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Investigation of the nutritional and functional roles of a combinational use of xylanase and β-glucanase on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs

BACKGROUND

Xylanase and β-glucanase combination (XG) hydrolyzes soluble non-starch polysaccharides that are anti-nutritional compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of XG on intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs.

METHODS

Forty pigs (6.5 ± 0.4 kg) were assigned to 5 dietary treatments and fed for 35 d in 3 phases (11, 9, and 15 d, respectively). Basal diets mainly included corn, soybean meal, and corn distiller's dried grains with solubles, contained phytase (750 FTU/kg), and were supplemented with 5 levels of XG at (1) 0, (2) 280 TXU/kg xylanase and 125 TGU/kg β-glucanase, (3) 560 and 250, (4) 840 and 375, or (5) 1,120 and 500, respectively. Growth performance was measured. On d 35, all pigs were euthanized and jejunal mucosa, jejunal digesta, jejunal tissues, and ileal digesta were collected to determine the effects of increasing XG levels and XG intake on intestinal health.

RESULTS

Increasing XG intake tended to quadratically decrease (P = 0.059) viscosity of jejunal digesta (min: 1.74 mPa·s at 751/335 (TXU/TGU)/kg). Increasing levels of XG quadratically decreased (P < 0.05) Prevotellaceae (min: 0.6% at 630/281 (TXU/TGU)/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing XG intake quadratically increased (P < 0.05) Lactobacillaceae (max: 40.3% at 608/271 (TXU/TGU)/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing XG intake quadratically decreased (P < 0.05) Helicobacteraceae (min: 1.6% at 560/250 (TXU/TGU)/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing levels of XG tended to linearly decrease (P = 0.073) jejunal IgG and tended to quadratically increase (P = 0.085) jejunal villus height to crypt depth ratio (max: 2.62 at 560/250 (TXU/TGU)/kg). Increasing XG intake tended to linearly increase the apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter (P = 0.087) and ether extract (P = 0.065). Increasing XG intake linearly increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain.

CONCLUSIONS

A combinational use of xylanase and β-glucanase would hydrolyze the non-starch polysaccharides fractions, positively modulating the jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota. Increased intake of these enzyme combination possibly reduced digesta viscosity and humoral immune response in the jejunum resulting in improved intestinal structure, and ileal digestibility of nutrients, and finally improving growth of nursery pigs. The beneficial effects were maximized at a combination of 550 to 800 TXU/kg xylanase and 250 to 360 TGU/kg β-glucanase.

Prenatal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure and gut microbiota of infants: A prospective cohort study

Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) has been reported to be linked to a series of adverse health outcomes in mothers and their children. As the gut microbiota is a sensitive biomarker for assessing the toxicity of environmental contaminants, this study attempted to investigate whether prenatal PFASs exposure was associated with the gut microbiota of infants. Based on the Shanghai-Minhang Birth Cohort Study, this prospective cohort study included 69 mother-infant pairs. Fasting blood samples were collected from pregnant women for the PFASs assay. We collected fecal samples of infants at 1 year of age and analyzed the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the bacterial 16 S rRNA gene by high-throughput sequencing. Among the detected 11 PFASs, the concentration of perfluorooctanoic acid (22.19 ng/mL) was the highest, followed by perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (12.08 ng/mL). Compared with infants whose mothers' total PFASs concentrations during pregnancy were at the 40th percentile or lower (reference group), the species richness and diversity of microbiota were lower in infants prenatally exposed to a high level of PFASs (the sum of PFASs concentrations above the 60th percentile). Prenatal exposure to PFASs was associated with a higher proportion of Acidaminococcaceae, Acidaminococcus, Megamonas, Megasphaera micronuciformis and Megamonas funiformis in infants. The changes of the species have been suggested to be associated with immune and metabolic dysfunction in humans. Functional alterations of gut microbiota due to PFASs exposure were dominated by an enrichment of butanoate metabolism. Our preliminary findings may shed light on the potential role of the microbiota underlying the well-known impact of prenatal PFASs exposure on health outcomes of humans in later life.

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

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

Characterization of the bacterial fecal microbiota composition of pigs preceding the clinical signs of swine dysentery

Swine dysentery (SD) is a worldwide production-limiting disease of growing-finishing pigs in commercial farms. The importance of the large intestinal microbiota in the swine dysentery pathogenesis has been established, but not well characterized. The objective of this study was to characterize the fecal bacterial microbiota of pigs immediately prior to developing clinical signs of swine dysentery. A total of 60 fecal samples were collected from 15 pigs with SD. Sampling times included a time point prior to SD (d0, n=15), 2 days before mucohaemorrhagic diarrhea was observed (d-2SD, n=15), 1 day before mucohaemorrhagic diarrhea was observed (d-1SD, n=15), and the day when pigs developed mucohemorragic diarrhea (MHD, n=15). Sequencing of cpn60 amplicons was used to profile the microbiome, and analyses were performed on QIIME2. Increased Chao1 index in d-1SD and MHD samples when compared to the d0 was the only change observed in alpha diversity. No differences between sampling times on beta diversity (Bray-Curtis dissimilarity) were found. Although a small sample size was investigated, differential abundance analysis revealed that Alistipes dispar and Parabacteroides gordonii were increased in MHD fecal samples when compared to d-2SD and d-1SD. It is suggested that these taxa may play a role in the pathogenesis of SD, which is known to require the presence of Brachyspira spp. and an anaerobe for severe disease development.

Fecal microbial transplantation limits neural injury severity and functional deficits in a pediatric piglet traumatic brain injury model

Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in children. Due to bidirectional communication between the brain and gut microbial population, introduction of key gut bacteria may mitigate critical TBI-induced secondary injury cascades, thus lessening neural damage and improving functional outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a daily fecal microbial transplant (FMT) to alleviate neural injury severity, prevent gut dysbiosis, and improve functional recovery post TBI in a translational pediatric piglet model. Male piglets at 4-weeks of age were randomly assigned to Sham + saline, TBI + saline, or TBI + FMT treatment groups. A moderate/severe TBI was induced by controlled cortical impact and Sham pigs underwent craniectomy surgery only. FMT or saline were administered by oral gavage daily for 7 days. MRI was performed 1 day (1D) and 7 days (7D) post TBI. Fecal and cecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Ipsilateral brain and ileum tissue samples were collected for histological assessment. Gait and behavior testing were conducted at multiple timepoints. MRI showed that FMT treated animals demonstrated decreased lesion volume and hemorrhage volume at 7D post TBI as compared to 1D post TBI. Histological analysis revealed improved neuron and oligodendrocyte survival and restored ileum tissue morphology at 7D post TBI in FMT treated animals. Microbiome analysis indicated decreased dysbiosis in FMT treated animals with an increase in multiple probiotic Lactobacilli species, associated with anti-inflammatory therapeutic effects, in the cecum of the FMT treated animals, while non-treated TBI animals showed an increase in pathogenic bacteria, associated with inflammation and disease such in feces. FMT mediated enhanced cellular and tissue recovery resulted in improved motor function including stride and step length and voluntary motor activity in FMT treated animals. Here we report for the first time in a highly translatable pediatric piglet TBI model, the potential of FMT treatment to significantly limit cellular and tissue damage leading to improved functional outcomes following a TBI.

Impacts of F18+Escherichia coli on Intestinal Health of Nursery Pigs and Dietary Interventions

This review focused on the impact of F18+E. coli on pig production and explored nutritional interventions to mitigate its deleterious effects. F18+E. coli is a primary cause of PWD in nursery pigs, resulting in substantial economic losses through diminished feed efficiency, morbidity, and mortality. In summary, the F18+E. coli induces intestinal inflammation with elevated IL6 (60%), IL8 (43%), and TNF-α (28%), disrupting the microbiota and resulting in 14% villus height reduction. Besides the mortality, the compromised intestinal health results in a 20% G:F decrease and a 10% ADFI reduction, ultimately culminating in a 28% ADG decrease. Among nutritional interventions to counter F18+E. coli impacts, zinc glycinate lowered TNF-α (26%) and protein carbonyl (45%) in jejunal mucosa, resulting in a 39% ADG increase. Lactic acid bacteria reduced TNF-α (36%), increasing 51% ADG, whereas Bacillus spp. reduced IL6 (27%), increasing BW (12%). Lactobacillus postbiotic increased BW (14%) and the diversity of beneficial bacteria. Phytobiotics reduced TNF-α (23%) and IL6 (21%), enhancing feed efficiency (37%). Additional interventions, including low crude protein formulation, antibacterial minerals, prebiotics, and organic acids, can be effectively used to combat F18+E. coli infection. These findings collectively underscore a range of effective strategies for managing the challenges posed by F18+E. coli in pig production.

Efficacy of soy protein concentrate replacing animal protein supplements in mucosa-associated microbiota, intestinal health, and growth performance of nursery pigs

This study investigated the effects of using soy protein concentrate (SPC) to replace animal protein supplements on mucosa-associated microbiota, intestinal health, and growth performance of nursery pigs. Fifty-six newly weaned pigs (BW = 6.4 ± 0.6 kg) were allotted to 5 treatments in a randomized complete block design. Pigs were fed for 35 d in 3 phases (P; 1, 2, 3) for 10, 12, 13 d, respectively. Dietary treatments were: (1) basal diet with fish meal (P1: 4%, P2: 2%, and P3: 1%), poultry meal (P1: 10%, P2: 8%, and P3: 4%), and blood plasma (P1: 4%, P2: 2%, and P3: 1%), where SPC replacing none (NC); (2) basal diet with SPC replacing fish meal (RFM); (3) basal diet with SPC replacing poultry meal (RPM); (4) basal diet with SPC replacing blood plasma (RBP); and (5) basal diet with SPC replacing all animal protein supplements (PC). Growth performance was recorded for each phase. Pigs were euthanized on d 35 to collect jejunal mucosa and tissue to evaluate intestinal health and microbiota, and ileal digesta to measure apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Overall, RFM, RPM, and RBP did not affect growth performance, whereas PC decreased (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI. The RPM increased (P < 0.05) Prevotella stercorea and decreased (P < 0.05) Helicobacter rappini. The PC decreased (P < 0.05) H. rappini, whilst increasing (P < 0.05) Prevotella copri, Propionibacterium acnes, and Pelomonas aquatica. The RFM tended to increase (P = 0.096) immunoglobulin A in the jejunum. The PC tended to decrease (P = 0.078) jejunal crypt cell proliferation. There were no differences in the villus height, AID of nutrients, intestinal inflammation, and intestinal oxidative stress among treatments. In conclusion, SPC can replace fish meal, poultry meal, or blood plasma individually without affecting growth performance and intestinal health, and AID of nutrients of nursery pigs. Particularly SPC replacing poultry meal benefitted intestinal health by reducing H. rappini and increasing P. stercorea. However, SPC replacing all three animal protein supplements reduced growth of nursery pigs mainly by reducing feed intake.

Effects of stimbiotic supplementation on gut health, immune response, and intestinal microbiota in weaned piglets challenged with E. coli

In order to make piglet diets more effective, it is necessary to investigate effective methods for breaking down xylan in cereal. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary stimbiotic (STB) supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, immune response and intestinal microbiota in weaned piglets. A total of 24 (Duroc × Yorkshire × Landrace) weaned pigs (initial body weight of 8.01 ± 0.38 kg and 28 ± 3 d old), were assigned to 4 treatments with 6 replicates per treatment. Pigs were housed in individual pens for 17 days, including 5 days adaption period and 12 days after the first Escherichia coli (E. coli) challenge. The experiment was conducted in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments consisting of two levels of challenge (challenge and non-challenge) and two levels of STB (0 and 0.5 g/kg diet). Supplementations of STB 0.5 g/kg improved the gain to feed ratio (G:F) (P < 0.05) in piglets challenged with shiga toxigenic E. coli (STEC). STB supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6. Supplementation of STB improved (P < 0.05) the lymphocytes and neutrophils in piglets challenged with STEC on 12 dpi. Supplementation of STB also improved (P < 0.05) the villus height to-crypt depth ratio of ileum in piglets challenged with STEC. Supplementation of STB increased (P < 0.05) the expression levels of claudin-1 of ileum. In genus level, supplementation of STB increased (P < 0.001) the abundance of Prevotella compared to non-supplementation of STB groups in pre-inoculation period. Also, supplementation of STB decreased (P < 0.05) the abundance of Faecalibacterium and Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group compared to non-supplementation of STB groups in post-inoculation period. In phylum level, supplementation of STB increased (P < 0.05) the abundance of Desulfobacterota and Fibrobacterota in pre-inoculation period. E. coli challenge increased the abundance of Fibrobacterota compared to non-challenged group in post-inoculation period. In conclusion, these findings indicated that STB supplementation could alleviate a decrease of the performance, immune response, and inflammatory response in piglets induced by the STEC challenge.

Comparative effects of soy protein concentrate, enzyme-treated soybean meal, and fermented soybean meal replacing animal protein supplements in feeds on growth performance and intestinal health of nursery pigs

BACKGROUND

Soy protein supplements, with high crude protein and less antinutritional factors, are produced from soybean meal by different processes. This study evaluated the comparative effects of various soy protein supplements replacing animal protein supplements in feeds on the intestinal immune status, intestinal oxidative stress, mucosa-associated microbiota, and growth performance of nursery pigs.

METHODS

Sixty nursery pigs (6.6 ± 0.5 kg BW) were allotted to five treatments in a randomized complete block design with initial BW and sex as blocks. Pigs were fed for 39 d in 3 phases (P1, P2, and P3). Treatments were: Control (CON), basal diet with fish meal 4%, 2%, and 1%, poultry meal 10%, 8%, and 4%, and blood plasma 4%, 2%, and 1% for P1, P2, and P3, respectively; basal diet with soy protein concentrate (SPC), enzyme-treated soybean meal (ESB), fermented soybean meal with Lactobacillus (FSBL), and fermented soybean meal with Bacillus (FSBB), replacing 1/3, 2/3, and 3/3 of animal protein supplements for P1, P2, and P3, respectively. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS 9.4.

RESULTS

The SPC did not affect the BW, ADG, and G:F, whereas it tended to reduce (P = 0.094) the ADFI and tended to increase (P = 0.091) crypt cell proliferation. The ESM did not affect BW, ADG, ADFI, and G:F, whereas tended to decrease (P = 0.098) protein carbonyl in jejunal mucosa. The FSBL decreased (P < 0.05) BW and ADG, increased (P < 0.05) TNF-α, and Klebsiella and tended to increase MDA (P = 0.065) and IgG (P = 0.089) in jejunal mucosa. The FSBB tended to increase (P = 0.073) TNF-α, increased (P < 0.05) Clostridium and decreased (P < 0.05) Achromobacter and alpha diversity of microbiota in jejunal mucosa.

CONCLUSIONS

Soy protein concentrate, enzyme-treated soybean meal, and fermented soybean meal with Bacillus could reduce the use of animal protein supplements up to 33% until 7 kg body weight, up to 67% from 7 to 11 kg body weight, and entirely from 11 kg body weight without affecting the intestinal health and the growth performance of nursery pigs. Fermented soybean meal with Lactobacillus, however, increased the immune reaction and oxidative stress in the intestine consequently reducing the growth performance.

Intestinal Damages by F18+Escherichia coli and Its Amelioration with an Antibacterial Bacitracin Fed to Nursery Pigs

This study investigated intestinal oxidative damage caused by F18⁺Escherichia coli and its amelioration with antibacterial bacitracin fed to nursery pigs. Thirty-six weaned pigs (6.31 ± 0.08 kg BW) were allotted in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were: NC, not challenged/not treated; PC, challenged (F18⁺E. coli at 5.2 × 10⁹ CFU)/not treated; AGP challenged (F18⁺E. coli at 5.2 × 10⁹ CFU)/treated with bacitracin (30 g/t). Overall, PC reduced (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG), gain to feed ratio (G:F), villus height, and villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD), whereas AGP increased (p < 0.05) ADG, and G:F. PC increased (p < 0.05) fecal score, F18⁺E. coli in feces, and protein carbonyl in jejunal mucosa. AGP reduced (p < 0.05) fecal score and F18⁺E. coli in jejunal mucosa. PC reduced (p < 0.05) Prevotella stercorea populations in jejunal mucosa, whereas AGP increased (p < 0.05) Phascolarctobacterium succinatutens and reduced (p < 0.05) Mitsuokella jalaludinii populations in feces. Collectively, F18⁺E. coli challenge increased fecal score and disrupted the microbiota composition, harming intestinal health by increasing oxidative stress, and damaging the intestinal epithelium, ultimately impairing growth performance. Dietary bacitracin reduced reduced F18⁺E. coli populations and the oxidative damages they cause, thereby improving intestinal health and the growth performance of nursery pigs.

Antibacterial plant combinations prevent postweaning diarrhea in organically raised piglets challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F18

Antibiotics and zinc oxide restrictions encourage the search for alternatives to combat intestinal pathogens, including enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), a major cause of postweaning diarrhea (PWD) in pigs. PWD causes important economic losses for conventional and organic farming. This study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with garlic and apple pomace or blackcurrant on infection indicators and the fecal microbiota of organic-raised piglets challenged with ETEC-F18. For 21 days, 32 piglets (7-weeks-old) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: non-challenge (NC); ETEC-challenged (PC); ETEC-challenged receiving garlic and apple pomace (3 + 3%; GA); ETEC-challenged receiving garlic and blackcurrant (3 + 3%; GB). ETEC-F18 was administered (8 mL; 109 CFU/ml) on days 1 and 2 postweaning. The 1st week, PC had lower average daily gain than those in the NC, GA, and GB groups (P &lt; 0.05). NC pigs showed neither ETEC-F18 shedding nor signs of diarrhea. The PC group had higher diarrhea incidence and lower fecal dry matter than NC (≈5–10 days; 95% sEBCI). The GA and GB groups showed reduced ETEC-F18 and fedA gene shedding, higher fecal dry matter, and lower diarrhea incidence than the PC (≈5–9 days; 95% sEBCI). The NC, GA, and GB had normal hematology values during most of the study, whereas the PC had increased (P &lt; 0.05) red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit on day 7. Haptoglobin and pig-MAP increased in all groups, peaking on day 7, but PC showed the greatest increase (P &lt; 0.05). The fecal microbiota of PC pigs had reduced α-diversity (day 7; P &lt; 0.05) and higher volatility (days 3–14; P &lt; 0.05). Escherichia, Campylobacter, and Erysipelothrix were more abundant in the PC than in the NC, GB, and GA groups (log2FC &gt; 2; P &lt; 0.05), whereas Catenibacterium, Dialister, and Mitsoukella were more abundant in the NC, GB, and GA than in the PC group (log2FC &gt; 2; P &lt; 0.05). Prevotella and Lactobacillus were more abundant in the GB group (log2FC &gt; 2, P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of GA and GB limited ETEC proliferation, reduced PWD, and beneficially impacted the fecal microbiota's diversity, composition, and stability.

Effect of antibiotics and low-crude protein diets on growth performance, health, immune response, and fecal microbiota of growing pigs

This study aimed to investigate the effects of diets with and without antibiotics supplementation and diets with 18.5% and 13.0% crude protein (CP) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, disease incidence, fecal microbiota, immune response, and antioxidant capacity of growing pigs. One hundred and eighty pigs (59-day-old; 18.5 ± 2.5 kg) were distributed in a randomized complete block design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, nine replicates, and five pigs per pen. The factors were CP (18.5% or 13.0%) and antibiotics (none or 100 mg/kg tiamulin + 506 mg/kg oxytetracycline). Medicated diets were fed from days 59 to 73. After that, all pigs were fed their respective CP diets from 73 to 87 days. Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedure in SAS version 9.4. From days 59 to 73, pigs fed antibiotics diets had higher (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily weight gain (ADG), gain to feed ratio (G:F), compared to the diets without antibiotics. From days 73 to 87 (postmedicated period), any previous supplementation of antibiotics did not affect pig growth performance. Overall (days 59 to 87), pigs-fed antibiotics diets had higher (P < 0.05) G:F compared to pigs-fed diets without antibiotics. In all periods evaluated, pigs fed 18.5% CP diets had higher (P < 0.05) ADG and G:F compared to pigs fed 13.0% CP. Pigs fed the 13.0% CP diets had lower (P < 0.05) fecal score and diarrhea incidence than those fed 18.5% CP. Pigs fed 18.5% CP diets had improved (P < 0.05) loin area compared to pigs-fed diets with 13.0% CP. At 66 days of age, pigs-fed antibiotics diets had lower (P < 0.05) alpha diversity estimated with Shannon and Simpson compared to the pig-fed diets without antibiotics. At family level, pigs fed 18.5% CP diets had higher (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Streptococcaceae, and lower (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Clostridiaceae at days 66 and 87 compared with pigs fed 13.0% CP. Pigs-fed antibiotics diets had lower (P < 0.05) immunoglobulin G and protein carbonyl concentrations at day 66 compared to the pigs-fed diets without antibiotics. The reduction of dietary CP from 18.5% to 13.0% reduced the growth performance and loin muscle area of growing pigs, although it was effective to reduce diarrhea incidence. Antibiotics improved growth performance, lowered diarrhea incidence, improved components of the humoral immune response, and reduced microbiota diversity. However, in the postmedicated period, we found no residual effect on the general health of the animals, and considering the overall period, only G:F was improved by the use of antibiotics.

Phytobiotics from Oregano Extracts Enhance the Intestinal Health and Growth Performance of Pigs

This study aimed to investigate the effects of phytobiotics on the intestinal health and growth performance of pigs. Totals of 40 newly-weaned pigs with 6.4 ± 0.3 kg BW (Exp. 1) and 120 growing pigs with 27.9 ± 2.3 kg BW (Exp. 2) were allotted in RCBD in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The factors were: antibiotics as growth promoter (AGP) and phytobiotics (PHY). Pigs were fed experimental diets during 21 d (Exp. 1) and 42 d (Exp. 2). Growth performance, health parameters, and nutrient digestibility were evaluated. In Exp. 1, AGP diet increased (p < 0.05) ADG and G:F compared with a diet without AGP or PHY and a diet with AGP combined with PHY. PHY decreased (p < 0.05) TNF-α and IgG in the jejunum and protein carbonyl in plasma, whereas it increased (p < 0.05) the villus height. In Exp. 2, AGP or PHY diets increased (p < 0.05) ADG, ADFI, and G:F compared with a diet without AGP or PHY and a diet with AGP combined with PHY. PHY decreased (p < 0.05) IgG and PC in plasma. Collectively, AGP and PHY improved growth performance by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing immune status and jejunal morphology. However, the combinational use of phytobiotics with antibiotics suppressed their effect.

Postbiotic effects of Lactobacillus fermentate on intestinal health, mucosa-associated microbiota, and growth efficiency of nursery pigs challenged with F18+Escherichia coli

This study determined the supplemental effects of Lactobacillus fermentate (LBF, Adare Biome, France) on intestinal health and prevention of postweaning diarrhea caused by F18+Escherichia coli in nursery pigs. Sixty-four weaned pigs (6.6 ± 0.7 kg body weight) were allotted in a randomized complete block design to four treatments: NC: no challenge/no supplement; PC: E. coli challenge/no supplement; AGP: E. coli challenge/bacitracin (30 g/t feed); and PBT: E. coli challenge/LBF (2 kg/t feed). Bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) was used as a source of bacitracin. On day 7, challenged groups were orally inoculated with F18+E. coli (2.4 × 1010 CFU), whereas NC received sterile saline solution. Growth performance was analyzed weekly, and pigs were euthanized at the end of 28 d feeding to analyze intestinal health. Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedure of SAS 9.4. During the post-challenge period, PC tended to decrease (P = 0.067) average daily gain (ADG) when compared with NC, whereas AGP increased (P < 0.05) when compared with PC; PBT tended to increase (P = 0.081) ADG when compared with PC. The PC increased fecal score (P < 0.05) during day 7 to 14 when compared with NC, whereas AGP decreased it (P < 0.05) during day 14 to 21 when compared with PC. The PC increased (P < 0.05) protein carbonyl, crypt cell proliferation, and the relative abundance of Helicobacter rodentium when compared with NC. However, AGP decreased (P < 0.05) crypt cell proliferation and H. rodentium and increased (P < 0.05) villus height, Bifidobacterium boum, Pelomonas spp., and Microbacterium ginsengisoli when compared with PC. The PBT reduced (P < 0.05) crypt cell proliferation and H. rodentium and increased (P < 0.05) Lactobacillus salivarius and Propionibacterium acnes when compared with PC. At the genus level, AGP and PBT increased (P < 0.05) the alpha diversity of jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota in pigs estimated with Chao1 richness estimator when compared with PC. Collectively, F18+E. coli reduced growth performance by adversely affecting microbiota and intestinal health. The LBF and BMD improved growth performance, and it was related to the enhanced intestinal health and increased diversity and abundance of beneficial microbiota in pigs challenged with F18+E. coli.