半胱胺对断奶前后仔猪胃粘膜H+-K+-ATPase表达和活性的影响

实验选取新生仔猪18窝, 随机分为实验组和对照组各9窝, 自12日龄起, 对照组饲喂基础乳猪料, 实验组在基础饲料中添加半胱胺120 mg/kg饲料, 仔猪均于35日龄断奶。分别于断奶前1 周、断奶当天、断奶后36 h、72 h、1周以及断奶后10 d屠宰仔猪取样, 每个时间点随机选取对照组和试验组各6头仔猪, 用相对定量RT PCR方法测定不同日龄仔猪胃组织中H K ATPase mRNA 表达的相对含量, 并同时测定H K ATPase的活性。结果表明: (1) 对照组仔猪在断奶前1 周至断奶后10 d, H K ATPase mRNA相对含量和H K ATPase活性有上升趋势, 两组仔猪在断奶后10 d H K ATPase mRNA相对含量和活性均达到最高水平, 但总体不表现显著的年龄差异; (2) 半胱胺能明显提高仔猪胃粘膜中H K ATPase mRNA的表达, 在断奶前1 周、断奶当天、断奶后1周和断奶后10 d均出现显著差异。半胱胺也能明显提高H K ATPase 的活性, 在断奶当天和断奶后10 d, H K ATPase 的活性分别被提高32 3%和18 3%; (3) 观察期内对照组和实验组H K ATPase mRNA水平和H K ATPase活性之间未发现显著的相关性。以上结果说明: 断奶前后仔猪H K ATPase的mRNA相对含量和活性没有明显的发育性变化, 断奶对H K ATPase mRNA表达和活性没有影响,而半胱     

益生菌Lactobacillus amylovorus S1对仔猪后肠菌群的影响

结合PCR/DGGE(Denaturinggradientgelelectrophoresis,变性梯度凝胶电泳)和16SrDNA序列分析技术,研究添加益生菌LactobacillusamylovorusS1后仔猪从7至35日龄(断奶后两周)后肠菌群的变化。6窝新生仔猪被随机分成两组:对照组和处理组,处理组仔猪于7、9和11日龄口服L.amylovorusS1菌液(活菌数5×109CFU/mL)。分别于7、14、21、24和35日龄,每窝随机屠宰一头仔猪,收集肠道样品。比较不同日龄仔猪后肠菌群DGGE图谱表明,断奶后图谱中多数高GC含量细菌条带消失,至断奶后两周又逐渐出现。序列分析显示,这些高GC含量细菌主要为乳酸杆菌。统计分析表明,仔猪口服益生菌S1对其盲肠和结肠菌群的多样性指数无显著影响。通过比较处理组和对照组图谱发现,处理组14日龄出现一特异条带,与其匹配的序列的最相似已知菌为Clostridiumdisporicum,相似性为95%;而35日龄对照组有一特异优势条带,该条带被鉴定为猪链球菌(Streptococcussuis),相似性为99%。     

益生菌Lactobacillus amylovorus S1对仔猪后肠菌群的影响

结合PCR/DGGE (Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis,变性梯度凝胶电泳)和16S rDNA序列分析技术,研究添加益生菌Lactobacillus amylovorus S1后仔猪从7至35日龄（断奶后两周）后肠菌群的变化。6窝新生仔猪被随机分成两组：对照组和处理组,处理组仔猪于7、9和11日龄口服L. amylovorus S1菌液（活菌数5×10.9 CFU/mL）。分别于7、14、21、24和35日龄,每窝随机屠宰一头仔猪,收集肠道样品。比较不同日龄仔猪后肠菌群DGGE图谱表明,断奶后图谱中多数高GC含量细菌条带消失,至断奶后两周又逐渐出现。序列分析显示,这些高GC含量细菌主要为乳酸杆菌。统计分析表明,仔猪口服益生菌S1对其盲肠和结肠菌群的多样性指数无显著影响。通过比较处理组和对照组图谱发现,处理组14日龄出现一特异条带,与其匹配的序列的最相似已知菌为Clostridium disporicum,相似性为95％;而35日龄对照组有一特异优势条带,该条带被鉴定为猪链球菌（Streptococcus suis）,相似性为99％。     

谷氨酸对哺乳仔猪器官指数、血液生化指标、血脂水平和抗氧化能力的影响

为研究谷氨酸对哺乳仔猪器官指数、血液生化指标、血脂水平及抗氧化能力的影响。选取体况、胎龄和分娩日期一致的长×大母猪6头,每头母猪选取体重相似的仔猪8头(1.55±0.20 kg),其他的仔猪寄养。每窝仔猪按体重随机分为4个组(2头/组),每天分别按体重灌服0.18 g/kg氯化钠(对照组)、0.06 g/kg谷氨酸钠(低剂量组)、0.50 g/kg谷氨酸钠(中剂量组)和1.00 g/kg谷氨酸钠(高剂量组)。仔猪以每天称重后的体重为标准计算口服谷氨酸钠的剂量。分别于7日龄和21日龄各组每窝随机选取1头仔猪屠宰取样。结果表明:灌服谷氨酸对7日龄和21日龄仔猪心指数、肝指数、脾指数和肾指数均没有显著影响(P0.05)。灌服高剂量谷氨酸显著升高了7日龄哺乳仔猪血清谷氨酰胺合成酶活性和血红蛋白含量及21日龄哺乳仔猪血清谷氨酰胺合成酶活性(P0.05),显著降低了21日龄仔猪血清内毒素ET含量及ATPase活性(P0.05)。灌服中剂量谷氨酸显著降低了7日龄和21日龄哺乳仔猪血清游离脂肪酸含量,对21日龄仔猪血清高密度脂蛋白水平也有显著影响(P0.05)。灌服中剂量谷氨酸显著升高了7日龄哺乳仔猪血清总抗氧化能力(P0.05),显著降低了7日龄哺乳仔猪血清谷胱甘肽硫转移酶和超氧化物歧化酶活性及丙二醛含量(P0.05)。灌服中高剂量谷氨酸显著降低了21日龄仔猪血清谷胱甘肽硫转移酶活性和丙二醛含量(P0.05),显著升高了21日龄仔猪血清超氧化物歧化酶活性(P0.05)。因此,灌服谷氨酸能够显著影响哺乳仔猪血液生化和血脂水平、提高哺乳仔猪抗氧化能力     

复合微生态制剂对断奶仔猪生产性能、粪便菌群及血液指标的影响

目的 探讨复合微生态制剂对断奶仔猪生长性能、粪便乳酸菌和大肠埃希菌数、血液红胞数以及血红蛋白含量及其对免疫水平的影响.方法 选择25日龄的断奶仔猪共108头,平均分为两组:Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组,每组3个重复,每个重复18只,Ⅰ组饲喂全价料+2.0‰复合微生态制剂;Ⅱ组为对照组,饲喂全价料,实验期为42 d.结果 至实验结束时,复合微生态制剂组的料重比显著低于对照组(P ＜0.05);14、28和42 d时复合微生态制剂组粪便中的大肠埃希菌数比对照组低7.94％,2.90％和4.89％,与对照组相比差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);14d时,复合微生态制剂组粪便乳酸菌数与对照组相比差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),28和42 d时,两组粪便乳酸菌数差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).14、28和42 d时复合微生态制剂组血液中红细胞数和血红蛋白浓度均显著高于对照组.两组血清尿素氮水平差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),复合微生态制剂组血清总蛋白和IgG的含量与对照组相比有升高的趋势,但差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),复合微生态制剂组血清IgA和IgM的浓度显著高于对照组(P＜0.05).结论 复合微生态制剂可以显著降低断奶仔猪的料重比,降低粪便中大肠埃希菌数量,促进血液红细胞和血红蛋白的含量,提高断奶仔猪的免疫水平.     

中药超微粉对早期断奶仔猪白细胞分类和抗氧化功能的影响

为了研制高效、安全、无污染的抗生素替代物作为断奶仔猪饲料添加剂,本研究观察了中药超微粉对21日龄断奶仔猪外周血白细胞分类和血清抗氧化功能的影响。结果表明,D7时,超微粉组MDA含量显著小于抗生素组和对照组(P<0.05),NO含量显著小于对照组(P<0.05);D14时,超微粉组NO含量显著大于抗生素组和对照组(P<0.05);D28时,超微粉组NEU计数和百分率及MON百分率均显著小于、LYM百分率显著大于对照组(P<0.05),N/L小于抗生素组(P>0.05)、显著小于对照组(P<0.05),SOD活性显著大于抗生素组和对照组(P<0.05),GSH活性显著大于对照组(P<0.05)。上述指标的变化,与该超微粉对断奶仔猪的防病促生长作用有一定联系。     

复合活菌制剂对断奶仔猪生长性能及血清溶菌酶含量的影响

目的观察复合活菌制剂对断奶仔猪生长性能及血清溶菌酶含量的影响。方法选择长白二元杂交断奶仔猪90头进行实验,断奶日龄为35 d。共分为5个组,每组设3个重复,每个重复随机选取健康仔猪6头。实验组一:饲喂基础日粮+0.1%复合制剂(纳豆杆菌,双歧杆菌,罗伊乳杆菌),实验组二:饲喂基础日粮+0.1%复合制剂(纳豆杆菌,双歧杆菌,干酪乳杆菌),实验组三:饲喂基础日粮+0.1%复合制剂(纳豆杆菌,双歧杆菌,嗜酸乳杆菌),实验组四:饲喂基础日粮+0.1%复合制剂(纳豆杆菌,双歧杆菌,罗伊乳杆菌,干酪乳杆菌,嗜酸乳杆菌),对照组:饲喂基础日粮。其中复合制剂中益生菌活菌数为109CFU/g。饲养30 d后观察复合活菌制剂对断奶仔猪生长性能及血清溶菌酶含量的影响。结果在日增重、饲料效率及血清溶菌酶方面,实验组一和二显著高于对照组(P0.05);在腹泻率方面,实验组均显著低于对照组(P0.05)。结论在仔猪日粮中添加复合活菌制剂可提高每头断奶仔猪平均日增重及饲料效率,降低腹泻的发病率,且增高仔猪血清溶菌酶含量,提高仔猪的免疫机能,从而提高经济效益。     

刺五加提取物对早期断奶仔猪生长性能和血清生化参数的影响

早期断奶会使仔猪产生心理、环境和营养应激反应,引起仔猪腹泻、营养不良和生长迟滞等。本试验通过在日粮中添加刺五加提取物,饲喂21日龄断奶仔猪,观察其生长性能、腹泻指数、器官指数和血清生化参数等指标的变化,为开发绿色防病促生长剂提供理论依据。结果表明,刺五加提取物能够显著提高早期断奶仔猪的平均日采食量和平均日增重(P<0.05),降低料肉比,显著防治早期断奶仔猪腹泻(P<0.05),其作用强于粘杆菌素;刺五加提取物组第1周的α-淀粉酶、谷草转氨酶和谷丙转氨酶活性均大于对照组(P>0.05),第2周的尿素氮含量极显著大于抗生素组和对照组(P<0.01),碱性磷酸酶活性显著小于对照组(P<0.05),第4周的α-淀粉酶和脂肪酶活性显著大于对照组(P<0.05)。上述结果提示,刺五加提取物能够缓解仔猪的早期断奶应激,增强机体抵抗力,促进生长。     

菊粉和刺五加提取物对早期断奶仔猪生长性能、血液指标和肠道形态的影响

试验选用120头21日龄5.64kg左右的三元杂交断奶仔猪,分别饲喂基础日粮(对照组)、基础日粮+抗生素(抗生素组)和基础日粮+5%菊粉+0.1%刺五加提取物(实验组),试验期为14d,观察日粮中复合添加菊粉和刺五加(AS)提取物对早期断奶仔猪生长性能、血液生化指标和肠道形态的影响。试验结果表明,实验组与对照组相比,仔猪日增重(ADG)显著提高(P0.05),而料肉比(F/G)则显著降低(P0.05),但平均日采食量(ADFI)差异不显著(P0.05);实验组仔猪血清中血糖(GLU)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)和尿素氮(BUN)与对照组差异不显著(P0.05),但试验第14d,碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)浓度均显著高于对照组(P0.05);实验组仔猪十二指肠和回肠的隐窝深度显著高于对照组(P0.05),空肠和回肠的绒毛高度显著高于对照组(P0.05)。试验显示,日粮中添加菊粉和刺五加提取物对提高早期断奶仔猪的生长性能、改善小肠消化和吸收功能有重要作用。     

刺五加提取物对早期断奶仔猪生长性能和抗氧化能力的影响(英文)

为了研究刺五加提取物(ASE)替代抗生素降低仔猪早期断奶应激的效果及其作用机制.刺五加提取物多糖、黄酮和有机酸含量分别为2.94,0.19和1.04%;试验选用96头体重相近的21日龄杜×长×大断奶仔猪,按体重和性别随机分为3个处理,每个处理4个重复,分别饲喂基础日粮、添加ASE日粮(1 g/kg)和添加抗生素日粮(0.04%杆菌肽锌+0.03%咔吧氧).试验期为14 d,观察仔猪生长性能,测定7和14 d血清抗氧化指标等的变化.与基础日粮组相比,ASE和抗生素分别提高了仔猪日增重(ADG)16.81(P＞0.05)和24.66%(P＜0.05),均显著降低了料肉比(F/G)(P＜0.05);与抗生素组差异不显著.ASE和抗生素均可提高血清SOD水平;但是,在抗生素组中,第14 d仔猪血清SOD有降低的趋势(从147.96±15.88 U/mL降低至125.68±14.26U/mL).ASE有提高断奶后第7和14 d血清GSH含量的趋势(P=0.235和0.211),并极显著降低了7和14 d血清MDA水平(P＜0.05).结果表明,ASE可促进仔猪生长,提高机体抗氧化能力,在一定程度上可以替代抗生素.     

Effects of dietary nucleotide supplementation on growth performance and hormonal and immune responses of piglets

The effects of dietary nucleotide supplementation from 9 days of age until the end of post-weaning on piglets hormonal and immune responses and on growth performance were investigated. During lactation (days 9 to 21) and post-weaning (days 22 to 55) 10 [HBI Fomeva11 × (Large White × Landrace)] litters (n = 108 piglets) had ad libitum access to two standard diets, both supplemented with 0% (T0 group) or 0.1% (T1 group) of yeast extract nucleotides. BW of piglets at days 21 (P < 0.10), 35 and 55 (P < 0.05) was greater in T1 compared with T0. Feed intake was not different between groups (P > 0.05). Cortisol content was lower in T1 than in T0 at days 28 and 35 (P < 0.05), whereas growth hormone was lower at day 35 (P < 0.05). Levels of IGF-1 were similar across groups (P > 0.05). Nucleotide-supplemented diets increased lymphocyte subpopulation CD4-CD8+high at days 21 and 35 (P < 0.05), whereas CD4+CD8- cells were higher in T1 than in T0 at day 21 (P < 0.05). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells cytokine expression was influenced by dietary nucleotide supplementation. At weaning, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β expression was lower (P < 0.05) in T1 compared with T0, whereas the expression of interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-10 was higher (P < 0.05). At day 28, piglets in T1 showed higher values of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression than T0 and lower values of IL-10 expression (P < 0.05). Dietary nucleotide supplementation had a suppressive effect on IL-6 and IL-10 expression (P < 0.05) at day 35. On the contrary, the expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-1β was enhanced (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these results suggest that starting a dietary nucleotide supplementation before weaning can improve the adaptive capabilities of weaned piglets to the stressors, enhancing the growth performance.     

Influence of colostrum intake on piglet survival and immunity

Colostrum intake from birth to 24 h after the onset of parturition (T24) was estimated for 526 piglets from 40 litters. Plasma concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG), lactate, glucose and cortisol were determined at T24 for six piglets per litter. Plasma IgG concentration was also assayed at weaning (28 days) on the same piglets. Rectal temperature was measured at T24 on all piglets. Mortality was recorded until weaning and comparisons were made between piglets that died before weaning and those that were still alive at weaning. The piglets that died before weaning had lower birth weight, lower colostrum intake, lower weight gain between birth and T24, and had a lower rectal temperature, higher plasma cortisol concentration and lower plasma IgG and glucose concentrations at T24 than piglets still alive at weaning. In addition, a higher proportion of piglets that died before weaning had difficulty taking their first breath after birth and were affected by splayleg. Considering all piglets, colostrum intake was positively related to rectal temperature and plasma glucose concentration and negatively related to plasma cortisol concentration at T24. Plasma IgG concentration at T24 was explained by colostrum intake, IgG concentration in the ingested colostrum, birth weight and birth rank (P<0.0001). Plasma IgG concentration at weaning was related to plasma IgG concentration at T24 (r=0.54; P<0.0001) and to colostrum intake (r=0.32; P<0.0001). Finally, body weight was explained by colostrum intake, birth weight and age until 6 weeks of age (P<0.0001). These results show that colostrum intake is the main determinant of piglet survival through provision of energy and immune protection and has potential long-term effects on piglet growth and immunity.     

γ射线对小鼠调节性T细胞功能及相关细胞因子的影响及其意义

调节性T细胞（regulatory T cells,Tregs）及相关细胞因子在机体免疫平衡的调节中发挥重要作用,而其在放射免疫损伤中的作用尚不明确.本实验以6Gyγ射线照射C57BL/6小鼠,于照射后1～28d不同时间,检测外周血、胸腺和脾脏Treg细胞亚群及血清中细胞因子IL-2,IL-10及TGF-γ含量的变化,以探讨其在放射免疫损伤中的作用机制.结果显示,小鼠经6Gyγ射线照射后各组织CD4＋CD25＋Treg细胞比例明显增加（P〈0.05或P〈0.01）,胸腺CD4＋CD25＋Foxp3＋Treg细胞比例于照后1d即明显增高（P〈0.01）,而在照后7d明显低于未照射组（P〈0.01）;血清抑制性细胞因子IL-10（7d）,TGF-γ（3d）含量明显增高（P〈0.05）,而IL-2浓度持续降低.本文揭示了Treg细胞及其相关细胞因子与辐射所致免疫功能受抑和免疫调节功能失衡密切相关,为进一步的辐射损伤机制研究奠定基础.     

Effects of oral supplementation with Spirulina and Chlorella on growth and digestive health in piglets around weaning

Weaning of piglets is associated with important changes in gut structure and function resulting from stressful events such as separation from the sow, moving to a new facility and dietary transition from a liquid to a solid feed. This may result in post-weaning diarrhoea and a decrease in feed intake and growth. In humans, the cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis (SP) and the freshwater microalga Chlorella vulgaris (CV) are known for their beneficial health effects. This study aimed to determine the effects of early oral administration of Spirulina and Chlorella in piglets on mucosal architecture and cytokine expression in the intestine around weaning, and consequences on growth performance and diarrhoea incidence. The experiment was conducted on 108 suckling piglets of 14 days of age (initial BW=4.9±0.7 kg) and weaned at 28 days of age (day 0). Animals received orally 385 mg/kg BW per day of SP or CV, or water (negative control (NC)) during 4 weeks from day −14 to day 14 and their growth performance was measured daily. After weaning, growth, feed intake and diarrhoea incidence were measured daily. Intestinal morphology and functionality were assessed at day −1, day 2, and day 14. During the suckling period, average daily gain (ADG) in SP piglets was higher, resulting in a higher weaning BW compared to NC and CV piglets (P<0.05). No significant difference between treatments was observed for ADG, average daily feed intake, and gain to feed (G : F) ratio after weaning, but the extent of growth retardation after weaning was the lowest in piglets supplemented with Chlorella (P<0.01). Supplementation with Spirulina reduced diarrhoea incidence by 50% from day 0 to day 14 (P<0.05). Mucosal architecture at the jejunum was unaffected by Spirulina or Chlorella administration (P>0.10). Shorter ileal villi were measured in SP and CV piglets than in NC piglets (P<0.05). Cytokine expression did not differ between treatments in response to weaning. At day 14, IL-8 expression in the ileum was higher in SP piglets, while IL-1β expression in the jejunum was higher in CV piglets (P<0.05). This study shows that Spirulina administration around weaning alleviates diarrhoea in weaned piglets, without marked modulation of local inflammation.     

Increasing weaning age of piglets from 4 to 7 weeks reduces stress, increases post-weaning feed intake but does not improve intestinal functionality

This study tested the hypothesis that late weaning and the availability of creep feed during the suckling period compared with early weaning, improves feed intake, decreases stress and improves the integrity of the intestinal tract. In this study with 160 piglets of 16 litters, late weaning at 7 weeks of age was compared with early weaning at 4 weeks, with or without creep feeding during the suckling period, on post-weaning feed intake, plasma cortisol (as an indicator of stress) and plasma intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP; a marker for mild intestinal injury) concentrations, intestinal morphology, intestinal (macro)molecular permeability and intestinal fluid absorption as indicators of small intestinal integrity. Post-weaning feed intake was similar in piglets weaned at 4 weeks and offered creep feed or not, but higher (P < 0.001) in piglets weaned at 7 weeks with a higher (P < 0.05) intake for piglets offered creep feed compared with piglets from whom creep feed was witheld. Plasma cortisol response at the day of weaning was lower in piglets weaned at 7 weeks compared with piglets weaned at 4 weeks, and creep feed did not affect cortisol concentration. Plasma I-FABP concentration was not affected by the age of weaning and creep feeding. Intestinal (macro)molecular permeability was not affected by the age of weaning and creep feeding. Both in uninfected and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli-infected small intestinal segments net fluid absorption was not affected by the age of weaning or creep feeding. Creep feeding, but not the age of weaning, resulted in higher villi and increased crypt depth. In conclusion, weaning at 7 weeks of age in combination with creep feeding improves post-weaning feed intake and reduces weaning stress but does not improve functional characteristics of the small intestinal mucosa.     

PEGylated porcine glucagon-like peptide-2 improved the intestinal digestive function and prevented inflammation of weaning piglets challenged with LPS

This study was conducted to determine the effects on intestinal function, anti-inflammatory role and possible mechanism of polyethylene glycosylated (PEGylated) porcine glucagon-like peptide-2 (pGLP-2), a long-acting form of pGLP-2, in weaning piglets challenged with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We divided 18 weaned piglets on day 21 into three groups (control, LPS and LPS+PEG-pGLP-2; n=6). The piglets from the LPS+PEG-pGLP-2 group were injected with PEG-pGLP-2 at 10 nmol/kg BW from 5 to 7 days of the trials daily. On 8^th day, the piglets in the LPS and LPS+PEG-pGLP-2 groups were intraperitoneally administered with 100 µg LPS/kg. The control group was administered with the same volume of saline solution. The piglets were then sacrificed on day 28. Afterwards, serum, duodenum, jejunum and ileum samples were collected for analysis of structural and functional endpoints. LPS+PEG-pGLP-2 treatment increased (P<0.05) lactase activities in the duodenum and the jejunum compared with LPS treatment. LPS+PEG-pGLP-2 treatment also significantly increased sucrase activity in the jejunum compared with LPS treatment. Furthermore, LPS treatment increased (P<0.05) the mRNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)-8, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-10 in the ileum compared with the control treatment. By contrast, LPS+PEG-pGLP-2 treatment decreased (P<0.05) the mRNA expression levels of IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-α in the ileum compared with the LPS treatment. LPS treatment also increased (P<0.05) the mRNA expression level of GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R) and the percentage of GLP-2R-positive cells in the ileum; by comparison, these results were (P<0.05) reduced by LPS+PEG-pGLP-2 treatment. Moreover, LPS+PEG-pGLP-2 treatment increased (P<0.05) the content of serum keratinocyte growth factor compared with the control group and the LPS group. The protective effects of PEG-pGLP-2 on intestinal digestive function were associated with the release of GLP-2R mediator (keratinocyte growth factor) and the decrease in the expressions of intestinal pro-inflammatory cytokines.     

Effect of dietary carbohydrate on the growth performance,immune response,hepatic antioxidant abilities and heat shock protein 70 expression of Wuchang bream,Megalobrama amblycephala

To investigate the effects of different carbohydrate (CHO) levels in the diet of Wuchang bream Megalobrama amblycephala, the fish were randomly divided into six treatment groups. Five groups were fed 19, 25, 31, 38 and 47% CHO, respectively, for 8 weeks, and a control group was fed a diet with no CHO. Growth performance and feed utilization were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the dietary carbohydrate level. Maximum weight gain and specific growth rate occurred at the 31% dietary carbohydrate level. Compared to the control, the 31% CHO group had a significantly increased serum total protein content, respiratory burst activity of leucocytes, serum complement 3 (C3) levels, serum lysozyme activity, serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity and hepatic total antioxidative capacity (T‐AOC), as well as a decrease in serum glutamic‐oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) activity. Compared to the control, the 47% CHO group had significantly increased serum GOT activity, and a tendency toward an increase in serum cortisol content and a decrease in serum lysozyme activity, hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and T‐AOC. The relative level of hepatic heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) mRNA in fish fed the 38% CHO diet was significantly higher than those of fish fed the 19, 25 and 31% CHO diets, respectively (P < 0.05). After challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila, fish fed the 47% CHO had the significantly lowest post‐challenge survival, and fish fed the 31% CHO had the significantly highest post‐challenge survival (P < 0.05). The results of this study suggest that ingestion of excessive dietary CHO can impact the non‐specific immune responses, decrease the hepatic antioxidant abilities, and thus affect the health status of M. amblycephala.     

16S ribosomal RNA-based methods to monitor changes in the hindgut bacterial community of piglets after oral administration of Lactobacillus sobrius S1

16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene based PCR/denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and real-time PCR were used to monitor the changes in the composition of microbiota in the hindgut of piglets after oral administration of Lactobacillus sobrius S1. Six litters of neonatal piglets were divided randomly into control group and treatment group. At 7, 9, and 11 days of age, piglets in the treatment group orally received a preparation of L. sobrius S1. At 7, 14, 21(weaning), 24, and 35 days of age, one piglet from each litter was sacrificed and digesta samples of hindgut were collected. DGGE analysis of 16S rRNA gene V6-V8 region for all bacteria showed that several populations present in the hindgut of piglets, represented by far-migrating bands, disappeared after weaning. Most of these bands corresponded to Lactobacillus spp. as revealed by sequence analysis. Quantitative real-time PCR specific for lactobacilli further demonstrated that the number of lactobacilli population tended to decrease after the piglets were weaned. Drastic changes of L. amylovorus and L. sobrius in total Lactobacillus populations were also observed in the colon of piglets around weaning, as monitored by 16S rRNA gene V2-V3 region based Lactobacillus-specific PCR-DGGE. Species-specific real-time PCR also revealed that the population of L. sobrius declined apparently in the colon of piglets after weaning. No remarkable changes in the overall microbial community in the hindgut were found between control and treatment groups. However, comparison of DGGE profiles between the two groups revealed a specific band related to Clostridium disporicum that was found in treatment group on day 14. On day 35, a specific band appeared only in the control group, representing a population most closely related to Streptococcus suis (99%). Real-time PCR showed that L. sobrius 16S rRNA gene copies in treatment group were relatively higher than in the control group (10(8.45) vs. 10(6.83)) on day 35, but no significant difference was observed between the two groups.