Effects of Dietary Supplementation With Enterococcus faecium and Clostridium butyricum, Either Alone or in Combination, on Growth and Fecal Microbiota Composition of Post-weaning Pigs at a Commercial Farm

Recent evidences suggest that gut microbiota plays an important role in regulating physiological and metabolic activities of pregnant sows, and β-carotene has a potentially positive effect on reproduction, but the impact of β-carotene on gut microbiota in pregnant sows remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the effect and mechanisms of β-carotene on the reproductive performance of sows from the aspect of gut microbiota. A total of 48 hybrid pregnant sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) with similar parity were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 16) and fed with a basal diet or a diet containing 30 or 90 mg/kg of β-carotene from day 90 of gestation until parturition. Dietary supplementation of 30 or 90 mg/kg β-carotene increased the number of live birth to 11.82 ± 1.54 and 12.29 ± 2.09, respectively, while the control group was 11.00 ± 1.41 (P = 0.201). Moreover, β-carotene increased significantly the serum nitric oxide (NO) level and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity (P < 0.05). Characterization of fecal microbiota revealed that 90 mg/kg β-carotene increased the diversity of the gut flora (P < 0.05). In particular, β-carotene decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes including Lachnospiraceae AC2044 group, Lachnospiraceae NK4B4 group and Ruminococcaceae UCG-008, but enriched Proteobacteria including Bilophila and Sutterella, and Actinobacteria including Corynebacterium and Corynebacterium 1 which are related to NO synthesis. These data demonstrated that dietary supplementation of β-carotene may increase antioxidant enzyme activity and NO, an important vasodilator to promote the neonatal blood circulation, through regulating gut microbiota in sows.

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PSVI-3 Dietary supplementation with coated omega-3 fatty acids has positive effects on growth performance and nutrients digestibility in weaned pigs

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skaa054.343 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 196-197

Author(s):

Woo Jung Seok ◽

Je min Ahn ◽

Jing Hu ◽

Dexin Dang ◽

Yanjiao Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Growth Performance ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Dietary Supplementation ◽

Basal Diet ◽

Phase 2 ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Phase 3 ◽

Linear Effect ◽

Weaning Pigs

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of coated omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 CFA) by corn cob power silica on performance of weaning pigs. A total of 200 weaned pigs [(Landrace x Yorkshire) x Duroc, average initial body weight at 6.97 ± 1.22 kg] were randomly assigned to four experimental treatments in a 6-week experiment in 3 phases as follows: CON, basal diet; 2) 0.3CFA, CON + phase 1(0.3% n-3CFA), phase 2(0.2% n-3CFA), phase 3(0.1% n-3CFA); 3) 0.6CFA, CON + phase 1(0.6% n-3CFA), phase 2(0.4% n-3CFA), phase 3(0.2% n-3CFA); 4) 0.9CFA, CON + phase 1(0.9% n-3CFA), phase 2(0.6% n-3CFA), phase 3 (0.3% n-3CFA). Each treatment had 10 replicates with 5 pigs (three gilts and two barrows) per replicate. The data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS as a randomized complete block design. Pen served as the experimental unit. Linear, quadratic and cubic polynomial contrasts were used to examine effect of dietary treatment with coated n-3FA in the basal diet. Variability in the data was expressed as the standard error of means and P< 0.05 was considered to statistically significant. Increasing the level of n-3CFA in the diet linearly increased ADG and G/F of pigs (Table 1). Increasing the level of n-3CFA showed a linear increment in the digestibility of DM (83.59, 84.38, 85.13, 85.89 %) whereas nitrogen digestibility (81.79, 82.38, 82.96, 83.64 %) showed a trend (linear effect, p=0.0594) at the end of experiment. The fecal lactobacillus count was increased (7.22, 7.27, 7.33, 7.35 log10cfu/g) with the increase in the supplemental level of n-3CFA (linear effect; p< 0.05). However, there were no differences in the concentration of serum haptoglobin, or fecal E. coli, Clostridium and Salmonella counts despite the increase in n-3CFA levels in the diet. Supplementation of the diet with coated n-3 fatty acids positively affected growth performance and digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen, and enhanced the count of lactobacillus in weaning pigs.

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The microbial metabolite p-Cresol induces autistic-like behaviors in mice by remodeling the gut microbiota

Microbiome ◽

10.1186/s40168-021-01103-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Patricia Bermudez-Martin ◽

Jérôme A. J. Becker ◽

Nicolas Caramello ◽

Sebastian P. Fernandez ◽

Renan Costa-Campos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Behavior ◽

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ◽

Fecal Microbiota ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Dopamine Neurons ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Microbiota Composition ◽

Microbial Metabolite ◽

Central Dopamine Neurons ◽

Induced Changes

Abstract Background Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with dysregulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, changes in microbiota composition as well as in the fecal, serum, and urine levels of microbial metabolites. Yet a causal relationship between dysregulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis and ASD remains to be demonstrated. Here, we hypothesized that the microbial metabolite p-Cresol, which is more abundant in ASD patients compared to neurotypical individuals, could induce ASD-like behavior in mice. Results Mice exposed to p-Cresol for 4 weeks in drinking water presented social behavior deficits, stereotypies, and perseverative behaviors, but no changes in anxiety, locomotion, or cognition. Abnormal social behavior induced by p-Cresol was associated with decreased activity of central dopamine neurons involved in the social reward circuit. Further, p-Cresol induced changes in microbiota composition and social behavior deficits could be transferred from p-Cresol-treated mice to control mice by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). We also showed that mice transplanted with the microbiota of p-Cresol-treated mice exhibited increased fecal p-Cresol excretion, compared to mice transplanted with the microbiota of control mice. In addition, we identified possible p-Cresol bacterial producers. Lastly, the microbiota of control mice rescued social interactions, dopamine neurons excitability, and fecal p-Cresol levels when transplanted to p-Cresol-treated mice. Conclusions The microbial metabolite p-Cresol induces selectively ASD core behavioral symptoms in mice. Social behavior deficits induced by p-Cresol are dependant on changes in microbiota composition. Our study paves the way for therapeutic interventions targeting the microbiota and p-Cresol production to treat patients with ASD.

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Efficacy of metformin and fermentable fiber combination therapy in adolescents with severe obesity and insulin resistance: study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-021-05060-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Edward C. Deehan ◽

Eloisa Colin-Ramirez ◽

Lucila Triador ◽

Karen L. Madsen ◽

Carla M. Prado ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Insulin Resistance ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Combination Therapy ◽

Gut Microbiome ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Fecal Microbiota ◽

Metabolic Effects ◽

Microbiota Composition ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Secondary Outcomes

Abstract Background Accumulating evidence suggests that the metabolic effects of metformin and fermentable fibers are mediated, in part, through diverging or overlapping effects on the composition and metabolic functions of the gut microbiome. Pre-clinical animal models have established that the addition of fiber to metformin monotherapy improves glucose tolerance. However, possible synergistic effects of combination therapy (metformin plus fiber) have not been investigated in humans. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms of synergy have yet to be elucidated. The aim of this study is to compare in adolescents with obesity the metabolic effects of metformin and fermentable fibers in combination with those of metformin or fiber alone. We will also determine if therapeutic responses correlate with compositional and functional features of the gut microbiome. Methods This is a parallel three-armed, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Adolescents (aged 12–18 years) with obesity, insulin resistance (IR), and a family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) will receive either metformin (850 mg p.o. twice/day), fermentable fibers (35 g/day), or a combination of metformin plus fiber for 12 months. Participants will be seen at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months, with a phone follow-up at 1 and 9 months. Primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome is change in IR estimated by homeostatic model assessment of IR; key secondary outcomes include changes in the Matsuda index, oral disposition index, body mass index z-score, and fat mass to fat-free mass ratio. To gain mechanistic insight, endpoints that reflect host-microbiota interactions will also be assessed: obesity-related immune, metabolic, and satiety markers; humoral metabolites; and fecal microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids, and bile acids. Discussion This study will compare the potential metabolic benefits of fiber with those of metformin in adolescents with obesity, determine if metformin and fiber act synergistically to improve IR, and elucidate whether the metabolic benefits of metformin and fiber associate with changes in fecal microbiota composition and the output of health-related metabolites. This study will provide insight into the potential role of the gut microbiome as a target for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of emerging treatments for T2DM prevention. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04578652. Registered on 8 October 2020.

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Evaluation of Dietary Probiotic (Lactobacillus plantarum BG0001) Supplementation on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Profile, Fecal Gas Emission, and Fecal Microbiota in Weaning Pigs

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11082232 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 2232

Author(s):

Huan Wang ◽

In-ho Kim

Keyword(s):

Growth Performance ◽

Lactobacillus Plantarum ◽

Block Design ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Fecal Microbiota ◽

Nutrient Digestibility ◽

Gas Emission ◽

Blood Profile ◽

E Coli ◽

Weaning Pigs

A total of 180, 4-week-old crossbred weaning piglets ((Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc; 6.67 ± 1.40 kg) were used in a 42 day experiment to evaluate the effect of dietary probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum BG0001) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, fecal microbiota, and noxious gas emission. All pigs were randomly allotted to one of four treatment diets in a completely randomized block design. Each treatment had nine replicates with five pigs/pen (mixed sex) Designated dietary treatments were as: (1) basal diet (NC), (2) NC + 0.2% antibiotics (chlortetracycline) (PC), (3) NC + 0.1% L. plantarum BG0001 (Lactobacillus plantarum BG0001) (NC1), (4) NC + 0.2% L. plantarum BG0001 (NC2). On d 42, BW and G:F were lower (p < 0.05) in pigs fed NC diet compared with PC diet and probiotic diets. Throughout this experiment, the average daily gain increased (p < 0.05) in pigs when fed with PC and probiotic diets than the NC diet. The average daily feed intake was higher (p < 0.05) in pigs fed PC diet during day 0–7 and 22–42, and probiotic diets during day 0–7 compared with NC diet, respectively. The Lactobacillus count was increased and Escherichia coli count was decreased (p < 0.05) in the fecal microbiota of pigs fed probiotic diets, and E. coli were decreased (p < 0.05) when fed a PC diet compared with the NC diet on day 21. Moreover, the apparent total tract nutrient digestibility, blood profile, and the concentration of noxious gas emission had no negative effects by the probiotic treatments. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with L. plantarum BG0001 significantly improved the growth performance, increased fecal Lactobacillus, and decreased E. coli counts in weaning pigs.

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PSVI-11 Effects of dietary supplementation of enzymatic bio-conversion of Scutellaria baicalensis extract as an alternative to antibiotics in growing pigs

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab235.730 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 403-405

Author(s):

Koo Deokho ◽

Dang De Xin ◽

Gao Shanshui ◽

Lim Chain Bin ◽

Kim Inho

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Block Design ◽

Dietary Supplementation ◽

Basal Diet ◽

Fecal Microbiota ◽

Nutrient Digestibility ◽

Growing Pigs ◽

Gas Emission ◽

Final Body Weight ◽

Positive Correlation

Abstract This study was carried out to assess the effects of dietary supplementation of enzymatic bio-conversion of Scuterallia baicalensis (SB) extract on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbiota, fecal gas emission, blood hematology, and antioxidative indicators in growing pigs. A total of 200 crossbred pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] with an initial body weight of 24.52 ± 1.99 kg were used in a 42-day experiment with a completely randomized block design. Pigs were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups with 10 replicate pens per treatment and 5 animals per pen (2 barrows and 3 gilts). There were four diet conditions: 1) CON, basal diet; 2) TRT1, basal diet + 0.1% apramycin; 3) TRT2, basal diet + 0.1% SB extract; 4) TRT3, basal diet + 0.1% enzymatic bio-conversion of SB extract. The pen was taken as the experimental unit. Tukey’s multiple range test was used for evaluation of differences among the treatments. Compared with the CON group, TRT1 or TRT3 groups had higher final body weight (BW) (P = 0.074) and average daily gain (ADG) (P = 0.075), and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P = 0.054). The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) (P = 0.095) in TRT1 group was higher than that in CON group. Serum glutathione peroxidase (GPX) (P = 0.047) and glutathione (GSH) (P = 0.074) concentrations in TRT3 group were higher than those in CON or TRT1 groups. However, there were no significant differences in fecal microbiota, fecal gas emission, and blood hematology among all dietary groups. A positive correlation between apramycin supplementation in the diet and ADG and the ATTD of DM were observed. A positive correlation between enzymatic bio-conversion of SB extract supplementation in the diet and ADG and the concentration of GPX and GSH in serum were also observed.

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