Influence of the probiotic Bacillus cereus var. toyoi on the intestinal immunity of piglets

In a feeding trial, sows and piglets were fed with the probiotic bacterium Bacillus cereus var. toyoi as a feed additive, and the effects on immune cell populations were examined. The development of the gut immune system was determined for piglets at the ages of 14, 28, 35 and 56 days post partum. Tissue samples of the Jejunum and the continuous Peyer's patch were used for enumeration of intraepithelial lymphocyte populations by fluorescence activated flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Both independent methods of investigation led to similar results: the population of intraepithelial CD8+ T cells was significantly enhanced in the probiotic group piglets (p ≤ 0.05), and the numbers of γδ T cells tended to be higher in the intestinal epithelium (p < 0.1) at the time of weaning (day 28). Lamina propria lymphocytes were also influenced by the treatment. Application of B. cereus var. toyoi resulted in significantly more CD25+ lymphocytes and γδ T cells in the probiotic group post-weaning. The occurrence of pathogenic Escherichia coli serogroups was also less frequent in the feces of piglets from the probiotic group. The finding that the CD8+ T cell population in the intestinal mucosa showed changes on day 28 indicated that the influence of B. cereus var. toyoi supplementation on the intestinal immune system started before weaning, an observation supported by changes in the intestinal microflora observed during the suckling-period. The results suggest that feeding of B. cereus var. toyoi to sows may result in beneficial effects on piglet health status independent of their feed supplementation.     

高温期日粮电解质与铬对肥育猪生长与代谢的影响

将来源相同、体重相近的 (72kg) 杜长大肥育猪 32头 ,公母各半 ,随机分为 4个处理 ,每处理设 2个重复 (各组间差异不显著 ) ,每组公母各 2头 ,在试验日粮中分别添加碳酸氢钠、氯化钾、烟酸铬 ,研究日粮电解质与铬对持续高温期肥育猪生长性能与生化反应的影响。研究结果表明 ,持续高温期肥育猪采食含电解质日粮后 :(1 )日增重显著增加 (p <0 0 5) ;料肉比变化不显著 (p>0 0 5) ,试验组平均体重为1 0 0kg,平均日增重为 91 0g,分别比对照组高 5 %、7% ;(2 )血液葡萄糖、总蛋白、球蛋白、白蛋白含量普遍升高 ,但只有血清球蛋白水平变化差异显著 (p<0 0 5) ,肌酸激酶、尿素氮含量普遍降低(p >0 0 5) ;(3)Na+ 含量显著升高 (p<0 0 5) ,Cl- 明显降低 (p <0 0 5) ;血清K+ 的浓度变化不是很明显 ,但试验组K+ 平均浓度高于对照组     

The effect of pectin on amino acid digestibility and digesta viscosity, motility and morphology of the small intestine, and on N-balance and performance of young pigs

Two experiments were carried out using a balanced feed mixture composed of wheat, corn, soyabean meals, casein, and crystalline amino acids (AA) and supplemented with 0, 4, or 8% of apple pectin. The daily dietary allowance provided pigs with the same level of nutrients, apart from the pectin. One experiment was conducted on pigs (within 25 to 40 kg BW) with the post valve T-caecum (PVTC) cannula to determine AA digestibility and ileal digesta viscosity. In the second experiment, the N-balance was measured twice on male pigs at about 20 and 28 kg BW using 6 animals per diet and feed intake and body weight were measured twice during the 28 d. After 40 d of feeding the diets, the pigs were sacrificed and the small intestines were weighed and sampled. The added pectin decreased standardized ileal AA digestibility (on average up to 5% dig. units) and increased digesta viscosity from about 1 to 88 mPa s. The higher pectin level did not affect motility of the duodenum and mid-jejunum, measured as responses to electrical field stimulation and to acetylcholine. However, the response of the duodenum to electrical field stimulation was after feeding the diet with 4% pectin increased compared with other diets. Pectin supplementation did not alter the weight and the length of the small intestine, but induced changes in the intestinal morphology. Muscle layer width increased significantly in the duodenum, the mid-jejunum, and the ileum while villi length increased in the duodenum and ileum. The addition of pectin decreased N retention and increased the F/G ratio but did not affect significantly the ADG of the pigs.     

一株牦牛源屎肠球菌对小鼠肠道微生物、形态和免疫功能的影响

为研究牦牛肠黏膜源屎肠球菌G2对健康小鼠肠道微生物、形态和免疫功能的影响,试验设置对照组(CON)、热灭活菌组(EHK)、活菌组(ENT)3个处理组,每组8只C57BL/6小鼠,共计24只。CON组、EHK组、ENT组于正式试验期第1、2、4、6天按0.1 mL/只分别灌胃M17培养基、热灭活菌液和活菌菌液,灌胃前无菌收集小鼠粪便进行乳酸菌总菌计数,第8天处死小鼠取样。结果表明:ENT组乳酸菌总菌数量在第3、5天显著大于CON组与EHK组(P <0.05);各组小鼠结肠病理学评分无显著差异,但ENT组隐窝深度显著高于CON组与EHK组(P <0.05);各组间肠黏膜免疫因子Reg3β、Reg3γ和MUC2基因mRNA表达量差异不显著,TNF-α表达量ENT组显著低于CON组(P <0.05)。综上可知,牦牛源屎肠球菌G2可能为一种肠道过路菌,能在短时间内提高肠道乳酸菌的总数,一定程度上具有改善肠道形态和促进肠道健康的作用。     

The effect of various flooring materials on performance and foot health of early-weaned pigs

The effects of various flooring materials on the performance and foot health of early-weaned piglets were evaluated in seven trials using 728 pigs. Pigs housed on galvanized flattened expanded metal, plastic-coated expanded metal, perforated galvanized panels, galvanized woven wire and plastic-coated woven wire had similar average daily gains, average daily feed intakes and feed/gain ratios. Foot pad scores were lower (less cuts, cracks and abrasions) for plastic-coated expanded metal, plastic-coated woven wire and perforated galvanized panels than for galvanized expanded metal and galvanized woven wire. While foot pad scores varied among flooring materials, none of the flooring materials produced lesions that resulted in any visible discomfort or inhibition of locomotion of the pigs. Correlation coefficients between individual pig body weight and foot pad scores were positively related indicating that body weight may be a factor contributing to lesion severity. Although foot pad lesions were common in the weanling pigs, with some variation due to flooring materials, there were no differential effects among the flooring materials evaluated on performance or visible comfort of the pigs.     

Resistant starch for weaning pigs — Effect on concentration of short chain fatty acids in digesta and intestinal morphology

We investigated the effect of potato starch, a source of resistant starch (RS), in diets for newly weaned pigs on production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and intestinal morphology. At weaning, at 4 weeks of age, 24 pigs were divided into 3 groups and fed diets containing 0 (C), 80 (P80) or 160 (P160) g raw potato starch per kg feed for 12 days. Pigs fed P160 had the longest villi whereas pigs fed P80 had the deepest crypts. Villous height at the mid-small intestine and average daily gain were positively correlated (r = 0.59, P < 0.01). The daily gain tended to be lower (P = 0.08) for pigs fed P80 than for pigs fed C or P160. The colon weight increased in pigs fed RS which coincided with an increased crypt depth in the colon. The concentration of SCFA increased in the large intestine with increasing amount of RS. The proportion of acetic acid decreased and the proportion of butyric acid increased in pigs fed P80 and P160. The increased SCFA production, especially of butyrate, may explain the colonic growth.     

Effects of feeding pattern on ghrelin and insulin secretion in pigs

Ghrelin is a peptide hormone that has been implicated in the regulation of feed intake, but little is known about its secretion in pigs. Hence, the effect of feeding pattern on the regulation of ghrelin secretion was tested. In experiment 1, barrows were allotted randomly into 1 of 2 groups, (1) ad libitum fed (CONT) and (2) limited access to feed (once per day, MEAL). Blood samples were taken through jugular catheters every 15 min for 6 h after 7 d on the experimental feeding regimen. Plasma concentrations of ghrelin and insulin were determined by radioimmunoassay. Ghrelin concentrations in the MEAL pigs were elevated before feeding and declined after feeding (P < 0.01). No pattern in plasma ghrelin concentrations was observed in the CONT pigs, but ghrelin concentrations were lower than in the MEAL group. Insulin concentrations were greater in CONT pigs (P < 0.01) during most of the sampling and increased after feeding in the MEAL pigs (P < 0.01). In experiment 2, the treatments were the same as in experiment 1; however, the amount of feed was increased in the MEAL group so that their daily intake was similar to the CONT pigs. Ghrelin concentrations in the MEAL group were again elevated before the meal and declined afterward (P < 0.01). Insulin but not glucose concentrations were negatively correlated with ghrelin. Once-per-day feeding resulted in increased plasma concentrations of ghrelin, which decreased after feeding. Ghrelin may be involved in the regulation of feed intake in pigs.     

Opinions of Spanish pig producers on the role,the level and the risk to public health of antimicrobial use in pigs

Antimicrobial use is a major driver of antimicrobial resistance and prescribers (physicians and veterinarians) and end users (patients, food producers and pet owners) are the cornerstones of this scenario. Intensive pig farming is a livestock activity that has a high antimicrobial use. This study is based on the opinions of pig producers.     

Effect of enzymatic hydrolysate of cottonseed protein supplementation on growth performance and intestinal health of nursery pigs in Thailand

Tropical Animal Health and Production - This study investigated the effects of enzymatic hydrolysate of cottonseed protein (EHCP) supplementation on the growth performance and intestinal health of...     

肠道营养保健剂对弱僵猪生长性能、免疫机能及消化酶活性的影响

试验旨在研究肠道营养保健剂通过改善弱僵猪肠道功能,提高弱僵猪的生产性能的作用机制。选取30日龄杜长大三元杂交断奶弱僵猪80头,随机分为2个组(每组4个重复,每个重复10头猪),对照组饲喂清水与基础饲粮按照2∶1比例配制成的粥拌料;试验组饲喂肠道营养保健剂水溶液(1 kg/100 kg水)与基础饲粮按照2∶1比例配制成的粥拌料。试验期为21 d,并于试验第15天屠宰取样。结果表明:在试验1~7 d,肠道营养保健剂显著提高了弱僵猪的平均日增体质量(P<0.05),降低料重比;在8~21 d,显著降低了腹泻率和死亡率(P<0.05);肠道营养保健剂能显著降低白球比和尿素氮(P<0.05)含量,提高血清球蛋白IgA、IgM、IgG质量浓度(P>0.05)及肝脏和脾脏指数(P<0.05);肠道营养保健剂能降低弱僵猪胃pH值,提高胃蛋白酶的活性(P>0.05)。由此可见,肠道营养保健剂能提高弱僵猪的采食量、胃蛋白酶和糜蛋白酶活性、增强免疫机能、减少腹泻率和死淘率,从而提高了弱僵猪的生长性能。     

Growth performance and nitrogen metabolism in weaned pigs fed diets containing different sources of starch

This study was conducted to determine the performance and N metabolism in weaned pigs fed diets containing different sources of starch. Pigs were weaned at 28 days of age, and assigned randomly into 4 soybean meal-based diets containing different sources of starch: corn, brown rice, sticky rice, and Hi-Maize 1043 (resistant starch). There were 12 pigs per treatment group in the growth-performance trial. Additionally, a 4 × 4 Latin design was used for a nitrogen (N) balance study, with 5 days for each experimental period (n = 4). Average daily gains were 0.38, 0.34, 0.31, and 0.28 kg/day (P < 0.01), respectively, for pigs fed the corn, brown rice, sticky-rice, and Hi-Maize 1043 diets. Feed:gain ratios were 1.65, 1.78, 1.95, and 1.86 (P < 0.01), for the above 4 diets, respectively. Fecal N and urinary N excretion as well as the apparent fecal digestibility of crude protein in pigs fed the corn, brown rice, and sticky-rice diets were higher (P < 0.01) compared with pigs fed the Hi-Maize 1043 diet. Collectively, our results indicate that dietary sources of starch affected both growth performance and N utilization in weaned pigs.     

Correction to: Effect of enzymatic hydrolysate of cottonseed protein supplementation on growth performance and intestinal health of nursery pigs in Thailand

Tropical Animal Health and Production - In the originally published article, the sentence “It was prepared from carefully selected soybean meal and was processed by enzymatic hydrolysis into...     

Effects of sub-clinical post-weaning colibacillosis and dietary protein on acute phase proteins in weaner pigs

There is an increasing body of evidence that plasma acute phase proteins (APP) can be used as a marker to assess pig health. The objective of this study was to assess whether experimentally induced sub-clinical post-weaning colibacillosis (PWC) affects the concentration of two plasma APP, i.e. haptoglobin (Hp) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Since sub-clinical PWC is sensitive to protein supply, we additionally assessed whether these APP responses are sensitive to dietary protein contents. Weaned pigs (6 groups of 9 each) were offered one of the three foods, i.e. H (230 g CP/kg), L (130 g CP/kg) or HA (23% CP with anti-microbial growth promoters). On day 5 post-weaning, pigs were either dosed with 10⁸ colony forming units of enterotoxigenic E. coli or were sham-infected. Three days later and across feeding treatments, infection had reduced feed intake. Feeding and infection treatment significantly interacted for both Hp and CRP. Infection increased Hp concentration in H and HA pigs, but not in L pigs, whilst infection increased CRP concentration to a larger extent in HA pigs than in H and L pigs. The results suggest that sub-clinical PWC leads to changes in APP profiles and that these changes may be sensitive to dietary protein contents. Usefulness of APP to describe health status in pigs may therefore need to be considered in relation to their nutritional environment.     

益生素对奶牛生产性能及瘤胃发酵影响的研究

试验分为3个部分。一、选用32头体况、胎次、泌乳日龄相近的中国荷斯坦奶牛,随机分成3个处理组,即地衣芽孢杆菌培养物组(菌号:1.813)、枯草芽孢杆菌培养物组(菌号:1.1086)和对照组,每组8头,用液-固两相方法进行菌体制备。每克培养物中含有1×109cfu菌体,每头牛每天饲喂50g,预饲期15d,试验期3d,记录全天产奶量。结果表明,地衣芽孢杆菌组显著地提高了产奶量(p<0.05),枯草芽孢杆菌组和对照组比较差异不显著(p>0.05)。地衣芽孢杆菌组显著提高了乳蛋白的浓度和产量(p<0.05)。枯草芽孢杆菌处理组和对照组比较差异不显著(p>0.05)。二、采用3×3拉丁方试验设计,选用体况良好、平均体重550kg、安装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的中国荷斯坦奶牛3头作为试验牛。分3期进行,每期20d,中间为间隔15d的过渡期,过渡期饲喂试验组饲粮,在3d试验期进行采样分析。试验结果表明地衣芽孢杆菌组显著提高了奶牛瘤胃的细菌总数(p<0.05)、显著降低了氨态氮的浓度(p<0.05)、提高了总挥发性脂肪酸的浓度(p>0.05)及乙酸和丙酸的比例(p>0.05)。三、采用短期人工瘤胃发酵技术研究了三种培养物对奶牛瘤胃发酵甲烷产量的影响。试验设地衣芽胞杆菌培养物、枯草芽胞杆菌培养物和对照组三个处理。每个处理设10个重复,每个重复用一支人工瘤胃发酵用注射器。结果表明地衣芽孢杆菌培养物降低了甲烷的产量(p<0.05),降低了能量损失,并可降低由于反刍动物瘤胃发酵产生甲烷所引起的温室效应。     

Effect of neutral detergent soluble fibre on digestion, intestinal microbiota and performance in twenty five day old weaned rabbits

The effect of neutral detergent soluble fibre (NDSF) level on digestibility, fermentation traits, intestinal microbiota and performance was studied in weaned rabbits. A control diet (DA) containing 103 g NDSF/kg DM included dehydrated alfalfa as the main source of fibre. Another diet (B-AP) was formulated by replacing half of the dehydrated alfalfa with a mixture of beet and apple pulp resulting in 131 g NDSF/kg DM. A third diet (OH) was obtained by substituting half of the dehydrated alfalfa with a mix of oat hulls and a soybean protein concentrate and contained 79 g NDSF/kg DM. All diets contained similar levels of total fibre (NDSF + neutral detergent fibre), starch and protein (446, 208, and 199 g/kg DM, respectively). Forty-two rabbits (14/diet) weaned at 25 days were used to determine faecal digestibility from 32 to 35 days of age. This group, plus another nine rabbits/diet (23/diet), were used to determine weight of stomach and caecum and their contents, caecal fermentation traits and similarity rate (SR) of intestinal microbiota. Another 105 and 245 weaned rabbits were used to determine growth traits and mortality, respectively. From 25 to 39 days of age, rabbits were fed the experimental diets and from 39 to 60 days they were fed a commercial diet, including robenidine hydrochloride in all diets. Drinking water was supplemented with apramicine sulfate and tylosine tartrate throughout the experimental period. Faecal and energy digestibility increased linearly by 8% and NDF digestibility by 43% between extreme diets with NDSF inclusion (P < 0.001). Weight of total gastrointestinal tract decreased linearly and quadratically with NDSF reduction (P = 0.008 and P = 0.089, respectively). Stomach pH decreased linearly with increasing levels of NDSF (P ≤ 0.041). Weight of caecal contents increased linearly between animals fed OH and B-AP diets (P < 0.001). Level of inclusion of NDSF had no effect (P ≥ 0.12) on pH, VFA concentration and VFA molar proportions in caecal contents. Treatments appeared to influence the SR of caecal microbiota but a lesser effect was observed on ileal microbiota. Post weaning feed efficiency (25–39 days) increased linearly (P < 0.001) with NDSF inclusion by 10% between extreme diets, and by 3% in the whole fattening period (P = 0.027). Average feed intake during the post weaning (25–39 days) and the whole fattening period increased with NDSF reduction (P ≤ 0.079). No effect of NDSF was detected on average daily gain (P ≥ 0.15). Mortality decreased linearly with increasing levels of NDSF in the post weaning and in the whole fattening period (P = 0.086 and 0.016, respectively).     

Occurrence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in pigs on Prince Edward Island, Canada

In a cross-sectional study of 633 pigs from 21 herds on Prince Edward Island, Canada (PEI), the prevalence of infection with Cryptosporidium and Giardia, and the genotypes and species of isolates were determined in order to establish the zoonotic potential of pigs in this region. As determined by direct immunofluorescence microscopy (DFA), 18 herds (86%) and 163 animals (26%; 95% CI: 22-29%) tested positive for Cryptosporidium, while just 3 herds (14%) and 6 animals (1%; 95% CI: 0.4-2%) tested positive for Giardia. Cryptosporidium spp. isolates were detected in 39% (95% CI: 34-44%) of weanlings (1-3 months of age) and 9% (95% CI: 6-13) of sows (>8 months of age). Molecular characterization using the 18S rDNA and HSP70 gene fragments revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium sp. pig genotype II, C. suis, C. parvum, and Cryptosporidium sp. mouse genotype. Among the 113 isolates of Cryptosporidium spp. successfully genotyped, pig genotype II (61%) predominated, with C. suis (36%) being the next most prominant isolate. C. parvum (2%; two isolates) and Cryptosporidium sp. mouse genotype (0.9%; one isolate) were only occasionally isolated. The only two Cryptosporidium-positive genotyped isolates from sows included one each of C. suis and Cryptosporidium sp. pig genotype II.All but one of the six Giardia positive isolates were detected in weanling pigs. None of the Giardia-positive isolates was amenable to PCR. This study demonstrates that Cryptosporidium spp. are highly prevalent in pigs on PEI, Canada, are found mostly in weanlings (1-3 months of age). Furthermore, the pigs are primarily infected by the host-specific genotypes and species, Cryptosporidium sp. pig genotype II and C. suis, whereas the zoonotic C. parvum is rare. Giardia duodenalis is only occasionally found in pigs. These findings suggest that domestic pigs on PEI, Canada, likely do not pose a significant health risk to humans from these parasites.     

Effects of Natustat supplementation on performance, feed efficiency and intestinal lesion scores in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima and Eimeria tenella

The effects of dietary supplementation of Natustat™, a propriety plant derived product (Alltech Inc., KY, USA) and Salinomycin, on performance, feed efficiency and intestinal lesion scores were observed during two Eimeria challenge trials in broiler chickens. In the first trial chickens were challenged with Eimeria sp. via infecting the litter with a known amount of Eimeria oocysts. In the second trial the source of the Eimeria challenge was the litter from the first trial and the same treatment groups were assigned to the same pens as in the initial trial.

Birds were placed 55 per pen with seven pens per treatment. Performance parameters were recorded on days 21 and 42 during both trials. Intestinal lesion scores were assessed on days 14 and 21 during Trial 1 and on day 21 during Trial 2. Average weight gain and feed conversion ratios were significantly improved in the Natustat™ and Salinomycin treatment groups when compared to the non-supplemented infected group. Furthermore, lesion scores were lower on all sampling days in the Natustat™ and Salinomycin groups when compared to the non-supplemented group. However, only lesions associated with Eimeria tenella were significantly lowered by Natustat™ and Salinomycin supplementation.

Natustat™ and Salinomycin were equivalent in alleviating the negative performance effects associated with coccidiosis challenge. In summary, Natustat™ has the potential to be used as a natural alternative to chemotherapeutic drugs for Eimeria control.     

Effects of adding liquid dl‐methionine hydroxy analogue‐free acid to drinking water on growth performance and small intestinal morphology of nursery pigs

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding liquid dl ‐methionine hydroxy analogue free acid (LMA) to drinking water on growth performance, small intestinal morphology and volatile fatty acids in the caecum of nursery pigs. Twenty‐four crossbred pigs (Large White × Landrace, BW ～18 kg) were divided into three groups with four replications of two piglets each. The piglets received drinking water without (control), with 0.05 or 0.10% LMA. The results indicated that adding LMA at 0.10% to drinking water significantly increased their weight gain, average daily feed intake (p < 0.05) and tended to improve the feed conversion ratio. Adding LMA to drinking water significantly increased their water intake and significantly reduced the pH of drinking water (p < 0.01), thus total plate count (p < 0.01) and Escherichia coli in drinking water was reduced (p < 0.05), while the total number of bacteria in the caecum was not significantly affected. Liquid dl ‐methionine hydroxy analogue free acid supplementation in drinking water tended to decrease pH in the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, colon and rectum. Furthermore, adding LMA at 0.10% significantly increased villous height in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum (p < 0.05), and the villous height:crypt depth ratio in the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.01) was higher, whereas acetic acid concentration in the caecum was significantly lower than in the control group. It could be concluded that adding LMA to drinking water improved growth performance of the nursery pigs because of high water quality and high nutrient utilization caused by an improvement of small intestinal morphology (not from nutritional effect of methionine source).