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El rumen es una cámara de fermentación que permite a los rumiantes aprovechar eficientemente alimentos fibrosos. Dicho órgano alberga una compleja y diversa comunidad microbiana, lo que presenta dificultades en cuanto a la modulación de su función. Las primeras semanas de vida del animal en las que el ecosistema microbiano se está formando y tiene una importante plasticidad representa una interesante oportunidad de modulación. Distinto tipo de intervenciones aplicadas durante este período puede permitir la modulación y estimulación de la colonización microbiana del rumen y el desarrollo ruminal, lo cual adquiere gran relevancia especialmente en sistemas de lactancia artificial, donde las crías se separan rápidamente de las madres y por tanto carecen de una fuente natural de colonización. Esta tesis tuvo como objeto evaluar diversas estrategias para acelerar el desarrollo microbiológico ruminal y ahondar en el conocimiento de los factores que modulan dicha microbiota. En un primer experimento se procedió a identificar, en condiciones in vitro, la microbiota ruminal madura con un mayor potencial para ser empleada como inóculo en cabritos recién nacidos (Publicación 1). El líquido ruminal fresco muestreado en una situación postprandial resultó ser el inóculo que promovió una mayor actividad fermentativa y por tanto fue el elegido para ser utilizado en el siguiente experimento. En el segundo experimento (Publicaciones 2 y 3) se procedió a inocular diariamente cabritos recién nacidos hasta el destete en condiciones de lactancia artificial para estudiar los efectos de esta intervención en el desarrollo del rumen. Dicho estudio mostró que la inoculación con líquido ruminal fresco en cabritos mejoró la actividad fermentativa ruminal y aceleró la colonización microbiana del rumen antes del destete, como demuestran la mayor concentración y absorción de productos de fermentación como el butirato (+50 %) y la más abundante y diversa comunidad microbiana (P < 0.05). Además, los cabritos inoculados presentaron una mayor ganancia de peso inmediatamente tras el destete, posiblemente debido a la mayor ingesta de forraje (+44 %) y a la más compleja comunidad protozoaria del rumen. Mientras que el crecimiento no se vio afectado por la inoculación, algunos de los efectos positivos de esta persistieron después del destete. En un estudio subsiguiente (Publicación 4) se procedió a evaluar los efectos de la transmisión indirecta de microbiota ruminal a cabritos en lactancia artificial mediante la presencia de animales acompañantes adultos no lactantes en el mismo parque. Dicha estrategia de manejo dio lugar a un desarrollo microbiológico del rumen más temprano en los cabritos, representado por la presencia de unas comunidades de bacterias (+132 filotipos), protozoos y metanógenos más diversas, las cuales se asimilaban más a las presentes en los adultos. Los efectos en la actividad ruminal y el rendimiento animal no fueron tan claros como con la inoculación directa pero las mayores concentraciones de butirato (+45 %) y amonio sugieren una mejora de las actividades fibrolítica y proteolítica. Estos hallazgos sugieren que, en situaciones de lactancia artificial, la inoculación directa de rumiantes jóvenes con líquido ruminal de animales adultos, o indirectamente mediante la mera presencia de acompañantes adultos, permite acelerar el desarrollo microbiológico y funcional del rumen con efectos positivos sobre el periodo de destete. Paralelamente, en esta tesis se ha estudiado el papel de los componentes bioactivos de la saliva en la regulación de las poblaciones microbianas del rumen y su actividad fermentativa a través de la incubación con distintas fracciones de saliva y de distintos animales donantes. La incubación con una alta proporción de saliva filtrada (sin microorganismos pero con proteínas salivales) aumentó los niveles de actividad fermentativa ruminal (Publicación 5). El uso de saliva autoclavada originó una composición de la comunidad microbiana diferente, con una mayor abundancia de Proteobacteria y menor de Prevotellaceae, en comparación con las comunidades resultantes de la incubación con saliva no autoclavada de cabra u oveja (Publicación 6). Estos hallazgos sugieren que la inoculación directa e indirecta (aunque en menor medida) de microbiota ruminal mejoró el desarrollo del rumen de cabritos en el destete, y que los componentes bioactivos de la saliva modulan selectivamente las poblaciones microbianas del rumen y su actividad en pos de una adecuada asociación microbiota-huésped., The rumen is a fermentation chamber that enables ruminants to efficiently digest fibrous diets. This organ harbours a complex and diverse microbial community which makes it difficult to achieve a successful modulation of its activity. The first weeks of life of the animal when the ecosystem is being developed and therefore have high plasticity represent an interesting opportunity of modulation. Different interventions applied during the first weeks of life can allow the modulation and promotion of the rumen microbial colonization and rumen development, which is of great importance specially in artificial milking systems, where kids are quickly separated from their dams and therefore lack a natural source of colonization. This thesis aimed to evaluate several strategies to accelerate the rumen microbial development and to delve into the knowledge of the different factors that modulate the rumen microbiota. The first experiment of the thesis attempted to identify, under in vitro conditions, the mature rumen microbiota with a greater potential to be used as inoculum in newborn goats (Publication 1). Fresh rumen fluid sampled after feeding was found to be the inoculum that promoted a higher fermentative activity and therefore it was chosen for the following in vivo study. In this second experiment (Publications 2 and 3) newborn goat kids were daily inoculated until weaning under artificial-rearing conditions to assess the effects of this intervention on rumen development. This study showed that the inoculation with fresh rumen fluid in goat kids improved rumen fermentative activity and accelerated the rumen microbial colonization before weaning, as shown by the greater concentration and absorption of fermentation products such as butyrate (+50 %) and the more abundant and diverse microbial community (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Inoculated kids had a greater weight gain immediately after weaning, possibly because of their higher forage intake (+44 %) and complex rumen protozoal community. While animal growth was unaffected by inoculation, some of its positive effects also persisted after weaning. A subsequent study (Publication 4) aimed to evaluate the effects of mimicking the former microbial transmission to newborn goat kids until weaning by the presence of non-lactating adult companions in the same pen. This management strategy also resulted in an earlier rumen microbial development in goat kids, as shown by the presence of a diverse bacterial (+132 phylotipes), protozoal and methanogens communities at weaning, which better resembled those of the adults. Effects on rumen activity and animal performance were not as clear as with the direct inoculation but higher butyrate (+ 45 %) and ammonia concentrations suggest improved fibrolytic and proteolytic activities. These findings suggest that under artificial-rearing conditions, the direct inoculation of young ruminants with rumen fluid from adult animals, or indirectly by the mere presence of adult companions, allows an acceleration of the microbial and functional rumen development with positive effects during the weaning period. Concurrently, this thesis evaluated the role of the salivary bioactive components in the regulation of the rumen microbial populations and their fermentative activity by incubating with different saliva fractions and from different donors. Incubating with a high proportion of filtrated saliva (without microbiota but with salivary proteins) boosted the levels of rumen fermentative activity (Publication 5). The use of autoclaved saliva led to a very divergent microbial community composition, with greater abundance of Proteobacteria and lower of Prevotellaceae, compared to the communities resulting from incubation with non-autoclaved goat’s or sheep’s saliva (Publication 6). These findings suggest that direct and, to a lesser extent, indirect inoculation of rumen microbiota improved the rumen development in goat kids at weaning and that the bioactive components of saliva selectively modulate the rumen microbial populations and their activity for a suitable host-microbiota association., Tesis Univ. Granada.

Comme l'alimentation est le premier poste composant le coût de production (± 60 % du coût total) en élevage, la mesure de l'efficacité alimentaire est un indicateur majeur pour juger la performance et la rentabilité d'un élevage. L'amélioration de l'efficacité alimentaire est aussi un enjeu pour réduire l'impact environnemental de l'élevage, par la réduction des rejets animaux et une moindre production de matières premières alimentaires. Cette efficacité se mesure couramment par l'indice de consommation, et en cuniculture conventionnelle, l'indice de consommation économique (ICe = maternité+engraissement) a été réduit de 10 % (3,8 vs 3,4) ces 15 dernières années, de même que les rejets azotés et phosphorés. Cette amélioration provient des progrès conjoints sur la maîtrise sanitaire, l'alimentation (notamment les stratégies de restriction), la maîtrise du logement et le potentiel génétique des animaux. Cette article de synthèse résume l'impact de ces facteurs pour améliorer l'efficacité alimentaire en cuniculture conventionnelle. Après la gestion sanitaire, les performances reproductives du troupeau sont un levier majeur d'amélioration de l'ICe. L'usage d'aliments préservant la santé digestive du lapin en croissance, associé à une stratégie appropriée de restriction post-sevrage sont aussi de bons leviers. Les recherches en génétique peuvent contribuer à réduire l'ICe par 2 voies, l'amélioration de la vitesse de croissance et/ou la réduction de la consommation d'aliment à croissance fixée. L'impact environnemental de la cuniculture varie entre 7,6 et 10,5 kg d'équivalent CO2/kg de carcasse produite (légèrement supérieure au poulet) et ne diffère pas de celui du porc. À l'avenir, il semble possible d'améliorer encore l'efficacité alimentaire, et donc de réduire à la fois les intrants et les rejets, pour atteindre un ICe proche de 3,0 similaire aux systèmes porcins.

Over the last decades, the incidence of diabetes has increased in developed countries and beyond the genetic impact, environmental factors, which can trigger the activation of the gut immune system, seem to affect the induction of the disease process. Since the composition of the gut microbiome might disturb the normal interaction with the immune system and contribute to altered immune responses, the restoration of normal microbiota composition constitutes a new target for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Thus, the interaction of gut microbiome and diabetes, focusing on mechanisms connecting gut microbiota with the occurrence of the disorder, is discussed in the present review. Finally, the challenge of functional food diet on maintaining intestinal health and microbial flora diversity and functionality, as a potential tool for the onset inhibition and management of the disease, is highlighted by reporting key animal studies and clinical trials. Early onset of the disease in the oral cavity is an important factor for the incorporation of a functional food diet in daily routine.

The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effects of commercial probiotic and chitosan as food additives on the quality and meat composition of 36 New Zealand White rabbits (57 ± 8 days old and 1,648 ± 0.194 kg) and on the fatty acid profile of caecotrophs. The treatments were CT (diets without inclusion of additives), PRO (inclusion of 4 g / kg of commercial probiotic) and CHI (inclusion of 4 g / kg of chitosan). The additives increased triglycerides and decreased urea compared to the control group, as well as increased oleic and linoleic acids, Ʃ unsaturated, Ʃ monounsaturated and Ʃ polyunsaturated in caecotrophs. CHI animals showed a decrease in myristic and palmitic acids compared to PRO. CHI decreased the meat's crude protein and the meat's fat. In addition, there was a decrease in omega-3, omega-6 and the relationship unsaturated and saturated fatty acids for the CHI group and an increase in erucic acid and a decrease in the rate of hypocholesterolemic acids. As a conclusion, the data showed that the animals that ingested probiotic had better meat quality, for having better fatty acid profile and hypocholesterolemic index, compared to the treatment with chitosan. The additives improved the caecotrophs fatty acid profile. RESUMO Os objetivos desta pesquisa foram avaliar os efeitos do probiótico e da quitosana como aditivos alimentares na qualidade e composição da carne de 36 coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia Branco (57±8 dias de idade e 1.648±0.194 kg) e no perfil de ácidos graxos dos cecotrofos. Os tratamentos foram CT (dietas sem inclusão de aditivos), PRO (inclusão de 4 g/kg de probiótico) e CHI (inclusão de 4 g/kg de quitosana). Os aditivos aumentaram os triglicerídeos e diminuíram a ureia em comparação ao grupo controle, bem como amentaram os ácidos oleico e linoleico, Ʃ insaturados, Ʃ monoinsaturados e Ʃ poli-insaturados nos cecotrofos. Os animais CHI apresentaram diminuição nos ácidos mirístico e palmítico em comparação ao PRO. A CHI diminuiu a proteína bruta da carne e o extrato etéreo da carne. Além disso, houve uma diminuição no ômega-3, ômega-6 e a relação entre ácidos graxos insaturados e saturados para o grupo CHI e aumento do ácido erúcico e diminuição do índice de hipocolesterolemia. Como conclusão, os dados mostraram que os animais que ingeriram probiótico apresentaram melhor qualidade da carne, por apresentarem melhores perfil de ácidos graxos e índice hipocolesterolêmico, em comparação ao tratamento com quitosana. Os aditivos melhoraram o perfil de ácidos graxos dos cecotrofos.

Inulin is a soluble dietary fibre, also classified as a prebiotic, extracted from chicory roots. The present study aimed to determine the effect of consumption of native chicory inulin on the stool frequency of middle-aged to older adults (40–75 years old) with uncomfortably but not clinically relevant low stool frequency, specified as two to four days without bowel movements per week. Two randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled crossover trials were conducted using similar protocols in differing populations. Trial A was conducted in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and subsequently Trial B was conducted in Newcastle, United Kingdom. Both trials involved supplementation for 5 weeks with 10 g per day of inulin or placebo, a washout period of 2 weeks, and then crossed over to receive the other treatment. In Trial B, faecal gut microbiota composition was assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In Trial A, which 10 volunteers completed, the stool frequency was significantly increased to an average 4.9 ± 0.23 (SEM) times per week during inulin periods versus 3.6 ± 0.25 in the periods with placebo (p = 0.01). In contrast, in Trial B which 20 volunteers completed, there was no significant effect of the inulin on stool frequency (7.5 ± 2.1 times per week with inulin, 8.1 ± 3.0 with placebo, p = 0.35). However, many subjects in Trial B had a stool frequency >5 per week also for the placebo period, in breach of the inclusion criteria. Combining the data of 16 low stool frequency subjects from Trials A and B showed a significant effect of inulin to increase stool frequency from 4.1 to 5.0 per week (p = 0.032). Regarding secondary outcomes, stool consistency was significantly softer with inulin treatment compared to placebo periods, it increased 0.29 on the Bristol stool scale (p = 0.008) when data from all subjects of Trials A and B were combined. No other differences in bowel habit parameters due to inulin consumption were significant. None of the differences in specific bacterial abundance, alpha or beta diversity were significant, however the trends were in directions consistent with published studies on other types of inulin. We conclude that 10 g per day of native chicory inulin can increase stool frequency in subjects with low stool frequency., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Inulin as 10g day-1 for 5 weeks significantly increased stool frequency in 16 older volunteers compared with maltodextrin.. • This increase was found in volunteers with low stool frequency (2 days or more per week without bowel movements). • Directions of changes in secondary outcomes were generally consistent with expectations for prebiotic effects of inulin. • Secondary outcomes included quality of life symptoms, stool consistency and composition of the faecal microbiota. • Among secondary outcomes, only softening of stool consistency reached significance within the present study.

Strong tight junctions and curtailed inflammatory responses under stressful conditions are key for optimal digestive health. Bacillus-based probiotics are increasingly being used to maintain broilers' health, but their mode of action is often not well-defined. In the present study we used Caco-2 cells as a model for intestinal epithelia and assessed the effect of three Bacillus-based probiotics on intestinal barrier function and intestinal inflammation. Experimental results showed that one of the three tested strains, Bs 29784, significantly reinforced intestinal barrier integrity under basal conditions through an up-regulation of the expression of tight junction's proteins, whereas the others had no or detrimental effects. When Caco-2 cells were pre-treated with Bacillus subtilis strains, the subsequent IL-8 release to various pro-inflammatory signals (IL-1β, deoxynivalenol, or flagellin) was blunted compared to cells that had not been pretreated, but to a different extent depending on the strain of Bacillus used. Bs 29784, was able to significantly decrease IL-8 production in all stressed conditions tested. Mechanistically, Bs 29784 appeared to limit nuclear translocation of NF-κB during IL-1β exposure by preventing IκB degradation. The effects of Bs 29784 were observed independently with supernatant and cells but in a lesser extent than with the combination, indicating that they can thus likely be attributed to both secreted metabolites and cell-associated compounds. Moreover, under inflammatory conditions, Bs 29784 significantly reduced the upregulation of iNOS protein levels further underlining its intestinal anti-inflammatory potential. Our data show that Bacillus-based probiotics may indeed improve digestive health by strengthening intestinal barrier and limiting inflammatory responses and that these properties are strain-dependent.

Background: Amongst the Health Care Professionals, midwife has a strategic role in taking care of both mother and child in contributing to their survival, health, and wellbeing. The retaining midwife’s knowledge and quality of care through training on specific skills is strongly needed. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge retention among midwives after the provision of digestive health, nutrition, and parenting education sessions at immediate and three months after the education.Methods: A serial pre-post intervention experimental study was conducted from January to July 2016 to evaluate the knowledge before (pre-test), immediate after (post-test), and three months after the provision of three sessions of digestion health, nutrition, and parenting (character building) topics by the experts which covered from several areas in Indonesia. The improvement of the sufficient knowledge proportion time by time was analyzed by using McNemar test.Results: The low immediate response rate (77.2%) and very low response after the 3-month follow-up (26.4%) were revealed during the study. At baseline, less than 50% of the subjects had sufficient knowledge on digestive health, nutrition, and parenting. At immediate after and after three months, there were significant improvements in the proportion of sufficient knowledge in nutrition and parenting topics. However, there was a declining of sufficient knowledge at after 3 months group compared to immediate group.Conclusion: The knowledge retention from the continuing health education among widwives in Indonesia decreased after 3 months.

[EN] We evaluate the effect of the crude protein source (CP) in combination with 2 feeding strategies (AL: ad libitum or R: restricted) on the performance, health status and carcass traits of growing-fattening rabbits (between 33 and 75 d of age). Two experimental diets were formulated; the first containing soybean meal (SBM: 70 g/kg) as the main CP source and the second containing white lupin seeds (WLS: 105 g/kg) as the main CP source. A total of 160 weaned Hyplus rabbits (774±10 g live weight) were randomly allocated to the experimental groups, combination of feeding strategy and diet (AL SBM, R SBM, AL WLS and R WLS; 40 rabbits per group with 4 rabbits per cage), for 42 d. The feeding programme was applied as follows: both the AL SBM and AL WLS rabbits were fed ad libitum for the entire fattening period, whereas the R SBM and R WLS rabbits were subjected to feed restriction between 33 and 47 d of age (75% of the ad libitum intake). Afterwards, all restricted rabbits were fed ad libitum until 75 d of age. Regardless of the CP source, the feed restriction reduced the final live weight by 83 g, chilled carcass weight by 65 g, and dressing out percentage by 0.9 percentage points (P, This study was supported by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic (Project No. MZERO0714) and Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of the Czech Republic (S Project).

Purpose To describe the nutritional and health attributes of kiwifruit and the benefits relating to improved nutritional status, digestive, immune and metabolic health. The review includes a brief history of green and gold varieties of kiwifruit from an ornamental curiosity from China in the 19th century to a crop of international economic importance in the 21st century; comparative data on their nutritional composition, particularly the high and distinctive amount of vitamin C; and an update on the latest available scientific evidence from well-designed and executed human studies on the multiple beneficial physiological effects. Of particular interest are the digestive benefits for healthy individuals as well as for those with constipation and other gastrointestinal disorders, including symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The mechanisms of action behind the gastrointestinal effects, such as changes in faecal (stool) consistency, decrease in transit time and reduction of abdominal discomfort, relate to the water retention capacity of kiwifruit fibre, favourable changes in the human colonic microbial community and primary metabolites, as well as the naturally present proteolytic enzyme actinidin, which aids protein digestion both in the stomach and the small intestine. The effects of kiwifruit on metabolic markers of cardiovascular disease and diabetes are also investigated, including studies on glucose and insulin balance, bodyweight maintenance and energy homeostasis. Conclusions The increased research data and growing consumer awareness of the health benefits of kiwifruit provide logical motivation for their regular consumption as part of a balanced diet. Kiwifruit should be considered as part of a natural and effective dietary strategy to tackle some of the major health and wellness concerns around the world.

International audience; This review aims to present the different effects produced by a post-weaning intake limitation strategy on the growing rabbit, now largely used by French professional rabbit breeders. Although a quantitative feed restriction leads to slower growth, feed conversion (FC) is improved, particularly when the rabbits are again fed freely, as compensatory growth occurs. This better FC or the healthy rabbit is because of better digestion resulting from slower passage through the intestine, whereas the digestive physiology is slightly modified (morphometry of the intestinal mucosa, fermentation pattern, microbiota). Meat quality and carcass characteristics are not greatly affected by feed restriction, except for a lower dressing-out percentage. One of the main advantages of limiting post-weaning intake of the rabbit is to reduce the mortality and morbidity rate due to digestive disorders (particularly epizootic rabbit enteropathy syndrome). The consequences for animal welfare are debatable, as feed restriction probably leads to hunger, but it reduces the incidence of digestive troubles after weaning. However, the growing rabbit adapts very well to an intake limitation strategy, without any aggressive behaviour for congener. In conclusion, restriction strategies could improve profitability of rabbit breeding, but they should be adapted to any specific breeding situation, according to the national market, feed prices, etc.

Alterations of gut microbiota, intestinal barrier and the gut-brain axis may be involved in pathophysiology of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of digestive tract symptoms and identify common variables potentially disrupting the gut-brain axis among participants of the Woodstock Festival Poland, 2017. In total 428 people filled in a questionnaire assessing health of their digestive tract. The investigator collected answers on an electronic device, while the study participant responded using a paper version of the same questionnaire. Liver and gallbladder related symptoms were the most prevalent among our study group (n = 266, 62%), however symptoms related to altered intestinal permeability were found to be the most intensive complaints. In females the intensity of gastrointestinal complaints was higher compared to men (p &lt, 0.05), as well as the incidence of factors with the potential to alter gut-brain axis (p &lt, 0.0001). Chronic psychological distress, intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics, were the most common associations with gastrointestinal symptoms, which were the most prevalent in females. Further attention should be focused on stress as one of the main factors negatively influencing public health.

International audience; A field enquiry mentioned the potential positive impact of a feed restriction on the health of young rabbits, but no objective information relates the intake to digestive health. The effects of a post-weaning feed restriction strategy were thus studied on digestive health and growth and carcass parameters of the growing rabbit, using a monofactorial design that produces a quantitative linear reduction of the intake, from ad libitum (AL group) to 80%, 70% and 60% of AL. The study was performed simultaneously in six experimental sites, on 1984 growing rabbits (496 per treatment) collectively caged from weaning (34 to 38 days of age, depending on the site) to slaughter (68 to 72 days). The feeding programme was applied as followed: restriction during 21 days after weaning, and then ad libitum till slaughter. During the feed restriction period the growth rate was linearly reduced with the restriction level, by 0.5 g/day for each percent of intake reduction. When returning to ad libitum intake (after 54 days old) a compensatory growth and a higher feed efficiency occurred. Therefore, the impact of the feeding programme on the slaughter weight (SW) was significant (24.5 g/% of restriction), but relatively moderate: the weight loss of the more-restricted rabbits (60%) reached 7.7% (2200 g) compared to the AL group. Over the whole fattening period, the feed restriction reduced linearly and significantly the feed conversion (FC) (20.0077 unit/% of restriction). Carcass traits were little affected by the feeding programme, except for a slightly lower decrease of the dressing percentage (mean: 1.2 units between AL and the three restricted groups). On the six experimental sites, mortality and morbidity were always caused by acute digestive disorders, namely diarrhoea and/or caecal impaction. Independent of the treatment, the mortality rate strongly varied according to the site (between 7% and 18% from weaning to 54 days and for the AL group). During feed restriction, the mortality was significantly lower from a restriction threshold of 80% (meanly: 29% compared to AL). The morbidity was also significantly reduced (26%) for the two most restricted groups (70% and 60%). The favourable effect of a lower intake on health did not persist after returning to ad libitum intake (54 days to slaughter), since mortality and morbidity were not significantly different among the treatments. Such a feeding strategy thus represents a double benefit in terms of feed costs and lower losses of young rabbits.

Le problème grandissant de l’antibiorésistance remet en question plusieurs pratiques reliées à l’utilisation des antibiotiques, dont l’usage à grande échelle pour des fins de promotion de la croissance chez les animaux de consommation. Depuis 2006, le retrait des antibiotiques dans les élevages de poulets de chair en Europe a été associé à la résurgence d’entérite nécrotique, une maladie intestinale causée par la bactérie Clostridium perfringens. Alors que la pathogénie de la maladie semblait bien comprise, le retrait des antibiotiques a montré que peu de solutions de remplacement sont disponibles afin de prévenir cette maladie. Très peu d’études se sont intéressées à mieux caractériser la dynamique des populations de C. perfringens dans les élevages avicoles et l’effet que pouvait avoir le retrait des antibiotiques sur l’évolution de ces populations. La présente étude a évalué l’impact du remplacement des antibiotiques promoteurs de croissance et des anticoccidiens pendant une période de 14 mois, dans huit élevages commerciaux de poulets de chair au Québec. Un protocole d’élevage alternatif, combinant des stratégies telles que des produits à base d’huiles essentielles, des acides organiques et inorganique, une vaccination contre la coccidiose ainsi qu’une amélioration des conditions de démarrage des poussins, a été utilisé en remplacement des antimicrobiens. Les performances zootechniques, la santé digestive ainsi que l’occurrence d’entérite nécrotique pour les lots de poulets soumis au protocole d’élevage alternatif ont été comparées avec celles de lots de poulets de chair recevant une ration conventionnelle. Des analyses moléculaires basées sur la PCR et le PFGE ont été utilisées afin de documenter l’impact de la mise en place du protocole d’élevage alternatif sur les populations de C. perfringens. Les résultats obtenus montrent qu’aucune différence entre les groupes soumis aux deux types de protocoles n'est observée en ce qui a trait à la viabilité en élevage, à l'âge d'abattage et aux taux de condamnations à l'abattoir. Toutefois, les lots soumis au traitement alternatif ont eu des performances moindres pour le poids moyen à l'abattage, le gain moyen quotidien et la conversion alimentaire. Un peu plus de 27% des lots soumis au protocole alternatif ont connu un épisode d’entérite nécrotique clinique. Les analyses ont aussi montré que l’un ou l’autre des protocoles ne semble pas exercer d’influence particulière sur la dynamique temporelle des populations de C. perfringens. Pour les lots soumis au protocole d’élevage alternatif, une forte diversité génétique pour C. perfringens a été liée à un risque augmenté de vivre un épisode d’entérite nécrotique. À l’opposé, les lots alternatifs ayant vécu des épisodes récurrents de la maladie ont montré une diminution significative de la diversité génétique, ainsi qu’une augmentation marquée du nombre de souches de C. perfringens transportant plusieurs gènes de virulence. La présente étude a permis de mieux documenter, d’un point de vue économique et scientifique, la production de poulets de chair élevés sans antibiotiques ni anticoccidiens au Québec. Cette étude est la seule du genre s’étant intéressée à la caractérisation et à la comparaison dans le temps des flores de C. perfringens retrouvées dans les deux types d’élevages. Elle a révélé que la production à grande échelle de poulets de chair élevés sans antibiotiques ni anticoccidiens est possible au Québec, mais que celle-ci présente des impacts sur les performances zootechniques des oiseaux, sur leur santé digestive et sur la dynamique des populations de C. perfringens. Mots-clés : poulets de chair, antibiotiques, huiles essentielles, acides organiques, vaccination coccidiose, performances zootechniques, santé digestive, entérite nécrotique, Clostridium perfringens, dynamique populationnelle, In view of the increasing problem of antibiotic resistance, the large-scale use of growth promoting antibiotics in food-producing animals is being questioned. The voluntary ban of these compounds since 2006 in Europe, has been associated with a resurgence of necrotic enteritis, an intestinal disease of broiler chickens caused by Clostridium perfringens. Unfortunately, few alternatives are available and the pathogenesis of necrotic enteritis is yet to be fully understood. Surprisingly, there is a paucity of scientific papers on C. perfringens population diversity in broiler chicken flocks as well as on the effects of antimicrobial withdrawal on this bacterial population dynamics. The current study evaluated the impact of replacing antibiotic growth promoters and anticoccidials, over a 14-month period, on eight commercial broiler chicken farms in Québec. A drug-free rearing protocol, combining essential oil-based products, organic and inorganic acids, anticoccidial vaccination and chick brooding conditions improvement, was used in place of antimicrobials. Zootechnical performances, digestive health parameters and necrotic enteritis occurrence were compared between conventional and drug-free flocks involved in this study. Molecular approaches such as PCR and PFGE were used to monitor the impact of both rearing protocols on C. perfringens populations. Results show that livability, age at time of slaughter and total condemnations were not affected by the drug-free program. However, the drug-free flocks showed a decrease in mean live weight and in the daily weight gain, while feed conversion ratio was increased for drug-free flocks. Nearly 27% of the drug-free flocks experienced a clinical necrotic enteritis outbreak. Molecular analysis showed that C. perfringens temporal dynamics seems to be little affected by both rearing protocols. For the drug-free flocks, an initially greater genotypic diversity was linked with an increased risk of experiencing necrotic enteritis. On the other hand, recurring outbreaks of the disease in affected flocks caused a significant decrease of this genotypic diversity, as well as an increase in the number of C. perfringens strains carrying multiple virulence genes. The current study allowed us to better document the economical and scientific aspects of a drug-free broiler chicken production in Québec. A limited number of scientific papers relative to the comparison of the influence of different rearing protocols on C. perfringens populations have been published so far. Results showed that drug-free broiler chicken production in Québec is economically feasible, though impacting the zootechnical and health performances, as well as C. perfringens population temporal dynamics. Key words : broiler chickens, antibiotics, essential oils, organic acids, anticoccidial vaccination, zootechnical performances, digestive health, necrotic enteritis, Clostridium perfringens, population dynamics

Background Diseases of the digestive system have been found to contribute to a higher symptom burden in older adults. Thus, therapeutic strategies able to treat gastrointestinal discomfort might impact the overall health status and help older adults to increase their overall health status and optimal functionality. Objective The aim of this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus reuteri on digestive health and wellbeing in older adults. Methods The study enrolled general older adults (>65 years). After eligibility screening qualified subjects (n = 290) participated in a 2-arm study design, with each arm consisting of 12 weeks of intervention of either active or placebo product. Primary outcome measure was set to changes in gastrointestinal symptoms and secondary outcome measures were changes in level of wellbeing, anxiety and stress. Follow up was performed at 8 and 12 weeks. Results No persistent significant effects were observed on the primary or secondary outcome parameters of the study. A modest effect was observed in the probiotic arm, were levels of stress decreased at week 8 and 12. Similarly, we found that subjects suffering from indigestion and abdominal pain, respectively, showed a significant decrease of anxiety at week 8 after probiotic treatment, but not at week 12. Conclusion The RCT failed to show any improvement in digestive health after daily intake of a probiotic supplement containing L. reuteri. Neither was any significant improvement in wellbeing, stress or anxiety observed. Even though the RCT had a negative outcome, the study highlights issues important to take into consideration when designing trials among older adults. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov/NCT01837940.

The effects of the feeding system (ad libitum vs. restricted) and the restriction programs (daily vs. weekly base) were evaluated on 300 commercial crossbred rabbits housed individually from weaning (37 d) until slaughter (at 73 d and 80 d of age). During the first three weeks, restricted rabbits received from 85% to 100% of the ad libitum intake according to two feeding curves with daily (+4 g/d; D group) or weekly increments (+22 g/week on average; W group). In the restriction period, the feeding system affected CTTAD of crude protein (+2.4% in restricted compared ad libitum rabbits; P

The application of feed restriction strategies to meat rabbit production is focused on two main aspects: 1) the improvement of animal health status by reducing mortality and morbidity due to digestive troubles; 2) the increase in the global farm efficiency by enhancing feed conversion and decreasing the costs related to antibiotic treatments. Both of these issues are of great interest in view of guaranteeing an economic sustainability to farmers and meeting the European regulations in terms of food safety. Hence, over the last decades, the effects of feed restriction strategies in growing rabbits have been widely investigated. Most of the studies has carried out feeding restriction during the first three or four weeks after weaning, with the aim to obtain feeding levels ranging from 60% to 90% of ad libitum, and free feeding during the last phase of fattening (from one to three weeks). Quantitative feed restrictions have been obtained directly by reducing the amount of diet supplied or indirectly by limiting the feeding time or the drinking time. Furthermore, qualitative feed restriction has been performed by reducing the energy level in the diets supplied to animals. The choice of restriction method should take into account the rearing facilities and equipment, the environmental conditions, and the impact on animal welfare. The literature reported that rationing programs could represent a valid tool to reduce the incidence of digestive troubles, to increase diet utilization and to improve feed efficiency in growing rabbits. However, the protective effect of feed rationing on gut health is only limited to the restriction phase, while the incidence of digestive disease could even increase during fattening in rabbits previously restricted. Therefore, the re–feeding technique represents a critical point, but few studies have been focused on this issue. Moreover, the multifactorial origin of ERE makes difficult the interpretation of the variable and sometimes contrasting results among studies. On the other hand, the improvement of feed conversion seems to be a constant effect, but the economic benefits can be limited because of a longer fattening period is often required to achieve the complete recover of the animals in terms of live weight and avoid a substantial decrease in slaughter yield. Indeed, the economic aspects of feed restriction techniques should be carefully evaluated especially in the markets that require high slaughter weights (e.g. Italian market). The present thesis aimed to define an effective feed restriction program for enhancing feed efficiency and gut health in growing rabbits, without impairing slaughter traits, carcass and meat quality. The goal was pursued by focusing on three specific objectives (i) to evaluate the effect of quantitative feed restriction systems in individually-housed rabbits; ii) to develop an adequate time–based feed restriction program in group–housed rabbits; iii) to optimize the management of the re–feeding phase. These points were developed in four experimental contributions whose working plan and main results are summarized below: First contribution: Effects of feed restriction system and slaughter age in growing rabbits The effect of the feeding system (AL: ad libitum vs. D: day–by–day restriction system vs. W: week–by–week restriction system) on digestive efficiency, sanitary status, growth performance, carcass traits, and nitrogen excretion was evaluated on 282 commercial crossbred rabbits kept in individual cages from weaning (36 d of age) to slaughter. The effect of slaughter age (73 vs. 80 d of age) was also assessed. The feed restriction was based on the administration of a restricted amount of the diet which increased from 80% to 100% of AL intake in the first three weeks after weaning according to two feeding curves characterized by either small daily increments (+4 g/d; D group) or large weekly increments (+23 g/week on average; W group). From the beginning of the 4th week, the amount of feed supplied for both restricted groups was increased by 4 g/d for 9 consecutive d in order to prevent high picks in food ingestion, then all rabbits were fed ad libitum until commercial slaughter. No antibiotic treatment was administered during the trial. The apparent digestibility of the post–weaning diet was measured on 36 rabbits (12 per feeding system) from 49 to 53 d of age (during the restriction phase), while the digestibility of the fattening diet was measured on 36 rabbits (12 per feeding system) from 64 to 68 d of age (during the ad libitum period). At the moment of the first digestibility trial, the feed ingestion of the restricted group was equal to 95% of AL group and therefore only the digestibility of crude protein was increased (P

Prebiotic dietary fibers act as carbon sources for primary and secondary fermentation pathways in the colon, and support digestive health in many ways. Fructooligosaccharides, inulin, and galactooligosaccharides are universally agreed-upon prebiotics. The objective of this paper is to summarize the 8 most prominent health benefits of prebiotic dietary fibers that are due to their fermentability by colonic microbiota, as well as summarize the 8 categories of prebiotic dietary fibers that support these health benefits. Although not all categories exhibit similar effects in human studies, all of these categories promote digestive health due to their fermentability. Scientific and regulatory definitions of prebiotics differ greatly, although health benefits of these compounds are uniformly agreed upon to be due to their fermentability by gut microbiota. Scientific evidence suggests that 8 categories of compounds all exhibit health benefits related to their metabolism by colonic taxa.

International audience; The importance of dietary fibre fractions in animal feeding is due to its influence on the rate of passage, mucosal functionality and its role as substrate for gut microbiota that relates to performance and digestive health. The complexity of the physical structure and chemical composition of polysaccharides in plant cell walls explains the wide and different physiological effects of this large range of fibre fractions. Our review will first briefly consider the definition and structure of the different classes of fibres and of cell wall constituents, followed by a description of some analytical methods employed for monogastric feeds. Second, the nutritional role and impact of fibre intake on digestive health will be described for the growing rabbit with an extensive analysis of previous studies performed without antibiotics. The fibres in rabbit feed are essential for reducing the risk of digestive trouble after weaning, and the requirements are defined in terms of the quantity and quality of the fibre fractions as follows: a minimal dietary level of lignocellulose 'ADF' (18%) and lignins (>5%), balanced with a maximum quantity of digestible fibres 'DgF' (ratio DgF/ADF below 1.3). Soluble fibres, defined as the difference between total dietary fibre and NDF, are quickly fermented and digested by the rabbit. However, their impact on digestive health is still questioned.

Newborns are exceedingly susceptible to infection. However, very little is known about what governs the immunological differences seen in early life that result in extreme vulnerability to infection, nor how this changes during infancy. Herein, I provide evidence that the reduced ability to mount a protective immune response to pathogens is not due to an inherent immaturity of neonatal immune cells but instead the functions of these immune cells are actively suppressed by CD71(+) erythroid cells. Furthermore, the role of CD71(+) erythroid cells in host defense against infection is examined. CD71(+) erythroid cells are enriched in newborns and have distinctive immunosuppressive properties that leave them vulnerable to infection. Moreover, immature erythroid cells possess exclusive immunomodulatory properties and may play a role in immune ontogeny. In addition to these distinct features, CD71(+) erythroid cells impact digestive health by preventing excessive inflammation following the sudden transition from a sterile in utero setting to excessive colonization with commensals in the external environment. Ongoing research in identifying the beneficial and/or detrimental effects of immature erythrocytes on immune responses may serve to enhance protective newborn immune responses to infection and enable better vaccination strategies for the young to be designed.

This study aimed at comparing various diets predicted to induce different stimulations of the cecal microbial activity of the young rabbit fed ad libitum from 16 to 70 d of age: i) a diet enriched with rapidly fermentable fiber expected to stimulate the cecal microbial activity (RFF group); ii) a control diet with a standard composition (C group); iii) and the same control diet with tiamulin and apramycin antibiotics, expected to inhibit the microbial activity (C+AB group). A total of 398 rabbits were used from 42 litters and weaned at 28 d of age. An in vivo digestibility trial was performed on 36 rabbits of 42 to 46 d of age housed in individual metabolic cages. The feed intake and growth rates were lower in the RFF group compared with the C+AB group (–15% in ADFI and –11% in ADG, P < 0.001), with a lower weight of –183 g at 70 d (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found on ADG and final BW between the RFF and the C groups, but the RFF diet allowed a better G:F ratio at postweaning (P < 0.01). The digestion of soluble fiber (total dietary fiber minus NDF) was greater for the RFF group. The C+AB diet had a positive effect on the postweaning morbidity rate (P < 0.05) but did not affect the mortality rate and the health risk index (morbidity and mortality). Conversely, the RFF diet appeared to reduce the mortality rate compared with the C+AB diet, especially before 41 d of age. Concerning the cecal microbial activity, a supply of RFF in the diet increased the cecal VFA concentrations (+28% vs. C+AB and +22% vs. C, P < 0.001) and lowered the pH. The VFA pattern was affected at 45 and 60 d, with a dominance of acetate in the RFF group (+4% vs. C+AB and C groups, P < 0.001) instead of butyrate in the C+AB and C groups (–3.6% and –5% vs. C+AB and C, respectively, P < 0.001). Antibiotics addition (C+AB group) reduced the VFA concentration, but only after weaning (–25% at 45d of age) without changing the fermentation pattern. In conclusion, early intake of RFF in young rabbits stimulated the cecal microbial activity, and reduced the voluntary feed intake, leading to a reduced G:F ratio

Background Although scientific knowledge about the benefits of probiotic use in cystis fibrosis (CF) is scarce, their expectative is promising. The aim of this work was to analyze the effect of a Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic preparation versus placebo in CF patients. Methods A prospective, double blind, crossover and with placebo study was carried out in 30 CF patients from two Spanish hospitals. Patients were randomized in Group A (6months of probiotic followed by 6months of placebo) and Group B (6months of placebo followed by 6months of probiotic). GIQLI (gastrointestinal) and SF-12 (general) health tests were performed after probiotic and placebo intakes. Fat absorption coefficient, calprotectin, and inflammatory interleukin quantification were determined in fecal samples. Total fecal DNA was obtained and metagenomic 454-pyrosequencing was applied to analyze the microbiome composition. STATA v12 MP software was used for statistical analyses. Results Statistically significant improvement in the gastrointestinal health and decrease of the calprotectin levels were demonstrated in patients after probiotic exposure, in comparison with placebo. All CF subjects reported good tolerance to L. reuteri without secondary effects. Metagenomic analysis showed an important dysbiosis in CF gut microbiota associated with a high concentration of Proteobacteria. Probiotic intake was followed by a reduction in the total bacterial density, mostly due to a considerable reduction in the γ-Proteobacteria phylum; and an important increase of the microbial diversity with a higher representation of Firmicutes. Conclusions Probiotics might ameliorate the dysbiosis of CF gut microbiota, characterized by a high density of Proteobacterial organisms. L. reuteri significantly decrease intestinal inflammation and increase digestive comfort.

This study investigated whether increasing insoluble (predominantly wheat bran) fibre over 14 days improves subjective digestive feelings, general wellbeing and bowel function. A single centre, multi-site, open, within subjects design with a 14 day non-intervention (baseline) monitoring period followed by a 14 day fibre consumption (intervention) period was performed. 153 low fibre consumers (

International audience; In rabbits, the bacterial and archaeal community of caecal ecosystem is composed mostly of species not yet described and very specific to that species. In mammals, the digestive ecosystem plays important physiological roles: hydrolysis and fermentation of nutrients, immune system regulation, angiogenesis, gut development and acting as a barrier against pathogens. Understanding the functioning of the digestive ecosystem and how to control its functional and specific diversity is a priority, as this could provide new strategies to improve the resistance of the young rabbit to digestive disorders and improve feed efficiency. This review first recalls some facts about the specificity of rabbit digestive microbiota composition in the main fermentation compartment, and its variability with some new insights based on recent molecular approaches. The main functions of the digestive microbiota will then be explained. Finally, some possible ways to control rabbit caecal microbiota will be proposed and a suitable timing for action will be defined.

International audience; The fattening performances, nitrogen excretion and health status of growing rabbits were studied in response to a linear reduction of the digestible fibre (DgF = water-insoluble pectins + hemicelluloses) to crude protein ratio (DFP) in four diets (from 1.01 to 1.55). As the crude protein level was reduced from 17.7% to 13.9% (in diets DFP1 DFP4), the DgF level was increased from 18.5% to 22.1%, without changes to poorly-digestible fibre levels (ADF = 19%). A total of 644 rabbits per diet were used in a multi-site study (n = 6). Between weaning (28d-37d according to sites) and 49d of age, reduction of the DFP ratio led to a linear decrease in weight gain (-4 g/d between DFP1 and DFP4, P 20%) reduced the mortality by diarrhoea for the two highest DFP ratios when compared to the two lowest ratios (5.2% vs. 7.8%, P

International audience