Effects of adherent Lactobacillus cultures on growth,weight of organs and intestinal microflora and volatile fatty acids in broilers

A total of 180 1-day old Arbor Acres chicks was used to investigate the effects of a single L. acidophilus I 26 strain or a mixture of 12 Lactobacillus cultures on the production performance, weight of organs, and intestinal microflora and VFA of broilers. The chicks were assigned randomly into three groups with 60 chicks per treatment. The three dietary treatments were: (i) basal diet (acted as control); (ii) basal diet+1 g kg⁻¹ L. acidophilus I 26; and (iii) basal diet+1 g kg⁻¹ mixture of 12 Lactobacillus strains. The results showed that the addition of either a single L. acidophilus I 26 strain or a mixture of 12 Lactobacillus cultures to the basal diet increased significantly (P<0.05) the body weight and feed:gain ratio of broilers for 0–6 weeks. Supplementing the Lactobacillus cultures, singly or in a mixture, in the diet of broilers also decreased significantly (P<0.05) the numbers of coliforms in the cecum 10 and 20 days after feeding, increased significantly (P<0.05) the total VFA in the ileum and cecum, and lowered the cecal pH values. However, the addition of the Lactobacillus cultures in the diets did not increase significantly the lactobacilli population in the ileum and cecum of broilers, except for 30 days after feeding. There were also no significant differences in the populations of total anaerobes, total aerobes, Bifidobacteria and Streptococcus in the ileal and cecal contents of chickens fed with or without Lactobacillus cultures. No significant differences were found in the weight of the liver, spleen, bursa, gizzard, duodenum, jeju-ileum and total small intestine of broilers given the different dietary treatments.     

Effect of fermented feed on the microbial population of the gastrointestinal tracts of pigs.

An in vivo experiment was performed with pigs to study the inhibitory effect of fermented feed on the bacterial population of the gastrointestinal tract. Results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between pH and lactobacilli in the stomach contents of pigs in dry feed as well as in the stomach contents of pigs fed fermented feed. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation between the pH and the numbers of bacteria in the family Enterobacteriaceae in the contents of the stomach of pigs fed dry feed was found. In the stomach contents of pigs fed fermented feed, a significant negative correlation was found between the concentration of the undissociated form of lactic acid and the numbers of Enterobacteriaceae. The numbers of Enterobacteriaceae in the contents of the stomach, ileum, cecum, colon, and rectum of pigs fed fermented feed were significantly lower compared with the contents of the stomach, ileum, caecum, colon, and rectum of pigs fed dry feed. The numbers of total lactobacilli were significantly higher in the stomach contents of pigs fed fermented feed and in the ileum contents of one pig group fed fermented feed compared with the contents of pigs fed dry feed. However, the influence of lactobacilli on numbers of Enterobacteriaceae could not be demonstrated. It was concluded that fermented feed influences the bacterial ecology of the gastrointestinal tract and reduces the levels of Enterobacteriaceae in the different parts of the gastrointestinal tract.     

Fermentation of stachyose and raffinose by hind-gut bacteria of the weanling pig

Two pigs were weaned at 28 d of age, and one pig each was placed on a corn-soy (CS) or a corn-soy diet containing 40% lactose (CSL). After 28 d a fecal sample was taken from each pig. The fecal bacterial community was fractionated and used as a source of inoculum to determine if high levels of lactose added to CS diets would modify the structure of the hind-gut microbial community and the in vitro breakdown of stachyose (soy molasses served at the source of stachyose) and raffinose. Bacterial growth rate tended to the higher with the CSL diet. Higher growth rates for bacteria from the CSL-fed pig were supported by the higher acetate: propionate production when compared to the CS diet. All the stachyose and raffinose disappeared during the 48 h fermentation. To our knowledge, this is the first report that stachyose or raffinose are completely fermented by the hind-gut bacteria of the weanling pig, and that this process can be affected by the addition of high levels of lactose to the diet.     

Bacteriophage cocktail and multi-strain probiotics in the feed for weanling pigs: effects on intestine morphology and targeted intestinal coliforms and Clostridium

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of bacteriophage cocktail, probiotics and a combination of these two supplements on performance and gut health of weanling pigs. In Experiment 1, 150 weaned piglets were randomly allotted to three treatments on the basis of BW. The dietary treatments included a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg bacteriophage cocktail. Pigs fed 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg bacteriophage product had greater (P<0.05) average daily gain (ADG), apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter from day 22 to 35, ileal Lactobacillus spp., villus height (duodenum and jejunum), and fewer coliforms (ileum) and Clostridium spp. (ileum). In Experiment 2, 200 weaned piglets were randomly allotted to four treatments. Dietary treatments included basal diet, basal diet supplemented with 3.0 g/kg fermented probiotic product (P), 1.0 g/kg bacteriophage cocktail (B) and combination of 1.0 g/kg bacteriophage cocktail and 3.0 g/kg fermented probiotic product. Pigs fed bacteriophage cocktail diets had greater (P<0.05) overall ADG, gain to feed ratio (G:F), fecal score from day 8 to day 21, and pigs fed bacteriophage cocktail diets had fewer coliforms (ileum) Clostridium spp. (ileum and cecum). Probiotics significantly increased G:F, colonization of Lactobacillus spp. in ileum. At day 35, bacteriophage treatment group showed greater (P<0.05) villus height of the duodenum, but a deeper crypt in duodenum. The present results indicate that the bacteriophage cocktail had a potential to enhance the performance and gut health of weanling pigs, however their combination with probiotics did not show an interaction.     

Effect of Fermented Feed on the Microbial Population of the Gastrointestinal Tracts of Pigs

An in vivo experiment was performed with pigs to study the inhibitory effect of fermented feed on the bacterial population of the gastrointestinal tract. Results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between pH and lactobacilli in the stomach contents of pigs in dry feed as well as in the stomach contents of pigs fed fermented feed. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation between the pH and the numbers of bacteria in the family Enterobacteriaceae in the contents of the stomach of pigs fed dry feed was found. In the stomach contents of pigs fed fermented feed, a significant negative correlation was found between the concentration of the undissociated form of lactic acid and the numbers of Enterobacteriaceae. The numbers of Enterobacteriaceae in the contents of the stomach, ileum, cecum, colon, and rectum of pigs fed fermented feed were significantly lower compared with the contents of the stomach, ileum, caecum, colon, and rectum of pigs fed dry feed. The numbers of total lactobacilli were significantly higher in the stomach contents of pigs fed fermented feed and in the ileum contents of one pig group fed fermented feed compared with the contents of pigs fed dry feed. However, the influence of lactobacilli on numbers of Enterobacteriaceae could not be demonstrated. It was concluded that fermented feed influences the bacterial ecology of the gastrointestinal tract and reduces the levels of Enterobacteriaceae in the different parts of the gastrointestinal tract.     

Establishment in the piglet gut of lactobacilli capable of degrading mixed-linked β-glucans

The establishment in piglets of lactobacilli with ability to degrade mixed-linked (1 → 3), (1 → 4) β-D-glucans was studied in faeces from 15 animals. The piglets had free access to creep feed with an estimated content of 2%β-d-glucans from 5 days of age. On days 3 and 35, ca log 8 cfu/g of β-glucan-degrading lactobacilli were found in a majority of the samples. On days 7, 14 and 21 such bacteria were only found occasionally.
During establishment of the microflora in the neonate, the faecal lactobacilli of the piglet seemed related to those of the sow. Later, the metabolic activity of the lactobacilli in piglet faeces showed a connection to the composition of the diet. The possible relation of these bacteria to occurrence of β-glucanases attributed to be endogenous in the pig is discussed.     

THE NORMAL INTESTINAL FLORA OF THE PIG. III. QUALITATIVE STUDIES OF LACTOBACILLI AND STREPTOCOCCI

SUMMARY: Streptococci and lactobacilli were isolated from the faeces and caecal contents of experimental pigs receiving various diets. Fifty-seven strains of streptococci and forty-one (representative of 220) lactobacilli were examined physiologically and serologically. Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. fermenti predominated among the lactobacilli, while the largest group of streptococci resembled the 'unclassified' strains of Barnes & Ingram (1955) and Barnes, Ingram & Ingram (1956) from bacon factory premises, pig faeces and canned hams.     

金针菇菇脚对肉鸡肠道菌群的影响

目的研究金针菇菇脚(Flammulina velutipes stembase,FVS)对肉鸡生长性能、肠道发育及肠道菌群的影响。方法选取4 550只1日龄爱拔益加(AA)肉鸡,随机分为5组:空白组(基础日粮)、2%FVS组(基础日粮+2%FVS)、4%FVS组(基础日粮+4%FVS)、6%FVS组(基础日粮+6%FVS)和6%FVS阶段组(基础日粮+试验第1、3、5周饲喂含有6%FVS的日粮,于试验2、4、6周饲喂基础日粮)。试验为期42d。结果 FVS组肉鸡平均日增重量均显著高于空白组(P0.05)。6%FVS组和6%FVS阶段组肉鸡平均日采食量显著高于空白组(P0.05)。FVS组肉鸡料重比均显著低于空白组(P0.05)。与空白组相比,日龄21d时,2%FVS组肉鸡回肠和盲肠重量均显著增加(P0.05);4%FVS组十二指肠长度和盲肠重量均显著增加(P0.05);6%FVS阶段组十二指肠长度及重量、空肠长度及重量和回肠重量均显著增加(P0.05)。与空白组相比,日龄42d时,2%FVS组肉鸡十二指肠长度和重量及盲肠重量均显著增加(P0.05);4%FVS组十二指肠长度和重量、回肠长度和盲肠长度及重量均显著增加(P0.05);6%FVS组十二指肠长度和盲肠长度及重量均显著增加(P0.05);6%FVS阶段组十二指肠重量、空肠重量和回肠长度及重量均显著增加(P0.05)。与空白组相比,日龄21d时6%FVS阶段组肉鸡盲肠菌群DNA条带数显著增加;日龄42d时FVS组肉鸡盲肠菌群DNA条带数均显著增加。日龄21d和42d时肉鸡盲肠菌群共性条带中均含有扭链胃球菌(Ruminococcus torques),而FVS组含有大量的产酸菌。结论日粮中添加FVS可提高肉鸡生长能力、促进肠道发育、增加肠道菌群多样性。     

Effect of Dietary Vanadium on Intestinal Microbiota in Broiler

The purpose of this 42-day study was to examine the effect of dietary vanadium on intestinal microorganism diversity in the duodenum, ileum, cecum, and rectum segments of broilers by the plate count and polymerase chain reaction?Cdenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). A total of 420 1-day-old avian broilers were divided into six groups and fed on a control diet or the same diet supplemented with vanadium at the doses of 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60?mg/kg in the form of ammonium metavanadate. In comparison with control group, the dietary vanadium at the doses of 45 and 60?mg/kg could decrease the counts of Bifidobacterium spp. in the intestinal tract at 21 and 42?days of age. With increasing level in dietary vanadium, the counts of Escherichia coli were significantly increased in the ileum, cecum, and rectum and were decreased in the duodenum at 21 and 42?days of age. However, the counts of Lactobacilli were decreased in the cecum and rectum and increased in the ileum of 45 and 60?mg/kg groups. The colonization of these three bacteria could be affected by dietary vanadium. DGGE analysis showed that the number of bands in duodenum, ileum, cecum, and rectum were obviously decreased in the 30, 45, and 60?mg/kg groups at 21 and 42?days of age. In conclusion, the dietary vanadium in excess of 30?mg/kg could alter the amount and diversity of intestinal bacteria in broilers, implying that the structure and initial balance in the intestinal microbiota were disrupted.     

Temporary crate opening procedure affects immediate post-opening piglet mortality and sow behaviour

Producers are interested in utilising farrowing systems with reduced confinement to improve sow welfare. However, concerns of increased mortality may limit commercial uptake. Temporary confinement systems utilise a standard crate which is opened 3 to 7 dayspostpartum, providing protection for neonatal piglets at their most vulnerable age and later increased freedom of movement for sows. However, there is anecdotal evidence that piglet mortality increases immediately after the temporary crate is opened. The current study aims were to determine if piglet mortality increases post-opening, to trial different opening techniques to reduce post-opening piglet mortality and to identify how the different opening techniques influence sow behaviour. Three opening treatments were implemented across 416 sows: two involved opening crates individually within each farrowing house when each litter reached 7 days of age, in either the morning or afternoon (AM or PM), with a control of the standard method used on the farm to open all crates in each farrowing house simultaneously once the average litter age reached 7 days (ALL). Behavioural observations were performed on five sows from each treatment during the 6 h after crate opening, and during the same 6 h period on the previous and subsequent days. Across all treatments, piglet mortality was significantly higher in the post-opening than pre-opening period (P<0.0005). Between opening treatments, there were significant differences in piglet mortality during the 2 days after crate opening (P<0.05), whilst piglet mortality also tended to differ from crate opening until weaning (P=0.052), being highest in ALL and lowest in PM. Only sows in the PM treatment showed no increase in standing behaviour but did show an increased number of potentially dangerous posture changes after crate opening (P=0.01), which may be partly attributed to the temporal difference in observation periods. Sow behaviour only differed between AM and ALL on the day before crate opening, suggesting the AM treatment disrupted behaviour pre-opening. Sows in AM and PM treatments showed more sitting behaviour than ALL, and therefore may have been more alert. In conclusion, increases in piglet mortality after crate opening can be reduced by opening crates individually, more so in the afternoon. Sow habituation to disturbance before crate opening may have reduced post-opening piglet mortality, perhaps by reducing the difference in pre- and post-opening sow behaviour patterns.     

Establishment in the piglet gut of lactobacilli capable of degrading mixed-linked beta-glucans

The establishment in piglets of lactobacilli with ability to degrade mixed-linked (1----3), (1----4) beta-D-glucans was studied in faeces from 15 animals. The piglets had free access to creep feed with an estimated content of 2% beta-D-glucans from 5 days of age. On days 3 and 35, ca log 8 cfu/g of beta-glucan-degrading lactobacilli were found in a majority of the samples. On days 7, 14 and 21 such bacteria were only found occasionally. During establishment of the microflora in the neonate, the faecal lactobacilli of the piglet seemed related to those of the sow. Later, the metabolic activity of the lactobacilli in piglet faeces showed a connection to the composition of the diet. The possible relation of these bacteria to occurrence of beta-glucanases attributed to be endogenous in the pig is discussed.     

Persistence of antibiotic resistance: evaluation of a probiotic approach using antibiotic-sensitive Megasphaera elsdenii strains to prevent colonization of swine by antibiotic-resistant strains

Megasphaera elsdenii is a lactate-fermenting, obligately anaerobic bacterium commonly present in the gastrointestinal tracts of mammals, including humans. Swine M. elsdenii strains were previously shown to have high levels of tetracycline resistance (MIC=64 to >256 μg/ml) and to carry mosaic (recombinant) tetracycline resistance genes. Baby pigs inherit intestinal microbiota from the mother sow. In these investigations we addressed two questions. When do M. elsdenii strains from the sow colonize baby pigs? Can five antibiotic-sensitive M. elsdenii strains administered intragastrically to newborn pigs affect natural colonization of the piglets by antibiotic-resistant (AR) M. elsdenii strains from the mother? M. elsdenii natural colonization of newborn pigs was undetectable (<10⁴ CFU/g [wet weight] of feces) prior to weaning (20 days after birth). After weaning, all pigs became colonized (4 × 10⁵ to 2 × 10⁸ CFU/g feces). In a separate study, 61% (76/125) of M. elsdenii isolates from a gravid sow never exposed to antibiotics were resistant to chlortetracycline, ampicillin, or tylosin. The inoculation of the sow''s offspring with mixtures of M. elsdenii antibiotic-sensitive strains prevented colonization of the offspring by maternal AR strains until at least 11 days postweaning. At 25 and 53 days postweaning, however, AR strains predominated. Antibiotic susceptibility phenotypes and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based identities of M. elsdenii isolated from sow and offspring were unexpectedly diverse. These results suggest that dosing newborn piglets with M. elsdenii antibiotic-sensitive strains delays but does not prevent colonization by maternal resistant strains. M. elsdenii subspecies diversity offers an explanation for the persistence of resistant strains in the absence of antibiotic selection.     

The effects of seaweed extract inclusion on gut morphology, selected intestinal microbiota, nutrient digestibility, volatile fatty acid concentrations and the immune status of the weaned pig

An experiment (complete randomised design) was conducted to investigate the effects of Laminaria hyperborea and Laminaria digitata seaweed extract inclusion on gut morphology, selected intestinal microbiota populations, volatile fatty acid concentrations and the immune status of the weaned pig. Twenty-eight piglets (24 days of age, 6.5 ± 1.4 kg live weight) were assigned to one of four dietary treatments for 7 days and then sacrificed: (T1) basal diet (control); (T2) basal diet and 1.5 g/kg L. hyperborea seaweed extract; (T3) basal diet and 1.5 g/kg L. digitata seaweed extract; and (T4) basal diet and 1.5 g/kg of a combination of L. hyperborea and L. digitata seaweed extract. The seaweed extract contained both laminarin and fucoidan. Digesta samples were taken from the caecum and colon to measure the enterobacteria, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli populations and for volatile fatty acid analysis. Tissue samples were taken from the duodenum, jejunum and ileum for morphological examination. Blood samples were taken to determine the cytokine gene expression profile and to measure the phagocytotic capacity of the blood. Pigs offered diets containing L. hyperborea seaweed extract had less bifidobacteria in the colon (P < 0.05) and lactobacilli in the caecum (P < 0.05) and colon (P < 0.001). The inclusion of L. digitata seaweed extract resulted in lower populations of enterobacteria in the caecum and colon (P < 0.01), bifidobacteria in the caecum (P < 0.05), and lactobacilli in the caecum (P < 0.05) and colon (P < 0.001). Pigs offered the combination of L. hyperborea and L. digitata seaweed extracts had less enterobacteria (P < 0.05) and lactobacilli (P < 0.01) in the caecum and colon. Pigs offered the L. digitata-supplemented diet had a reduced villous height in the duodenum and jejunum (P < 0.05). The inclusion of the L. digitata seaweed extract increased the molar proportion of butyric acid in the colon (P < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in the ammonia concentration in the colon with the inclusion of L. hyperborea (P < 0.01) and L. digitata (P < 0.05) seaweed extracts. An increase in the expression of the Interleukin-8 mRNA was observed on day 6 with the supplementation of the combination of L. hyperborea and L. digitata seaweed extract (P < 0.05). The inclusion of L. hyperborea seaweed extract resulted in an increase in total monocyte number (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation of L. hyperborea and L. digitata seaweed extract alone and in combination reduced the enterobacteria, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli populations in the caecum and colon, while only marginal effects on the immune response was observed.     

Diversity and succession of the intestinal bacterial community of the maturing broiler chicken

The diversity of bacterial floras in the ilea and ceca of chickens that were fed a vegetarian corn-soy broiler diet devoid of feed additives was examined by analysis of 1,230 partial 16S rRNA gene sequences. Nearly 70% of sequences from the ileum were related to those of Lactobacillus, with the majority of the rest being related to Clostridiaceae (11%), Streptococcus (6.5%), and Enterococcus (6.5%). In contrast, Clostridiaceae-related sequences (65%) were the most abundant group detected in the cecum, with the other most abundant sequences being related to Fusobacterium (14%), Lactobacillus (8%), and Bacteroides (5%). Statistical analysis comparing the compositions of the different 16S rRNA libraries revealed that population succession occurred during some sampling periods. The significant differences among cecal libraries at 3 and 7 days of age, at 14 to 28 days of age, and at 49 days of age indicated that successions occurred from a transient community to one of increasing complexity as the birds aged. Similarly, the ileum had a stable bacterial community structure for birds at 7 to 21 days of age and between 21 to 28 days of age, but there was a very unique community structure at 3 and 49 days of age. It was also revealed that the composition of the ileal and cecal libraries did not significantly differ when the birds were 3 days old, and in fact during the first 14 days of age, the cecal microflora was a subset of the ileal microflora. After this time, the ileum and cecum had significantly different library compositions, suggesting that each region developed its own unique bacterial community as the bird matured.     

不同品种、日龄和饲养方式对肉鸡肠道菌群的影响

目的研究品种、日龄和饲养方式对肉鸡肠道菌群的影响。方法选择北京油鸡和AA肉鸡各120只,分笼养和地面平养两种饲养方式,每种饲养方式60只鸡(5个重复,每个重复12只),于7、14、21和42日龄无菌收集十二指肠、回肠和盲肠内容物,分析各肠段肠道菌群变化。结果 (1)从十二指肠、回肠到盲肠微生物种类越来越丰富,相同肠段不同处理间随日龄的增加微生物种类也不断增加,十二指肠、回肠主要菌是植物乳酸杆菌和双歧杆菌,盲肠主要菌是拟杆菌和梭菌,且AA肉鸡拟杆菌数量大于北京油鸡;(2)品种对十二指肠和回肠条带数影响不显著,但北京油鸡大于AA肉鸡,日龄对回肠条带数的影响显著。品种与日龄的互作对盲肠的影响显著,品种、日龄和饲养方式三个处理的互作对回肠条带数的影响显著。(3)十二指肠各处理间肠道菌群的相似性在42日龄达到稳定,回肠在21日龄稳定,盲肠从7日龄到42日龄各处理间肠道菌群相似性变化不大。结论不同肠段的微生物区系有明显差异,品种、日龄和饲养方式对肉鸡肠道微生物区系有不同影响,但微生物区系会随着肉鸡日龄的增加趋于稳定。     

Growth and development of offspring following supplementation of sow diets with oil during mid to late gestation

This study aimed to determine the consequences of altering the fatty acid profile of sow diets during mid-to-late gestation; oils of different fatty acid composition were chosen as energy supplements to provide diets with different fatty acid profiles. Forty-eight multiparous sows were used to evaluate the effects of fat supplementation from day 60 of gestation until parturition. Sows were allocated to either 3 kg/day of commercial sow pellets (control; C) or an experimental diet consisting of 3 kg/day of commercial sow pellets supplemented with 10% extra energy in the form of excess pellets (E), palm oil (P), olive oil (O), sunflower oil (S) or fish oil (F). From days 0 to 60 of gestation, all sows were given 3 kg/day of sow pellets as for the C group. The E diet resulted in the heaviest piglets at birth whereas the offspring of O and S sows were the lightest at birth. The offspring of S sows remained lighter throughout the pre-weaning period, and were also the leanest by 14 days of age. In contrast, pigs born to S sows possessed more fat by the time they reached commercial end point (≈140 days of age). In conclusion, altering the fatty acid profile of the sow diet during the second half of gestation has long-term consequences for the development of their offspring.     

Bacteria associated with the gastric epithelium of neonatal pigs.

Light and electron microscopy showed lactobacilli and, to a lesser degree, streptococci to be closely associated with the squamous area of the pig stomach known as the pars esophagea. Several different types of extracellular layers were seen on bacteria attached to the epithelial surface. The total number of bacteria per square centimeter did not change with age up to 10 days, and there was no effect of weaning at 2 days. Lactobacillus fermentum, L. salivarius, and Streptococcus salivarius were isolated more frequently from sucking pigs than from those that were early weaned, whereas the reverse was true of L. acidophilus and S. bovis. All isolates recovered from washed macerated pars esophagea adhered to pig esophageal epithelial cells when tested in vitro.     

Relative ability of orally administered Lactobacillus murinus to predominate and persist in the porcine gastrointestinal tract

Five porcine-derived Lactobacillus or Pediococcus isolates administered to pigs (n = 4), either singly or as a combination at approximately 10(10) CFU per day varied with respect to intestinal survival and persistence. Two Lactobacillus murinus strains survived best and were excreted at approximately 10(7) to 10(8) CFU/g of feces. In contrast, Pediococcus pentosaceus DPC6006 had the lowest fecal count at approximately 10(5) CFU/g and was excreted at a significantly lower level than both L. murinus strains. Fecal L. murinus DPC6003 counts were also significantly higher than both Lactobacillus salivarius DPC6005 and Lactobacillus pentosus DPC6004 ( approximately 10(6) CFU/g). The L. murinus strains persisted for at least 9 days postadministration in both the feces and the cecum. Animals fed a combination of all five strains excreted approximately 10(7) CFU of the administered strains/g, with L. murinus predominating, as determined by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA PCR. Postadministration, variation was observed between animals fed the strain combination, but in general, L. murinus DPC6002 and DPC6003 and L. pentosus DPC6004 predominated in the feces and the cecum while P. pentosaceus DPC6006 was detected only in the cecum. Fifteen days after the start of culture administration, mean fecal Enterobacteriaceae counts were significantly lower in some of the treatment groups. In addition, when mean preadministration counts were compared with those obtained after 21 days of culture administration, Enterobacteriaceae counts were reduced by approximately 87 to 98% in pigs fed L. salivarius DPC6005, P. pentosaceus DPC6006, L. pentosus DPC6004, and the culture mix. In conclusion, the porcine intestinal isolates have potential as probiotic feed additives for pigs, with differences in strain performance highlighting the advantages of using culture combinations.     

Lactulose and Lactobacillus plantarum,a Potential Complementary Synbiotic To Control Postweaning Colibacillosis in Piglets

The potential of a prebiotic oligosaccharide lactulose, a probiotic strain of Lactobacillus plantarum, or their synbiotic combination to control postweaning colibacillosis in pigs was evaluated using an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 oral challenge. Seventy-two weanlings were fed four diets: a control diet (CTR), that diet supplemented with L. plantarum (2 × 10¹⁰ CFU · day⁻¹) (LPN), that diet supplemented with 10 g · kg⁻¹ lactulose (LAC), or a combination of the two treatments (SYN). After 7 days, the pigs were orally challenged. Six pigs per treatment were euthanized on days 6 and 10 postchallenge (PC). Inclusion of lactulose improved the average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05) and increased lactobacilli (P < 0.05) and the percentage of butyric acid (P < 0.02) in the colon. An increase in the ileum villous height (P < 0.05) and a reduction of the pig major acute-phase protein (Pig-MAP) in serum (P < 0.01) were observed also. The inclusion of the probiotic increased numbers of L. plantarum bacteria in the ileum and colon (P < 0.05) and in the total lactobacilli in the colon and showed a trend to reduce diarrhea (P = 0.09). The concentrations of ammonia in ileal and colonic digesta were decreased (P < 0.05), and the villous height (P < 0.01) and number of ileal goblet cells (P < 0.05) increased, at day 10 PC. A decrease in plasmatic tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (P < 0.01) was also seen. The positive effects of the two additives were combined in the SYN treatment, resulting in a complementary synbiotic with potential to be used to control postweaning colibacillosis.     

Progressive response of large intestinal bacterial community and fermentation to the stepwise decrease of dietary crude protein level in growing pigs

The study aimed to determine the effects of reduction of dietary crude protein (CP) level with balanced essential amino acids (EAA) on intestinal bacteria and their metabolites of growing pigs. Forty pigs (initial BW 13.50 ± 0.50 kg, 45 ± 2 days of age) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments containing CP levels at 20.00% (normal crude protein, NP); 17.16% (medium crude protein, MP); 15.30% (low crude protein, LP); and 13.90% (extremely low crude protein, ELP), respectively. Crystalline AAs were added to meet the EAA requirement of pigs. After 4-week feeding, eight pigs per treatment (n = 8) were randomly selected and slaughtered for sampling of ileal, cecal, and colonic digesta and mucosa. Pigs with moderately reduced CP level had increased bacterial diversity, with the Shannon diversity indices for the colon digesta in the LP group and mucosa in the MP and LP groups significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in the NP and ELP groups. As the CP level reduces, the Bifidobacterium population were linearly decreased (P < 0.05) both in ileum, cecum, and colon, and the ELP group had the lowest Bifidobacterium population in the cecum and colon, with its value significantly lower than NP and MP groups (P < 0.05). However, the ELP group had the highest population of Escherichia coli in the colon, with its value significantly higher than the LP group (P < 0.05). For bacterial metabolites, as CP level decreased, total short-chain fatty acid (T-SCFA), acetate, and butyrate were linearly increased (linear, P < 0.05) in the ileum, while all SCFAs except formate in the cecum and T-SCFA and acetate in the colon, were linearly decreased (P < 0.05). Reducing CP level led to a linear decrease of microbial crude protein (MCP) in the ileum (P < 0.05) and ammonia in all intestine segments (P < 0.05). The spermidine in cecum and total amines, cadaverine, methylamine, and spermidine in colon were shown a quadratic change (P < 0.05) as dietary CP decreases, with the highest concentration in LP group. These findings suggest that moderate reduction of dietary CP level may benefit large intestinal bacterial community and its fermentation, which was negatively affected by extremely low CP diet.