Effects of lactobacillus plantarum ZJ316 on pig growth and pork quality

Dietary Triple-Strain Bacillus-Based Probiotic Supplementation Improves Performance, Immune Function, Intestinal Morphology, and Microbial Community in Weaned Pigs

Probiotics provide health benefits and are used as feed supplements as an alternative prophylactic strategy to antibiotics. However, the effects of Bacillus-based probiotics containing more than two strains when supplemented to pigs are rarely elucidated. SOLVENS (SLV) is a triple-strain Bacillus-based probiotic. In this study, we investigate the effects of SLV on performance, immunity, intestinal morphology, and microbial community in piglets. A total of 480 weaned pigs [initial body weight (BW) of 8.13 ± 0.08 kg and 28 days of age] were assigned to three treatments in a randomized complete block design: P0: basal diet (CON); P200: CON + 200 mg SLV per kg feed (6.5 × 108 CFU/kg feed); and P400: CON + 400 mg SLV per kg feed (1.3 × 109 CFU/kg feed). Each treatment had 20 replicated pens with eight pigs (four male/four female) per pen. During the 31 d feeding period (Phase 1 = wean to d 14, Phase 2 = d 15 to 31 after weaning), all pigs were housed in a temperature-controlled nursery room (23 to 25 °C). Feed and water were available ad libitum. The results showed that the pigs in the P400 group increased (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) in phase 2 and tended (p = 0.10) to increase ADG overall. The pigs in the P200 and P400 groups tended (p = 0.10) to show improved feed conversion ratios overall in comparison with control pigs. The pigs in the P200 and P400 groups increased (p < 0.05) serum immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, and haptoglobin on d 14, and serum C-reactive protein on d 31. The pigs in the P200 group showed an increased (p < 0.01) villus height at the jejunum, decreased (p < 0.05) crypt depth at the ileum compared with other treatments, and tended (p = 0.09) to have an increased villus-crypt ratio at the jejunum compared with control pigs. The pigs in the P200 and P400 groups showed increased (p < 0.05) goblet cells in the small intestine. Moreover, the pigs in the P400 group showed down-regulated (p < 0.05) interleukin-4 and tumor necrosis factor-α gene expressions, whereas the pigs in the P400 group showed up-regulated occludin gene expression in the ileum. These findings suggest that SLV alleviates immunological reactions, improves intestinal microbiota balance, and reduces weaning stress in piglets. Therefore, SOLVENS has the potential to improve health and performance for piglets.

Dietary probiotic and synbiotic supplementation starting from maternal gestation improves muscular lipid metabolism in offspring piglets by reshaping colonic microbiota and metabolites

Probiotics and synbiotics have been intensively used in animal husbandry due to their advantageous roles in animals' health. However, there is a paucity of research on probiotic and synbiotic supplementation from maternal gestation to the postnatal growing phases of offspring piglets. Thus, we assessed the effects of dietary supplementation of these two additives to sows and offspring piglets on skeletal muscle and body metabolism, colonic microbiota composition, and metabolite profiles of offspring piglets. Pregnant Bama mini-pigs and their offspring piglets (after weaning) were fed either a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with antibiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics. At 65, 95, and 125 days old, eight pigs per group were euthanized and sampled for analyses. Probiotics increased the intramuscular fat content in the psoas major muscle (PMM) at 95 days old, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and n-3 PUFA levels in the longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) at 65 days old, C16:1 level in the LDM at 125 days old, and upregulated ATGL, CPT-1, and HSL expressions in the PMM at 65 days old. Synbiotics increased the plasma HDL-C level at 65 days old and TC level at 65 and 125 days old and upregulated the CPT-1 expression in the PMM at 125 days old. In addition, probiotics and synbiotics increased the plasma levels of HDL-C at 65 days old, CHE at 95 days old, and LDL-C at 125 days old, while decreasing the C18:1n9t level in the PMM at 65 days old and the plasma levels of GLU, LDH, and TG at 95 days old. Microbiome analysis showed that probiotic and synbiotic supplementation increased colonic Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, Faecalibacterium, Pseudobutyrivibrio, and Turicibacter abundances. However, antibiotic supplementation decreased colonic Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Prevotella, and Unclassified_Lachnospiraceae abundances. Furthermore, probiotic and synbiotic supplementation was associated with alterations in 8, 7, and 10 differential metabolites at three different age stages. Both microbiome and metabolome analyses showed that the differential metabolic pathways were associated with carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism. However, antibiotic supplementation increased the C18:1n9t level in the PMM at 65 days old and xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism at 125 days old. In conclusion, sow-offspring's diets supplemented with these two additives showed conducive effects on meat flavor, nutritional composition of skeletal muscles, and body metabolism, which may be associated with the reshaping of colonic microbiota and metabolites. However, antibiotic supplementation has negative effects on colonic microbiota composition and fatty acid composition in the PMM.

IMPORTANCE

The integral sow-offspring probiotic and synbiotic supplementation improves the meat flavor and the fatty acid composition of the LDM to some extent. Sow-offspring probiotic and synbiotic supplementation increases the colonic beneficial bacteria (including Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, Actinobacteria, Faecalibacterium, Turicibacter, and Pseudobutyrivibrio) and alters the colonic metabolite profiles, such as guanidoacetic acid, beta-sitosterol, inosine, cellobiose, indole, and polyamine. Antibiotic supplementation in sow-offspring's diets decreases several beneficial bacteria (including Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Unclassified_Lachnospiraceae, and Prevotella) and has a favorable effect on improving the fatty acid composition of the LDM to some extent, while presenting the opposite effect on the PMM.

The effects of synbiotics-glyconutrients on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gas emission, meat quality, and fatty acid profile of finishing pigs

Glyconutrients help in the body's cell communication. Glyconutrients and synbiotics are promising options for improving immune function. Therefore, we hypothesized that combining synbiotics and glyconutrients will enhance pig nutrient utilization. 150 pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc), initially weighing 58.85 ± 3.30 kg of live body weight (BW) were utilized to determine the effects of synbiotics-glyconutrients (SGN) on the pigs' performance, feed efficiency, gas emission, pork traits, and composition of fatty acids. The pigs were matched by BW and sex and chosen at random to 1 of 3 diet treatments: control = Basal diet; TRT1 = Basal diet + SGN 0.15%; TRT2 = Basal diet + SGN 0.30%%. The trials were conducted in two phases (weeks 1-5 and weeks 5-10). The average daily gain was increased in pigs fed a basal diet with SGN (p = 0.036) in weeks 5-10. However, the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, and gross energy did not differ among the treatments (p > 0.05). Dietary treatments had no effect on NH3, H2S, methyl mercaptans, acetic acids, and CO2 emissions (p > 0.05). Improvement in drip loss on day 7 (p = 0.053) and tendency in the cooking loss were observed (p = 0.070) in a group fed basal diets and SGN at 0.30% inclusion level. The group supplemented with 0.30% of SGN had higher levels of palmitoleic acid (C16:1), margaric acid (C17:0), omega-3 fatty acid, omega-6 fatty acid, and ω-6: ω-3 ratio (p = 0.034, 0.020, 0.025, 0.007, and 0.003, respectively) in the fat of finishing pigs. Furthermore, group supplemented with 0.30% of SGN improved margaric acid (C17:0), linoleic acid (C18:2n6c), arachidic acid (C20:0), omega 6 fatty acid, omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, unsaturated fatty acid, and monounsaturated fatty acid (p = 0.037, 0.05, 0.0142, 0.036, 0.033, 0.020, and 0.045, respectively) in the lean tissues of finishing pigs compared to pigs fed with the control diets. In conclusion, the combination of probiotics, prebiotics, and glyconutrients led to higher average daily gain, improved the quality of pork, and more favorable fatty acid composition. Therefore, these results contributed to a better understanding of the potential of SGN combinations as a feed additive for pigs.

Dietary supplementation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P-8 improves the growth performance and gut microbiota of weaned piglets

Weaning is a stressful event in the pig life cycle. We hypothesized that probiotics could be potential alternatives to antibiotics for promoting growth and ameliorating stress in weaning piglets via gut microbiota modulation and, thus, investigated the beneficial effects of dietary probiotic supplementation in weaning pigs. Ninety weaning piglets (Landrace × large white, 45 males and 45 females, 25 days of age) were randomized into three dietary treatments (30 piglets/treatment, divided into five replicates/treatment, i.e., six piglets/replicate) in this 28-day trial: control (C group, basal diet); probiotic [lactic acid bacteria (LAB) group, basal diet plus Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P-8]; and antibiotic (A group; basal diet plus chlortetracycline). The piglets' growth performance [average daily gain, average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR)], immune and antioxidant markers, ileal mucosal morphology, and ileal and colonic microbiomes were compared among treatment groups. Compared to the C and A groups, probiotic supplementation significantly decreased the ADFI, FCR, and ileal mucosal crypt depth while increasing the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, hepatic glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities, and serum levels of interleukin-2. Both probiotic and antibiotic treatments modulated the piglets' gut microbiomes, with more L. plantarum in the LAB group and more Eubacterium rectale and Limosilactobacillus reuteri in the A group. Probiotic supplementation significantly increased the relative abundance of genes encoding the acetylene, galactose, and stachyose degradation pathways, potentially enhancing nutrient absorption, energy acquisition, and growth performance. Probiotics are effective alternatives to antibiotics for promoting the health of piglets, possibly via gut microbiome modulation.IMPORTANCEWeaning impacts piglet health, performance, and mortality. Antibiotic treatment during weaning can mitigate the negative effects on growth. However, antibiotic use in livestock production contributes to the emergence of antibiotic resistance, which is a threat to global public health. This comprehensive study describes the gut microbial composition and growth performance of weaned piglets after dietary supplementation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P-8 or antibiotics. L. plantarum P-8 ameliorated stress and improved antioxidant capacity and growth performance in weaned piglets, accompanied by gut microbiota improvement. L. plantarum P-8 is an effective substitute for antibiotics to promote the health of weaned piglets while avoiding the global concern of drug resistance.

Effects of lactic acid bacteria-derived fermented feed on the taste and quality of duck meat

The present study aimed to examine the impact of lactic acid bacteria- fermented feed (FF) on the taste and quality of duck meat, in addition to elucidating the potential metabolomic mechanism at play. The findings revealed that ducks fed with FF exhibited elevated pH levels and reduced cooking loss in their meat when compared to the control group. In addition, the sensory evaluation and e-tongue analysis revealed that the tenderness, juiciness, umami, richness, saltiness, and sweetness of duck meat were all enhanced by feeding FF. Moreover, an examination of the metabolome using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) identified the principal differential metabolites that exhibited a correlation with taste, which included 2-aminoadipate, glucose, glycine, N-acetylcysteine, niacinamide, proline, and threonine. Furthermore, the differential metabolites that exhibited the greatest enrichment in duck meat could be primarily traced to glutathione metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism. The potential factors contributing to the effect of FF and basic commercial duck feed (CF) were found to be primarily regulated via the aforementioned metabolic pathways. The study, therefore, offers a viable approach for enhancing the taste and quality of duck meat.

Bacillus-supplemented diet improves growth performance in Jeju native pigs by modulating myogenesis and adipogenesis

Probiotics are used in pigs as nutritional supplements to improve health and induce the development of muscle and adipose tissue for enhancing growth performance and harvesting quality meat. In this study, we investigated the effects of Bacillus-based probiotic supplementation on the physiological and biochemical changes in Jeju native pigs (JNPs), including growth performance, backfat layers, blood parameters, serum IgG levels, myogenic and adipogenic markers, and expression of inflammatory markers. Average daily gain and feed efficiency were higher in the Bacillus diet group than in the basal diet group, while backfat thickness was lower in the Bacillus diet group than in the basal diet group. Blood biochemical parameters and hematological profiles were not altered significantly by Bacillus-based probiotic supplementation. Serum IgG concentration increased in the Bacillus diet group compared to the basal diet group. The Bacillus diet group showed increased adipogenic and myogenic markers expression in the longissimus dorsi muscle and adipose tissues. Overall, the data suggest that the Bacillus-based probiotics-supplemented diet regulates myogenesis and adipogenesis in JNPs and improves growth performance. We postulate that this may be due to the changes in the gut microbiota of pigs due to probiotic supplementation.

Probiotics and Postbiotics as an Alternative to Antibiotics: An Emphasis on Pigs

Probiotics are being used as feed/food supplements as an alternative to antibiotics. It has been demonstrated that probiotics provide several health benefits, including preventing diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and immunomodulation. Alongside probiotic bacteria-fermented foods, the different structural components, such as lipoteichoic acids, teichoic acids, peptidoglycans, and surface-layer proteins, offer several advantages. Probiotics can produce different antimicrobial components, enzymes, peptides, vitamins, and exopolysaccharides. Besides live probiotics, there has been growing interest in consuming inactivated probiotics in farm animals, including pigs. Several reports have shown that live and killed probiotics can boost immunity, modulate intestinal microbiota, improve feed efficiency and growth performance, and decrease the incidence of diarrhea, positioning them as an interesting strategy as a potential feed supplement for pigs. Therefore, effective selection and approach to the use of probiotics might provide essential features of using probiotics as an important functional feed for pigs. This review aimed to systematically investigate the potential effects of lactic acid bacteria in their live and inactivated forms on pigs.

Genome-Wide Comparative Analysis of Lactiplantibacillus pentosus Isolates Autochthonous to Cucumber Fermentation Reveals Subclades of Divergent Ancestry

Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, commonly isolated from commercial cucumber fermentation, is a promising candidate for starter culture formulation due to its ability to achieve complete sugar utilization to an end pH of 3.3. In this study, we conducted a comparative genomic analysis encompassing 24 L. pentosus and 3 Lactiplantibacillus plantarum isolates autochthonous to commercial cucumber fermentation and 47 lactobacillales reference genomes to determine species specificity and provide insights into niche adaptation. Results showed that metrics such as average nucleotide identity score, emulated Rep-PCR-(GTG)₅, computed multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), and multiple open reading frame (ORF)-based phylogenetic trees can robustly and consistently distinguish the two closely related species. Phylogenetic trees based on the alignment of 587 common ORFs separated the L. pentosus autochthonous cucumber isolates from olive fermentation isolates into clade A and B, respectively. The L. pentosus autochthonous clade partitions into subclades A.I, A.II, and A.III, suggesting substantial intraspecies diversity in the cucumber fermentation habitat. The hypervariable sequences within CRISPR arrays revealed recent evolutionary history, which aligns with the L. pentosus subclades identified in the phylogenetic trees constructed. While L. plantarum autochthonous to cucumber fermentation only encode for Type II-A CRISPR arrays, autochthonous L. pentosus clade B codes for Type I-E and L. pentosus clade A hosts both types of arrays. L. pentosus 7.8.2, for which phylogeny could not be defined using the varied methods employed, was found to uniquely encode for four distinct Type I-E CRISPR arrays and a Type II-A array. Prophage sequences in varied isolates evidence the presence of adaptive immunity in the candidate starter cultures isolated from vegetable fermentation as observed in dairy counterparts. This study provides insight into the genomic features of industrial Lactiplantibacillus species, the level of species differentiation in a vegetable fermentation habitat, and diversity profile of relevance in the selection of functional starter cultures.

Effect of Oral Administration with Lactobacillus plantarum CAM6 on the Hematological Profile, Relative Weight of Digestive Organs, and Cecal Traits in Growing Pigs

This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration with L. plantarum CAM6 on the hematological profile, relative weight of digestive organs, and cecal traits in growing pigs. A total of 36 castrated male pigs [(Landrace × Pietrain) × Duroc] aged 49 to 139 days old were randomly assigned to 3 experimental groups with 12 animals per treatment. The treatments included a control diet without additives (CTRL), a positive control with subtherapeutic antibiotics (TRT1), and CTRL supplemented with 5 mL Lactobacillus plantarum CAM6 preparation providing 10⁹ CFU/pig/day (TRT2). The TRT2 group showed a higher (p ≤ 0.05) small intestine length and the cecum relative weight compared to the CTRL group. Moreover, L. plantarum CAM6 supplementation promoted (p ≤ 0.05) increased thickness of the muscular and mucosal layers, as well as enhanced depth and width of the cecal crypts. The TRT2 group also showed well-defined crypts without lesions, while the CTRL and TRT1 groups exhibited congestion, lymphocytic infiltration in the crypt, and intestinal-associated lymphoid tissue atrophy, respectively. Additionally, TRT2 stimulated (p ≤ 0.05) the growth of the autochthonous cecal microbiota compared to other experimental groups. Overall, the results indicate that oral administration of L. plantarum CAM6 improved intestinal health and enhanced the growth of autochthonous cecal lactic acid bacteria and had no impact on the complete blood count in growing pigs.

Dietary Supplementation of Lactobacillus johnsonii RS-7 Improved Antioxidant and Immune Function of Weaned Piglets

We investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of lactic acid bacteria on the immune and antioxidant performance of weaned pigs. A total of 128 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire piglets weaned on day 28 with an average body weight of 8.95 ± 1.15 kg were selected and randomly divided into four treatment groups according to body weight and sex for a 28-day study. The four dietary treatments were basal diet (CON), and CON with 0.05% (LJ0.05), 0.1% (LJ0.1), and 0.2% (LJ0.2) Lactobacillus johnsonii RS-7, respectively. The lowest feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) was found when LJ0.1 was added to the diet. The addition of compound lactic acid bacteria to the diet increased the concentrations of TP, ALB, IgA, and IgM on day 14 and IgG, IgA, and IgM on day 28 (p < 0.05) in the blood, with trait values greater for pigs fed LJ0.1 than CON pigs (p < 0.05). Concentrations of antioxidants (CAT, T-AOC, MDA, T-SOD, and GSH) in serum, intestinal mucosa, spleen, liver, and pancreas improved. In summary, dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus johnsonii RS-7 improved the antioxidant and immune function of weaned piglets.

Effects of supplementation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on performance, systemic immunity, and intestinal microbiota of weaned pigs experimentally infected with a pathogenic enterotoxigenic E. coli F18

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of Bacillus (B.) amyloliquefaciens on growth performance, diarrhea, systemic immunity, and intestinal microbiota of weaned pigs experimentally infected with F18 enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). A total of 50 weaned pigs (7.41 ± 1.35 kg BW) were individually housed and randomly allotted to one of the following five treatments: sham control (CON-), sham B. amyloliquefaciens (BAM-), challenged control (CON+), challenged B. amyloliquefaciens (BAM+), and challenged carbadox (AGP+). The experiment lasted 28 days, with 7 days of adaptation and 21 days after the first ETEC inoculation. ETEC challenge reduced (P &lt; 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) of pigs. Compared with CON+, AGP+ enhanced (P &lt; 0.05) ADG, while B. amyloliquefaciens supplementation tended (P &lt; 0.10) to increase ADG in pigs from days 0 to 21 post-inoculation (PI). The ETEC challenge increased (P &lt; 0.05) white blood cell (WBC) count on days 7 and 21 PI, while BAM+ pigs tended (P &lt; 0.10) to have low WBC on day 7 PI and had lower (P &lt; 0.05) WBC on day 21 PI compared with CON+. In comparison to AGP+ fecal microbiota, BAM+ had a lower (P &lt; 0.05) relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae on day 0 and Clostridiaceae on day 21 PI, but a higher (P &lt; 0.05) relative abundance of Enterobacyeriaceae on day 0. In ileal digesta, the Shannon index was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in BAM+ than in AGP+. Bray-Curtis PCoA displayed a difference in bacterial community composition in ileal digesta collected from sham pigs vs. ETEC-infected pigs on day 21 PI. Pigs in BAM+ had a greater (P &lt; 0.05) relative abundance of Firmicutes, but a lower (P &lt; 0.05) relative abundance of Actinomycetota and Bacteroidota in ileal digesta than pigs in AGP+. Ileal digesta from AGP+ had a greater (P &lt; 0.05) abundance of Clostridium sensu stricto 1 but lower (P &lt; 0.05) Bifidobacterium than pigs in BAM+. In conclusion, supplementation of B. amyloliquefaciens tended to increase ADG and had limited effects on the diarrhea of ETEC-infected pigs. However, pigs fed with B. amyloliquefaciens exhibit milder systemic inflammation than controls. B. amyloliquefaciens differently modified the intestinal microbiota of weaned pigs compared with carbadox.

Feed additives of bacterial origin as an immunoprotective or imunostimulating factor

Since January 2006 when using antibiotics as growth promoters in animal feed have been banned scientists are looking for the best resolution to apply alternative substances. Extensive research into the health-promoting properties of probiotics and prebiotics has led to significant interest in the mechanisms of action of the combined administration of these feed additives as a synbiotic. Subsequent research has led to the development of new products. Among the most important health benefits of additives are, inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the GI tract, maintenance of homeostasis, treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, and increase in immunity. Specific immunomodulatory mechanisms of action are not well understood and the effect is not always positive, though there are no reports of adverse effects of these substances found in the literature. For this reason, research is still being conducted on their proper application. However, due to the difficulties of carrying out research on humans, evidence of the beneficial effect of these additives comes mainly from experiments on animals. The objective of the present work was to assess the effect of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, as well as new additives including postbiotics, proteobiotics, nutribiotics, and pharmabiotics, on specific immunomodulatory mechanisms of action, increase in immunity, the reduction of a broad spectrum of diseases.

Effects of Heat-Killed Lactobacillus plantarum L-137 Supplementation on Growth Performance, Blood Profiles, Intestinal Morphology, and Immune Gene Expression in Pigs

In the present study, the effects of dietary heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum L-137 (HK L-137) on the productive performance, intestinal morphology, and cytokine gene expression of suckling-to-fattening pigs were investigated. A total of 100 suckling pigs [(Large White × Landrace) × Duroc; 4.5 ± 0.54 kg initial body weight (BW)] were used and assigned to each of the four dietary treatments as follows: (1) a control diet with antibiotics as a growth promoter (AGP) from the suckling phase to the grower phase and no supplement in the finisher phases; (2) a control diet without antibiotics as a growth promoter (NAGP); (3) a control diet with HK L-137 at 20 mg/kg from the suckling phase to the starter phase and no supplement from the grower phase to the finisher phases (HKL1); and (4) a control diet with HK L-137 at 20 mg/kg from the suckling phase to the weaner phase, at 4 mg/kg from the starter phase to the finisher 1 phase, and no supplement in the finisher 2 phase (HKL2). During the weaner-starter period, the pigs fed on the AGP and HKL2 diets showed significantly higher weight gain and average daily gain (ADG) than those in the NAGP group (p < 0.05). The pigs in the AGP, HKL1, and HKL2 groups showed greater ADG than those in the NAGP groups (p < 0.05) throughout the grower-finisher period. The suckling pigs in the HKL1 and HKL2 groups showed a higher platelet count (484,500 and 575,750) than in the others (p < 0.05); however, there were no significant differences in the other hematological parameters among the treatment groups. The relative mRNA expression level of IFN- ß of the suckling and starter pigs were significantly higher in the HKL1 and HKL2 groups than in the others (p < 0.05), while the IFN-γ showed the highest level in the HKL2 suckling pigs (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that a HK L-137 supplementation could stimulate the immune response in suckling and starter pigs and promote the growth performance in finishing pigs.

A meta-analysis of Lactobacillus-based probiotics for growth performance and intestinal morphology in piglets

Antibiotics are widely used as growth promoters (AGPs) in livestock production to improve animal performance and health. However, pig producers today face the prohibition of in-feed antimicrobials and have to find safe and effective alternatives. Lactobacillus species are active microorganisms that convey multiple beneficial effects to the host and are one of the most promising AGPs replacements. Here, we aim to comprehensively assess the effects of Lactobacillus spp. supplementation on growth performance and intestinal morphology (villus height [VH], crypt depth [CD], and the V/C ratio) of piglets. Among the 196 identified studies, 20 met the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The effects of Lactobacillus-based probiotics supplementation on growth performance and intestinal morphology were analyzed using a random-effects model. And the publication bias was evaluated by funnel plots. Our results revealed that Lactobacillus spp. supplementation significantly improved the growth performance, including average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and the gain-to-feed ratio (G/F) in piglets (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, Lactobacillus spp. remarkably increased VH and the V/C ratio (P < 0.05) in the small intestine, including the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, which might contribute to an improved digestive capacity of these animals. In conclusion, our findings provide concrete evidence of the growth-promoting effects of Lactobacillus spp. supplementation in piglets and a better understanding of the potential of Lactobacillus-based probiotics as AGPs alternatives in pig production.

High-throughput sequencing-based metagenomic and transcriptomic analysis of intestine in piglets infected with salmonella

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium isolate HJL777 is a virulent bacterial strain in pigs. The high rate of salmonella infection are at high risk of non-typhoidal salmonella gastroenteritis development. Salmonellosis is most common in young pigs. We investigated changes in gut microbiota and biological function in piglets infected with salmonella via analysis of rectal fecal metagenome and intestinal transcriptome using 16S rRNA and RNA sequencing. We identified a decrease in Bacteroides and increase in harmful bacteria such as Spirochaetes and Proteobacteria by microbial community analysis. We predicted that reduction of Bacteroides by salmonella infection causes proliferation of salmonella and harmful bacteria that can cause an intestinal inflammatory response. Functional profiling of microbial communities in piglets with salmonella infection showed increasing lipid metabolism associated with proliferation of harmful bacteria and inflammatory responses. Transcriptome analysis identified 31 differentially expressed genes. Using gene ontology and Innate Immune Database analysis, we identified that BGN, DCN, ZFPM2 and BPI genes were involved in extracellular and immune mechanisms, specifically salmonella adhesion to host cells and inflammatory responses during infection. We confirmed alterations in gut microbiota and biological function during salmonella infection in piglets. Our findings will help prevent disease and improve productivity in the swine industry.

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 a new fermented soya bean meal on growth performance, serum biochemistry profile, intestinal immune status and digestive enzyme activities in piglets

BACKGROUND

Fermented soya bean meal (FSBM) is believed to have improved nutritional qualities compared with soya bean meal (SBM) and is also cheaper than soya protein concentration (SPC) and fish meal (FM). Therefore, the present study was conducted to compare the effects of FSBM replacing SBM, SPC and FM in diets on growth performance, serum biochemistry profile, short-chain fatty acid concentrations in digesta, intestinal mucosal enzyme activities, intestinal proinflammatory cytokine concentrations and morphology in weaned piglets. One hundred and twenty 28-day-old piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, body weight: 6.73 ± 1.14 kg) were randomly allocated to four treatment diets (six replicate pens with five piglets per pen) containing SBM, SPC, FM or FSBM as the protein source, respectively.

RESULTS

Dietary FSBM supplementation improved average daily gain (p < 0.05), gain to feed ratio (p < 0.05), and digestibility of dry matter, gross energy, crude protein and organic matter (p < 0.05) in pigs compared with those fed SBM during 0-14 days and reduced diarrhoea rate (p < 0.05) compared with those fed SBM and FM during 0-14 days. Moreover, pigs fed FBSM had greater IgA and IgM contents and antioxidase activities than those provided SBM and SPC on day 14. In addition, the butyrate concentration in the cecum of pigs fed FSBM was greater than those fed the other diets (p < 0.05), and the trypsin activity in duodenum and jejunum of pigs provided FSBM was greater than those fed SBM (p < 0.05). Moreover, higher villus height (p < 0.05) and villus height to crypt depth ratio (p < 0.05) and lower crypt depth (p < 0.05) in the duodenum of pigs fed FSBM were observed, and pigs fed FSBM had a lower (p < 0.05) TNF-α concentration in jejunum compared with those fed SBM.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, dietary FSBM supplementation to replace SBM, SPC and FM could improve piglets' growth performance, intestinal health and immune function.

Gut microbiota and meat quality

Sustainable meat production is important to providing safe and quality protein sources for humans worldwide. Intensive artificial selection and high energy input into the diet of many commercial animals for the last decade has significantly increased the daily gain of body weight and shortened the raising period, but unexpectedly decreased the meat quality. The gastrointestinal tract of animals harbors a diverse and complex microbial community that plays a vital role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, immune system development, pathogen exclusion, and meat quality. Fatty acid composition and oxidative stress in adipose and muscle tissue influences meat quality in livestock and poultry. Recent studies showed that nutraceuticals are receiving increased attention, which could alter the intestinal microbiota and regulate the fat deposition and immunity of hosts to improve their meat quality. Understanding the microbiota composition, the functions of key bacteria, and the host-microbiota interaction is crucial for the development of knowledge-based strategies to improve both animal meat quality and host health. This paper reviews the microorganisms that affect the meat quality of livestock and poultry. A greater understanding of microbial changes that accompany beneficial dietary changes will lead to novel strategies to improve livestock and poultry meat product quality.

Probiotics and Synbiotics Addition to Bama Mini-Pigs' Diet Improve Carcass Traits and Meat Quality by Altering Plasma Metabolites and Related Gene Expression of Offspring

This study evaluated the effects of maternal probiotics and synbiotics addition on several traits and parameters in offspring. A total of 64 Bama mini pigs were randomly allocated into the control (basal diet), antibiotic (50 g/t virginiamycin), probiotics (200 mL/day probiotics), or synbiotics (500 g/t xylo-oligosaccharides and 200 mL/day probiotics) group and fed with experimental diets during pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, two piglets per litter and eight piglets per group were selected and fed with a basal diet. Eight pigs per group were selected for analysis at 65, 95, and 125 days of age. The results showed that the addition of probiotics increased the average daily feed intake of the pigs during the 66- to 95-day-old periods and backfat thickness at 65 and 125 days of age, and that the addition of synbiotics increased backfat thickness and decreased muscle percentage and loin-eye area at 125 days of age. The addition of maternal probiotics increased the cooking yield and pH45min value at 65 and 95 days of age, respectively, the addition of synbiotics increased the meat color at 95 days of age, and the addition of probiotics and synbiotics decreased drip loss and shear force in 65- and 125-day-old pigs, respectively. However, maternal antibiotic addition increased shear force in 125-day-old pigs. Dietary probiotics and synbiotics addition in sows' diets increased several amino acids (AAs), including total AAs, histidine, methionine, asparagine, arginine, and leucine, and decreased glycine, proline, isoleucine, α-aminoadipic acid, α-amino-n-butyric acid, β-alanine, and γ-amino-n-butyric acid in the plasma and longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle of offspring at different stages. In the LT muscle fatty acid (FA) analysis, saturated FA (including C16:0, C17:0, and C20:0) and C18:1n9t contents were lower, and C18:2n6c, C16:1, C20:1, and unsaturated FA contents were higher in the probiotics group. C10:0, C12:0, and C14:0 contents were higher in 65-day-old pigs, and C20:1 and C18:1n9t contents were lower in the synbiotics group in 95- and 125-day-old pigs, respectively. The plasma biochemical analysis revealed that the addition of maternal probiotics and synbiotics decreased plasma cholinesterase, urea nitrogen, and glucose levels in 95-day-old pigs, and that the addition of synbiotics increased plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol concentrations in 65-day-old pigs and triglyceride concentration in 125-day-old pigs. The addition of maternal probiotics and synbiotics regulated muscle fiber type, myogenic regulation, and lipid metabolism-related gene expression of LT muscle in offspring. In conclusion, the addition of maternal probiotics and synbiotics improved the piglet feed intake and altered the meat quality parameters, plasma metabolites, and gene expression related to meat quality.

Use of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZJ316 as a starter culture for nitrite degradation, foodborne pathogens inhibition and microbial community modulation in pickled mustard fermentation

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L. plantarum ZJ316 (ZJ316) was used as a starter for pickled mustard fermentation.

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ZJ316 inoculation could reduce the nitrite content of pickled mustard.

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The pickled mustard inoculated with ZJ316 exhibited more volatile components.

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ZJ316 could modulate the microbial community during pickled mustard fermentation

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ZJ316 as a starter could inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

The potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZJ316 (ZJ316) as a starter culture for quality improvement and microbial community regulation in pickled mustard fermentation was elucidated in this study. Our results show that ZJ316 can deter the occurrence of nitrite peaks and maintain the nitrite content of pickled mustard at a low level (0.34 mg/kg). The headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry results indicate that ZJ316 gives a good flavor to pickled mustard. According to the 16S rDNA results, Firmicutes were the predominant microbiota after inoculation with ZJ316, and the abundances of Citrobacter, Enterobacter, and Proteus decreased simultaneously. In addition, antibacterial activity analysis showed that the supernatant of pickled mustard inoculated with ZJ316 had a significant inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus D48, Escherichia coli DH5α, and Listeria monocytogenes LM1. In conclusion, L. plantarum ZJ316 has potential for use as an ideal starter in the process of vegetable fermentation.

One Health Probiotics as Biocontrol Agents: One Health Tomato Probiotics

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is one of the most popular and valuable vegetables in the world. The most common products of its industrial processing in the food industry are juice, tomato paste, various sauces, canned or sun-dried fruits and powdered products. Tomato fruits are susceptible to bacterial diseases, and bacterial contamination can be a risk factor for the safety of processed tomato products. Developments in bioinformatics allow researchers to discuss target probiotic strains from an existing large number of probiotic strains for any link in the soil-plant-animal-human chain. Based on the literature and knowledge on the "One Health" concept, this study relates to the suggestion of a new term for probiotics: "One Health probiotics", beneficial for the unity of people, animals, and the environment. Strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, having an ability to ferment a broad spectrum of plant carbohydrates, probiotic effects in human, and animal health, as well as being found in dairy products, vegetables, sauerkraut, pickles, some cheeses, fermented sausages, fish products, and rhizospheric soil, might be suggested as one of the probable candidates for "One Health" probiotics (also, for "One Health-tomato" probiotics) for the utilization in agriculture, food processing, and healthcare.

Probiotics: Symbiotic Relationship with the Animal Host

Antibiotic growth-promoters in animal feeding are known to generate bacterial resistance on commercial farms and have proven deleterious effects on human health. This review addresses the effects of probiotics and their symbiotic relationship with the animal host as a viable alternative for producing healthy meat, eggs, and milk at present and in the future. Probiotics can tolerate the conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the gastric acid, pH and bile salts, to exert beneficial effects on the host. They (probiotics) may also have a beneficial effect on productivity, health and wellbeing in different parameters of animal performance. Probiotics stimulate the native microbiota (microbes that are present in their place of origin) and production of short-chain fatty acids, with proven effects such as antimicrobial, hypocholesterolemic and immunomodulatory effects, resulting in better intestinal health, nutrient absorption capacity and productive responses in ruminant and non-ruminant animals. These beneficial effects of probiotics are specific to each microbial strain; therefore, the isolation and identification of beneficial microorganisms, as well as in vitro and in vivo testing in different categories of farm animals, will guarantee their efficacy, replicability and sustainability in the current production systems.

Parasite-Probiotic Interactions in the Gut: Bacillus sp. and Enterococcus faecium Regulate Type-2 Inflammatory Responses and Modify the Gut Microbiota of Pigs During Helminth Infection

Dietary probiotics may enhance gut health by directly competing with pathogenic agents and through immunostimulatory effects. These properties are recognized in the context of bacterial and viral pathogens, but less is known about interactions with eukaryotic pathogens such as parasitic worms (helminths). In this study we investigated whether two probiotic mixtures (comprised of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, B. subtilis, and Enterococcus faecium [BBE], or Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG and Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies Lactis Bb12 [LB]) could modulate helminth infection kinetics as well as the gut microbiome and intestinal immune responses in pigs infected with the nodular worm Oesophagostomum dentatum. We observed that neither probiotic mixture influenced helminth infection levels. BBE, and to a lesser extent LB, changed the alpha- and beta-diversity indices of the colon and fecal microbiota, notably including an enrichment of fecal Bifidobacterium spp. by BBE. However, these effects were muted by concurrent O. dentatum infection. BBE (but not LB) significantly attenuated the O. dentatum-induced upregulation of genes involved in type-2 inflammation and restored normal lymphocyte ratios in the ileo-caecal lymph nodes that were altered by infection. Moreover, inflammatory cytokine release from blood mononuclear cells and intestinal lymphocytes was diminished by BBE. Collectively, our data suggest that selected probiotic mixtures can play a role in maintaining immune homeostasis during type 2-biased inflammation. In addition, potentially beneficial changes in the microbiome induced by dietary probiotics may be counteracted by helminths, highlighting the complex inter-relationships that potentially exist between probiotic bacteria and intestinal parasites.

Immunomodulation Potential of Probiotics: A Novel Strategy for Improving Livestock Health, Immunity, and Productivity

Over the past decade, the use of probiotics as feed supplements in animal production has increased considerably due to the ban on antibiotic growth promoters in livestock. This review provides an overview of the current situation, limitation, and prospects for probiotic formulations applied to livestock. Recently, the use of probiotics in livestock has been suggested to significantly improve their health, immunity, growth performance, nutritional digestibility, and intestinal microbial balance. Furthermore, it was reported that the use of probiotics in animals was helpful in equilibrating their beneficial microbial population and microbial turnover via stimulating the host immune response through specific secretions and competitive exclusion of potentially pathogenic bacteria in the digestive tract. Recently, there has been great interest in the understanding of probiotics targeted diet and its ability to compete with harmful microbes and acquire their niches. Therefore, the present review explores the most commonly used probiotic formulations in livestock feed and their effect on animal health. In summary, this article provides an in-depth knowledge about the formulation of probiotics as a step toward a better alternative to antibiotic healthy growth strategies.

Carcass and Pork Quality and Gut Environment of Pigs Fed a Diet Supplemented with the Bokashi Probiotic

Simple Summary

The use of an EM^®Bokashi probiotic preparation containing specific Lactobacillus and yeasts strains as a feed additive resulted in the improved slaughter value, content of macroelements (Mg, Ca, Na) and chromatic color traits (b*, C*) of meat, but diminished the technological quality (pH, drip loss, TY, shear force) of pork. It additionally resulted in a significant increase in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast counts and a decrease in the population numbers of Clostridium and Enterobacteriaceae in gut microbiota.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of probiotics on gut microbiota, on carcass and meat quality and on mineral contents in the longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle in pigs. The research was carried out with 120 hybrid pigs deriving from Naïma sows and P-76 boars. Pigs from the experimental group received the EM^®Bokashi probiotic (Greendland Technologia EM®, Janowiec n/Wisłą, Poland) in their feed (containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum). The study showed that EM^®Bokashi probiotic supplementation resulted in a significantly higher count of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts in the feed, a lower number of Clostridium in the mucosa and colorectal digesta as well as a lower Enterobacteriaceae count in the colorectal digesta. The research showed that carcasses of the pigs who received the EM^®Bokashi probiotic had a higher lean percentage and lower fat content than the carcasses of the control fatteners. Diet supplementation with the EM^®Bokashi probiotic resulted in a lower pH and technological yield (TY) and a higher drip loss and shear force at a lower protein content in LL muscle. Moreover, the administration of the probiotic to fatteners resulted in higher yellowness (b*) and saturation (C*) and higher concentrations of Na, Mg and Se in meat.

Comparative Effects of L. plantarum CGMCC 1258 and L. reuteri LR1 on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Function, and Intestinal Immunity in Weaned Pigs

Lactobacillus plantarum CGMCC 1258 and Lactobacillus reuteri LR1 are two important strains of probiotics. However, their different advantages in the probiotic effect of weaned pigs are still poorly understood. Therefore, the study was to investigate the comparative effects of dietary supplementation of L. plantarum CGMCC 1258 and L. reuteri LR1 on growth performance, antioxidant function, and intestinal immunity in weaned pigs. Ninety barrows [initial body weight (BW) = 6.10 ± 0.1 kg] 21 days old were randomly divided into 3 treatments with 5 replicates, each replicate containing 6 pigs. Pigs in control (CON) were fed a basal diet, and the basal diets supplemented with 5 × 10¹⁰ CFU/kg L. plantarum CGMCC 1258 (LP) or L. reuteri LR1 (LR) for 42 days, respectively. The results showed that LP increased (p < 0.05) serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), and decreased (p < 0.05) serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and the expression and secretion of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in intestinal mucosa, but has no significant effect on growth performance and diarrheal incidence. However, LR increased (p < 0.05) final BW and average daily gain (ADG), reduced (p < 0.05) 29–42-day diarrheal incidence, decreased (p < 0.05) the expression and secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, and increased (p < 0.05) the expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in intestinal mucosa. In addition, the serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), mRNA relative expression of Na+-K+-2Cl– co-transporter 1 (NKCC1) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and the content of toll-like relative (TLR2) and TLR4 in the jejunum, and secretory immunoglobulin (sIgA) content of ileal mucosa were higher (p < 0.05) than LP. Collectively, dietary L. plantarum CGMCC 1258 improved intestinal morphology, intestinal permeability, intestinal immunity, and antioxidant function in weaned pigs. Dietary L. reuteri LR1 showed better growth performance, a lower incidence of diarrhea, better intestinal morphology, and a higher extent of immune activation in weaned pigs.

Faecalicatena faecalis sp. nov., a moderately alkaliphilic bacterial strain isolated from swine faeces

An obligately anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped strain AGMB00832^T was isolated from swine faeces. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene, together with the housekeeping genes, gyrB and rpoD, revealed that strain AGMB00832^T belonged to the genus Faecalicatena and was most closely related to Faecalicatena orotica KCTC 15331^T. In biochemical analysis, strain AGMB00832^T was shown to be negative for catalase, oxidase and urease. Furthermore, the isolate was positive for β-glucosidase, β-glucuronidase, glutamic acid decarboxylase, proline arylamidase, acid phosphatase and naphthol-AS-BI-phosphohydrolase. The major cellular fatty acids (> 10%) of the isolate were C_14:0, C_16:0 and C_18:1ω11t DMA. Based on the whole genome sequence analysis, the DNA G + C content of strain AGMB00832^T was 44.2 mol%, and the genome size and numbers of rRNA and tRNA genes were 5,175,159 bp, 11 and 53, respectively. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain AGMB00832^T and related strains were ≤ 77.4 and 22.5%, respectively. Furthermore, the genome analysis revealed the presence of genes for alkaline shock protein 23 and cation/proton antiporters, which may facilitate growth of strain AGMB00832^T in alkaline culture condition. On the basis of polyphasic taxonomic approach, strain AGMB00832^T represents a novel species within the genus Faecalicatena, for which the name Faecalicatena faecalis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AGMB00832^T (= KCTC 15946^T = NBRC 114613^T).

Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brevis Alleviate Intestinal Inflammation and Microbial Disorder Induced by ETEC in a Murine Model

The purpose of this research is to explore the positive effects of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brevis on the tissue damage and microbial community in mice challenged by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). Twenty-four mice were divided into four groups randomly: the CON group, ETEC group, LP-ETEC group and LB-ETEC group. Our results demonstrated that, compared with the ETEC group, the LP-ETEC and LB-ETEC groups experienced less weight loss and morphological damage of the jejunum. We measured proinflammatory factors of colonic tissue and found that L. plantarum and L. brevis inhibited the expression of proinflammatory factors such as IL-β, TNF-α, and IL-6 and promoted that of the tight junction protein such as claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1. Additionally, L. plantarum and L. brevis altered the impact of ETEC on the intestinal microbial community of mice, significantly increased the abundance of probiotics such as Lactobacillus, and reduced that of pathogenic bacteria such as Proteobacteria, Clostridia, Epsilonproteobacteria, and Helicobacter. Therefore, we believe that L. plantarum and L. brevis can stabilize the intestinal microbiota and inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, thus protecting mice from the gut inflammation induced by ETEC.

Dynamics of the fecal microbiome and antimicrobial resistome in commercial piglets during the weaning period

This study aimed to characterize the alteration of the fecal microbiome and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants in 24 piglets at day 3 pre-weaning (D. − 3), weaning day (D.0), days 3 (D.3) and 8 post-weaning (D.8), using whole-genome shotgun sequencing. Distinct clusters of microbiomes and AMR determinants were observed at D.8 when Prevotella (20.9%) was the major genus, whereas at D. − 3–D.3, Alistipes (6.9–12.7%) and Bacteroides (5.2–8.5%) were the major genera. Lactobacillus and Escherichia were notably observed at D. − 3 (1.2%) and D. − 3–D.3 (0.2–0.4%), respectively. For AMR, a distinct cluster of AMR determinants was observed at D.8, mainly conferring resistance to macrolide–lincosamide–streptogramin (mefA), β-lactam (cfxA6 and aci1) and phenicol (rlmN). In contrast, at D. − 3–D.3, a high abundance of determinants with aminoglycoside (AMG) (sat, aac(6')-aph(2''), aadA and acrF), β-lactam (fus-1, cepA and mrdA), multidrug resistance (MDR) (gadW, mdtE, emrA, evgS, tolC and mdtB), phenicol (catB4 and cmlA4), and sulfonamide patterns (sul3) was observed. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) plot associated Escherichia coli with aac(6')-aph(2''), emrA, mdtB, catB4 and cmlA4 at D. − 3, D.0 and/or D.3 whereas at D.8 associations between Prevotella and mefA, cfxA6 and aci1 were identified. The weaning age and diet factor played an important role in the microbial community composition.

Gut and Vagina Microbiota Associated With Estrus Return of Weaning Sows and Its Correlation With the Changes in Serum Metabolites

More and more studies have indicated that gut microbiota takes part in the biosynthesis and metabolism of sex hormones. Inversely, sex hormones influence the composition of gut microbiota. However, whether microbiota in the gut and vagina is associated with estrus return of weaning sows is largely unknown. Here, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in 158 fecal and 50 vaginal samples, we reported the shifts in the gut and vaginal microbiota between normal return and non-return sows. In fecal samples, Lactobacillus and S24-7 were enriched in normal return sows, while Streptococcus luteciae, Lachnospiraceae, Clostridium, and Mogibacterium had higher abundance in non-return sows. In vaginal swabs, the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) annotated to Clostridiales, Ruminoccaceae, and Oscillospira were enriched in normal return sows, while those OTUs annotated to Campylobacter, Anaerococcus, Parvimonas, Finegoldia, and Dorea had higher abundances in non-return sows. Co-abundance group (CAG) analysis repeated the identification of the bacterial taxa associated with the estrus return of weaning sows. The predicted functional capacities in both gut and vaginal microbiome were changed between normal return and non-return sows. Serum metabolome profiles were determined by non-targeted metabolome analysis in seven normal return and six non-return sows. The metabolite features having higher abundance in normal return sows were enriched in the pathways Steroid hormone biosynthesis, Starch and sucrose metabolism, Galactose metabolism, and Vitamin B6 metabolism, while the metabolite features belonging to organic acids and derivatives, indoles and derivatives, sulfoxides, and lignans and neolignans had significantly higher abundance in non-return sows. Correlation analysis found that the changes in gut microbiota were associated with the shifts of serum metabolites and suggested that certain bacteria might affect estrus return of weaning sow through serum metabolites. These findings may provide new insights for understanding the role of the gut and vaginal microbiota in sow return to estrus after weaning.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Lactobacillus delbrueckii on Gut Microbiome and Intestinal Morphology in Weaned Piglets

Lactobacillus delbrueckii is a Gram-positive bacterium mostly used in the dairy industry for yogurt and cheese. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus delbrueckii on serum biochemical parameters, intestinal morphology, and performance by supplementing at a dietary level of 0.1% in diets for weaned piglets. Eighty healthy weaned piglets (initial body weight: 7.56 ± 0.2 kg) were randomly divided into two feeding groups with four replicates in each group (n = 10 animals per replicate); piglets were fed with basal diet (CON) or basal diet containing 0.1% Lactobacillus delbrueckii (LAC). The results showed that dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus delbrueckii improved growth performance and increased serum HDL and insulin levels in piglets on the 28th day of the experimental time (p < 0.05). The gut microbe analysis revealed that Lactobacillus delbrueckii significantly decreased the relative abundance of the phyla Bacteroidetes, but increased the relative abundance of the phyla Firmicutes. The Lactobacillus delbrueckii also significantly increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus at the genus level of the bacterial community in the ileum, but decreased the relative abundance of unclassified Clostridiales. Moreover, Lactobacillus delbrueckii improved mucosal morphology by obtaining higher intestinal villus height (p < 0.05), significantly increasing the concentrations of butyrate, isobutyric acid, and isovaleric acid in colonic chyme of piglets, but decreasing the intestinal pH at the duodenum and ileum on the 28th day of the experimental time. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus delbrueckii in the diet of weaned piglets can improve intestinal morphology and modulate the microbiota community to promote growth performance.

Evaluation of Dietary Probiotic (Lactobacillus plantarum BG0001) Supplementation on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Profile, Fecal Gas Emission, and Fecal Microbiota in Weaning Pigs

Simple Summary

Since antibiotics are banned in animal feed in many countries, probiotics have received more attention as reliable alternatives. We mainly study the effect of adding Lactobacillus plantarum BG0001 on the performance of weaned piglets for 42 days. The results: weaning pigs fed diet supplementation with L. plantarum BG0001 significantly improved the growth performance and fecal microbiota, and achieved similar effects as antibiotic growth promoters. Therefore, we consider that L. plantarum BG0001 will have a good role in replacing antibiotic growth promoters in swine feed. It can bring potentially huge economic income to the animal husbandry industry.

Abstract

A total of 180, 4-week-old crossbred weaning piglets ((Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc; 6.67 ± 1.40 kg) were used in a 42 day experiment to evaluate the effect of dietary probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum BG0001) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, fecal microbiota, and noxious gas emission. All pigs were randomly allotted to one of four treatment diets in a completely randomized block design. Each treatment had nine replicates with five pigs/pen (mixed sex) Designated dietary treatments were as: (1) basal diet (NC), (2) NC + 0.2% antibiotics (chlortetracycline) (PC), (3) NC + 0.1% L. plantarum BG0001 (Lactobacillus plantarum BG0001) (NC1), (4) NC + 0.2% L. plantarum BG0001 (NC2). On d 42, BW and G:F were lower (p < 0.05) in pigs fed NC diet compared with PC diet and probiotic diets. Throughout this experiment, the average daily gain increased (p < 0.05) in pigs when fed with PC and probiotic diets than the NC diet. The average daily feed intake was higher (p < 0.05) in pigs fed PC diet during day 0–7 and 22–42, and probiotic diets during day 0–7 compared with NC diet, respectively. The Lactobacillus count was increased and Escherichia coli count was decreased (p < 0.05) in the fecal microbiota of pigs fed probiotic diets, and E. coli were decreased (p < 0.05) when fed a PC diet compared with the NC diet on day 21. Moreover, the apparent total tract nutrient digestibility, blood profile, and the concentration of noxious gas emission had no negative effects by the probiotic treatments. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with L. plantarum BG0001 significantly improved the growth performance, increased fecal Lactobacillus, and decreased E. coli counts in weaning pigs.

Probiotics-Live Biotherapeutics: a Story of Success, Limitations, and Future Prospects-Not Only for Humans

In livestock production, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) represent the most widespread microorganisms used as probiotics. For such critical use, these bacteria must be correctly identified and characterized to ensure their safety and efficiency. Recently, probiotics have become highly recognized as supplements for humans and in particular for animals because of their beneficial outcome on health improvement and well-being maintenance. Various factors, encompassing dietary and management constraints, have been demonstrated to tremendously influence the structure, composition, and activities of gut microbial communities in farm animals. Previous investigations reported the potential of probiotics in animal diets and nutrition. But a high rate of inconsistency in the efficiency of probiotics has been reported. This may be due, in a major part, to the dynamics of the gastrointestinal microbial communities. Under stressing surroundings, the direct-fed microbials may play a key role as the salient limiting factor of the severity of the dysbiosis caused by disruption of the normal intestinal balance. Probiotics are live microorganisms, which confer health benefits on the host by positively modifying the intestinal microflora. Thus, the aim of this review is to summarize and to highlight the positive influence of probiotics and potential probiotic microbe supplementation in animal feed with mention of several limitations.

Effect of Sow Intestinal Flora on the Formation of Endometritis

Endometritis is the main cause of decreased reproductive performance of sows, while one of the most important factors in the etiology of sow endometritis is an aberration of birth canal microbiota. Therefore, people began to pay attention to the microbiota structure and composition of the birth canal of sows with endometritis. Interestingly, we found that the risk of endometritis was increased in the sows with constipation in clinical practice, which may imply that the intestinal flora is related to the occurrence of endometritis. Therefore, understanding the relationship between birth canal microbiota and intestinal microbiota of the host has become exceptionally crucial. In this study, the microbiota of birth canal secretions and fresh feces of four healthy and four endometritis sows were analyzed via sequencing the V3 + V4 region of bacterial 16S ribosomal (rDNA) gene. The results showed a significant difference between endometritis and healthy sows birth canal flora in composition and abundance. Firmicutes (74.36%) and Proteobacteria were the most dominant phyla in birth canal microbiota of healthy sows. However, the majority of beneficial bacteria that belonging to Firmicutes phylum (e.g., Lactobacillus and Enterococcus) declined in endometritis sow. The abundance of Porphyromonas, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Streptococcus, Fusobacterium, Actinobacillus, and Bacteroides increased significantly in the birth canal microbiota of endometritis sows. Escherichia–Shigella and Bacteroides were the common genera in the birth canal and intestinal flora of endometritis sows. The abundance of Escherichia–Shigella and Bacteroides in the intestines of sows suffering from endometritis were significantly increased than the intestinal microbiota of the healthy sows. We speculated that some intestinal bacteria (such as Escherichia–Shigella and Bacteroides) might be bound up with the onset of sow endometritis based on intestinal microbiota analysis in sows with endometritis and healthy sows. The above results can supply a theoretical basis to research the pathogenesis of endometritis and help others understand the relationship with the microbiota of sow's birth canal and gut.

Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus reuteri as Functional Feed Additives to Prevent Diarrhoea in Weaned Piglets

Simple Summary

Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing global concern. Effective alternatives that could replace and reduce antimicrobial treatments in farming have therefore become crucial for animal, human and environmental health. In swine farming, weaning is a stressful phase where piglets can develop multifactorial enteric disorders that require antibiotic treatments. Functional nutrition could thus represent a valuable alternative to reduce and tackle antibiotic resistance. This study assesses the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus reuteri on in-feed supplementation in weaned piglets. After weaning, piglets were allotted to four experimental groups fed a basal diet (CTRL) and a basal diet supplemented with 2 × 10⁸ CFU/g of L. plantarum (PLA), L. reuteri and a combination of the two strains (P+R) for 28 days. Zootechnical performance and diarrhoea occurrence were recorded. Microbiological and serum metabolism analyses of faeces and blood samples were performed. Supplemented groups with lactobacilli showed a lower occurrence of diarrhoea and improved faecal consistency compared to the control. The PLA group registered the lowest diarrhoea frequency during the 28-day experimental period. The results suggest that dietary administration of L. plantarum and L. reuteri could prevent the occurrence of diarrhoea in weaned piglets.

Abstract

The effects of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus reuteri and their combination were assessed in weaned piglets. Three hundred and fifty weaned piglets (Landrace × Large White), balanced in terms of weight and sex, were randomly allotted to four experimental groups (25 pens, 14 piglets/pen). Piglets were fed a basal control diet (CTRL, six pens) and a treatment diet supplemented with 2 × 10⁸ CFU/g of L. plantarum (PLA, 6 pens), 2 × 10⁸ CFU/g L. reuteri (REU, six pens) and the combination of both bacterial strains (1 × 10⁸ CFU/g of L. plantarum combined with 1 × 10⁸ CFU/g of L. reuteri, P+R, 7 pens) for 28 days. Body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly. Diarrhoea occurrence was assessed weekly by the faecal score (0–3; considering diarrhoea ≥ 2). At 0 and 28 days, faecal samples were obtained from four piglets per pen for microbiological analyses and serum samples were collected from two piglets per pen for serum metabolic profiling. Treatments significantly reduced diarrhoea occurrence and decreased the average faecal score (0.94 ± 0.08 CTRL, 0.31 ± 0.08 PLA, 0.45 ± 0.08 REU, 0.27 ± 0.08 P+R; p < 0.05). The PLA group registered the lowest number of diarrhoea cases compared to other groups (20 cases CTRL, 5 cases PLA, 8 cases REU, 10 cases P+R; p < 0.01). After 28 days, the globulin serum level increased in PLA compared to the other groups (24.91 ± 1.09 g/L CTRL, 28.89 ± 1.03 g/L PLA, 25.91 ± 1.03 g/L REU, 25.31 ± 1.03 g/L P+R; p < 0.05). L. plantarum and L. reuteri could thus be considered as interesting functional additives to prevent diarrhoea occurrence in weaned piglets.

Probiotic Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 Prevents Memory Dysfunction Induced by Chronic High-Fluorine Intake through Modulating Intestinal Environment and Improving Gut Development

In recent years, the influence of chronic fluorosis on the brain has been widely reported. Our study aimed to demonstrate the potential mechanism underlying the impairment of memory function by excessive fluorine intake. We also evaluated whether improvement of intestinal microflora could be a potential therapy to prevent the negative influences from the perspective of gut-brain axis. Male ICR mice were randomly divided into three groups and administered with either phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (Control and F groups) or Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 (FP group; daily amounts of 1 × 10⁹ CFU/mL), a probiotic strain, by oral gavage throughout a 98-day experimental period. Sodium fluoride (100 mg/L) was added to the drinking water of the F and FP groups. Animals were sacrificed for sampling with or without water avoidance stress (WAS) at two phases of the experiment and behavioral tests including T-maze test and passive avoidance test were also performed. Based on the results of behavioral tests, probiotic reversed the fluorine-induced memory dysfunction. In addition, L. johnsonii BS15 also increased the antioxidant capacities (serum and hippocampal tissue) and hippocampal synaptic plasticity-related mRNA expression after excessive fluoride ingestion. Moreover, the increased colonization of L. johnsonii BS15 also protected the small intestines from the damages of growth performance, visceral indexes, intestinal development, digestive, and secretory functions by changing the structure of the microflora and then improving intestinal permeability and integrity. L. johnsonii BS15 also improved the ability of flourosis mice against psychological stress indicated by the changes in behavioral tasks, hippocampal antioxidant levels, and synaptic plasticity-related mRNA expressions. Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 intake appears as a promising way to ameliorate fluorine-induced memory dysfunction, especially under psychological stress.

Use of Lactobacillus plantarum (strains 22F and 25F) and Pediococcus acidilactici (strain 72N) as replacements for antibiotic-growth promotants in pigs

The lactic acid bacteria (LAB) Lactobacillus plantarum (strains 22F and 25F) and Pediococcus acidilactici (strain 72N) have appeared promising as replacements for antibiotics in in vitro studies. Microencapsulation, especially by the spray-drying method, has been used to preserve their numbers and characteristics during storage and digestion. This study compared the efficacy of these strains and their microencapsulated form with antibiotic usage on growth performance, faecal microbial counts, and intestinal morphology in nursing-finishing pigs. A total of 240 healthy neonatal pigs were treated on days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 after cross-fostering. Sterile peptone water was delivered orally to the control and antibiotic groups. Spray-dried Lactobacillus plantarum strain 22F stored for 6-months was administered to piglets in the spraydry group. Three ml of each the three fresh strains (10⁹ CFU/mL) were orally administered to piglets in each group. All pigs received the basal diets, but these were supplemented with routine antibiotic for the antibiotic group. Pigs in all the probiotic supplemented groups exhibited a better average daily gain and feed conversion ratio than those of the controls in the nursery and grower phases. Probiotic supplementation increased viable lactobacilli and decreased enterobacterial counts. Antibiotic additives reduced both enterobacterial and lactobacilli counts. Villous height and villous height:crypt depth ratio were greater in probiotic and antibiotic supplemented pigs comparing to the controls, especially in the jejunum. The results demonstrated the feasibility of using these strains as a substitute for antibiotics and the practicality of the microencapsulation protocol for use in swine farms.

Impact of Supplementary Microbial Additives Producing Antimicrobial Substances and Digestive Enzymes on Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites, and Fecal Microflora of Weaning Pigs

The present study investigated the effects of microbial additives producing antimicrobial and digestive-enzyme activities on the growth performance, blood metabolites, and fecal microflora of weaning pigs from 21 to 42 d of age. A total of 144 weaning pigs (1:1 ratio of gilt and boar; 21 d of age; 7.40 ± 0.53 kg of average body weight) were randomly distributed into four supplementary levels of microbial additive (0 vs. 0.5 vs. 1.0 vs. 1.5% of fresh weight) with three pens of replication, consisting of 12 weaning pigs per pen. All weaning pigs were maintained with the same basal diet for 21 d. Blood and feces were subsampled at day 21. Feed efficiency tended to increase linearly (p = 0.069) with an increasing supplementation level. Insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1, and blood glucose presented a quadratic effect (p < 0.05) with an increasing supplementation level, and these blood metabolites were highest at the 1% supplementation level. Immunoglobulin G in blood increased linearly by (p < 0.05) increasing the supplementation level. Salmonella and Escherichia coli in feces were decreased linearly by (p < 0.05) increasing the supplementation level. In conclusion, supplementation of microbial additive at 1.0% improved the feed efficiency, blood metabolites, and fecal microflora of weaning pigs.

Zearalenone Adsorbent Based on a Lyophilized Indigenous Bacterial Lactobacillus plantarum Strain as Feed Additive for Pigs: A Preliminary Study In Vivo

Feed contamination with naturally occurring mycotoxins is an unavoidable condition of significant concern in intensive productions. The presence of high concentrations of zearalenone >1 ppm in the diet can cause major reproductive disorders, particularly in swine. In order to reduce the consequences of intoxication, mycotoxin adsorbents are incorporated into feed. In the present study, zearalenone adsorption capacity of a lyophilized indigenous strain of Lactobacillus plantarum (L4; previously isolated from pig's rectal swabs) was first evaluated in vitro. A preliminary study in vivo was then performed in which the indigenous Lactobacillus plantarum strain was lyophilized and the powder obtained (L-L4) was incorporated into the diet of gilts two gilts received basal diet (control) and two received basal diet containing 2 g/kg L-L4 (treated). After an adaptation period, all the feed was contaminated with zearalenone at a dose of 0.93 mg ZEA/kg. Results from in vitro assay showed that L-L4 adsorbed 87.9% (SD 3.97) of zearalenone in 0.9% NaCl solution. In the in vivo exploratory study, higher daily weight gain and lower vulva area were observed in gilts that incorporated L-L4 to the diet. Additionally, higher zearalenone concentrations were eliminated in faeces from treated animals. The use of a product based on a lyophilized indigenous Lactobacillus strain to protect gilts from detrimental effects of zearalenone consumption has shown promising results so far. However, further studies are required in order to accurately assess its impact and evaluate doses according to different degrees of mycotoxins contamination.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Immunobiotic Lactiplantibacillusplantarum N14 Fermented Rakkyo (Allium chinense) Pickled Juice on the Immunocompetence and Production Performance of Pigs

Rakkyo (Allium chinense), is a Japanese leek that is primarily used to make a popular sweet or sour pickled dish. Lactic acid bacteria are often involved in the preparation steps of fermented pickles, which helps in the effective preservation of the natural bioactive compounds of fruits and vegetable, and thereby exert several health benefits including immunomodulation and growth performance. This work aimed to evaluate the in vivo effects of adding Lactiplantibacillus plantarum N14 fermented rakkyo pickled juice as feed supplement on the immunocompetence and production performance of pigs. We first analyzed the nutritional composition, which revealed that the proportion of protein, lipid, and water-soluble fiber content were estimated as of 4%, 5%, and 5% in rakkyo residual liquid or juice, while 22%, 15% and 14%, respectively, were estimated in rakkyo residual powder. For the in vivo feeding trials, three groups of pigs were treated either with 5%, 20%, or 40% mixture (v/v) of fermented rakkyo pickled juice and the grinded residual liquid supplemented in the drinking water in addition to standard feed. The results of the feeding trials showed that the administration of a juice mixture of 5% or 20% (fermented pickled juice and residual liquid) had a similar trend of effects in improving the complement activity, phagocytic activity and leucocytes counts in the peripheral blood when compared to pigs fed with 40% mixture or untreated controls. Those changes were related to an improved resistance to enteric infections. Moreover, animals receiving a mixture of fermented pickled juice and fermented rakkyo residues had a higher growth rate and carcass quality than controls. The results suggested that the use of 5% mixture of fermented rakkyo pickled juice and the residual liquid through drinking water could be a cost-effective approach to promote the immune-health and production performance of pigs. This approach would contribute not only to the sustainable management of food wastes but also to the application of a value-added feed supplement for the promotion of animal health and production.

Clostridium Butyricum ZJU-F1 Benefits the Intestinal Barrier Function and Immune Response Associated with Its Modulation of Gut Microbiota in Weaned Piglets

This study investigated the effects of dietary C. butyricum ZJU-F1 on the apparent digestibility of nutrients, intestinal barrier function, immune response, and microflora of weaned piglets, with the aim of providing a theoretical basis for the application of Clostridium butyricum as an alternative to antibiotics in weaned piglets. A total of 120 weanling piglets were randomly divided into four treatment groups, in which piglets were fed a basal diet supplemented with antibiotics (CON), Bacillus licheniformis (BL), Clostridium butyricum ZJU-F1 (CB), or Clostridium butyricum and Bacillus licheniformis (CB-BL), respectively. The results showed that CB and CB-BL treatment increased the intestinal digestibility of nutrients, decreased intestinal permeability, and increased intestinal tight junction protein and mucin expression, thus maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier. CB and CB-BL, as exogenous probiotics, were also found to stimulate the immune response of weaned piglets and improve the expression of antimicrobial peptides in the ileum. In addition, dietary CB and CB-BL increased the proportion of Lactobacillus. The levels of butyric acid, propionic acid, acetic acid, and total acid were significantly increased in the ceca of piglets fed CB and CB-BL. Furthermore, we validated the effects of C. butyricum ZJU-F1 on the intestinal barrier function and immune response in vitro and found C. butyricum ZJU-F1 improved intestinal function and enhanced the TLR-2-MyD88-NF-κB signaling.

Effects of Xylo-Oligosaccharides on Growth and Gut Microbiota as Potential Replacements for Antibiotic in Weaning Piglets

Xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) is a well-known kind of oligosaccharide and extensively applied as a prebiotic. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of XOS supplementation substituting chlortetracycline (CTC) on growth, gut morphology, gut microbiota, and hindgut short chain fatty acid (SCFA) contents of weaning piglets. A total of 180 weaned piglets were randomly allocated to three treatments for 28 days, as follows: control group (basal diet, CON), basal diet with 500 mg/kg (XOS500) XOS, and positive control (basal diet with 100 mg/kg CTC). Compared with the CON group, the piglets in the XOS500 group improved body weight (BW) on days 28, average daily gain (ADG) and reduced feed: gain ratio during days 1–28 (P < 0.05). The XOS500 supplementation increased Villus height and Villus height: Crypt depth ratio in the ileum (P < 0.05). Villus Height: Crypt Depth of the ileum was also increased in the CTC treatment group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the XOS500 supplementation increased significantly the numbers of goblet cells in the crypt of the cecum. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed distinct differences in microbial compositions between the ileum and cecum. XOS500 supplementation significantly increased the bacterial diversity. However, CTC treatment markedly reduced the microbial diversity (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, XOS500 supplementation in the diet significantly increased the abundance of Lactobacillus genus compared to the CON and CTC group in the ileum and cecum (P < 0.01), whereas the level of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Escherichia-Shigella, and Terrisporobacter genus in the XOS500 group were markedly lower than the CON and CTC group (P < 0.05). In addition, dietary supplementation with XOS500 significantly increased the total short-chain fatty acids, propionate and butyrate concentrations and decreased the acetate concentration compared to the CON group in the cecum (P < 0.05). In summary, dietary supplemented with XOS500 could enhance specific beneficial microbiota abundance and decrease harmful microbiota abundance to maintain the structure of the intestinal morphology and improve growth performance of weaned piglets. Thus, XOS may potentially function as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics in weaned piglets in modern husbandry.

Relationships among Fecal, Air, Oral, and Tracheal Microbial Communities in Pigs in a Respiratory Infection Disease Model

The association of the lower respiratory tract microbiome in pigs with that of other tissues and environment is still unclear. This study aimed to describe the microbiome of tracheal and oral fluids, air, and feces in the late stage of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection in pigs, and assess the association between the tracheal microbiome and those from air, feces, and oral fluids. Tracheal fluids (n = 73), feces (n = 71), oropharyngeal fluids (n = 8), and air (n = 12) were collected in seeder pigs (inoculated with M. hyopneumoniae) and contact pigs (113 days post exposure to seeder pigs). After DNA extraction, the V4 region from 16S rRNA gene was sequenced and reads were processed using Divisive Amplicon Denoising Algorithm (DADA2). Clostridium and Streptococcus were among the top five genera identified in all sample types. Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in tracheal fluids was associated with a reduction of diversity and increment of M. hyorhinis, Glaesserella parasuis, and Pasteurella multocida in tracheal fluids, as well as a reduction of Ruminiclostridium, Barnesiella, and Lactobacillus in feces. Air contributed in a greater proportion to bacteria in the trachea compared with feces and oral fluids. In conclusion, evidence suggests the existence of complex interactions between bacterial communities from distant and distinct niches.

Cyclic peptide production from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and their diverse applications

In recent years, cyclic peptides gave gained increasing attention owing to their pH tolerance, heat stability and resistance to enzymatic actions. The increasing outbreaks of antibiotic resistant pathogens and food spoilage have prompted researchers to search for new approaches to combat them. The increasing number of reports on novel cyclic peptides from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is considered as a breakthrough due to their potential applications. Although an extensive investigation is required to understand the mechanism of action and range of applications, LAB cyclic peptides can be considered as potential substitutes for commercially available antibiotics and bio preservatives. This review summarizes the current updates of LAB cyclic peptides with emphasis on their structure, mode of action and applications. Recent trends in cyclic peptide applications are also discussed.

A Study on the Preparation of Microbial and Nonstarch Polysaccharide Enzyme Synergistic Fermented Maize Cob Feed and Its Feeding Efficiency in Finishing Pigs

1000 g maize cob mixed material was synergistically fermented by adding 2.5% composite probiotics and 0.06-0.08% NSP (nonstarch polysaccharide) enzyme to prepare fermented feed, and its effectiveness as feed for fattening pigs was investigated. The results showed that the appearance, texture, and nutrient quality of maize cobs significantly improved after fermentation, the total number of bacteria was 4.5 × 1010 CFU/g, and the protein content was 7.1%. Compared to the control group, the pigs in the 6% fermented maize cob feed experimental group showed significantly increased daily feed intake, daily weight gain, and nutrient digestion rate (p < 0.05) and reduced feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). Most indicators including slaughter performance and meat quality significantly improved. In addition, beneficial bacteria including Lactobacillus in the intestines of the finishing pigs significantly increased, and pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli in the intestines and feces were found to be significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The intestinal crypt depth, VH/CD ratio, and ileal mucosal immunity of the finishing pigs also significantly improved (p < 0.05). The cytokine content and gene expression of sIgA, IL-8, and TNF-α were found to be significantly increased (p < 0.05). It could be concluded that the addition of 6% fermented maize cob feed to the diets of finishing pigs could promote their growth, improve their production performance and slaughter performance meat quality, and enhance their intestinal microecological balance and immunity.

Curing piglets from diarrhea and preparation of a healthy microbiome with Bacillus treatment for industrial animal breeding

High-throughput farming of animals for an essential purpose such as large scale health and production of hogs is a challenge for the food industry in the modern world. The problem is that the breeding of livestock for fast growth or high yields of meat is often associated with illness and microbial infection that develop under the breeding conditions. Piglet diarrhea is most common pig disease, leading to heavy mortality and thereby economic loss. We proved that chemical drugs can relieve the symptoms of diarrhea in ill piglets, but they do not treat the underlying cause, i.e. significantly altered bacterial gut flora. Using Illumina sequencing of fecal DNA, we showed that the bacterial gut flora of piglets treated with antibiotics remain close to the ill conditions. However, using Illumina sequencing of fecal DNA from piglets treated with a specific Bacillus (Bacillus subtilis Y-15, B. amyloliquefaciens DN6502 and B. licheniformis SDZD02) demonstrated the efficiency of natural bioproducts not only on curing diarrhea, but also on beneficial bacteria to re-establish in the piglet gut. We therefore propose a new natural “medicine” to be explored by the world farm animal agriculture industry, particularly for sustainable improvement of swine livestock production and health.