1. The impact of a diet with fructan-rich chicory roots on Oesophagostomum dentatum worm population dynamics and host immune responses in pigs
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Stig Millan Thamsborg, Helena Mejer, kerstin skovgaard, Sengupta, Mita E., Helene Kringel, Heidi Huus Petersen, Bent Borg Jensen, and Annette Andreasen
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Oesophagostomum ,Prebiotics ,Swine ,Immune response ,Chicory - Abstract
Oesophagostomum infections in pigs persist for months. We hypothesized that feeding fructans (dried chicory roots) may improve immunity and facilitate worm expulsion. We therefore examined the effects of long-term chicory on O. dentatum population dynamics and host immune responses. Methods: Seventy-two pigs were allocated to four groups in a 2-factorial design. Group O was fed regular feed and trickle inoculated with 15 O. dentatum L3/kg/day 0-12 weeks post-infection (pi.) start. Group OC was also trickle inoculated but switched to a chicory-rich diet (12% inulin in DM) weeks 3-12 pi. Group C was uninfected but switched to chicory diet while Group Ctr remained uninfected on regular feed. Six pigs per group were necropsied 5, 9 and 12 weeks pi. for worm counts and qRT-PCR for gene expression in the gut. Faecal egg counts (FEC) and specific antibody levels were assessed regularly. Results: When group OC switched to chicory diet, FECs dropped within 3-4 days and remained very low. Worm counts were reduced 50-65% by chicory feeding (Group OC versus O; pOesophagostomum. It seems more likely, as previously suggested, that physico-chemical changes in caeco-colon are responsible for the observed anthelmintic effects.