Effect of Streptococcus faecalis BIO-4R on intestinal flora of weanling piglets and calves

The effect of oral administration of Streptococcus faecalis BIO-4R, an antibiotic-resistant lactic acid bacterium, on the intestinal flora of weanling piglets and cows reared on antibiotic-containing diet was investigated. Fourteen days after administration of the bacteria, the intestinal flora of the piglets was examined. Animals of the administered group had stabilized lactic flora such as bifidobacteria, streptococci, and lactobacilli, whereas most animals of control group had reduced lactic flora. On the other hand, abundant yeasts were detected from the cecum, colon, and feces of the control animals, but the levels were significantly lower in the animals given strain BIO-4R. The density of Salmonella in the intestine appeared to be reduced after the administration of strain BIO-4R. The number of BIO-4R cells was shown to be 10 times lower in the duodenum and jejunum than in the ileum, suggesting that strain BIO-4R might have grown transiently in the ileum. The similar trend toward stabilization of the lactic flora was also observed in cows after administration of BIO-4R. In addition, an antagonistic effect of the strain against yeasts and Salmonella was suggested. These findings indicate that the oral administration of strain BIO-4R is one of the useful methods whereby the potentially deleterious effect of antibiotics on the intestinal flora of farm animals may be minimized.     

Effect of Streptococcus faecalis BIO-4R on intestinal flora of weanling piglets and calves.

The effect of oral administration of Streptococcus faecalis BIO-4R, an antibiotic-resistant lactic acid bacterium, on the intestinal flora of weanling piglets and cows reared on antibiotic-containing diet was investigated. Fourteen days after administration of the bacteria, the intestinal flora of the piglets was examined. Animals of the administered group had stabilized lactic flora such as bifidobacteria, streptococci, and lactobacilli, whereas most animals of control group had reduced lactic flora. On the other hand, abundant yeasts were detected from the cecum, colon, and feces of the control animals, but the levels were significantly lower in the animals given strain BIO-4R. The density of Salmonella in the intestine appeared to be reduced after the administration of strain BIO-4R. The number of BIO-4R cells was shown to be 10 times lower in the duodenum and jejunum than in the ileum, suggesting that strain BIO-4R might have grown transiently in the ileum. The similar trend toward stabilization of the lactic flora was also observed in cows after administration of BIO-4R. In addition, an antagonistic effect of the strain against yeasts and Salmonella was suggested. These findings indicate that the oral administration of strain BIO-4R is one of the useful methods whereby the potentially deleterious effect of antibiotics on the intestinal flora of farm animals may be minimized.     

Adhesion of Lactobacillus plantarum 423 and Lactobacillus salivarius 241 to the intestinal tract of piglets, as recorded with fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and production of plantaricin 423 by cells colonized to the ileum

AIMS: To determine which intestinal section of pre and postweaned piglets are colonized by Lactobacillus plantarum 423 and Lactobacillus salivarius 241, and follow production of plantaricin 423 in a gastro-intestinal model. METHODS AND RESULTS: Lactobacillus plantarum 423 and Lact. salivarius 241, single or in combination, were administered to 1-, 14- and 28-day-old (postweaned) piglets. According to results obtained by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), Lact. plantarum 423 adhered strongly to the ileum and posterior colon and Lact. salivarius 241 to the duodenum in preweaned piglets. High numbers of strain 241 were recorded in the duodenum and posterior colon of postweaned piglets, whereas strain 423 remained localized to the ileum. Lowering in Enterococcus faecalis cell numbers were recorded when preweaned piglets were challenged with strain 241. Plantaricin 423 was produced for 96 h in the ileum section of a gastro-intestinal model. CONCLUSIONS: Lactobacillus plantarum 423 and Lact. salivarius 241 adhere to different sections of the intestinal tract, depending on the piglet's age. Ent. faecalis were inhibited in vivo, probably by plantaricin 423. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Fluorescent in situ hybridization proved valuable in the detection of probiotic bacteria adhered to the intestine. This is the first report of bacteriocin production in a model simulating the porcine gastro-intestinal tract.     

Probiotic properties of Lactobacillus strains isolated from the feces of breast-fed infants and Taiwanese pickled cabbage

This study assessed potential probiotic Lactobacillus strains isolated from the feces of breast-fed infants and from Taiwanese pickled cabbage for their possible use in probiotic fermented foods by evaluating their (i) in vitro adhesive ability, resistance to biotic stress, resistance to pathogenic bacteria, and production of β-galactosidase; (ii) milk technological properties; and (iii) in vivo adhesive ability, intestinal survival and microbial changes during and after treatment. Five Lactobacillus isolates identified as Lactobacillus reuteri F03, Lactobacillus paracasei F08, Lactobacillus rhamnosus F14, Lactobacillus plantarum C06, and Lactobacillus acidophilus C11 that showed resistance to gastric juice and bile salts were selected for further evaluation of their probiotic properties. All the strains demonstrated the ability to adhere to Caco-2 cells, particularly, strain L. plantarum C06 and L. reuteri F03 showed satisfactory abilities, which were similar to that of the reference strain L. rhamnosus GG. The strains L. paracasei F08 and L. acidophilus C11 had the highest β-galactosidase activity. Most of the strains were resistant to aminoglycosides and vancomycin but sensitive to ampicillin, erythromycin, and penicillin. All the 5 strains elicited antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus) and -negative (Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica) pathogens. Moreover, the strains L. reuteri F03, L. paracasei F08, and L. plantarum C06 could grow rapidly in milk without nutrient supplementation and reached 10? cfu/mL after 24 h of fermentation at 37 °C. The viable cell counts of the 3 strains remained above 10? cfu/mL after 21 d of storage at 4 °C. In the animal feeding trial, the number of intestinal lactobacilli increased significantly after administration of milk fermented with the 3 strains, and the counts of fecal coliforms and Clostridium perfringens were markedly reduced. Lactobacillus strains could also survive in the ileal intestinal tissue of the treated rats. Technologically interesting Lactobacillus isolates may be used in the future as probiotic starter cultures for manufacturing novel fermented foods.     

Response of performance characteristics and fecal consistency to long-lasting dietary supplementation with the probiotic strain Bacillus cereus var. toyoi to sows and piglets

As part of an interdisciplinary research project, we studied the performance response of sows and their litters to the probiotic strain Bacillus cereus var. toyoi as well as feces consistency of piglets. Gestating sows (n=26) were randomly allotted into two groups. The probiotic B. cereus var. toyoi was administered by dietary supplementation to one group of sows and their respective litters (probiotic group) whereas the second group (control group) received no probiotic supplementation. The duration of the application was nearly 17 weeks for sows (day 90 ante partum until day 28 post partum) and six weeks for piglets (day 15-56). Piglets were weaned after 28 days. Body weight and feed consumption were recorded weekly and fecal consistency of weaned piglets was studied daily. B. cereus var. toyoi was recovered from feces of sows and piglets as well as from digesta of piglets in the probiotic group, while being absent from all samples of control animals. In addition, the probiotic was detected in piglet feces and digesta before pre-starter feed was offered, indicating a second route of uptake besides diet. Sows of the probiotic group nursed numerically more piglets and supported a higher sum of total nursing days of all piglets within each litter than control sows (p = 0.04). In turn, body weight (BW) up to day 35 was greater for control piglets (p < 0.01), while average daily gain and gain to feed ratio (G:F) in weeks six and eight postweaning was higher in the probiotic group (p < 0.05). The overall G:F of the total postweaning period was 680 g/kg and 628 g/kg in the probiotic group and control group, respectively (p = 0.009). During the trial a high prevalence of liquid feces with its maximum in the second week after weaning was observed. Probiotic supplementation led to a reduction in the incidence of liquid feces and postweaning diarrhea by 38% and 59%, respectively (p < 0.001).     

早期灌喂母源粪菌对新生仔猪肠道菌群发育的影响

【目的】粪菌移植(fecal microbiota transplantation,FMT)作为一种治疗手段,已在人类肠道疾病治疗中有较多应用,但在干预新生仔猪肠道菌群上的研究未见报道。本文旨在研究早期母源粪菌移植对新生仔猪肠道菌群发育的影响。【方法】选取一窝12头杜长大新生仔猪,随机分为粪菌处理组(feces treatment,FT)和对照组(control,CO)。FT组仔猪出生后1–5 d每日灌注母源粪菌接种液,CO组灌注等量生理盐水。于1、3、5、7、10、14、18和22日龄采集仔猪粪样,Miseq高通量测序分析仔猪粪便菌群。【结果】灌喂母源粪菌有增加仔猪肠道菌群丰富度的趋势;主坐标分析显示,两组仔猪粪样菌群结构簇并未分开,并在18和22日龄时靠近母猪粪样菌群结构簇;随日龄增加,两组仔猪肠道中的变形菌门丰度均显著降低,而厚壁菌门的丰度显著增加,且从10日龄起拟杆菌门和厚壁菌门之和约为90%;与对照组相比,灌喂母源粪菌增加了10日龄时Escherichia-Shigella的丰度,而降低了18日龄时该菌属的丰富度,18日龄时肠球菌属和普氏菌属的丰度则显著增加。【结论】1–3日龄口服灌喂母源粪菌液并不能影响仔猪肠道菌群的定殖,这一阶段主要受母体微生物结构的影响;灌喂粪菌液对仔猪肠道菌群定殖的影响最多持续10–14 d;而且仔猪在22 d左右,肠道菌群结构逐渐趋同于母猪肠道菌群。     

Effect of the probiotic Enterococcus faecium NCIMB10415 on cell numbers of total Enterococcus spp., E. faecium and E. faecalis in the intestine of piglets

Sows and their piglets were fed a diet supplemented with or without the probiotic E. faecium NCIMB10415 (also known as SF68). Piglets were sacrificed 14, 28, 35 and 56 days after birth and DNA from intestinal segments was extracted and purified. A real time PCR assay was used to distinguish Enterococcus spp. (16s rDNA based), E. faecium (Efaafm gene), E. faecalis (Efaafs gene) as well as the probiotic strain (unique plasmid sequence). Extracts of autoclaved sow feces inoculated with E. faecium and E. faecalis cultures were used to calibrate real time PCR results. The probiotic strain was detected in 14 day old suckling piglets before the piglets had access to the starter diet. In piglets of the probiotic group, probiotic E. faecium cell counts were always a significant proportion of total E. faecium cells in stomach digesta (4-20%), however only a small fraction of the total Enterococcus spp. cell number on day 14 and 28 in all intestinal segments (0.1-0.7%). Compared to control samples, the probiotic E. faecium strain significantly (p < or = 0.05) decreased the amount of total Enterococcus spp. and E. faecalis cells in the colon of 14 day old suckling piglets as well as in jejunum and colon samples one week after weaning. E. faecium cell counts were not modified on any sampling day or intestinal segment. This study showed that the presence of probiotic E. faecium NCIMB10415 coincided with reduced total E. faecalis, but not total E. faecium cell numbers in the intestine of piglets. In view of unchanged cell numbers and ratios in sow feces, modifications must have taken place within the intestine of suckling piglets.     

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.     

Modulatory Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lactobacillus salivarius</Emphasis> on Intestinal Mucosal Immunity of Piglets

Recent studies have demonstrated that lactobacilli or their cell components can improve certain immune function in animals. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of porcine lactobacilli on the intestinal mucosal immunity of piglets. Neonatal piglets were used as a model and were orally administrated with Lactobacillus salivarius B1 isolated from the duodenal mucosa of a healthy piglet. The feces of the piglets were collected on days 7, 14, and 21 for intestinal microflora analysis. On day 28, the piglets were sacrificed, and their intestinal mucosa samples were immediately collected to investigate the changes in intestinal morphological and immunocompetent cells. Finally, the expression of cytokines and TLRs was detected in the different intestinal segments. The results indicate that L. salivarius B1 can partially ameliorate the microflora of the feces and increase the number of intestinal immunocompetent cells, as the intraepithelial lymphocyte (P < 0.05), and the IgA-producing cells (P < 0.01) in the lactobacilli-treated group were all increased compared with those in the control group. Enhanced expression of the cytokine IL-6 gene was also observed in the ileum (P < 0.05). Moreover, L. salivarius B1 can also upregulate the expression of TLR2 in the intestinal tract at the gene and protein levels (P < 0.05). The results demonstrate that L. salivarius B1 is beneficial for the maturation of the intestinal mucosal immune system and elicited local immunomodulatory activities. In addition, the modulatory effects of L. salivarius B1 on mucosal immunity mainly depend on its extracellular components.     

Lactobacillus paraplantarum sp. now., a new species related to Lactobacillus plantarum

Four strains of facultatively heterofermentative lactobacilli isolated from beer and human feces have physiological characteristics similar to those of Lactobacillus plantarum. Unlike 66% of the L. plantarum strains tested (F. Bringel, M.-C. Curk, and J.-C. Hubert, Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 46:588-594, 1996), these strains do not catabolize alpha-methyl-D-mannoside. However, because they exhibit little DNA relatedness to L. plantarum and Lactobacillus pentosus, these four strains were classified as members of a new species, Lactobacillus paraplantarum; strain CNRZ 1885 (= CIP 104668) is the type strain.     

Quantitative evaluation of adhesion of lactobacilli isolated from human intestinal tissues to human colonic mucin using surface plasmon resonance (BIACORE assay)

AIMS: To isolate lactobacilli from the mucus layer of the human intestine and evaluate their adhesion abilities using a BIACORE assay. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty strains of lactobacilli were isolated from the mucus layer of normal human intestinal tissues using conventional plate culture. The strains were identified using homology comparisons of the 16S rDNA sequence to databases as Lactobacillus salivarius (26%), Lactobacillus fermentum (13%), Lactobacillus gasseri (10%), Lactobacillus paracasei (7%), Lactobacillus casei (3%), Lactobacillus mucosae (3%) and Lactobacillus plantarum (3%). Lactobacillus plantarum LA 318 shows the highest adhesion to human colonic mucin (HCM) using the BIACORE assay at 115.30 +/- 12.37 resonance unit (RU). The adhesion of cell wall surface proteins from strain LA 318 was significantly higher to HCM than to bovine serum albumin (BSA; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We isolated 30 strains of lactobacilli. Lactobacillus salivarius was the predominant species of lactobacilli isolated in this study. The adhesion of strain LA 318 isolated from human transverse colon to its mucin was shown. The adhesion could be mediated by lectin-like components on the bacterial cell surface. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first study where lactobacilli were isolated from human intestinal tissues and shown to adhere to HCM.     

Response of performance characteristics and fecal consistency to long-lasting dietary supplementation with the probiotic strain Bacillus cereus var. toyoi to sows and piglets

Abstract

As part of an interdisciplinary research project, we studied the performance response of sows and their litters to the probiotic strain Bacillus cereus var. toyoi as well as feces consistency of piglets. Gestating sows (n = 26) were randomly allotted into two groups. The probiotic B. cereus var. toyoi was administered by dietary supplementation to one group of sows and their respective litters (probiotic group) whereas the second group (control group) received no probiotic supplementation. The duration of the application was nearly 17 weeks for sows (day 90 ante partum until day 28 post partum) and six weeks for piglets (day 15–56). Piglets were weaned after 28 days. Body weight and feed consumption were recorded weekly and fecal consistency of weaned piglets was studied daily. B. cereus var. toyoi was recovered from feces of sows and piglets as well as from digesta of piglets in the probiotic group, while being absent from all samples of control animals. In addition, the probiotic was detected in piglet feces and digesta before pre-starter feed was offered, indicating a second route of uptake besides diet. Sows of the probiotic group nursed numerically more piglets and supported a higher sum of total nursing days of all piglets within each litter than control sows (p = 0.04). In turn, body weight (BW) up to day 35 was greater for control piglets (p < 0.01), while average daily gain and gain to feed ratio (G:F) in weeks six and eight postweaning was higher in the probiotic group (p < 0.05). The overall G:F of the total postweaning period was 680 g/kg and 628 g/kg in the probiotic group and control group, respectively (p = 0.009). During the trial a high prevalence of liquid feces with its maximum in the second week after weaning was observed. Probiotic supplementation led to a reduction in the incidence of liquid feces and postweaning diarrhea by 38% and 59%, respectively (p < 0.001).     

Interference of in vitro and in vivo growth of several intestinal bacteria by Lactococcus strains

The ability of Lactococcus strains to inhibit the growth of intestinal bacteria was examined. In in vitro cocultures, we observed that among eighteen Lactococcus strains tested, the ability to inhibit growth of Escherichia coli varied, with the L. lactis N7 showing the greatest growth inhibition. Strain N7 (8.94x1010 CFU/day for 7 days) was orally administered to mice, and the viable count of strain N7 in feces appeared at a level of 104-5 CFU/g. After administration, the proportion of Bacteroidaceae to total intestinal bacteria decreased. Lactococci may act as probiotic bacteria by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.     

Influence of a Probiotic Enterococcus Faecium Strain on Selected Bacterial Groups in the Small Intestine of Growing Turkey Poults

A feeding trial was carried out with turkey poults, which were fed a diet containing 10¹⁰ viable probiotic E. faecium NCIB 10415 cells/kg feed. Samples of the intestinal tract were analyzed for lactate, colony forming units of total anaerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, enterobacteria and enterococci. Furthermore, metabolic activity of total eubacterial, lactobacilli and enterococci was recorded in selected RNA-extracts with specific ribosomal RNA oligonucleotide probes. Animals fed the probiotic diet showed continously increasing lactate concentrations throughout the sampling period up to day 42 of life. No correlation was found for colony forming units (cfu) of lactic acid bacteria, but metabolic activity of lactobacilli showed very close relation to continously increasing lactate concentrations. Throughout the feeding trial, enterococci in the control group continously increased to a maximum of 10⁴ cfu/g wet weight, but 10-fold higher enterococci cfu were generally found in the treated group. However, rRNA content as measure for metabolic activity showed a drastic decline in both groups after high metabolic activities on day 7. This study shows that E. faecium NCIB 10415 (E. faecium SF68) stimulates other lactic acid bacteria in the small intestine, especially lactobacilli.     

Effect of fermented liquid diet prepared with Lactobacillus plantarum LQ80 on the immune response in weaning pigs

Probiotics such as lactic acid bacteria directly influence the host's health and have beneficial effects such as decreasing the number of enteric pathogens, regulating intestinal immune responses and preventing diseases. Among domestic animals, probiotics have been expected to be an alternative to antibiotics added in the diet; and fermented liquid diet (FLD) containing probiotics has great potential as a diet for reducing the use of antibiotics. In this study, we evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of FLD, prepared using Lactobacillus plantarum LQ80 (LQ80), on the immune response of weaning pigs. Ten weaning piglets were divided into two groups and were fed the FLD (n = 5) or a non-fermented liquid diet (NFLD) (n = 5) for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, the total immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in the sera of the FLD-fed piglets were significantly higher than those of the NFLD-fed piglets (P < 0.05). In contrast, the total immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in the feces and saliva were not significantly affected by FLD feeding. However, the mean fecal IgA levels of FLD-fed piglets at day 28 were higher than those at 14 and 21 days (P < 0.05). Blood cells from the FLD-fed piglets showed a low level of interferon-γ secretion and mitogen-induced proliferation compared to that of the NFLD-fed piglets. Furthermore, the levels of interluekin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α, which are proinflammatory cytokines, in the blood cells of the FLD-fed piglets were lower than those of the NFLD-fed piglets (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the FLD used in this study could alter the immune responses of weaning piglets by stimulation of the systemic or mucosal antibody response, without unnecessary inflammatory reactions. This indicates, that the FLD feed prepared with the use of LQ80 may be a candidate feed, with regard to enhancing immune responses and preventing diseases in weaning piglets.     

Alginate Films Containing Viable Lactobacillus Plantarum: Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation

The objective of the study was to develop calcium alginate films, containing Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8040 with preserved and stable viability and antibacterial activity. L. plantarum-loaded films containing different calcium concentrations were physically characterized for mechanical and bioadhesive properties and lactobacilli release. The viability and antibacterial activity of L. plantarum was studied before and after processing, and during 6 months of storage. A multiresistant clinical isolate, VIM-2-metalo-β-lactamase producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was used as an indicator strain. Interference between L. plantarum and films enhanced films elasticity, water absorption ability, release of lactobacilli, and decreased films adherence. A decrease of L. plantarum viability in alginate films (≤1 log unit) was observed after freeze drying. L. plantarum, at cell concentrations of 108 cfu/ml, was inhibitory active. The viability and antibacterial activity of the immobilized lactobacilli remained stable during 6 months of storage. The study has proved the potential of alginate films to deliver L. plantarum in high numbers to individuals.     

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.     

Monitoring and survival of Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 in the human intestinal tract

The monitoring and survival of Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 in the human intestinal tract was investigated with seven healthy subjects having a low number of fecal lactobacilli. An increase of fecal lactobacilli (10(3.2-5.2) CFU/g feces) was recognized after ingestion of yogurt with SBT2055 by the subjects. A high positive rate of L. gasseri in fecal lactobacilli detected from the subjects (over 70% at 2nd weeks of feeding) was also observed during the ingestion period using the species-specific PCR system. These findings indicate that the SBT2055 strain in yogurt survived in the human intestinal tract and was recovered from human feces.     

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.     

Early intervention with faecal microbiota transplantation: an effective means to improve growth performance and the intestinal development of suckling piglets

Recent studies indicate that early postnatal period is a critical window for gut microbiota manipulation to optimise the immunity and body growth. This study investigated the effects of maternal faecal microbiota orally administered to neonatal piglets after birth on growth performance, selected microbial populations, intestinal permeability and the development of intestinal mucosal immune system. In total, 12 litters of crossbred newborn piglets were selected in this study. Litter size was standardised to 10 piglets. On day 1, 10 piglets in each litter were randomly allotted to the faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and control groups. Piglets in the FMT group were orally administrated with 2ml faecal suspension of their nursing sow per day from the age of 1 to 3 days; piglets in the control group were treated with the same dose of a placebo (0.1M potassium phosphate buffer containing 10% glycerol (vol/vol)) inoculant. The experiment lasted 21 days. On days 7, 14 and 21, plasma and faecal samples were collected for the analysis of growth-related hormones and cytokines in plasma and lipocalin-2, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), selected microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in faeces. Faecal microbiota transplantation increased the average daily gain of piglets during week 3 and the whole experiment period. Compared with the control group, the FMT group had increased concentrations of plasma growth hormone and IGF-1 on days 14 and 21. Faecal microbiota transplantation also reduced the incidence of diarrhoea during weeks 1 and 3 and plasma concentrations of zonulin, endotoxin and diamine oxidase activities in piglets on days 7 and 14. The populations of Lactobacillus spp. and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and the concentrations of faecal and plasma acetate, butyrate and total SCFAs in FMT group were higher than those in the control group on day 21. Moreover, the FMT piglets have higher concentrations of plasma transforming growth factor-β and immunoglobulin G, and faecal sIgA than the control piglets on day 21. These findings indicate that early intervention with maternal faecal microbiota improves growth performance, decreases intestinal permeability, stimulates sIgA secretion, and modulates gut microbiota composition and metabolism in suckling piglets.