​Probiotics for Augmenting Health

Author(s):  
Rita Narayanan ◽  
B. Suresh Subramonian

Background: The probiotic microorganism consists mostly of the strains of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. Bifidobacterial species are common members of the infant gut where they form up to 91 per cent of the total micro flora in breast-fed babies and up to 75 per cent in formula fed infants Methods: Bifidobacterial species were isolated and identified from the faeces of breast fed infants by molecular techniques. Molecular tools like 16S rDNA targeted genus and species specific mPCR primers were used for confirmation. A total of 4 isolates were identified namely B. longum (IB10 and IB12) B. breve (IB39) and B. bifidum (IB42). The identified species were screened for probiotic properties like bile tolerance, antimicrobial activity and tolerance to acidity. Ideal isolate of B. longum was incorporated in the preparation of whey based malted nutraceutical spray dried food and fed to weaned piglets. Result: B. longum (IB10) was the ideal probiotic when compared to other isolates as it had maximum antimicrobial activity and tolerance to bile and acidity. It was noted that isolate IB10 (B. longum) had an inhibitory zone ranging from 3.03 to 2.95 mm against B. cereus, S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa due to acid and antibacterial compounds. Isolate B. longum (IB10) was incorporated in the preparation of whey based malted nutraceutical spray dried food. The influence of feeding five grams of the spray dried nutraceutical malt food containing B. longum at 107cfu/g per day on animal production, gut health and gut architecture in young weaned piglets were also investigated. The probiotic regime had positive effects on the health of piglets when compared to the control group. A significant two log reduction in the coliform count was observed in the faeces of weaned piglets fed with Bifidobacterial nutraceutical powder than that of control. Thus, these probiotic bifidobacteria can be considered as safe adjuncts for preparation of dairy nutraceuticals.

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhilong Tian ◽  
Xiaodan Wang ◽  
Yehui Duan ◽  
Yue Zhao ◽  
Wenming Zhang ◽  
...  

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with different types of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) on the growth and gut health of weaned piglets. A total of 160 piglets were randomly assigned into four groups: control group (a basal diet), BS-A group (a basal diet supplemented with B. subtilis A at 1 × 106 CFU/g feed), BS-B group (a basal diet supplemented with B. subtilis B at 1 × 106 CFU/g feed), and BS-C group (a basal diet supplemented with B. subtilis C at 1 × 106 CFU/g feed). All groups had five replicates with eight piglets per replicate. On days 7, 21, and 42 of the trial, blood plasma and intestinal tissues and digesta samples were collected to determine plasma cytokine concentrations, intestinal morphology, gut microbiota community and metabolic activity, and the expression of genes related to gut physiology and metabolism. The results showed that dietary B. subtilis supplementation improved (P < 0.05) the body weight and average daily gain (in BS-B and BS-C groups) of weaned piglets and decreased (P < 0.05) the diarrhea rates (in BS-A, BS-B, and BS-C groups). In the intestinal morphology analysis, B. subtilis supplementation improved (P < 0.05) the size of villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio in the ileum of weaned piglets. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Tenericutes were the most dominant microflora in piglets' colon whatever the trial group and time of analysis. Dietary BS-C supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the relative abundances of Anaerovibrio and Bulleidia and decreased (P < 0.05) the relative abundances of Clostridium and Coprococcus compared with the control group. In addition, dietary B. subtilis supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the indicators of intestinal health, including plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-10, as well as the colonic levels of short-chain fatty acids. Furthermore, dietary B. subtilis supplementation also up-regulated (P < 0.05) the expression of genes involved in metabolic pathways related to intestinal microbiota maturation. In conclusion, these findings suggest that a diet containing BS-B or BS-C can efficiently promote growth performance, decrease diarrhea incidence, and ameliorate several indicators of intestinal health through the modulation of gut microbiota composition and metabolic activity in weaned piglets.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Diao ◽  
Jiayou Yan ◽  
Shuwei Li ◽  
Shengyao Kuang ◽  
Xiaolan Wei ◽  
...  

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary zinc sources on the growth performance and gut health of weaned piglets. In total, 96 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) weaned piglets with an initial average body weight of 8.81±0.42kg were divided into four groups, with six replicates per treatment and four pigs per replicate. The dietary treatment groups were as follows: (1) control group, basal diet; (2) zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) group, basal diet +100mg/kg ZnSO4; (3) glycine zinc (Gly-Zn) group, basal diet +100mg/kg Gly-Zn and (4) zinc lactate group, and basal diet +100mg/kg zinc lactate. The whole trial lasted for 28days. Decreased F/G was noted in the Gly-Zn and zinc lactate groups (p<0.05). The zinc lactate group had a lower diarrhea rate than the control group (p<0.05). Moreover, the ZnSO4, Gly-Zn, and zinc lactate groups had significantly higher apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude ash, and zinc than the control group (p<0.05). The Gly-Zn and zinc lactate groups had higher jejunal villus height and a higher villus height:crypt depth ratio than the control group (p<0.05). In addition, the ZnSO4, Gly-Zn and zinc lactate groups had a significantly lower mRNA expression level of jejunal ZRT/IRT-like protein 4 (ZIP4) and higher mRNA expression level of jejunal interleukin-1β (IL-1β) than the control group (p<0.05). The mRNA expression level of jejunal zinc transporter 2 (ZNT2) was higher and that of jejunal Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) was lower in the Gly-Zn and zinc lactate groups than in the control group (p<0.05). Moreover, the zinc lactate group had a higher count of Lactobacillus spp. in the cecal digesta and higher mRNA expression levels of jejunal occludin and mucin 2 (MUC2) than the control group (p<0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 100mg/kg ZnSO4, Gly-Zn, or zinc lactate could improve the growth performance and gut barrier function of weaned piglets. Dietary supplementation with organic zinc, particularly zinc lactate, had the best effect.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 212-213
Author(s):  
xia xiong ◽  
Lvliang Wu ◽  
Yirui Shao ◽  
Jian zou ◽  
Yulong Yin

Abstract Glucan has been studied as a potential alternative to antibiotics for animals in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary glucan on growth performance and gut health of weaning piglets, which is a water-soluble extracellular ꞵ-glucan produced by Agrobacterium sp. ZX09. A total of 108 weaned piglets (21 d of age; 6.05 ± 0.36 kg) were randomly assigned (6 pens/diet; 18 piglets/pen) to 3 dietary treatments consisting of a basal diet (control group) or the basal diet supplemented with 20 ppm olaquindox or 200 ppm glucan for 14 days, respectively. The results showed that piglets fed with glucan had greater (P < 0.05) body weight and average daily gain than piglets in control group. Piglets fed with glucan or antibiotic had greater villus height to crypt depth ratio on duodenum compared with control group (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of Claudin-1 on duodenum or ileum was higher (P < 0.05) in glucan group than that on the other groups. The mRNA expression of TLR4, MYD88 and NFκB on jejunum were lower (P < 0.05) in glucan or antibiotic group than those in control group. Dietary supplementation with glucan tended to increase the IL-10 and SIgA concentration on ileum (0.05 < P < 0.1). Dietary supplementation with glucan tended to increase the total antioxidant capacity on jejunum (P = 0.093). In conclusion, 200 ppm glucan or 20 ppm olaquindox can improve the growth performance of weaning piglets. The glucan may can accelerate the growth of weaned piglets by improving gut health. This research will provide guidance for the olaquindox alternative on growing piglets.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleonora Fusi ◽  
Rita Rizzi ◽  
Michele Polli ◽  
Simona Cannas ◽  
Alberto Giardini ◽  
...  

BackgroundThe present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the probiotic strain Lactobacillusacidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) on nutritional condition and faecal quality in cats.MethodsTen healthy adult cats from the same cattery were included (aged >9 months; male:female sex ratio=3:7). The animals were randomly assigned to a control group (CTR; n=5; male:female=1:4; room 1: 16 m2) and to a treated group (LACTO; n=5; male:female=2:3; room 2: 16 m2) receiving the same commercial dry diet. The LACTO group diet was supplemented with the probiotic (5 x 109 cfu/kg feed at least). A five-week experimental period was applied, and nutritional status was monitored by bodyweight (BW) and body condition score (BCS). Faecal quality was evaluated using faecal score (FS) and faecal moisture (FM) parameters. Plate counts of some faecal bacteria species were carried out. The data obtained were analysed using MIXED, GLM and NPAR1WAY procedures (SAS V.9.4; P≤0.05).ResultsThe two groups did not show differences in BW and BCS data. A clear effect of the probiotic supplementation on FM was recorded (LACTO 44 per cent v CTR group 46 per cent; P=0.04). FS in the LACTO group (3.35) was close to ideal values (2–3) in comparison with the CTR group (3.75). Positive effects of Lacidophilus D2/CSL have been recorded in terms of increase in faecal lactobacilli counts and reduction in faecal coli counts.ConclusionsThis study’s preliminary results describe how inclusion of Lacidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) probiotic strain in cats’ diets could effectively improve faecal quality parameters and consequently gut health in adult healthy cats.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Wang ◽  
Qian Zhu ◽  
Xiangfeng Kong ◽  
Mingtong Song ◽  
Md. Abul Kalam Azad ◽  
...  

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary probiotics or synbiotics supplementation on colonic microbiota, antioxidant capacity, and immune function in weaned piglets. A total of 64 pregnant Bama mini-sows and then 128 of their weaned piglets were randomly assigned into control group, antibiotics group, probiotics group, or synbiotics group. The results showed that colonic Firmicutes and Bifidobacterium abundances in the probiotics group and total bacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Lactobacillus abundances in the synbiotics group were increased (P < 0.05), while Escherichia coli abundance in the synbiotics group was decreased (P = 0.061) compared with the control group. Firmicutes, Bifidobacterium, and total bacteria abundances were increased (P < 0.05) in the probiotics and synbiotics groups compared with the antibiotics group. Probiotics supplementation up-regulated (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of GPR109A compared with the control and antibiotics groups. Dietary probiotics or synbiotics supplementation improved the antioxidant capacity by increasing (P < 0.05) the colonic CAT, GSH-Px, SOD, and T-AOC levels and plasma CAT, GSH, GSH-Px, and SOD levels and by decreasing (P < 0.05) the colonic and plasma MDA and H2O2 levels. Compared to the control group, the colonic IL-10, IFN-α, and sIgA concentrations and plasma IgA and IgM concentrations were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the probiotics and synbiotics groups. Spearman's correlation analysis showed that the changed colonic microbiota, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were correlated with the alteration of antioxidant indexes, cytokines, and immunoglobulins. In conclusion, dietary probiotics or synbiotics supplementation during gestation, lactation, and nursery periods could be used as an alternative for antibiotics in terms of gut health of weaned piglets.


Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 876 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harriet Angwech ◽  
Siria Tavaniello ◽  
Acaye Ongwech ◽  
Archileo N. Kaaya ◽  
Giuseppe Maiorano

A study was carried out to assess the efficacy of prebiotic delivered in ovo on performance, carcass traits, meat quality and gut health in the face of a natural coccidiosis infection in Kuroiler chickens. On d 12 of incubation, 150 fertile eggs were divided into a prebiotic group injected with trans-galactooligosaccharides (Bi2tos) and a control group uninjected. Hatched chicks from each group were further divided: One group received antibiotic chick formula while the other was left untreated, giving rise to 4 groups—Control (C), Antibiotic (A), Bi2tos (B), and Bi2tos + Antibiotic (AB). Prebiotic improved growth performance at six weeks of age, AB birds were the heaviest at the end of the rearing period. The highest intestinal lesion scores and oocyst counts were recorded in C birds. B group had a slightly higher carcass weight and cuts yields tended to be higher in treated groups compared to C. Meat from B group displayed a higher amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to C and a positively lower n-6/n-3 ratio compared to C and A. In conclusion, prebiotics with or without antibiotics reduced severity of intestinal lesions and oocyst excretion induced by natural infection with Eimeria, with positive effects on Kuroiler chicken productive traits.


2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 1352-1359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue Mei Shen ◽  
Hong Xiao Cui ◽  
Xiu Rong Xu

Objective: <i>Lactobacilli</i> in rabbit intestine is rare and its function in rabbit gut health is not fully understood. The present study aimed to evaluate <i>in vivo</i> the probiotic potential of <i>Lactobacillus casei</i> for suckling rabbits.Methods: Two healthy 5-day-old suckling rabbits with similar weights from each of 12 New Zealand White litters were selected and disturbed to control group and treatment group. All rabbits were artificially fed. The treatment group had been supplemented with live <i>Lactobacillus casei</i> in the milk from the beginning of the trial to 13 days of age. At 15 days of age, healthy paired rabbits were slaughtered to collect intestinal samples.Results: i) Oral administration of Lactobacillus casei significantly increased the proportion of <i>Lactobacilli</i> in the total intestinal bacteria (p<0.01) and obviously reduced that of <i>Escherichia-Shigella</i> (p<0.01); ii) treatment increased the length of vermiform appendix (p<0.05); iii) a higher percentage of degranulated paneth cells was observed in the duodenum and jejunum when rabbits administered with Lactobacillus casei (p<0.01); and iv) the expression of tolllike receptor 9, lysozyme (<i>LYZ</i>), and defensin-7-like (<i>DEFEN</i>) in the duodenum and jejunum was stimulated by supplemented Lactobacillus casei (p<0.05).Conclusion: Orally administered Lactobacillus casei could increase the abundance of intestinal <i>Lactobacilli</i>, decrease the relative abundance of intestinal <i>Escherichia-Shigella</i>, promote the growth of appendix vermiform, stimulate the degranulation of paneth cells and induce the expression of <i>DEFEN</i> and <i>LYS</i>. The results of the present study implied that <i>Lactobacillus casei</i> exhibited probiotic potential for suckling rabbits.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaodan Wang ◽  
Zhilong Tian ◽  
Yue Zhao ◽  
Wenming Zhang ◽  
Zhanbin Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with a mixture of Bacillus on the intestinal health of weaned piglets. We randomly assigned 120 piglets to three groups; a control group (basal diet), a probiotics group (supplemented with 4 × 109 CFU/g Bacillus licheniformis-B. subtilis mixture; BLS mix), and an antibiotics group (supplemented with 0.04 kg/t virginiamycin, 0.2 kg/t colistin, and 3000 mg/kg zinc oxide). All groups had five replicates with eight piglets per replicate. On days 7, 21, and 42 of the trial, intestine and digesta samples were collected to determine the intestinal morphology, gut microbiota and metabolites, and the expression of genes related to gut health. The results showed that the BLS mix decreased the jejunum crypt depth, increased the ileum villus height, and increased the jejunum and ileum villus height to crypt depth ratio. The BLS mix also increased the expression levels of E-cadherin and Occludin in the colon and pro-inflammatory cytokines and TLR4 in ileum and colon. The BLS mix also increased Simpson’s diversity index in the gut microbiota and the relative abundances of o_Bacteroidetes and f_Ruminococcaceae, but it decreased the relative abundances of Blautia, and Clostridium. Collectively, these findings suggested that dietary BLS mix supplementation efficaciously promotes intestinal health through the modulation of gut microbiota in weaned piglets.


Author(s):  
Rita Narayanan ◽  
B. Suresh Subramonian

In the present study four isolates belonging to three bifidobacterial species with probiotic properties were isolated and identified from the faeces of breast fed infants and incorporated in the preparation of a nutraceutical whey based malt food. Identification of isolates to the genus Bifidobacteria was based on phenotypic characteristics like the unique pleomorphic morphology and carbohydrate fermentation profile. Molecular tools like 16S rRNA targeted genus and species specific mPCR were used for confirmation. The four isolates (of 3 species) identified wereB. longum(IB10 and IB12)B. breve (IB39)and B.bifidum (IB42). The nucleotide sequences of the identified species were submitted to the GenBank for acquisition of accession number. The identified species were screened for probiotic properties like bile tolerance, antimicrobial activity and tolerance to acidity. All the four isolates showed more than 80 per cent viability in the presence of 0.4, 0.8 and 1 per cent of bile salt. IsolateB.longum (IB10)showed maximum antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus (zi3.03 ± 0.019 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (zi3.00 ± 0.031mm), Escherichia coli(zi2.98 ± 0.043 mm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (zi3.03 ± 0.051 mm) in the cell free supernatant. All the four bifidobacterial isolatesshowed more than 80 per centviability atpH 3.B.longum (IB10)was a better probiotic when compared to other isolates as it had maximum antimicrobial activity and tolerance to bile and acidity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 1018-1032
Author(s):  
Chia-Hsin Wu ◽  
Roger W. Chan

Purpose Semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises with tubes or straws have been widely used for a variety of voice disorders. Yet, the effects of longer periods of SOVT exercises (lasting for weeks) on the aging voice are not well understood. This study investigated the effects of a 6-week straw phonation in water (SPW) exercise program. Method Thirty-seven elderly subjects with self-perceived voice problems were assigned into two groups: (a) SPW exercises with six weekly sessions and home practice (experimental group) and (b) vocal hygiene education (control group). Before and after intervention (2 weeks after the completion of the exercise program), acoustic analysis, auditory–perceptual evaluation, and self-assessment of vocal impairment were conducted. Results Analysis of covariance revealed significant differences between the two groups in smoothed cepstral peak prominence measures, harmonics-to-noise ratio, the auditory–perceptual parameter of breathiness, and Voice Handicap Index-10 scores postintervention. No significant differences between the two groups were found for other measures. Conclusions Our results supported the positive effects of SOVT exercises for the aging voice, with a 6-week SPW exercise program being a clinical option. Future studies should involve long-term follow-up and additional outcome measures to better understand the efficacy of SOVT exercises, particularly SPW exercises, for the aging voice.


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