Effect of dietary mannan oligosaccharides and(or) pharmacological additions of copper sulfate on growth performance and immunocompetence of weanling and growing/finishing pigs

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Various Sources and Amounts of Copper on Nursery Piglets

This study evaluated the impact of different dietary levels and sources of copper on the growth performance of nursery piglets through a combination of systematic review and meta-analysis. The database for this study was created using articles selected from major electronic databases. Data analysis involved forest plots and analysis of variance using mixed-effects models. The database included 63 articles published between 1990 and 2021, comprising 21,113 piglets in 946 treatments. Positive effects of supranutritional levels of copper from both inorganic and organic sources on the growth performance of nursery piglets were detected using Forest plots and analysis of variance (p < 0.001). Using mixed models, it was observed that piglet performance is influenced by body weight (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001), and copper intake (p < 0.001). Both organic and inorganic sources of copper at supranutritional levels (>81 mg Cu/kg of diet) improved the performance of nursery piglets, but levels higher than 201 mg Cu/kg of diet did not further improve growth performance compared to 80-200 mg Cu/kg of diet. The feed conversion was worse in piglets fed with inorganic Cu sources (p < 0.001). In conclusion, dietary Cu supplementation influenced the weight gain and feed conversion rate in weaned piglets, particularly during the first few weeks post-weaning. Levels of 81 and 200 mg Cu/kg improved growth performance, but no further benefits were obtained for higher levels.

Effects of Cu (II) on the Growth of Chlorella vulgaris and Its Removal Efficiency of Pollutants in Synthetic Piggery Digestate

C. vulgaris has a positive effect on the removal of nutrients from pig farm biogas slurry. However, swine wastewater often contains heavy metal ions, such as Cu (II), which may have impacts on the nutrient removal performance of C. vulgaris. Additionally, the heavy metal ions in wastewater can be adsorbed by microalgae. In this study, the stress effect of Cu (II) on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris, the Cu (II) removal by microalgae, and the effect of different concentrations of Cu (II) on the nutrient removal efficiency of C. vulgaris in biogas slurries were explored. The results showed that the microalgae biomass of microalgae on the sixth day of the experiment was the highest in the treatment with a Cu (II) concentration of 0.5 mg/L, which was 30.1% higher than that of the 2.5 mg/L group. C. vulgaris had higher removal efficiencies of Cu (II) at a Cu (II) concentration of 0.1~1.5 mg/L. The-OH, C=O, -COOH, and C-O groups on the surface of the algal cells play a significant role in the removal of Cu (II). The removal rates of COD, NH3-N, TN, and TP by C. vulgaris at a Cu (II) concentration of 0.5 mg/L were the highest, which were 89.0%, 53.7%, 69.6%, and 47.3%, respectively.

Effects of different processing techniques of palm kernel cake on processing quality of pellet feed, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal microbiota of pigs

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of extrusion, fermentation, and enzymolysis of palm kernel cake on processing quality of pellet feed, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal microbiota of pigs. First, the pretreatment parameters of extrusion, enzymolysis, and fermentation of palm kernel cake were optimized. Then, PKC after three processing techniques were used to prepare pellet feed. A total of 160 crossbred piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with an average body weight of 28 ± 0.5 kg were used in an 8-wk feeding experiment. Pigs were randomly assigned to five treatments with four replicates per treatment and eight pigs per replicates. The five experimental groups were as follows: basal diet group (whole corn-soybean meal), 10% PKC group (PKC), 10% extrusion PKC group (PPKC), 10% enzymolysis PKC group (EPKC), and 10% fermented PKC group (FPKC), respectively. At the end of the experiment, four pigs from each treatment (randomly collected one pig per pen) were sacrificed by administering a pentobarbital overdose, the gut and blood samples were collected for the quantification analysis of microbiota, hematological parameters, and apparent total tract nutrient digestibility. The results showed that all three processing techniques significantly decreased the contents of crude fiber of PKC (P < 0.01), pulverization rate (P < 0.01), powder content (P < 0.01), and increased the hardness and gelatinization starch of pellet feed (P < 0.05) compared to PKC group. In addition, PPKC significantly improved the dry matter, crude protein, and ether extract content, blood indices and average daily feed intake compared to PKC group (P < 0.01), while the parameters were similar among FPKC, EPKC, and control group (P > 0.01). Furthermore, all three processing techniques significantly increased the Lactobacillus and decreased the Escherichia levels in feces or gut compared to PKC. Collectively, extrusion, fermentation, and enzymolysis of PKC had positively enhanced the pellet quality, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut microbiota, extrusion exhibited a superior feeding effect compared to fermentation and enzymolysis.

Use of Microorganisms as Nutritional and Functional Feedstuffs for Nursery Pigs and Broilers

The objectives of this review paper are to introduce the structures and composition of various microorganisms, to show some applications of single cells as alternative protein supplements or energy feeds in swine and poultry diets, and to discuss the functional effects of microorganisms as feed additives on the growth performance and intestinal health of nursery pigs and broilers. Microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, and microalgae, have been commonly supplemented in animal diets because they are cost-effective, stable, and have quantitative production that provides nutritional and functional benefits to pigs and broilers. Microorganisms could be alternative antibiotics to enhance intestinal health due to bioactive components from cell wall components, which interact with receptors on epithelial and immune cells. In addition, bioactive components could be digested by intestinal microbiota to produce short-chain fatty acids and enhance energy utilization. Otherwise, microorganisms such as single-cell protein (SCP) and single-cell oils (SCOs) are sustainable and economic choices to replace conventional protein supplements and energy feeds. Supplementing microorganisms as feedstuffs and feed additives improved the average daily gain by 1.83%, the daily feed intake by 0.24%, and the feed efficiency by 1.46% in pigs and broilers. Based on the properties of each microorganism, traditional protein supplements, energy feeds, and functional feed additives could be replaced by microorganisms, which have shown benefits to animal's growth and health. Therefore, specific microorganisms could be promising alternatives as nutritional and functional feedstuffs in animal diets.

Investigating the effects of peptide-based, MOS and protease feed additives on the growth performance and fecal microbial composition of weaned pigs

Background

Digestive disorders in weaning pigs remain a major challenge for swine producers. Different types of commercial feed additives have been developed to promote gut health and development in young pigs, but their effects on resident gut microbial communities remain largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a peptide-based product (Peptiva) in combination with mannose oligosaccharides (MOS) and an exogenous protease on the performance and fecal microbiome of nursery pigs.

Methods

A total of 1097 weaned pigs were divided into 44 pens (24–26 pigs/pen) with each pen randomly assigned to one of four experimental diets as part of Phase II and Phase III of a standard nursery phase feeding program. Fecal samples collected from representative control and treatment pigs were used to investigate bacterial composition profiles by high throughput sequencing of PCR-generated amplicons targeting the V1-V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene.

Results

Higher gain:feed was observed for pigs fed Peptiva and MOS compared to Controls during the period when experimental diets were fed, but the benefits of supplementation were not maintained after pigs were transitioned to a non-supplemented diet. Three candidate bacterial species, identified as Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs), were found to have significantly different abundances between control samples and treatment samples during the same phase. In Phase III samples, SD_Ssd-00039, predicted to be a strain of Streptococcus alactolyticus based on nucleotide sequence identity, was the most highly represented of these OTUs with an average abundance in pigs fed Peptiva, MOS and protease that was 3.9 times higher than in Controls. The report also presents evidence of microbial succession that occurred during the trial, with 16 of the 32 most abundant OTUs found to vary between Phase II and Phase III samples for the same dietary treatment.

Conclusions

Dietary supplementation with a combination of a peptide-based product, MOS, and protease increased the growth performance of weaned pigs compared to control animals during the nursery phase, but these benefits were no longer observed within 2 weeks after all animals were transitioned to a non-supplemented diet. Supplementation with these feed additives was found to modulate the composition of the swine gut microbiome during this period.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-022-00681-8.

Manno-oligosaccharide attenuates inflammation and intestinal epithelium injury in weaned pigs upon enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 challenge

To explore the effect of manno-oligosaccharide (MOS) on intestinal health in weaned pigs upon enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 (ETEC) challenge, thirty-two male weaned pigs were randomly assigned into four groups. Pigs fed with a basal diet or basal diet containing MOS (0·6 g/kg) were orally infused with ETEC or culture medium. Results showed that MOS significantly elevated the digestibility of crude protein and gross energy in both ETEC-challenged and non-challenged pigs (P < 0·05). MOS also elevated serum concentrations of IgA and IgM (P < 0·05), but decreased serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 (P < 0·05) in ETEC-challenged pigs. Interestingly, MOS increased villus height and the ratio of villus height:crypt depth in duodenum and ileum (P < 0·05). MOS also increased duodenal sucrase and ileal lactase activity in ETEC-challenged pigs (P < 0·05). MOS decreased the abundance of E. coli, but increased the abundance of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Bacillus in caecum (P < 0·05). Importantly, MOS not only elevated the expression levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), claudin-1 and GLUT-2 in duodenum (P < 0·05) but also elevated the expression levels of ZO-1, GLUT-2 and L-type amino acid transporter-1 in ileum (P < 0·05) upon ETEC challenge. These results suggested that MOS can alleviate inflammation and intestinal injury in weaned pigs upon ETEC challenge, which was associated with suppressed secretion of inflammatory cytokines and elevated serum Ig, as well as improved intestinal epithelium functions and microbiota.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Formula Guizhi Li-Zhong Tang as an Alternative to Antibiotic Feed Additives for Preventing Pneumonia in Piglets through Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Protection

Weanling piglets often develop respiratory diseases such as pneumonia because they encounter substantial environmental stress. This study investigated an alternative herbal feed additive, Guizhi Li-Zhong Tang (GLZ), for preventing pneumonia in weanling piglets. An in vitro experiment demonstrated that GLZ has high antioxidant capacity and low cytotoxicity toward Kupffer cells. In addition, GLZ treatment can alleviate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced damage in Kupffer cells. A total of 94 4-week-old piglets were randomly divided into three groups, which received sham treatment, 0.2% Tilmicosin antibiotic (TAB) treatment, or 0.2% GLZ treatment. Piglets receiving the GLZ treatment had a higher survival rate and higher immunoglobulin G levels but lower allergy-related eosinophil levels and cough incidence than did piglets receiving the sham or 0.2% TAB treatments. Through immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, we discovered that piglets receiving the 0.2% GLZ treatment had significantly higher expression of antioxidant-related SOD2 and lower expression of oxidative-stress-related 3-NT (p < 0.01), inflammation-related TNF-α (p < 0.01) and NF-κB (p < 0.05), and apoptosis-related caspase-3 (p < 0.01) in lung tissue than did piglets receiving the sham or 0.2% TAB treatment. Therefore, GLZ treatment is promising as an alternative to antibiotic medicine for weanling piglets because of its protective antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects in lung tissue.

Inclusion of dicopper oxide instead of copper sulfate in diets for growing-finishing pigs results in greater final body weight and bone mineralization, but reduced accumulation of copper in the liver

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that inclusion of Cu oxide (Cu2O) in diets for growing-finishing pigs improves body weight (BW) and bone mineralization, and reduces accumulation of Cu in the liver compared with pigs fed diets containing Cu sulfate (CuSO4). Two hundred growing pigs (initial BW: 11.5 ± 0.98 kg) were allotted to a randomized complete block design with 2 blocks of 100 pigs, 5 dietary treatments, 5 pigs per pen, and a total of 8 pens per treatment. Treatments included the negative control (NC) diet that contained 20 mg Cu/kg, and 4 diets in which 125 or 250 mg Cu/kg from CuSO4 or Cu2O were added to the NC diet. The experiment was divided into 4 phases and concluded when pigs reached market weight. Pig weights were recorded on day 1 and at the end of each phase and feed provisions were recorded throughout the experiment. On the last day of phases 1 and 4, 1 pig per pen was sacrificed to obtain samples of liver and spleen tissue, and the right metacarpal was collected. Results indicated that pigs fed diets containing 250 mg Cu/kg from CuSO4 had greater BW at the end of phases 1 and 2 than pigs fed NC diets. Pigs fed diets containing 250 mg Cu/kg from Cu2O had greater (P < 0.05) BW at the end of phases 1, 2, 3, and 4 compared with pigs fed NC diets, and these pigs also had greater BW at the end of phases 3 and 4 than pigs fed all other diets. Pigs fed the diets with 250 mg Cu/kg tended to have greater (P < 0.10) feed intake than pigs fed the NC diet at the end of phase 2, and for the overall experimental period, pigs fed diets containing 250 mg Cu/kg from Cu2O had greater (P < 0.05) feed intake than pigs on all other treatments. However, no differences in gain:feed ratio were observed among treatments. Copper accumulation in liver and spleen increased with Cu dose, but at the end of phase 1, pigs fed 250 mg Cu/kg from CuSO4 had greater (P < 0.05) Cu concentration in liver and spleen than pigs fed 250 mg Cu/kg from Cu2O. Pigs fed diets containing 250 mg Cu/kg from Cu2O had greater (P < 0.05) quantities of bone ash and greater (P < 0.05) concentrations of Ca, P, and Cu in bone ash than pigs fed NC diets or the 2 diets containing CuSO4, but Zn concentration in bone ash was less (P < 0.05) in pigs fed diets containing 250 mg Cu/kg from Cu2O. To conclude, supplementing diets for growing pigs with Cu2O improves growth performance and bone mineralization with less Cu accumulation in liver compared with pigs fed diets containing CuSO4.

The Optimal Combination of Dietary Starch, Non-Starch Polysaccharides, and Mannan-Oligosaccharide Increases the Growth Performance and Improves Butyrate-Producing Bacteria of Weaned Pigs

Simple Summary

Information about the optimal carbohydrate combination for pigs is scarce. This present study explored the effects of different combinations of starch, non-starch polysaccharides, and mannan-oligosaccharide on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and microbial communities in weaned pigs, which contributed a novel way of evaluating the carbohydrate quality of the diet for pigs.

Abstract

The present experiment was conducted to dissect the effects of different carbohydrate combinations on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and microbial communities in weaned pigs. The combination was optimized by constructing L₉(3⁴) orthogonal design. Three factors include starch (amylose to amylopectin (AM/AP) ratio 2:1, 1:1, 1:2), non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) (1%, 2%, 3%, a mixture of inulin with cellulose by 1:1), and mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) (400, 800, 1200 mg/kg) were investigated and nine combinations were implemented under different levels of these factors. One hundred and sixty-two weaned pigs were randomly assigned to nine dietary treatments with six replicates per treatment and three pigs per replicate. Results exhibited that different combinations of starch, NSP, and MOS affected the gain to feed (G:F) (p < 0.05), diarrhea incidence (p < 0.10), nutrient digestibility (p < 0.05), microbial communities, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations (p < 0.05). In the present study, taking into account three-way ANOVA, range, and direct analysis, we found that the optimal carbohydrate combination was starch AM/AP 1:1, NSP 3%, MOS 400 mg/kg for weaned pigs. Moreover, feeding this combination diet could promote the growth performance and nutrient digestibility, increase the butyrate-producing bacteria, and to some extent improve lipid metabolism. This study provided a novel way to evaluate the carbohydrate quality in swine production.

Dietary Mannan Oligosaccharides Modulate Gut Inflammatory Response and Improve Duodenal Villi Height in Post-Weaning Piglets Improving Feed Efficiency

Simple Summary

Postweaning is a stressful period for piglets, accompanied by several modifications of the gastrointestinal tract, which can impair both animal health and performance. Nowadays, some classes of feed additives are under evaluation to benefit health status and promote growth in farm animals, modulating the development of the gastrointestinal tract and the residing microflora, and ameliorating the immune response during stressful situations. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) to support gut health and improve growth performance. Our results suggest that MOS can exert beneficial effects on gut health, improving duodenal morphology and modulating the expression of inflammation-related genes, which are accompanied by improved feed efficiency.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) on gut health and performance in post-weaning piglets. In total, 40 piglets were divided into two experimental groups and fed a basal diet with (TRT) or without (CON) 0.2% mannan oligosaccharides for 35 days. Growth performance was determined weekly and faecal microbial composition on days 0, 14 and 35. On day 36, histometrical evaluations were performed on duodenal, jejunal, ileal, and colon samples. mRNA gene expression of inflammation-related genes was evaluated in samples of ileal Peyer’s patches (IPP). MOS administration improved feed efficiency in the last two weeks of the trial (p < 0.05), and a decreased clostridia content was found in faeces at day 14 (p = 0.05). TRT piglets showed increased duodenal villi height (p < 0.05), and reduced mRNA levels of Tumour Necrosis Factor α (p < 0.05) and Toll-Like Receptor 4 (p < 0.01) in IPP. Our results suggest beneficial effects of MOS supplementation on gut morphology and the expression of inflammation-related genes in post-weaning piglets, accompanied by increased feed efficiency.

Characterization of a Swine Model of Birth Weight and Neonatal Nutrient Restriction

Background

Evidence indicates that birth weight and neonatal nutrition have lifelong effects. Animal models are required to improve our understanding of these factors.

Objectives

We aimed to develop and validate a swine model of birth weight and neonatal undernutrition.

Methods

At birth, a total of 112 piglets were identified as low (LBW; 1.22 ± 0.28 kg SEM) or normal birth weight (NBW; 1.70 ± 0.27 kg). From day 3 to weaning (day 28), piglets received normal nutrition (NN) or restricted nutrition (RN) via intermittent suckling, where piglets were isolated from the sow for 6 h/d. After weaning, pigs were fed a common diet for 28 d. Body weight (BW) was determined for the duration of the study. On days 28 and 56, empty carcass, viscera, and individual organ weights were determined in 8 pigs/treatment.

Results

LBW pigs remained smaller than NBW pigs, regardless of nutrient restriction (P &lt; 0.05). Within birth weight category, RN reduced BW by day 7 after birth, which was maintained until weaning (P &lt; 0.05); however, at 7 d postweaning there was no difference in BW due to RN (P &gt; 0.05). At weaning, empty carcass, viscera, heart, liver, and lung weights were lower in LBW than in NBW pigs, whereas empty carcass, heart, small intestine, liver, kidneys, lung, and spleen weights were lower in RN than in NN pigs (P &lt; 0.05). Brain weight was highest in NBW-NN and lowest in NBW-RN, with LBW intermediate, regardless of nutrient restriction (P &lt; 0.05). Postweaning, LBW had lower empty carcass, viscera, heart, stomach, large intestine, liver, and kidney weights than NBW, whereas RN had a higher small intestine weight than NN (P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions

Intermittent suckling is an effective means of inducing nutrient restriction in a swine model.

Hemicellulose from Plant Biomass in Medical and Pharmaceutical Application: A Critical Review

BACKGROUND

Due to the non-toxicity, abundance and biodegradability, recently more and more attention has been focused on the exploration of hemicellulose as the potential substrate for the production of liquid fuels and other value-added chemicals and materials in different fields. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the promising application of nature hemicellulose and its derivative products including its degradation products, its new derivatives and hemicellulosebased medical biodegradable materials in the medical and pharmaceutical field, especially for inmmune regulation, bacteria inhibition, drug release, anti-caries, scaffold materials and anti-tumor.

METHODS

We searched the related papers about the medical and pharmaceutical application of hemicellulose and its derivative products, and summarized their preparation methods, properties and use effects.

RESULTS

Two hundred and twenty-seven papers were included in this review. Forty-seven papers introduced the extraction and application in immune regulation of nature hemicellulose, such as xylan, mannan, xyloglucan (XG) and β-glucan. Seventy-seven papers mentioned the preparation and application of degradation products of hemicellulose for adjusting intestinal function, maintaining blood glucose levels, enhancing the immunity and alleviating human fatigue fields such as xylooligosaccharides, xylitol, xylose, arabinose, etc. The preparation of hemicellulose derivatives were described in thirty-two papers such as hemicellulose esters, hemicellulose ethers and their effects on anticoagulants, adsorption of creatinine, the addition of immune cells and the inhibition of harmful bacteria. Finally, the preparations of hemicellulose-based materials such as hydrogels and membrane for the field of drug release, cell immobilization, cancer therapy and wound dressings were presented using fifty-five papers.

CONCLUSION

The structure of hemicellulose-based products has the significant impact on properties and the use effect for the immunity, and treating various diseases of human. However, some efforts should be made to explore and improve the properties of hemicellulose-based products and design the new materials to broaden hemicellulose applications.

The effects of prebiotics on growth performance and in vitro immune biomarkers in weaned pigs

The objective of the experiment was to investigate the effects of prebiotics in nursery pigs on growth performance and immune biomarkers. Sixty-four weaned pigs (31 ± 1 d; BW 8 ± 0.1 kg) of mixed gender were housed (4 pigs/pen) in an environmentally controlled nursery with ad libitum access to feed and water over a 35-d study. Pigs were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: control (53% corn, 32% SBM, 7% fishmeal, 8% others), control + 2.5% GroBiotic-S (GS), control + 0.05% chicory (CL), or control + 0.5% chicory (CH). Feeders and pigs were weighed weekly. On day 21, blood samples were obtained from three pigs/treatment for collection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Isolated PBMC were cultured and subsequently challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 20 ng/mL). Cell culture supernatants were collected for quantification of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-10, respectively. Dietary treatment had no effect on BW. At days 28 to 35, pigs fed GS (790 ± 15 g), CL (704 ± 15 g), or CH (692 ± 15 g) had greater (P < 0.05) ADG compared with control (643 ± 15 g) pigs. In addition, overall (days 0–35), pigs fed GS (823 ± 18 g), CL (783 ± 18 g), or CH (782 ± 18 g) had greater (P < 0.05) ADFI compared with control, and ADFI for GS-fed pigs was greater (P < 0.05) than either CL or CH. There was no difference in G:F among treatments. In vitro LPS challenge increased (P < 0.05) IL-8 secretion from PBMC isolated from CL (23,731 ± 3,221 pg/mL) pigs compared with control (10,061 ± 3,221 pg/mL) and CH (12,411 ± 3,221 pg/mL) pigs. Secretion of IL-10 from PBMC isolated from CL (63 ± 9 pg/mL) pigs was greater (P < 0.05) compared with control (22 ± 9 pg/mL) pigs and tended (P < 0.1) to be greater compared with CH (34 ± 9 pg/mL) pigs. Results indicate that inclusion of prebiotics in nursery pig diets has positive effects on growth performance and may have immunomodulatory effects (in vitro) on cells isolated from prebiotic-fed pigs.

Effects of increasing copper from either copper sulfate or combinations of copper sulfate and a copper-amino acid complex on finishing pig growth performance and carcass characteristics. Transl Anim Sci 2019;3:1263-1269. [PMID: 32724896 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txz112]

A total of 1,089 pigs (PIC 280 × 1050; initially 37.3 ± 2.8 kg) were used to determine the effects of increasing Cu provided from either CuSO₄ alone or a 50:50 blend of CuSO₄ and a Copper-amino acid complex (Cu-AA) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs. Pens of pigs were blocked by body weight; within blocks, pens were randomly allotted to one of six dietary treatments. The six dietary treatments consisted of a control diet which contained 17 mg/kg Cu from CuSO₄ from the trace mineral premix, or the control diet with either added CuSO₄ to provide 70 and 130 mg/kg total Cu or a 50:50 blend of Cu from CuSO₄ and Cu-AA (CuSO₄/Cu-AA blend) to provide 70, 100, and 130 mg/kg total Cu. Experimental diets were corn-soybean meal-dried distillers grains with solubles-based and fed in meal form in five phases (approximately 37 to 46, 46 to 63, 63 to 77, 77 to 103, and 103 to 129 kg body weight). From d 0 to 43, neither Cu source nor level influenced growth performance. From d 43 to 105, average daily feed intake (ADFI) decreased (P = 0.037) for pigs fed the CuSO₄/Cu-AA blend compared to those fed added Cu from CuSO₄ alone. Gain:feed ratio (G:F) tended to be improved (linear, P = 0.056) as Cu concentration increased. Overall, d 0 to 105, neither Cu level nor source influenced average daily gain (ADG). Pigs fed 70 or 130 mg/kg total added Cu from the CuSO₄/Cu-AA blend had lower (P = 0.045) ADFI but G:F tended to be improved (P = 0.051) compared with those fed the same amount of total Cu from only CuSO4. Owing to the decreased ADFI and improved G:F of pigs fed the CuSO₄/Cu-AA blend, carcass G:F also improved (P = 0.033) compared with those fed added Cu from CuSO4 alone. In conclusion, providing a 50:50 blend of CuSO₄ and Cu-AA improved G:F on both a live and carcass weight basis compared to CuSO4 alone with no differences in ADG or carcass ADG observed.

The effects of dietary supplementation with porous zinc oxide on growth performance, intestinal microbiota, morphology, and permeability in weaned piglets

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with porous zinc oxide (HiZox) on growth performance, intestinal microbiota, morphology, and permeability in weaned piglets. A total of 128 weaned piglets [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] with an average body weight (BW) of (6.55 ± 0.25 kg; 21 d of age) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: (1) a corn-soybean basal diet; (2) basal diet + 3,000 mg/kg conventional ZnO; (3) basal diet + 200 mg/kg HiZox; (4) basal diet + 500 mg/kg HiZox. The experiments lasted for 28 days. Incremental HiZox in the diet increased ADG (linear p = 0.015; quadratic p = 0.043) and ADFI (linear p = 0.027; quadratic p = 0.038), and the diarrhea index decreased linearly and quadratically (p < 0.01) as HiZox supplemented increased. Furthermore, supplementation with HiZox increased the amounts of Lactobacillus spp. (p < 0.05) in the ileum and cecum in comparison with that of control treatment or 3,000 mg/kg ZnO treatment, while decreased the populations of Escherichia coli, Clostridium coccoides, and Clostridium. leptum subgroup (p < 0.05) in the ileum and cecum relative to those in control treatment. The addition of HiZox increased the villus height and villus-to-crypt ratio (VC) of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (p < 0.05), while decreased the crypt depth of jejunum (p < 0.05) and tended to reduce the crypt depth of duodenum (p < 0.10) compared with the control treatment. Piglets fed with 500 mg/kg HiZox had lower serum D-lactate and diamine oxidase (DAO) than those fed with basal control diet or 3,000 mg/kg ZnO diet (p < 0.01). The results suggested that supplementation with HiZox modulated intestinal microbial composition and improved intestinal morphology, which may exert protective effects on the integrity of the mucosal barrier function of weaned piglets, was as efficacious as pharmaceutical doses of ZnO in enhancing growth performance, indicating that the HiZox may be a promising alternative to pharmaceutical doses of ZnO.

Mannan Oligosaccharide Protects against the Aflatoxin-B1-Promoted Influenza Replication and Tissue Damages in a Toll-Like-Receptor-4-Dependent Manner

Our previous study reported that aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) promoted influenza replication. Mannan oligosaccharide (MOS), derived from the cell walls of yeast, is a potent immunomodulator. Here, we investigated the role of MOS in AFB₁-promoted influenza replication and further explored the underlying mechanisms. In vitro and in vivo, the exposure to AFB₁ alone resulted in significantly decreased weight gain and increased viral replication as well as lung and spleen damages. Increased influenza replication coupled with increases in toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), phosphorylated nuclear factor κB, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels. However, MOS given in conjunction with exposure to AFB₁ significantly reversed these above changes. A further study indicated that MOS activity was abolished by TLR4 knockout or TLR4 overexpression. Surprisingly, TNF-α played no role in the MOS-mediated protective effects. Collectively, our data suggest that MOS alleviates the AFB₁-promoted influenza replication, inflammation, and tissue damages in a TLR4-dependent manner.

Effect of standardized ileal digestible lysine and added copper on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fat quality of finishing pigs

Two, 120-d, experiments were conducted to determine the effects of standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine (Lys), added Cu (tribasic copper chloride, Intellibond C; Micronutrients, Inc., Indianapolis, IN), and duration of Cu supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fat quality in finishing pigs. In Exp. 1, 1,248 pigs (PIC 337 × 1050; initially 29.0 kg) were allotted to one of six dietary treatments, balanced on average pen weight in a randomized complete-block design with 26 pigs per pen and eight replications per treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 3 × 2 factorial with main effects of SID Lys (85, 92.5, and 100% of the estimated requirement) and added Cu (0 or 150 mg/kg). There were no Cu × SID Lys interactions observed for growth performance or liver Cu concentrations. Increasing SID Lys increased (linear, P < 0.05) ADG, feed efficiency (G:F), final weight, and HCW. Pigs fed 150 mg/kg added Cu had marginally increased (P < 0.10) ADG, G:F, and final weight. Liver Cu concentrations were greater (P = 0.001) in pigs fed added Cu. A marginal Cu × Lys interaction (P = 0.052) was observed for jowl fat iodine value (IV) as increasing SID Lys in pigs fed added Cu increased IV, but decreased IV in pigs not fed added Cu. For Exp. 2, 1,267 pigs (PIC 337 × 1,050; initially 26.4 kg) were allotted to one of eight dietary treatments arranged in a split-plot design. Whole-plot treatments included SID Lys (92.5 or 100% of the estimated requirement) and within each Lys level, there was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with either 0 or 150 mg/kg added Cu and two feeding durations (60 or 120 d). Added Cu did not affect growth performance. Pigs fed 100% of the SID Lys requirement had increased (P < 0.05) ADG, G:F, and final weight compared with those fed 92.5%. A Cu × SID Lys interaction (P < 0.05) was observed for carcass yield and backfat depth. Pigs fed 92.5% SID Lys had increased carcass yield and decreased backfat depth with added Cu; however, pigs fed 100% SID Lys had decreased carcass yield and increased backfat depth with added Cu. Hot carcass weight was increased (P < 0.05) by feeding 100% SID Lys and was marginally (P < 0.10) increased by adding Cu to the diets. In summary, the growth response to added Cu was inconsistent between experiments; however, increasing SID Lys improved growth performance and carcass characteristics.

Suitability of n-alkanes and chromium (III) oxide as digestibility markers in calves at the end of the milk feeding period supplemented with a prebiotic

Prebiotics reveal positive effects on the growth performance of pigs and poultry, and might influence intestinal microflora. This, in consequence, could alter recovery rates of digestibility markers. In the current study, we evaluated the suitability of chromium (III) oxide (Cr₂O₃) and the synthetic alkanes n-dotriacontane (C32) and n-hexatriacontane (C36) as external markers for digestibility estimation compared with the standard total collection method in calves supplemented with galacto-oligosaccharides. Eight male German Holstein calves (average age ± SD = 57 ± 8 days) were divided into 2 milk replacer feeding groups (group receiving galacto-oligosaccharides [A] and control group [B]). Each of 2 groups of 4 individually fed calves received a distinct milk replacer with added markers for 14 days. They were fed twice daily restrictively with milk replacer, concentrate and hay. After an adaptation period of 10 days, total faeces were collected. Faecal marker recoveries (FMR, means ± SD) for C32 were (72 ± 14)% for A and (80 ± 12)% for B. Faecal marker recoveries for C36 was (82 ± 15)% and (88 ± 13)% for groups A and B, respectively. The FMR for Cr₂O₃ was (102 ± 11)% and (100 ± 1)% for groups A and B, respectively. There were no significant differences between total collection organic matter digestibility and marker based organic matter digestibility when using Cr₂O₃ and C36. But, when utilizing C32 to calculate nutrient digestibilities, results differed from the total collection method for organic matter, crude protein and ether extract. The results indicate that Cr₂O₃ and C36 can be applied in digestibility studies with calves and give accurate estimates for OM and nutrient digestibilities without correction for FMR.

Effect of diet type and added copper on growth performance, carcass characteristics, energy digestibility, gut morphology, and mucosal mRNA expression of finishing pigs

A total of 757 pigs (PIC 337 × 1050; initially 27.6 kg BW) were used in a 117-d experiment to determine the effects of added Cu from tribasic copper chloride and diet type on growth performance, carcass characteristics, energy digestibility, gut morphology, and mucosal mRNA expression of finishing pigs. Pens of pigs were allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments, balanced on average pen weight in a randomized complete block design with 26 to 28 pigs per pen and 7 replications per treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of diet type, a corn-soybean meal-based diet (corn-soy) or a high by-product diet (by-product) with 30% distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and 15% bakery meal, and added Cu (0 or 150 mg/kg added Cu). There were no Cu × diet type interactions for growth performance. Overall, neither added Cu nor diet type influenced growth performance. However, caloric efficiency was decreased (P = 0.001) for pigs fed the by-product diet compared to the corn-soy diet. Pigs fed the by-product diet had decreased (P < 0.05) carcass yield and carcass G:F) and marginally decreased (P < 0.07) HCW and carcass ADG compared to pigs fed the corn-soy diet. A Cu × diet type interaction (P < 0.05) existed for DM and GE digestibility during the early finishing period as added Cu improved (P < 0.05) digestibility of DM and GE in the corn-soy diet, but not in the by-product diet. During the late finishing period, added Cu marginally increased (P = 0.060) DM and GE digestibility while pigs fed the by-product diet had decreased DM and GE digestibility (P = 0.001) compared to those fed the corn-soy diet. For gut morphology, pigs fed added Cu had decreased crypt depth (P = 0.017) in the distal small intestine compared to those fed no added Cu. Furthermore, relative mRNA expression of intestinal fatty acid binding protein (iFABP) was decreased (P = 0.032) in pigs fed added Cu compared to those fed no added Cu. In summary, adding 150 mg/kg added Cu or including 30% DDGS and 15% bakery meal into a corn-soy diet did not influence growth performance. However, HCW ADG and HCW G:F were reduced in pigs fed the by-product diet compared to the corn-soy diet. Only minor differences in gut morphology or mRNA expression were observed from feeding diets with high levels of Cu or by-products compared to a corn-soy diet.

Dietary Pectic Oligosaccharide Administration Improves Growth Performance and Immunity in Weaned Pigs Infected by Rotavirus

Rotavirus infection is one of the main pathogenic causes of gastroenteritis and diarrhea in children and young animals. The present study aimed to determine whether dietary pectic oligosaccharide (POS) supplementation could improve the growth performance and immunity in weaned pigs infected by porcine rotavirus (PRV). Twenty-eight crossbred weaned galts were randomly divided into two groups fed basal diet with or without POS for 18 days. On the 15th day, PRV was orally infused to half of the pigs. ADFI, ADG, and F/G ratio were impaired by PRV infection in weaned pigs (P < 0.05). PRV challenge also induced diarrhea and enhanced serum levels of urea nitrogen (P < 0.05), MDA (P < 0.05), IgA (P < 0.05), and IgG (P = 0.08), rotavirus antibody levels in serum, jejunal, and ileal mucosa (P < 0.05), and IL-2 levels in the jejunal (P = 0.07) and ileal (P = 0.08) mucosa, but decreased digestive enzyme activities of the jejunal digesta (P < 0.05) and concentrations of sIgA, IL-4, and IFN-γ in the jejunal and ileal mucosa (P < 0.05) and serum T-AOC (P < 0.05) in the weaned pigs. POS administration could improve the growth performance of the weaned pigs (P < 0.05) and enhance the serum IgA level (P < 0.05), the lipase and tryptase activities of jejunal digesta (P < 0.05), and the sIgA, IL-4, and IFN-γ levels of jejunal and/or ileal mucosa (P < 0.05) in the weaned pigs. Furthermore, supplementing POS in diets could alleviate diarrhea and decreased growth performance in the weaned pigs orally infused by PRV (P < 0.05), increase serum, jejunal, and ileal rotavirus antibody levels (P < 0.05) and attenuate the effect of PRV challenge on serum T-AOC and concentrations of IgG and MDA (P < 0.05), lipase and tryptase activities in jejunal digesta (P < 0.05), and sIgA, IL-4, and IFN-γ levels in jejunal and/or ileal mucosa (P < 0.05) in the weaned pigs. These results suggest that dietary POS supplementation could improve growth performance, which was possibly because POS administration improved the immune function and the utilization of nutrients in the PRV-infected piglets. This offers a potential dietary intervention strategy against intestinal exposure to rotavirus in piglets.

Gut Health of Pigs: Challenge Models and Response Criteria with a Critical Analysis of the Effectiveness of Selected Feed Additives - A Review

The gut is the largest organ that helps with the immune function. Gut health, especially in young pigs has a significant benefit to health and performance. In an attempt to maintain and enhance intestinal health in pigs and improve productivity in the absence of in-feed antibiotics, researchers have evaluated a wide range of feed additives. Some of these additives such as zinc oxide, copper sulphate, egg yolk antibodies, mannan-oligosaccharides and spray dried porcine plasma and their effectiveness are discussed in this review. One approach to evaluate the effectiveness of these additives in vivo is to use an appropriate disease challenge model. Over the years, researchers have used a number of challenge models which include the use of specific strains of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, bacteria lipopolysaccharide challenge, oral challenge with Salmonella enteric serotype Typhimurium, sanitation challenge, and Lawsonia intercellularis challenge. These challenge models together with the criteria used to evaluate the responses of the animals to them are also discussed in this review.

Impacts of low level aflatoxin in feed and the use of modified yeast cell wall extract on growth and health of nursery pigs

This study was to investigate the effect of corn naturally contaminated with aflatoxins (AF) under the regulatory level on the growth performance and health of nursery pigs, and the efficiency of yeast cell wall based feed additive (YC) mainly composed of β-glucans and mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) (Integral A+, Alltech, Lexington, KY) in prevention of mycotoxicosis. Pigs (60 barrows and 60 gilts at 6.02 ± 0.83 kg BW) were randomly allotted to 4 treatments in a randomized complete block design based on a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 10 pens (5 barrow and 5 gilt pens) per treatment and 3 pigs per pen. Pigs were fed experimental diets for 5 wk. First factor was AF (0 or 20 µg/kg in feed) and the second factor was YC (0 or 2 g/kg in feed). Feed intake and body weight were measured weekly, and blood samples were used to measure blood cell counts, immunoglobulin G (IgG), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), oxidative damage status, and serological evaluation related to liver health. Aflatoxin decreased (P < 0.05) the number of platelet count (247.4 to 193.5 × 10³/µL), and it also tended to increase the level of albumin (P = 0.055, 3.46 to 3.63 g/dL), albumin:globulin ratio (P = 0.050, 2.09 to 2.37), and Ca (P = 0.080, 10.79 to 10.97 mg/dL). Yeast cell wall based feed additive increased (P < 0.05) ADG (493 to 524 g/d), and ADFI (796 to 846 g/d) of pigs whereas G:F was not affected, and it also tended to increase (P = 0.055) albumin level (3.46 to 3.63 g/dL). Interactions (P < 0.05) on hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count indicated that YC further increased their levels when pigs were eating AF contaminated feed. Interactions (P < 0.05) on urea nitrogen and blood urea N to creatinine ratio indicated that YC further decreased their levels when feed were contaminated with AF. In conclusion, low level of 20 µg AF/kg under the regulatory level had minor effects on hematology without affecting growth performance, however the supplementation of 2 g/kg YC as a source of β-glucans and MOS in feed can improve feed intake and therefore the growth of pigs.

Live Yeast and Yeast Cell Wall Supplements Enhance Immune Function and Performance in Food-Producing Livestock: A Review (†,)(‡)

More livestock producers are seeking natural alternatives to antibiotics and antimicrobials, and searching for supplements to enhance growth performance, and general animal health and well-being. Some of the compounds currently being utilized and studied are live yeast and yeast-based products derived from the strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These products have been reported to have positive effects both directly and indirectly on the immune system and its subsequent biomarkers, thereby mitigating negative effects associated with stress and disease. These yeast-based products have also been reported to simultaneously enhance growth and performance by enhancing dry matter intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) perhaps through the establishment of a healthy gastrointestinal tract. These products may be especially useful in times of potential stress such as during birth, weaning, early lactation, and during the receiving period at the feedlot. Overall, yeast supplements appear to possess the ability to improve animal health and metabolism while decreasing morbidity, thereby enhancing profitability of these animals.

Adherence Reduction of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli Strains to HEp-2 Cells by Mannan Oligosaccharides and a High-Molecular-Weight Component of Cranberry Extract

Campylobacter infections are a leading cause of human bacterial gastroenteritis in the United States and are a major cause of diarrheal disease throughout the world. Colonization and subsequent infection and invasion of Campylobacter require that the bacteria adhere to the surface of host cells. Agents that inhibit adherence could be used prophylactically to reduce Campylobacter carriage and infection. Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) have been used as a feed supplement in livestock animals to improve performance and to replace growth-promoting antibiotics. However, MOS and other nondigestible oligosaccharides may also prevent pathogen colonization by inhibiting adherence in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, plant extracts, including those derived from cranberries, have been shown to have antiadherence activity against pathogens. The goal of this study was to assess the ability of MOS and cranberry fractions to serve as antiadherence agents against strains of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. Adherence experiments were performed using HEp-2 cells. Significant reductions in adherence of C. jejuni 29438, C. jejuni 700819, C. jejuni 3329, and C. coli 43485 were observed in the presence of MOS (up to 40 mg/ml) and with a high-molecular-weight fraction of cranberry extract (up to 3 mg/ml). However, none of the tested materials reduced adherence of C. coli BAA-1061. No additive effect in adherence inhibition was observed for an MOS-cranberry blend. These results suggest that both components, MOS and cranberry, could be used to reduce Campylobacter colonization and carriage in livestock animals and potentially limit human exposure to this pathogen.

Comparison of performance and intestinal morphology of broilers using step-down supplementation with a mannan-rich fraction versus bacitracin methylene disalicylate

Two experiments were conducted to compare effects of utilising step-down dosing of a mannan-rich fraction (MRF) of yeast cell wall or the antimicrobial growth promoter (AGP) bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) when chicks were raised on built-up litter. Chicks were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups (12 pen replicates; 50 birds per pen): basal diet (control) or basal diet plus MRF (Actigen™; Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY) or BMD (Alpharma Inc., Fort Lee, NJ). In experiment two, intestinal morphology and litter scores were determined on d 42. In experiment one, MRF and BMD increased BW gain at d 21 and d 42 compared with control (P ≤ 0.05) and d 42 BW was greater in BMD birds than controls (P ≤ 0.05). Adjusted FCRs were lower in MRF and BMD birds from d 0 to d 42 (P = 0.06). In experiment two, there was no effect of treatment on d 21 BW, but MRF and BMD improved adjusted FCR (P = 0.02) compared with control. By d 35, both MRF and BMD birds had greater BWs than controls (P = 0.04). At d 42, MRF-supplemented birds had greater BW than controls (P ≤ 0.05). D 35 and d 42 FCR improved with MRF or BMD compared with control (P ≤ 0.01). Litter conditions improved (P ≤ 0.05) when birds were fed diets with BMD and MRF compared with control-fed birds. Jejunal morphology, including villi height (P ≤ 0.05), villi height: crypt depth ratio (P ≤ 0.05), and goblet cell numbers (P ≤ 0.05) improved with MRF and BMD compared with control. Both MRF and BMD improved broiler performance, potentially related to the improvements observed in intestinal morphology. In conclusion, step-down supplementation with MRF may offer a potential alternative to AGP to improve performance in broilers raised in commercial settings.

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall extract and poplar propolis ethanol extract supplementation on growth performance, digestibility, blood profile, fecal microbiota and fecal noxious gas emissions in growing pigs

A total of 105 growing pigs (24.91 ± 1.06 kg) were used in a 6-week trial to investigate the effects of including Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall extract and poplar propolis ethanol extract (SPE) in the diet on growth performance, digestibility, blood profiles, fecal microbiota and fecal noxious gas emissions. Pigs were randomly allocated to one of three dietary treatments (seven pens/treatment, five pigs/pen) according to initial body weight and sex (two gilts and three barrows). Treatments consisted of a corn soybean meal basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.05 or 0.10% SPE. There was a significant linear improvement (P < 0.05) in average daily gain, gain/feed, the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, and gross energy, blood lymphocyte percentage, immunoglobulin G concentration, fecal Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus counts as well as fecal NH3 and H2 S emissions associated with the inclusion of SPE in the diet. Average daily feed intake, red blood cells and white blood cells concentration were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by SPE supplementation in the diets. In conclusion, results indicate that dietary SPE supplementation can improve growth performance, digestibility and fecal microbiota, and decrease fecal gas emissions in growing pigs.

Desempenho e características bioquímicas de leitões submetidos a dietas com aditivos probióticos, prebióticos, simbióticos e antibióticos

Avaliaram-se o desempenho e as características bioquímicas de leitões desmamados, utilizando-se aditivos alternativos em substituição aos antibióticos. Foram utilizados 480 leitões machos, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, composto por cinco tratamentos. A ração foi à base de milho, farelo de soja e um núcleo comercial para leitões. Os tratamentos consistiram em T1: ração sem aditivos, T2: dieta basal com antibiótico, T3: dieta basal com adição de prebiótico, T4: dieta basal com adição de probiótico e T5: dieta basal com adição de simbiótico. Foram avaliados peso corporal, ganho de peso, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar. Em 50 amostras de sangue de leitões, sendo 10 amostras de cada tratamento, avaliaram-se as concentrações séricas de proteínas totais, de albumina e globulina, a relação albumina:globulina e a fosfatase alcalina, creatinina, alanina aminotransferase, aspartato aminotransferase, gama- glutamiltransferase, colesterol, ureia, cálcio e fósforo e a relação cálcio:fósforo. A substituição de antibióticos por aditivos alternativos não influenciou o desempenho nem as características bioquímicas dos leitões.

Natural alternatives to in-feed antibiotics in pig production: can immunomodulators play a role?

As a result of the European ban of in-feed growth-promoting antibiotics, new strategies are being developed to increase the resistance to disease in farm animals. In pig production, this is of particular importance during the weaning transition when piglets are subjected to major stressful events, making them highly sensitive to digestive disorders. At this time, the development of both innate and adaptive immunity at the mucosal surface is critical in preventing the potential harmful effects of intestinal pathogenic agents. Strategies aiming at stimulating natural host defences through the use of substances able to modulate immune functions have gained increasing interest in animal research, and different bioactive components a priori sharing those properties have been the subject of in vivo nutritional investigations in pig. Among these, yeast derivates (β-glucans and mannans) are able to interact with immune cells, particularly phagocytic cells. However, studies where they have been fed to pigs have shown inconsistent results, suggesting that their ability to target the sensitive immune cells through the oral route is questionable. The plant extracts, which would benefit from a positive image in the public opinion, have also been tested. However, due to a lack of data on the bioactive components of particular plants and the large diversity of species, it has proved difficult to prepare extracts of equivalent potency and thus, the literature on their influence on pig immunity remains inconclusive. In considering piglet immunity and health benefits, the most promising results to date have been obtained with spray-dried animal plasma, whose positive effects would be provided by specific antibodies and non-specific competition of some plasma components with bacteria for intestinal receptors. The major positive effect of spray-dried animal plasma is in reducing the infiltration of gut-associated lymphoid tissue by immune cells, which is likely to be the result of a decreased colonisation by potentially harmful bacteria. This review also highlights the limitations of some of the published in vivo studies on the immunomodulatory activity of certain feed additives. Among those, the lack of standardisation of extracts and the heterogeneity of piglet-rearing conditions (e.g. exposure to pathogens) are likely the most limiting.

Mannan Oligosaccharides in Nursery Pig Nutrition and Their Potential Mode of Action

Simple Summary

The aim of the paper is to provide a review of mannan oligosaccharide products in relation to their growth promoting effect and mode of action. Mannan oligosaccharide products maintain intestinal integrity and the digestive and absorptive function of the gut in the post-weaning period in pigs and enhance disease resistance by promoting antigen presentation. We find that dietary supplementation has growth promoting effects in pigs kept in a poor hygienic environment, while the positive effect of MOS is not observed in healthy pig herds with high hygienic standards.

Abstract

Mannan oligosaccharides (MOSs) are often referred to as one of the potential alternatives for antimicrobial growth promoters. The aim of the paper is to provide a review of mannan oligosaccharide products in relation to their growth promoting effect and mode of action based on the latest publications. We discuss the dietary impact of MOSs on (1) microbial changes, (2) morphological changes of gut tissue and digestibility of nutrients, and (3) immune response of pigs after weaning. Dietary MOSs maintain the intestinal integrity and the digestive and absorptive function of the gut in the post-weaning period. Recent results suggest that MOS enhances the disease resistance in swine by promoting antigen presentation facilitating thereby the shift from an innate to an adaptive immune response. Accordingly, dietary MOS supplementation has a potential growth promoting effect in pigs kept in a poor hygienic environment, while the positive effect of MOS is not observed in healthy pig herds with high hygienic standards that are able to maintain a high growth rate after weaning.

Effects of supplementation with yeast culture and enzymatically hydrolyzed yeast on performance of early lactation dairy cattle

One hundred fifty multiparous cows were balanced to 1 of 3 treatments (2 pens/trt) according to previous lactation 305-d mature equivalent yield to evaluate supplementation with yeast culture (YC; A-Max, Vi-COR, Mason, IA) and YC plus enzymatically hydrolyzed yeast (YC+EHY; Celmanax, Vi-COR) on production performance in dairy cattle. Cows entered pens at calving and remained through 14 wk postpartum. Treatment assignment to pens was random throughout the barn. Pens were identical in layout and each contained an exit alley to eliminate feed and animal mixing. The 3 treatments were control: nonsupplemented; YC: control diet with YC (56 g/d); and YC+EHY: control diet plus YC and EHY (28 g/d). Mean pen dry matter intake was similar across treatments. Cows supplemented with YC and YC+EHY produced more milk, fat-corrected milk, and energy-corrected milk than control cows (1.4 and 1.6, 1.6 and 1.8, 1.7 and 1.9 kg, respectively). Treatments YC and YC+EHY did not differ. Milk fat and lactose percentages were not affected by treatment. Milk protein percentage was higher for cows supplemented with YC+EHY than for those on YC and control treatments (2.98, 2.93, and 2.91%, respectively) with control and YC-supplemented cows not being different from each other. Differences in fat and protein yields were primarily reflective of milk yield. Treatment had no effect on milk urea nitrogen. No differences in the incidence of metabolic health were observed; however, cases of clinical mastitis for YC+EHY were less than half those for control and YC during wk 8 to 14 on trial. Somatic cell count was higher for cows fed control and YC diets compared with YC+EHY, primarily during wk 8 to 14 on trial. Supplementation of early lactation cows with YC improved milk production performance; furthermore, EHY supplementation improved milk protein percentage and mammary gland health.

Influence of dietary supplementation of prebiotics (mannanoligosaccharide) on the performance of crossbred calves

Thirty-six Holstein cross calves 5 days of age in their preruminant stage were used to study the effect of feeding prebiotic (mannanoligosaccharide) on their performance up to the age of 2 months. Treatment and control groups consisted of 18 calves each. Treatment group was supplemented with 4 g prebiotic (mannanoligosaccharide)/calf/day. Performance was evaluated by measuring average body weight (BW) gain, feed intake [dry matter (DM), total digestible nutrient (TDN) and crude protein(CP)], feed conversion efficiency (DM, TDN, and CP), fecal score, fecal coliform count and feeding cost. Body weight measured weekly, feed intake measured twice daily, proximate analysis of feeds and fodders analyzed weekly, fecal score monitored daily and fecal coliform count done weekly. There was a significant increase in average body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency; and a significant decrease in severity of scours as measured by fecal score and fecal coliform count in the treatment group compared with control group (P < 0.01). Feed cost/kg BW gain was significantly lower in the treatment group compared to control group (P < 0.01). The results suggest that prebiotic (mannanoligosaccharide) can be supplemented to the calves for better performance.

Effect of different levels of mannan-oligosaccharide supplementation on some immunological variables in weaned piglets

The effect of different doses of mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) on specific and non-specific immune responses was studied in piglets, weaned at 28 days. A total of 58 piglets were used in six groups. Five groups were fed 0, 1, 2, 4 g MOS product per kg diet or with growth promoting antibiotics and immunized by inactivated Aujeszky’s disease virus (AyV) vaccine at week 1 and 3 of the experiment (35 and 49 days). A sixth group, receiving the same non-supplemented diets was not immunized. Blood samples for lymphocyte stimulation (LST) and AyV neutralization (VN) tests were taken from all pigs on the first day of the experiment and at weekly intervals for 5 weeks. At week 8, the immunized piglets were infected orally with transmissible gastroenteritis virus. All piglets were weighed and slaughtered at week 10, digesta from small intestine were collected and tested for the presence of secretory (s)IgA. Feeding MOS supplementation resulted in enhanced specific and non-specific immune responses, however, a regressive dose-response of MOS was observed. Both the specific cellular (LST) and humoral responses (VN) were enhanced after 2 weeks of feeding 1 g/kg MOS and significantly differed from the antibiotic positive control. The same tendency was detected in case of the non-specific LSTs, although these started some weeks later showing significant differences by the fifth week. Higher doses of MOS had no further beneficial effect on systemic immunity. In addition, 1 g/kg MOS supplementation group also showed some advantage in local immune responsiveness. Therefore, based on the studied immune variables, 1 g/kg MOS product is suggested in the diet of weaned piglets.

Mannan oligosaccharide improves immune responses and growth efficiency of nursery pigs experimentally infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

This study was conducted to determine whether the ingestion of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS, Bio-Mos) alters the immune response of nursery pigs challenged with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). A total of 64 pigs (3 wk old), free of PRRSV, were used in 2 separate but similar experiments conducted sequentially. Pigs were blocked by initial BW. Sex and ancestry were equalized across treatments. Pigs were randomly assigned from within blocks to 1 of 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement [2 types of diet: control (0%) and MOS addition (0.2%); 2 levels of PRRSV: with and without]. There were 8 replicate chambers of 2 pigs each. After 2 wk of a 4-wk period of feeding the treatments, pigs were intranasally inoculated with PRRSV or a sterile medium at 5 wk of age. The PRRSV challenge decreased ADG, ADFI, and G:F throughout the experiment (P < 0.001). Feeding MOS improved G:F of the pigs during d 7 to 14 (P=0.041) postinfection (PI). Serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, C-reactive protein, and haptoglobin were increased by PRRSV (P < 0.001). The MOS × PRRSV interaction was significant for TNF-α at d 14 PI (P=0.028), suggesting that infected pigs fed MOS had less TNF-α than those fed the control. Dietary MOS increased serum IL-10 at d 14 PI (P=0.036). Further, MOS-fed pigs had greater numbers of white blood cells (WBC) at d 3 (P=0.048) and 7 PI (P=0.042) and lymphocytes at d 7 PI (P=0.023) than control-fed pigs. In contrast, PRRSV decreased (P < 0.01) WBC numbers until d 14 PI. Dietary MOS appeared (P=0.060) to increase the neutrophils in PRRSV-infected pigs at d 3 PI, but no (P=0.202) MOS × PRRSV interaction was found. Infection with PRRSV increased rectal temperature (RT) of pigs at d 3 PI (P < 0.001) and continued to affect the infected pigs fed the control diet until d 14 PI. The MOS × PRRSV interaction for RT was found at d 7 (P < 0.01) and 10 (P=0.098) PI, indicating that the infected pigs fed MOS had a decreased RT compared with those fed the control. This could explain why feed efficiency was improved by MOS. No effect (P > 0.05) of treatments on viremia or PRRSV-specific antibody was observed. These results suggest that MOS is associated with rapidly increased numbers of WBC at the early stage of infection and alleviates PRRSV-induced effects on G:F and fever. The results also indicate that the reduced intensity of inflammation by MOS may be related to changes in inflammatory mediator levels at the end of the acute phase.