无抗生素微生物发酵饲料对仔猪免疫及抗氧化功能的影响

本试验研究了日粮添加发酵饲料、抗生素对仔猪免疫及抗氧化功能的影响。试验选用72头平均体重为(14.17±0.24)kg的杜×长×大仔猪,随机分成3个处理,每个处理3个重复,每个重复8头猪。试验采用玉米-豆粕型基础日粮,对照组饲喂基础日粮;抗生素组日粮为基础日粮+150 mg金霉素;发酵料组日粮为基础日粮+10%的发酵饲料。试验期21 d。结果表明,日粮添加发酵饲料可增加仔猪血液白细胞数量和淋巴细胞转化率及免疫球蛋白IgA的含量和提高超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)的活性,这表明,发酵饲料能加强仔猪机体的免疫功能和抗应激能力。     

Organic trace minerals on productive performance,egg quality and immune response in Bovans White laying hens

This study was performed in 360 laying Bovans White hens and aimed to evaluate the effect of Carbo‐Amino‐Phosphate‐Chelates (CAFQ) as a mineral premix and its 30% reduction by compared to inorganic trace minerals (ITM) concerning its performance, egg quality, tibia breaking strength and immunity. Sixty‐week‐old hens were assigned into three treatments with 10 replicates of 12 birds each. Treatments were as follows: (a) (100% ITM), (b) (100% CAFQ) and (c) (70% CAFQ). Based on the results obtained during 12 weeks, under the current test conditions, improved yolk colour (p < 0.05); shell breaking strength (p < 0.05); and storage time (p < 0.05) were observed in hens fed with a diet reduced by 70% in CAFQ inclusion showed similar performance behaviour and better egg breaking strength regarding with ITM, suggesting the possibility of minimizing the inclusion of trace minerals in laying hen diets improving environmental impact, in contrast to the use of inorganic sources of minerals.     

葛叶粉对肉鸡生长性能及血清生化、抗氧化和免疫指标的影响

选择同一条件下饲养的21日龄体重相近的新广麻鸡母鸡384只,随机分为4组,每组6个重复,每个重复16只,分别饲喂含0(对照组)、1%、2%和3%野葛(Pueraria lobata)叶粉的试验饲粮,试验期共49 d,旨在研究肉鸡饲粮中添加葛叶粉对其生长性能、血清生化、抗氧化和免疫指标的影响。结果表明:1)肉鸡饲粮中添加1%~3%葛叶粉对肉鸡平均日增重、平均日采食量和料肉比均无显著影响(P>0.05);2)添加2%、3%葛叶粉均能显著提高肉鸡血清白蛋白和低密度脂蛋白含量、降低甘油三酯含量和谷草转氨酶活性(P<0.05);添加3%葛叶粉还可提高肉鸡血清总蛋白含量,显著降低尿素氮、总胆固醇、高密度脂蛋白含量和谷丙转氨酶活性(P<0.05);3)添加1%~3%葛叶粉可显著提高肉鸡血清总抗氧化能力和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶活性(P<0.05)、添加3%葛叶粉可显著降低血清丙二醛含量(P<0.05);4)添加1%葛叶粉能显著提高肉鸡血清免疫球蛋白M含量;添加2%葛叶粉显著提高肉鸡血清免疫球蛋白M含量、降低白细胞介素1β含量;添加3%葛叶粉显著提高肉鸡血清免疫球蛋白G和免疫球蛋白M含量、降低白细胞介素1β和白细胞介素2含量(P<0.05)。综上所述,饲粮中添加1%~3%葛叶粉对肉鸡生长性能无负面影响,能在一定程度上提高肉鸡抗氧化性能和免疫功能,有利于机体健康。葛叶粉可应用到肉鸡饲料中,添加3%效果更好。     

不同属种肉类对大鼠血清生化指标与抗氧化能力的影响

探讨了不同属种肉类对大鼠血清生化指标和抗氧化机能的影响。试验选取体重约177 g的雄性SD大鼠90只,随机分为3组即狗肉组、羊肉组、鸭肉组,分别将日粮中的主要蛋白源替换为狗肉、羊肉、鸭肉(CP 31%)。试验期为4周。结果表明:饲喂狗肉和羊肉能显著提高大鼠生长性能,且前者使得大鼠血清碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性极显著升高(P<0.01);而饲喂鸭肉使得大鼠血清丙氨酸转移酶(ALT)活性显著升高(P<0.05),天冬氨酸转移酶(AST)、血清尿素氮(BUN)活性极显著升高(P<0.01)。不同属种的肉之间,鸭肉组肝脏和肾脏中谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性均极显著升高(P<0.01)。结果提示:饲喂狗肉和羊肉能促进机体蛋白质合成,有利于蛋白质沉积;饲喂鸭肉则具有增强机体抗氧化的能力。     

Effects of Piper sarmentosum extract on the growth performance,antioxidant capability and immune response in weaned piglets

The biological properties of Piper sarmentosum render it a potential substitute for antibiotics in livestock feed. This study evaluated the effects of P. sarmentosum extract (PSE) on the growth performance, antioxidant capability and immune response of weaned piglets. Eighty 21‐d‐old weaned piglets were selected and randomly allocated to one of four dietary treatments with five replicates of four pigs each. The dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet supplemented with 0 (T0), 50 (T50), 100 (T100) or 200 (T200) mg/kg PSE. The feeding trial lasted 4 weeks. The results revealed that the T50 group had the highest average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) throughout the feeding trial (p < 0.05). Additionally, the T50 group had higher (p < 0.05) serum glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH‐Px) and lower (p < 0.05) serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels than the T0 group at 4 weeks post‐weaning (p < 0.05). Serum levels of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) decreased, while serum levels of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) increased by PSE supplementation at 4 weeks post‐weaning (p < 0.05). PSE supplementation upregulated the mRNA expression of IL‐4, IL‐10 and TGF‐β and downregulated the mRNA expression of TNF‐α, IL‐1β and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in the ileal mucosal layer of piglets (p < 0.05). In summary, our study findings revealed that PSE supplementation improved the antioxidant capability, and reduced inflammation, which may be beneficial to weaned piglet health.     

Effect of injectable trace minerals on the humoral immune response to multivalent vaccine administration in beef calves

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of injectable trace minerals on humoral responses of calves receiving a viral vaccination. Beef steer calves (n = 99; average BW = 316 ± 4.2 kg), seronegative for bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) and bovine viral diarrhea virus, genotypes 1 and 2 (BVDV-1 and BVDV-2), were sourced from 2 locations. All calves, except 15 non-vaccinated (sentinel) calves, received a single dose of a multivalent modified live vaccine (Titanium 5; AgriLabs, St. Joseph, MO) containing BHV-1, BVDV-1, BVDV-2, bovine parainfluenza virus type 3, and bovine respiratory syncytial virus. Among the vaccinated calves, 2 treatments were concurrently and randomly applied on the basis of initial serum Se status and BW, including 1) injectable trace mineral supplement (ITM; n = 42; 7 mL subcutaneous.; MultiMin, Fort Collins, CO) containing 15, 40, 10, and 5 mg/mL of Cu, Zn, Mn (all as disodium EDTA salts), and Se (as Na selenite) or 2) saline-injected control (Control; n = 42). As a measure of humoral immunity, neutralizing antibody titers were measured on d 0, 14, 30, 60, and 90, relative to vaccine administration. All calves were seronegative for each of the 3 viruses on d 0, and sentinel calves remained seronegative throughout the study. Serum mineral concentrations were evaluated on d 0 and 14. No differences (P ≥ 0.30) in serum Cu, Zn, Mn, or Se were observed between treatments on d 0. Control steers experienced a decrease (P < 0.001) in serum Zn and Se, and ITM steers had an increase (P = 0.007) in serum Cu on d 14 relative to initial d 0 values. On d 14, serum Zn and Se concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) in ITM compared with Control steers. Vaccinated calves experienced marked increases in neutralizing antibody titers by d 30 following vaccine administration. Calves receiving ITM at the time of vaccination experienced greater (P ≤ 0.003) neutralizing antibody titers to BHV-1 on d 14, 30, and 60 compared with Control. These results demonstrate that the injectable trace mineral formulation evaluated in this study, administered concurrently to viral vaccination, does not impair humoral immune responses in beef calves. Further, concurrent administration of ITM and BHV-1 vaccine may enhance the production of neutralizing antibodies to BHV-1 in previously na?ve beef calves.     

Insulin-like growth factor-I, passive immunity transfer, and stereological characteristics of small intestine of newborn calves

This study evaluated the concentration of insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I present in the mammary secretions, its relation with changes in serum IGF‐I and immunoglobulin (Ig)G, and intestinal mucosa alterations of 42 calves during the first week of life. Cows were randomly assigned to two groups, treated and control, with 21 animals in each. The treated group was injected with 500 mg recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) at day ?35 relative to predicted calving date. Newborn calves were randomly assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial scheme: dams group and slaughter date (at birth, 2 and 7 days of life). IGF‐I concentration was higher in the colostrum of treated cows (P < 0.05), but did not differ in the subsequent mammary secretions. Immunoglobulin G concentration in colostrum and subsequent mammary secretions did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). No differences were found in calf serum IGF‐I levels from birth to the seventh day or serum immunoglobulin G concentration after 24 h of life (P > 0.05). IGF‐I colostrum levels observed in this study did not affect the small intestine morphometry. The segment from the middle jejunum showed higher mucosa partial volume (Vv) at birth and 7 days old compared to other segments, and at just 2 days of age this segment reduced its Vv, not differing from other segments of the same date.     

不同抗氧化剂和添加水平对肉仔鸡生产性能和抗氧化性影响的研究

为了研究不同抗氧化剂产品和添加水平对肉仔鸡生产性能和抗氧化性能的影响,本研究选用1日龄爱拔益加(AA)肉仔鸡96只,随机分为3个处理,每个处理4个重复,每个重复8只鸡。对照组(CTR)饲喂不添加任何抗氧化剂的基础日粮;SQM6组饲喂基础日粮+48mg/kgSQM6;SQMax组饲喂基础日粮+80mg/kgSQMax。记录肉仔鸡的日均采食量和平均日增重,并于28日龄时,随机在每个重复中选取1只鸡进行翅静脉采血,测定血清抗氧化指标。研究结果表明:与CTR相比,肉仔鸡日粮中添加抗氧化剂有改善饲料转化率的趋势(P>0.05);添加SQM6显著提高了血清中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)的活性(P<0.05),并显著降低了丙二醛(MDA)的含量(P<0.05);日粮中添加SQMax显著提高了肉仔鸡血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性(P<0.05)。以上结果表明,肉仔鸡日粮中添加抗氧化剂SQM6和SQMax能够提高血清中超氧化物歧化酶和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶活性,降低丙二醛含量,改善肉仔鸡机体抗氧化功能。     

Replacement effect of vitamin E with grape polyphenols on antioxidant status,immune, and organs histopathological responses in broilers from 1- to 35-d age

A study was carried out to investigate the replacement effect of vitamin E with grape polyphenols (GPP) on antioxidant status, immune response, and organs histopathology in broilers from 1- to 35-d age. One-day-old Hubbard broiler chicks (n = 280) were randomly divided into 28 study units of 10 chicks each. A starter control diet was formulated having 22.5% CP, 3,200 kcal/kg ME, and 100 ppm vitamin E50 [50 IU DL-α-tocopheryl acetate (CON)]. Other dietary treatments were obtained by replacing vitamin E on wt:wt ratio, with 25 [low GPP (LGPP)], 50 [medium GPP (MGPP)], and 75 ppm [high GPP (HGPP)] GPP. Likewise, a control finisher diet (20% CP and 3,200 kcal/kg ME) and LGPP, MGPP, and HGPP diets were formulated having the same proportions of GPP and vitamin E as in the respective starter diets. Each dietary treatment was randomly assigned to 7 replicate pens. As a result of this study, by increasing GPP level in place of vitamin E, total phenolic contents in breast and leg muscles increased linearly (P< 0.05) whereas thiobarbituric acid reactive substances decreased quadratically with MGPP showing the lowest value (P< 0.05). Antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus were higher (P< 0.05) in broilers fed the LGPP and HGPP diets than in those fed the control diet. Antibody titers against infectious bursal disease virus were higher (P< 0.05) in broilers fed the HGPP diet than in all of the remaining dietary treatment groups. Histopathological examination of kidney and liver tissues showed no changes in birds fed LGPP and MGPP diets; however, mild effects were observed in some birds fed HGPP diet. Replacement of vitamin E with GPP resulted in lower cost per kg broiler feed. In conclusion, replacement of 75 ppm vitamin E with GPP improved antioxidant status and immune response of broilers at lower feed cost without any significant effect on histopathology of organs.     

牦牛初乳对新生犊牛血液生化组成的影响

初乳是哺乳动物分娩后最初几天的乳腺分泌物。大量研究表明,初乳不仅为新生幼仔提供必要的常规营养成分,如蛋白质、矿物质、维生素等,而且提供免疫保护和代谢信息[1]。由于牛、羊等反刍动物的胎盘无法通过免疫球蛋白,因此,新生犊牛须借助初乳获得被动免疫[2]。牦牛是我国青藏高     

Evaluation of the transfer of immunoglobulin from colostrum anaerobic fermentation (colostrum silage) to newborn calves

Colostrum silage is an anaerobic fermentation methodology of excess farm colostrum used to conserve and provide as milk replacement for calves. The present study aimed to evaluate the levels of immunoglobulins present in bovine colostrum silage and its absorption by newborn calves. The concentration of immunoglobulins was determined in fresh colostrum and colostrum silage stored for 12 months. The absorption of immunoglobulins by calves was assessed immediately after birth and 24 h after colostrum silage intake. The immunoglobulin levels were evaluated by ELISA. The results highlighted that colostrum silage kept similar levels of immunoglobulins as the ones in colostrum in natura, and can be transferred to newborn calves with similar amounts to calves fed with colostrum in natura. It is concluded that colostrum silage keeps viable immunoglobulins, and is able to transfer passive immunity to newborn calves.     

Effects of dietary Forsythia suspensa extract supplementation to lactating sows and nursery pigs on post-weaning performance,antioxidant capacity,nutrient digestibility,immunoglobulins, and intestinal health

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dietary Forsythia suspensa extract (FSE) supplementation to lactating sows and nursery pigs on post-weaning performance, antioxidant capacity, immunoglobulins, and intestinal health. Based on backfat, body weight (BW), and parity, 24 gestating sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) with average parity of 3.38 ± 0.61 and BW of 234 ± 6.81 kg were allotted into two dietary treatments (control vs. 100 mg/kg FSE) with 12 sows per treatment from day 107 of gestation to day 21 of lactation. After weaning, based on the initial BW and source litter, 192 nursery pigs (Duroc × [Landrace × Yorkshire], average BW of 6.98 ± 0.32 kg, weaned at day 21) were allotted into four dietary treatments with eight replicate pens per treatment, six pigs per pen for a 4-wk study. The treatments included the following: 1) CC (sows and their piglets both fed control diet); 2) CF (sows fed control diet and their piglets fed FSE diet [containing 100 mg/kg FSE]); 3) FC (sows fed FSE diet and their piglets fed control diet); and 4) FF (sows and their piglets both fed FSE diet). The MIXED procedures of SAS for a split-plot arrangement with sow diet as the whole plot and nursery diet as split plot were used to analyze the data. After weaning, piglets from FSE-fed sows had improved (P < 0.05) average daily gain and feed efficiency, and lower (P < 0.05) diarrhea rate in overall (day 1 to 28) compared with those from sows fed control diet. Piglets from FSE-fed sows also had higher (P < 0.05) contents of immunoglobulin G (IgG), growth hormone, superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity in serum, villus height in ileum, and villus height to crypt depth ratio in jejunum, as well as lower (P < 0.05) content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and crypt depth in ileum compared with those from sows fed control diet. Piglets fed FSE during nursery had increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of IgG, SOD, and catalase, and decreased (P < 0.05) MDA and tumor nuclear factor-α levels in serum compared with those fed control diet during nursery. Piglets from FC group had increased (P < 0.05) protein expression of occludin in jejunal mucosa and relative abundance of Lactobacillus on genus level in colon compared with those from CC group. In conclusion, for the performance and intestinal health, diets supplemented with FSE during lactation phase seemed more efficient to alleviate weaning stress than the nursery phase. In terms of the antioxidant status and immunoglobulins, FSE supplemented in both phases were efficient for nursery pigs.     

五味子提取物对断奶仔猪血液生化指标和抗氧化能力的影响

本试验通过测定断奶仔猪血清、心脏、肝脏、肾脏和脾脏组织中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性、丙二醛(MDA)含量和总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)以及血清生化指标,研究五味子提取物对断奶仔猪血液生化指标和抗氧化能力的影响。结果显示,五味子提取物能够增强断奶仔猪的抗氧化能力。     

仙人掌提取物对蛋鸡产蛋性能、抗氧化能力、免疫功能及血液生化指标的影响

试验选取360只315日龄罗曼蛋鸡,随机分为4组,每组3个重复,每个重复30只鸡,分别饲喂添加0(对照组)、100、200、300 mg/kg仙人掌提取物的试验日粮,试验期49 d。研究仙人掌提取物对蛋鸡产蛋性能、血液生化指标、抗氧化能力和免疫机能的影响。结果表明:(1)日粮添加仙人掌提取物对蛋鸡采食量无显著影响(P>0.05),可显著提高产蛋率和平均蛋重(P<0.05);(2)200、300 mg/kg添加量水平可显著提高蛋鸡血清中钙、磷的含量,显著降低血清中胆固醇的含量;(3)仙人掌提取物能够提高蛋鸡血清中谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶、超氧化物歧化酶的活性和降低血清中丙二醛的含量;(4)300 mg/kg添加量能够显著提高蛋鸡血清中IgA、IgE、IgM、补体C3和补体C4的含量(P<0.05)。上述结果说明,在饲料中添加仙人掌提取物能够在一定程度上提高蛋鸡产蛋性能、抗氧化能力和免疫功能,改善血液生化指标。     

复合乳酸菌和酵母菌对新生犊牛免疫和抗氧化功能的影响

选择体况相同、体质量(36±2.53) kg、3日龄内的中国荷斯坦母犊牛40头,随机分为4组,每组10头,即空白组(D组)、乳酸菌组(L组)、乳酸菌+酵母菌组(LS组)、酵母菌组(S组).在试验期内,4组犊牛均全程饲喂代乳粉,LS、L和S组分别添加复合益生菌,D组不添加,试验期45 d.结果 表明:与试验1d相比,45...     

The effect of grapeseed oil on performance,rumen fermentation,antioxidant status and subcutaneous adipose fatty acid profile in lambs

This experiment was carried out to examine the effect of grapeseed oil (GSO) on performance, rumen fermentation, antioxidant status and subcutaneous adipose fatty acid (FA) profile in lambs. Eighteen Baluchi lambs, 196 ± 14 days of age and 39.8 ± 1.7 kg body weight, were randomly assigned to three experimental diets: (i) diet without GSO (control), (ii) diet containing 2% of GSO (GSO2) and (iii) diet containing 4% of GSO (GSO4) for 42 days. Results showed that the experimental diets had no significant effect on dry matter intake and performance (p > 0.05). The supplemented diets with GSO had no effect on pH and NH₃‐N of rumen fluid (p > 0.05), but GSO4 increased (p = 0.003) the concentration of propionic acid and reduced (p = 0.002) the concentration of acetate acid compared to the control. Inclusion 4% of GSO to the diet increased total antioxidant activity and decreased malondialdehyde in serum and muscle (p < 0.001). The level of blood glutathione peroxidase in diets containing GSO was higher than control diet (p = 0.02), but diets had no effect on superoxide dismutase in blood and muscle tissues (p > 0.05). The concentration of vaccenic acid, rumenic acid and linoleic acid and thus polyunsaturated fatty acid in subcutaneous fat was affected by experimental diets (p < 0.001), as control had the lowest amount of these FAs and GSO4 had the highest amount of them. Therefore, it can be concluded that the use of GSO up to 4% improves the antioxidant status and adipose fatty acid profile in lambs without effects on performance.     

Carcass traits,meat quality,antioxidant status and antioxidant gene expression in muscle and liver of Hu lambs fed perilla seed

The effects of perilla (Perilla frutescens L.) seed on carcass traits, meat quality, antioxidant status and antioxidant gene expression in the liver and muscle of Hu lambs were investigated in this study. Sixty Hu lambs (23.02 ± 1.36 kg) were randomly divided into four experimental groups receiving diets containing 0%, 5%, 10% or 15% perilla seed (CD, 5%PFSD, 10%PFSD and 15%PFSD, respectively). The addition of perilla seed had no significant impacts on carcass traits (p > .05). There were no differences in pH, meat colour, drip loss, cooking loss or shear force among the four treatments (p > .05). Addition of perilla seed increased (p < .05) deposition of intramuscular lipids but had no effect on other chemical components in the longissimus dorsi (LD) (p > .05). The 15%PFSD diet decreased the total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the liver (p < .05 for both) but increased the activity of these antioxidant enzymes in LD (p < .05 for both). Compared to CD, addition of perilla seed increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) expression in the liver and LD (p < .05 for all). These results indicate that perilla seed supplementation in lambs’ diets can increase deposition of intramuscular lipids and improve muscular oxidative status and meat quality.     

Effects of Allium mongolicum Regel supplementation on the digestibility,methane production,and antioxidant capacity of Simmental calves in northwest China

This study evaluated the effects of Allium mongolicum Regel (AM) supplementation on nitrogen (N) balance, ruminal fermentation, and antioxidant properties. Sixteen male calves were assigned randomly to four groups, and the four were added with 0 (CON), 200 mg/kg (body weight; BW) (Low AM; LA), 400 mg/kg (BW) (Middle AM; MA), or 800 mg/kg (BW) (High AM; HA) per day for each individual. AM was added on dry matter (DM) basis. The experiment lasted for 58 days. Supplementation of AM could significantly increase average daily gain, DM digestibility, acid detergent fiber digestibility, and retained N/Intake N. N digestibility and molar proportion of propionate in the MA and HA treatments were higher than that in the CON treatment (p < .05), respectively. AM supplementation significantly increased the molar concentration of total volatile fatty acid in the rumen fluid (p < .05). The ratio of acetate to propionate in the MA and HA groups was lower than that in the CON treatment (p < .05). Furthermore, AM supplementation significantly reduced methane (CH₄) (p < .05) emissions. AM supplementation significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase. The MA group could significantly increase the activities of glutathione peroxidase and decrease the content of malondialdehyde. Our results indicated that AM supplementation could affect the nutrient digestibility, CH₄ emission, and antioxidant capacity of Simmental calves.     

Effects of dietary supplementation of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on growth performance,immune status,antioxidant capacity and selected microbial populations of weaned piglets

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) are a complex mixture of highly branched and partially characterised polysaccharides and proteoglycans extracted from the goji berry. This mixture has great potential as a novel feed supplement for pigs. Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation with LBPs on the growth performance, immune status, antioxidant capacity and selected intestinal microbial populations in weaned piglets. In trial 1, a total of 400 weaned piglets [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an average body weight (BW) of 6.34 ± 0.16 kg (21 days of age) were divided into five groups and fed a basal diet (control group) or a basal diet containing 1,000, 2,000, 4,000 or 6,000 mg/kg LBPs (supplemented at the expense of corn). Supplementation with 4,000 or 6,000 mg/kg LBPs for 2 weeks significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of the pigs compared with the control group (p < .05). In trial 2, thirty-two 21-days-old weaned piglets (BW: 6.33 ± 0.11 kg) were allotted to a control group (fed with a basal diet) or an experimental group (basal diet containing 4,000 mg/kg LBPs). The experiment lasted for 14 days. Pigs fed LBP diets exhibited an increased ADG and ADFI, and a decreased diarrhoeal incidence compared with those fed the basal diets (p < .05). Supplementation with LBPs increased the serum IgG and IgM levels (p < .05). Dietary LBPs effectively promoted antioxidant defence properties through enhancing the activities of serum, liver superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), in addition to decreasing the malondialdehyde (MDA) content (p < .05). The addition of LBPs increased the amounts of Bacteroidetes in the ileum and caecum and the caecal contents of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. (p < .05), while decreased the populations of Escherichia coli and Firmicutes in the ileum and caecum (p < .05) compared with the control group. Our results suggest that dietary supplementation with LBPs can enhance growth performance, immune status and antioxidant capacity, and improve the intestinal microbial populations of weaned piglets.