours, the IgG in the plasma of piglets was more than double that of maternal plasma IgG (+2.39 times). A period effect (p < 0.0001) for IgG concentration in the plasma of piglets was recorded (40% at 10 d, respectively 73% lower at 21 d than 12 h after parturition). However, the sow diet did not affect Ig (p > 0.05). The frequency of diarrhoea declined after about 7 d. The value of the rate of diarrhoea was 6.2% lower in the PHO group. We found a 4.5% decline in E-CH4 in the HO group. Applying multiple linear regression, feed intake, n-6:n-3 ratio, ALA, and lean meat were potential indicators in estimating E-CH4. In conclusion, sow dietary hemp seed oil increased lean meat %, milk EFA, and milk IgM. Significant changes in the other dependent variables of interest (body weight, plasma Igs in sows and offspring, E-CH4 production) were not recorded. There was reduced diarrhoea which shows that EFA could play a therapeutic role in the incidence of diarrhoea and in lowering of E-CH4 emission in sows and progeny. All dependent variables were significantly altered at different time points, except for fat concentration in milk and sow plasma IgG.

Evidence-Based Recommendations for Herd Health Management of Porcine Post-Weaning Diarrhea

Simple Summary

In this paper, you will find recommendations on how to prevent post-weaning diarrhea in pigs kept in indoor pig herds. The recommendations are based on the scientific knowledge that is currently available. The authors first validated that Danish veterinarians working with pigs demanded such recommendations. Then, we collected papers written by other researchers who had summarized the scientific knowledge on different topics related to post-weaning diarrhea. From the papers, we extracted and synthesized 79 specific recommendations that may help veterinarians and pig producers make good decisions for their pig herd. The paper exemplifies a novel approach to summarizing and transferring science into practice that may be of interest to people that are not involved with pigs and post-weaning diarrhea.

Abstract

Aided by their advising veterinarians, pig producers need to make difficult decisions regarding herd health management strategies. For instance, the preventive use of antimicrobials and medicinal zinc oxide must be substituted with more sustainable preventive approaches to porcine post-weaning diarrhea. Veterinarians and pig producers may find assistance in knowledge based on evidence in this regard; however, the overwhelming scientific literature is not always readily available. The overall aim of this paper is to suggest herd health management decision-support tools that can aid veterinary-assisted decision making in the control of porcine post-weaning diarrhea at a tactical level. The first objective was to validate the need for a herd health management concept, including two decision-support tools. The second objective was to develop evidence-based recommendations that can aid veterinary-assisted decision-making for the herd health management of post-weaning diarrhea. The first objective was investigated by a questionnaire-based study among veterinary pig practitioners in Denmark. For the second objective, we conducted a scientific summary based on scientific review papers identified through a systematic search in three databases. From the papers, we synthesized and extracted 79 specific recommendations. In this paper, we report comprehensive evidence-based recommendations for the herd health management of post-weaning diarrhea.