益生菌制剂对早期断奶仔猪肠道pH、黏膜形态结构和挥发性脂肪酸含量的影响

本试验旨在研究益生菌制剂对早期断奶仔猪肠道pH、黏膜形态结构和挥发性脂肪酸含量的影响.选用48头平均体重为(6.39±0.42)kg的(21±2)日龄“杜×长×大”三元杂交断奶仔猪,按性别、体重和窝源基本一致原则随机分为2个组,每个组4个重复,每个重复6头猪.试验1组为对照组,采用基础饲粮;试验2组为益生菌组,每千克基础饲粮中添加1×109 CFU活菌.试验期为21d.结果表明:1)28日龄时,益生菌组回肠内容物pH显著低于对照组(P＜0.05).2)和对照组相比,添加益生菌制剂,28日龄时,显著增加空肠、回肠绒毛高度和上皮内淋巴细胞数量(P＜0.05),显著提高回肠杯状细胞数量(P＜0.05),显著降低回肠隐窝深度(P＜0.05);35日龄时,显著增加空肠、回肠绒毛高度(P＜0.05),显著提高空肠上皮内淋巴细胞数量(P＜0.05),显著降低空肠、回肠隐窝深度(P＜0.05);42日龄时,显著增加空肠、回肠绒毛高度,显著提高空肠上皮内淋巴细胞和杯状细胞数量(P＜0.05),显著降低空肠隐窝深度(P＜0.05).3)28日龄时,益生菌组盲肠内容物中丁酸和乳酸含量显著高于对照组(P＜0.05);35日龄和42日龄时,益生菌组盲肠内容物中乙酸、丙酸、丁酸和乳酸含量显著高于对照组(P＜0.05).由结果可知,添加益生菌制剂能改善断奶应激对绒毛高度和隐窝深度的影响,提高肠道淋巴细胞数量和挥发性脂肪酸含量,降低肠道pH,从而缓解断奶应激对肠道环境的影响.     

Performance, diarrhea incidence, and occurrence of Escherichia coli virulence genes during long-term administration of a probiotic Enterococcus faecium strain to sows and piglets

As part of an interdisciplinary research project, the performance response of sows and their litters to the probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415, as well as some health characteristics of the piglets, were studied. Gestating sows (n = 26) were randomly allotted into 2 groups. The probiotic was administered by dietary supplementation to 1 group of sows and their respective litters (probiotic group), whereas the second group (control group) received no probiotic supplementation. The duration of the treatment was nearly 17 wk for sows (d 90 ante partum until d 28 postpartum) and 6 wk for piglets (d 15 to 56). Body weight and feed consumption were recorded weekly. The frequency of 4 toxin and 5 adhesion genes of putative pathogenic Escherichia coli was monitored weekly (d 7 to 35) by multiplex PCR assays, and fecal consistency of weaned piglets was studied daily. Probiotic treatment of lactating sows led to an overall pre-weaning mortality of 16.2% compared with 22.3% in the control group (P = 0.44). Animal losses during the first 3 d of the suckling period were decreased in the probiotic group (P = 0.09). For piglets (n = 153), which were weaned at 28 d, there were no overall treatment differences in BW gain, feed intake, or feed efficiency. Probiotic supplementation, however, led to nearly a 40% reduction (P = 0.012). The actual percentage of piglets with postweaning diarrhea in the probiotic group was 21% compared with 38% in the control group (P = 0.05). The study on virulence factors of dominant fecal E. coli isolates revealed a high diversity with varying frequency and distribution of each single pathogenicity gene. The 440 isolates carried 29 different pathogenicity gene combinations as well as each of the 9 pathogenicity genes alone. Altogether, isolates with more than 2 pathogenicity genes were quite rare (< or = 10%), and up until d 28 isolates without any pathogenicity gene occurred most frequently. Depending on the time of sampling, one-third or more of all isolates contained est2 or est1b as single gene or in combination with other pathogenicity genes.     

Effects of probiotic Bacillus cereus toyoi on abdominal fat accumulation in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

Effects of a commercial probiotic, Bacillus cereus toyoi on abdominal fat accumulation in the Japanese quail fed either a commercial control diet (crude protein (CP), 23.5%; metabolizable energy (ME), 11.7MJ/kg) or a high‐energy diet (CP, 23.0%; ME, 13.8MJ/kg) were investigated. Four‐week‐old male birds (n = 108) were divided into four diet groups: control diet, control with probiotic, high‐energy diet and high‐energy diet with probiotic. At 8 weeks and 12 weeks of age (4 and 8 weeks of probiotic supplementation period, respectively), abdominal fat, muscles and the liver were weighed. The weight of total fat and protein in the muscles and liver were also determined. A rectal temperature was recorded weekly. Bodyweight and feed intake in both diets were not affected by probiotic supplementation. At 8 weeks of age, birds fed the control diet with probiotic had significantly less abdominal fat than those fed without the probiotic, and a similar tendency was seen for both diet groups at 12 weeks of age. The decrease in abdominal fat coincided with an increase in rectal temperature. These results suggest that greater metabolizable energy was consumed through elevation of heat production by supplementation of B. cereus toyoi, with hardly any energy stored as body fat. Probiotic supplementation appears to induce greater muscle weight, higher protein and lower lipid content in muscles by 8 weeks of age, and lower lipid content in muscles and greater liver weight by 12 weeks of age, in the Japanese quail.     

Modulation of intestinal morphology and immunity in nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

The use of lactic acid bacteria from human origins as a potential probiotic supplementation in aquaculture feed is now widely accepted. Here, we examined some of the properties and mechanisms of the action of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, originating from humans, on growth performance, gut mucosal immunity and humoral and cellular immune response in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The results suggested that supplementation of L. rhamnosus gave an advantage in promoting the intestinal structure and the mucosal immunity of tilapia. Probiotic fish had a greater villous height in all parts of the intestines and, significantly, in the proximal and middle part. The population of intraepithelial lymphocytes was significantly higher in the probiotic group than in the control group in all parts of the intestines. The population of acidophilic granulocyte in the probiotic group was significantly higher at the proximal and distal parts when compared with the control group. The higher serum complement activity as well as the enhanced phagocytosis and killing ability of the head kidney leukocytes in the probiotic supplemented fish corresponded with the higher level of TNF alpha and IL-1 gene expression, suggesting that the induction of IL-1 and TNF alpha cytokines by L. rhamnosus served as an important regulator of gut associated immune systems.     

Modulation of intestinal morphology and immunity in nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

The use of lactic acid bacteria from human origins as a potential probiotic supplementation in aquaculture feed is now widely accepted. Here, we examined some of the properties and mechanisms of the action of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, originating from humans, on growth performance, gut mucosal immunity and humoral and cellular immune response in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The results suggested that supplementation of L. rhamnosus gave an advantage in promoting the intestinal structure and the mucosal immunity of tilapia. Probiotic fish had a greater villous height in all parts of the intestines and, significantly, in the proximal and middle part. The population of intraepithelial lymphocytes was significantly higher in the probiotic group than in the control group in all parts of the intestines. The population of acidophilic granulocyte in the probiotic group was significantly higher at the proximal and distal parts when compared with the control group. The higher serum complement activity as well as the enhanced phagocytosis and killing ability of the head kidney leukocytes in the probiotic supplemented fish corresponded with the higher level of TNF alpha and IL-1 gene expression, suggesting that the induction of IL-1 and TNF alpha cytokines by L. rhamnosus served as an important regulator of gut associated immune systems.     

Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM13241 as a probiotic in healthy adult cats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with the probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM13241 in healthy adult cats. ANIMALS: 15 adult cats. PROCEDURES: Cats were fed a nutritionally complete dry food for 5 weeks. Fecal character was assessed daily, and a single fecal sample and 3-mL blood sample were collected for bacterial enumeration and hematologic analysis, respectively. Cats were then fed the same diet supplemented with L acidophilus DSM13241 (2 x 10(8) CFU/d) for 4.5 weeks. Repeat fecal and hematologic measurements were taken prior to the return to control diet for a 4-week period. RESULTS: The probiotic species was recovered from feces, demonstrating survival through the feline gastrointestinal tract. Probiotic supplementation was associated with increased numbers of beneficial Lactobacillus and L acidophilus groups in feces and decreased numbers of Clostridium spp and Enterococcus faecalis, indicating an altered bacterial balance in the gastrointestinal tract microflora. Fecal pH was also decreased suggesting a colonic environment selective for the beneficial lactic acid bacterial population. Systemic and immunomodulatory effects were associated with administration of L acidophilus DSM13241 including altered cell numbers within WBC subsets and enhanced phagocytic capacity in the peripheral granulocyte population. In addition, plasma endotoxin concentrations were decreased during probiotic feeding, and RBCs had a decreased susceptibility to osmotic pressure. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Probiotic strain L acidophilus DSM13241 fed at 2 x 10(8) CFU/d can alter the balance of gastrointestinal microflora in healthy cats. Furthermore, administration of this probiotic results in beneficial systemic and immunomodulatory effects in cats.     

In vitro competitive adhesion and production of antagonistic compounds by lactic acid bacteria against fish pathogens

The present study describes the screening of five lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for use as probiotics based on their competitive adhesion and production of antagonistic substances against some fish pathogens. A reduction of adhesion of all pathogenic strains tested was obtained with three of the LAB strains (Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis CLFP100, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris CLFP102 and Lactobacillus curvatus CLFP150). With the exception of fish pathogens Flavobacterium psychrophilum and Renibacterium salmoninarum that were not inhibited by LAB strains, production of antagonistic compounds by all tested LAB was observed against at least one of the indicator strains. Based on mucus adhesion, competitive exclusion, and suppression of fish pathogen growth, the selected LAB strains can be considered for future challenge experiments in fish as a very promising alternative to the use of chemotherapeutic agents.     

The effect of selected microbial strains on internal milieu of broiler chickens after peroral administration

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of probiotic preparation with multi-strains composition (Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus LAT 187, Lactobacillus acidophilus LAT 180, Lactobacillus helveticus LAT 179, Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. lactis LAT 182, Streptococcus thermophilus LAT 205 and Enterococcus faecium E 253) on internal milieu, antioxidant status and body weight of broiler chickens. Chickens were divided into three groups (C, control; E1 and E2, experimental groups). Experimental chickens received the probiotic preparation in drinking water. Probiotic preparation caused a significant increase of serum calcium and potassium content. In the group with higher dose of probiotic strains serum triglycerides level decreased. Total antioxidant status in groups with addition of probiotic strains showed higher values in comparison to control group. Serum albumin level was found to increase after consumption of probiotic preparation in group with higher dose of probiotic strains. Probiotic strains improved body weight in last observed weeks of feeding.     

Effects of pea extrusion and enzyme and probiotic supplementation on performance,microbiota activity and biofilm formation in the broiler gastrointestinal tract

ABSTRACT

1. The effects of supplementation of broiler chicken diets with pea meal, carbohydrase enzymes and a probiotic were investigated for potential performance improvement.

2. Raw or extruded pea meal (cv Model, grown in Poland) was included in a wheat-soybean meal-based diet at 250 g/kg. The diets were unsupplemented (control) or supplemented with either carbohydrase enzymes (200 U/kg xylanase and 10 U/kg β-glucanase in feed) or a probiotic (Bacillus subtilis), or both. The diets were fed to Ross 308 broilers aged 9–28 days.

3. After two additional days, chick gastrointestinal tracts were excised and analysed for the presence of Bacillus subtilis biofilm; and the ileal and caecal digesta were analysed for bacterial enzyme activities and to determine the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

4. Feeding the pea-based diet supplemented with the probiotic compromised feed utilisation, due to higher feed intake. The addition of enzymes to the raw, but not the extruded, pea containing diet partially ameliorated this effect (pea form × additives; P < 0.002).

5. In the ileal digesta, interactions between the dietary treatments were observed for the activities of all bacterial glycolytic enzymes and for SCFA concentrations. β-glucosidase, α-galactosidase and β-glucuronidase were highest in birds fed the diet containing extruded pea supplemented with the probiotic and enzymes (pea form x additives; P = 0.018 to P < 0.006). In the caecal digesta, interactions were observed for bacterial enzyme activities, but not for total SCFA concentration. Biofilm formation in the caecum indicated that the probiotic strain was metabolically active in the broiler gut.

6. In conclusion, supplementation of diets containing raw or extruded pea meal with enzymes and a Bacillus subtilis spore-based probiotic modulated microbiota activity but had no clear effects on broiler performance. Probiotic administration did not cause excessive fermentation in the ileum and caecum but enhanced Bacillus subtilis spp. biofilm formation in the caecum, which may be indicative of a beneficial effect on gut health.     

益生菌牙膏缓解犬牙菌斑和牙结石的研究

[目的] 评价某公司生产的一款宠物用益生菌牙膏对犬牙菌斑和牙结石形成的缓解功效。[方法] 选取口腔健康、体况良好的成年比格犬10只,配对设计随机分为阴性对照组（n=5）和益生菌牙膏组（n=5）;阴性对照组仅饲喂犬粮,益生菌牙膏组每次餐后给予约4 g/只益生菌牙膏,每天2次,连续使用28 d;试验第0天对所有试验犬牙齿进行洁牙抛光处理,试验第14天和第29天分别对比格犬牙菌斑进行评分,第29天对牙结石进行评分并检测口腔气体挥发性化合物（H₂S+CH₃SH）浓度;当牙菌斑和牙结石评分均值以及口腔气体挥发性化合物浓度均值减少幅度≥15%时,定义为益生菌牙膏效果显著。[结果] 与阴性对照组相比,益生菌牙膏组在给予益生菌牙膏第14天时,牙菌斑评分均值减少幅度为-0.36%（P>0.05）,第29天牙菌斑评分均值减少幅度为21.47%（P<0.05）;第29天益生菌牙膏组牙结石评分均值减少幅度为6.54%（P>0.05）;第29天益生菌牙膏组犬口腔气体挥发性化合物浓度均值减少幅度为-44.59% （P>0.05）。[结论] 在试验期内,该款益生菌牙膏能够有效抑制犬牙菌斑的形成,但不具有减少牙结石形成和降低口腔气体挥发性化合物浓度的功效。     

The effects of probiotic and mannanoligosaccharide on some haematological and immunological parameters in turkeys

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) and probiotic supplementation on haematological and immunological parameters in turkeys. A total of 72, 15-day-old white hybrid converter turkey poults were used in this study. Poults were assigned into three groups, each group consisted of six poults and the trial was repeated four times. The control group was fed a basal diet without supplemented probiotic and MOS, and treatment groups were fed either 1 g/kg MOS or probiotic added diets. At the end of the 15-week treatment period, samples of blood were collected to determine immunological and haematological values. The comparison among the groups showed that both the probiotic and MOS supplementation resulted in significant increases (P < 0.05) in the serum IgG and IgM levels, and significant decreases (P < 0.05) in the peripheral blood T lymphocyte percentage compared with those of the control group. Mean serum IgG level (7.06 g/l) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in poults supplemented with probiotic compared with MOS (6.76 g/l). It was observed that the probiotic supplementation caused statistically significant increases (P < 0.05) in the erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit values, but MOS supplementation did not have a significant effect (P > 0.05) on these parameters. Total leucocyte and differential leucocyte counts were not affected by dietary MOS and probiotic supplementation. These results show that MOS or probiotic may elevate IgG and IgM levels in turkey. The MOS and probiotic that enhance immunoglobulin levels will have a more positive effect on growth performance, production and turkeys' ability to resist disease.     

中药及益生素对文昌鸡生长性能、血液学指标及血生化的影响

为探讨中药及益生素替代抗生素应用于文昌鸡的临床效果，选用1日龄雌性文昌鸡2．7万只，随机分成2组，每组3个重复，每个重复4500只。基础日粮中添加0．02%的维吉尼亚霉素作为抗生素组，基础日粮中添加0．5％的3个中药复方和0．02%的益生素作为中药益生素组，试验期135d，测定不同日龄文昌鸡生长性能、血生化及血液学指标。结果显示，在整个试验期间，中药益生素组的死亡和淘汰率低于抗生素组，体质量高于抗生素组（P〉0．05），并在文昌鸡100日龄时呈显著性差异（P〈O．05）；中药益生素组的白细胞数在85日龄时显著高于抗生素组（P〈0．05），红细胞数在70，85日龄时显著高于抗生素组（P〈O．05）；日粮中添加中药和益生素在100日龄显著提高血清总蛋白的含量（P〈0．05），100，115，135日龄中药益生素组的白蛋白含量均显著高于抗生素组（P〈0．05）；谷丙转氨酶和谷草转氨酶活性整体上未见明显变化。结果表明，鸡日粮中添加0．5％的中药复方1和0．02％的益生素能明显降低死亡率和淘汰率；日粮中添加0．5％的中药复方Ⅲ和0．02％的益生素的促生长作用优于抗生素；日粮中添加3种复方中药及益生素对文昌鸡的血液生理学指标和血生化指标无不良影响；中药复方Ⅱ中的组合仍要进行调整。     

益生菌发酵苹果渣对断奶仔猪生长性能、血清生化指标和粪便微生物菌群的影响

本试验旨在研究益生菌发酵苹果渣对早期断奶仔猪生长性能、血清生化指标和粪便微生物菌群的影响。选择平均体重(5.87±0.10)kg断奶仔猪120头,随机分为5组(每组设3个重复,每个重复8头猪):负对照组饲喂基础饲粮(不含抗生素),正对照组在基础饲粮中添加0.1%的混合型抗生素,试验组分别饲喂在基础饲粮中添加4%、6%、8%益生菌发酵苹果渣的试验饲粮。试验期35 d。结果表明:与负对照组相比,饲粮添加抗生素和6%益生菌发酵苹果渣均显著提高断奶仔猪平均日采食量和平均日增重(P0.05),显著降低料重比、粪便中大肠杆菌数量和腹泻率(P0.05);添加抗生素和6%益生菌发酵苹果渣可以显著降低血清中尿素氮和总胆固醇的含量(P0.05),显著提高生长激素、胰岛素、三碘甲状腺原氨酸和甲状腺素含量(P0.05)。随着益生菌发酵苹果渣添加量的增加,生长性能、腹泻率、粪便大肠杆菌数量以及血清中尿素氮、总胆固醇和激素指标呈现二次变化趋势(P0.05),当添加量为6%时效果最好。与正对照组相比,添加益生菌发酵苹果渣能极显著增加粪便中菌群总数(P0.01),而对其他各项指标均无显著影响(P0.05)。由此可见,添加6%益生菌发酵苹果渣能提高断奶仔猪的生长性能,调节肠道微生态平衡,降低粪便中大肠杆菌数量和腹泻率,提高血清中内分泌激素含量,降低尿素氮和胆固醇含量。     

Safety and Tolerance of Dietary Supplementation With a Canine-Derived Probiotic (Bifidobacterium animalis Strain AHC7) Fed to Growing Dogs

Although probiotics are generally considered to be safe, their increasingly widespread use warrants better understanding of their risks in companion animals. This study evaluated the safety and tolerance of dietary supplementation with a canine-derived probiotic, Bifidobacterium animalis strain AHC7 (Prostora, Procter & Gamble Pet Care), fed to growing beagles beginning at approximately 6 months of age (11 males; 9 females). Probiotic B. animalis AHC7 administered orally once per day at a dose of up to 5 x 1010 colony-forming units for at least 12 consecutive weeks was well tolerated with no safety concerns.     

Assessing the effect of administering probiotics in water or as a feed supplement on broiler performance and immune response

1.?Two routes of probiotic administration in broiler farms, in water and in feed, were compared using 360 one-day-old male broiler chickens. Controls received no probiotics or antimicrobials. The water group received a probiotic preparation at a rate of 0·5 g/l, and the feed group received it at an inclusion rate of 1 g/kg.

2.?Performance of broilers in terms body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved when probiotic was provided via drinking water, compared to the control and feed groups. Probiotic administration reduced plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations.

3.?Spleen (28 and 42 d) and bursa (42 d) relative weights were influenced by method of probiotic administration, which also improved T-cell dependent skin thickness response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) injection. The effect of challenge by dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) depended on the method of probiotic administration.

4.?The method of probiotic administration can influence the performance and immune competence of birds, and administration via drinking water appears to be superior to the more conventional in-feed supplementation method.     

Effects of A Multi-Enzyme Complex or Probiotic Supplementation on Performance and Nutrient Digestibility of Broiler Chicks

This experiment was conducted to determine whether the performance of broilers fed diets based on corn and soybean meal could be enhanced with enzymes or probiotics.A total of 120 male broilers,three days of age,were assigned to one of four treatments in a completely randomized design,and housed in groups of five with six cages per treatment.The control diet was based on corn and soybean meal while the three experimental diets consisted of the basal diet supplemented with 0.1% of enzyme I,enzyme II,or probiotic.Enzyme I provided α-galactosidase and β-mannanase,while enzyme II provided protease,amylase,α-galactosidase,xylanase,and cellulase.The probiotic was composed of Bacillus coagulance,Bacillus lichenformis,Bacillus subtilis,and Clostridium butyricum.Over the 28 day experiment,the weight gain of birds fed the probiotic treatment was superior(P=0.03)to the control,while gains for the enzyme treatments were intermediate to those of the control and probiotic.Feed intake and feed conversion did not differ among treatments(P0.05).Ammonia production was significantly(P0.01)higher in the control compared with either of the enzyme or probiotic treatments.Compared with the control,supplementation with enzyme II significantly reduced the digestibility of arginine,isoleucine,and lysine(P0.05).In contrast,the digestibility of energy was higher(P0.01)for birds supplemented with enzyme II than the control.Digestibility coefficients did not differ for any other parameter with the exception of energy which was significantly higher for birds fed the probiotic treatment than the control(P0.01).In summary,the performance of broilers was significantly enhanced by the addition of a probiotic to the diet.However,under the conditions of this experiment,supplementation with a multi-enzyme complex containing either α-galactosidase and β-mannanase or the combination of protease,amylase,galactosidase,xylanase,and cellulase failed to improve broiler performance.     

Microstructure of the small intestine in broiler chickens fed a diet with probiotic or synbiotic supplementation

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of a probiotic and a synbiotic on the morphometric parameters of the small intestine of broiler chickens. The experiment was conducted on three hundred sixty, one‐day‐old female Ross 308 chicks, which were randomly selected from 20,000 birds and divided into three treatment groups (n = 120) with ten replicates per treatment. The control group (C) was fed a commercial diet, the probiotic group (PRO) was fed the same diet with an added 1% of the probiotic Lavipan® (Lactococcus lactis, Carnobacterium divergens, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and the synbiotic group (SYN) was fed the commercial diet with an added synbiotic: 0.8% of the prebiotic RFO (extracted from lupin seeds) and 1% Lavipan®. According to the manufacturer's data, apart from the typical probiotic action,microorganisms contained in the preparation release anti‐bacterial substances (hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins) and, therefore, are antagonistic towards pathogenic bacteria present in the gut of animals. Supplementation took place in the first seven days of rearing, and all birds had ad libitum access to water and feed during the 42 days of the experiment. On the last day, all birds were slaughtered and samples from three segments of the small intestine were taken. Villi area, height, width and crypt depth ratios were read using Multiscan software. Synbiotic supplementation increased the BWG of broilers from first to tenth day of rearing, compared to the control group. The PRO group had improved villi morphometric parameters of the duodenum. In the jejunum and ileum, both bioactive substances improved villus width and villus surface area. Crypts were deeper in the small intestine of birds supplemented with bioactive substances, which allows greater renewal of the villi. As expected, the intestinal morphometric parameters of broiler chickens benefited from bioactive substance supplementation.     

Evaluation of Lactobacillus pentosus WE7 for prevention of diarrhea in neonatal foals

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of Lactobacillus pentosus WE7, an equine-origin organism with potentially beneficial in vitro properties, as a probiotic for prevention of neonatal diarrhea in foals. DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial. ANIMALS: 153 foals. PROCEDURE: Foals were enrolled at 24 to 48 hours of age and randomly assigned to treatment or control groups. The treatment group received approximately 2 x 10(11) CFU of freeze-dried L. pentosus WE7 orally once daily for 7 days, whereas the control group received a placebo. Clinical monitoring was performed for 14 days. RESULTS: Probiotic administration was significantly associated with development of signs of depression, anorexia, and colic and the need for veterinary examination and treatment. Probiotic-treated foals also had more days of diarrhea, compared with the control group, although not significantly. In a multivariate model, probiotic administration was significantly associated with development of diarrhea and diarrhea plus additional clinical abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Administration of L. pentosus WE7 did not prevent diarrhea; rather, it was associated with development of diarrhea and, most importantly, development of diarrhea plus additional clinical abnormalities and the need for veterinary intervention. The promising in vitro properties of L. pentosus WE7 were not evident in vivo. Results raise concern about the variety of untested probiotic products that are commercially available. Safety and efficacy testing needs to be performed for all potential equine probiotics.     

Effect of probiotic supplementation and genotype on growth performance,carcass traits,hematological parameters and immunity of growing rabbits under hot environmental conditions

The effect of dietary inclusion of probiotics and genetic groups on rabbit performance under hot environmental conditions was studied. A total of 80 rabbits aged 8 weeks were distributed into a completely randomized design in a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement, including four genetic groups and three concentrations of dietary probiotic (0, 200 and 400 g/t feed). The utilized probiotic contained 4 × 10⁹ colony‐forming units/g of Bacillus subtilis. Jabali local breed (J), imported Spanish V‐line (V) and their crossbreds (¼J¾V and ¾J¼V) were included in the current study. Final weight and body weight gain were not significantly affected by dietary probiotic levels or genetic group. The feed conversion ratio was better for purebreds than that of crossbreds. A significant improvement in percentage of dressed carcass, mid and hind parts was recorded for rabbits fed a diet containing 400 g probiotic/t feed compared with those fed a basal diet or low probiotic level. Probiotic supplementation had a significant decrease in serum cholesterol. Rabbits given 400 g probiotic/t feed had higher hemoglobin, red blood cells and platelets. Adding 400 g probiotic/t feed to rabbit's diet significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved cell‐mediated immunity compared to the other treatments 48 h post‐injection.