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Introduction: Feeding bamboo powder is a kind of fiber raw material mainly composed of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF). In this study, IDF-based rice husk meal and feeding bamboo powder were used to compare the effects of bamboo fiber on fecal microflora and the performance of lactating sows and their offspring piglets. Methods: Thirty healthy crossbred gilts (Yorkshire × Landrace) at day 105 of gestation were randomly allocated into three groups: CON, TRE1 supplemented with 2% BBF1 (feeding bamboo powder), and TRE2 supplemented with 2% BBF2 (99% feeding bamboo powder +1% bamboo fiber polymer material). The reproductive performance, serum indexes, and fecal microbiota of sows and piglets were analyzed. The results showed that, compared with CON, the average feed intake of sows in TRE1 during the second week of lactation was significantly increased by 21.96% (p < 0.05), the average daily gain (ADG) per litter in TRE1 on 11-21 days and 3-21 days of lactation was significantly increased by 50.68 and 31.61%, respectively (p < 0.05), and the serum triglyceride content of sows in TRE1 on the 21st day of lactation was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The 16S rRNA analysis showed that dietary bamboo fiber significantly increased the fecal microbial richness index Ace, Chao, and Sobs of sows (p < 0.05) and tended to increase the Sobs index of suckling piglets on day 21 (p < 0.10). Compared with CON, BBF1 supplementation significantly decreased the abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group in feces of sows on days 7 and 21 after delivery (p < 0.05), while BBF2 decreased the genera Christensenellaceae_R-7_group on days 7 (p < 0.10) and 21 (p < 0.05) after delivery. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the abundance of Phascolarctobacterium in the feces of piglets on the 21st day after delivery was significantly positively correlated with diarrhea rate and significantly negatively correlated with ADG per litter, day 21 litter weight, and 3- to 21-day survival rate. In contrast, Christensenellaceae_R-7_ group was significantly negatively correlated with diarrhea rate and positively correlated with ADG per litter. Discussion: These results indicated that maternal BBF1 supplementation improved the litter weight gain of suckling piglets, which was associated with the improvement of diversity and structure of the fecal microbiota in the piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Dietary probiotic strategies that benefit animal performance by producing antibacterial substances in the intestine, competing with harmful gut flora, and stimulating the immune system should be developed. Thus, this study examined optimum levels of growing–finishing pigs using a mixture of microbial additives producing antimicrobial substances and digestive enzymes to improve growth performance, blood metabolites, fecal microflora, and carcass characteristics. Three treatments were used: 0, 0.5, and 1.0% microbial additives in the basal diet, which led to a higher average daily gain and feed efficiency in growing–finishing pigs but not in the initial and final weights. Supplementation of pig diets with microbial additives has been demonstrated to be an effective strategy for improving the conent of immunoglobulin G (IgG) as a blood metabolite, increasing fecal lactic acid bacteria count, and reducing Escherichia coli (E. coli) count in pig manure. However, the use of microbial additives to improve carcass characteristics has been questioned due to their lack of influence on pigs. Consequently, 1.0% microbial additive could be optimal for growing–finishing pigs to improve growth performance, IgG content, and the fecal microflora environment. This study aimed to assess the effects of microbial additives that produce antimicrobial and digestive enzymes on the growth performance, blood metabolites, fecal microflora, and carcass characteristics of growing–finishing pigs. A total of 180 growing–finishing pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc; mixed sex; 14 weeks of age; 58.0 ± 1.00 kg) were then assigned to one of three groups with three repetitions (20 pigs) per treatment for 60 days of adaptation and 7 days of collection. Dietary treatments included 0, 0.5, and 1.0% microbial additives in the basal diet. For growth performance, no significant differences in the initial and final weights were observed among the dietary microbial additive treatments, except for the average daily feed intake, average daily gain, and feed efficiency. In terms of blood metabolites and fecal microflora, immunoglobulin G (IgG), blood urea nitrogen, blood glucose, and fecal lactic acid bacteria count increased linearly, and fecal E. coli counts decreased linearly with increasing levels of microbial additives but not growth hormones and Salmonella. Carcass quality grade was improved by the microbial additive. In addition, carcass characteristics were not influenced by dietary microbial additives. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 1.0% microbial additive improved average daily gain, feed efficiency, IgG content, and fecal microflora in growing–finishing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The dietary probiotics in sows during gestation to lactation period have gained considerable attention with respect to their beneficial effects on sows and their piglets’ performance and health. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of using probiotics in late-pregnant and lactating sows on milk quality, quantity, fecal microflora of sows, and growth performance of their offspring until weaning. Materials and Methods: Thirty-four sows were equally divided into two groups (control and treatment). Only those in the treatment group were fed 5 g of probiotics at 12 weeks of pregnancy, once daily for 7 weeks, until their piglets were weaned. Colostrum samples were collected at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after farrowing and measured for immunoglobulin concentration. Percentages of fat, protein, and lactose in colostrum, colostrum production, total intake of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), fat, protein, and lactose, the change of fecal microflora of sows, and average daily gain of piglets were measured. Results: The results showed that there were no significant differences in the concentrations of IgA, IgG, and IgM in colostrum and the percentages of fat, protein, lactose, solid-not-fat, and total solid in colostrum between the groups; however, the colostrum production at 24 h in the treatment group (6,075.29 mL) was higher than in the control group (4,809.54 mL). Higher total intakes of IgA and IgG as well as total intake of fat, protein, and lactose, particularly at 3 h after farrowing, were found in the treatment group. Probiotic supplementation remarkably altered the microbiota community at the phylum level. We found that Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are the dominant phyla, present in the gut of more than 90% of pregnant and lactating sows. Changes in microbial proportions were observed due to the changes of pig production stage. The weaning weight of the treatment group was higher than in the control group (6.34 ± 1.71 vs. 4.84 ± 1.29 kg, respectively). Conclusion: Feeding of multi-species probiotic BACTOSAC-P™ during late pregnancy and lactation in sows positively influenced colostrum production. In this experiment, the use of BACTOSAC-P™ improved the yield of colostrum production. The high immunoglobulin concentration and high yield of the colostrum of sows with a diet supplemented with BACTOSAC-P™ significantly reduced piglet mortality during the suckling period. Furthermore, the probiotic diet induced changes in the fecal microbial population in sows by increasing the number of microorganisms from the Firmicutes phylum, which had positive effects on sow health and their piglets, leading to better piglet growth performance.

This study was to investigate the structure and rat fecal microbial fermentation properties of a polysaccharide fraction (PHP2) isolated from the red marine alga Porphyra haitanensis. PHP2 was characterized as a sulfated glucogalactan, with a hypothetical backbone structure of →4)Gα(1→6)G4Sβ(1→4)Glc(1→ and a side chain of Man(1→6)Glc. PHP2 had an irregular spherical chain conformation. The 16S rRNA sequence analysis revealed that PHP2 modulated the rat fecal micro-flora composition, with a similar effect to inulin, changing the dominant genus (Lactobacillus and Escherichia-Shigella) and promoting the growth of organisms that degrade sulfur-containing polysaccharides, such as Desulfovibrio, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, and Ruminococcus_2. PHP2 can promote production of acetic, propionic and butyric acid by rat fecal micro-flora. Prediction of metabolic function suggested that PHP2 could modulate cholesterol metabolism. The sulfated glucogalactan fermentation behavior may be associated with its monosaccharide composition, chain branching and chain conformation. PHP2 appeared to have considerable potential as functional food, and was associated with sulfur-containing polysaccharides in general.

The present study aimed to evaluate the application of different wheat bran fermentation sources in growing pigs. A total of 320 pigs (43 ± 0.21 kg), were randomly allocated to 5 groups in a 21-d trial. The control group was fed a basal diet (CON) containing raw wheat bran, and the other four treatments were fed the diets in which the raw wheat bran in the basal diet was substituted with Aspergillus niger (WBA), Bacillus licheniformis (WBB), Candida utilis (WBC), and Lactobacillus plantarum (WBL) fermented wheat bran, respectively. The results showed that compared to the CON group, the crude fiber and pH values were decreased (p

This study evaluated the effects of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) and tributyrin (TB) on dairy calves in terms of growth performance, immunity, oxidative stress, and intestinal microflora. A total of 40 female calves were divided into four treatment groups (n = 10): basal diet +0.015% essential oil, basal diet +0.03% AMP, basal diet +0.15% TB, and basal diet +0.03% AMP + 0.15% TB. AMP and TB supplementation increased the average daily gain (ADG) and weaning weight, while reducing diarrhea occurrence. Additionally, AMP and TB supplementation reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malonaldehyde (MDA), while increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels. However, the combined use of AMP and TB did not significantly affect the average daily feed intake, ADG, weaning weight, or diarrhea incidence but decreased ROS levels, while increasing SOD levels as well as MDA and IgM levels. Moreover, AMP and TG supplementation increased the relative abundance of several beneficial fiber‐ and mucin‐degrading bacteria in the gut, in contrast to combined AMP and TB supplementation. The 16S rRNA results showed that AMP supplementation significantly increased the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Ruminococcaceae_UCG‐014 and [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes group (p <.01), and significantly decreased the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG‐005 and Christensenellaceae_R‐7_group (p <.01). The TB supplementation significantly increased the abundances of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Ruminococcaceae_UCG‐005 (p <.01), and significantly decreased the relative abundances of Ruminococcaceae_UCG‐014, [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes group and Christensenellaceae_R‐7_group (p <.01). The combined use of AMP and TB significantly increased the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Bacteroides (p <.01), and significantly decreased the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG‐014, [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes group and Christensenellaceae_R‐7_group (p <.01). In summary, diets supplemented with either AMP or TB improved the intestinal microflora, growth performance, and health of weaned calves, but combined use was detrimental to calf performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study was conducted to explore the effects of supplementary feeding of bamboo powder on the physical parameters of sows during the perinatal period of 7 days ± in parturition, including farrow duration, serum biochemical indexes, fecal physicochemical indexes, and microbial flora. Methods: Thirty pregnant sows were randomly divided into three groups: the control group was fed a basal diet, TRE1 group and TRE2 group were fed a basal diet supplemented with 30 g d-1 and 60 g d-1 bamboo powder, respectively. Multiple parameters of sows and offspring piglets were determined. Results: The contents of serum total cholesterol and triglyceride of sows in TRE2 group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The contents of serum malondialdehyde of sows in TRE2 and TRE1 groups were significantly lower than that in control group. The water content of sow feces in TRE2 group was significantly higher than that in control group, and the pH values of sows in TRE2 and TRE1 groups were significantly higher than that in control group. The richness index (Chao) of sow fecal bacterial community in TRE2 group was significantly lower than that of the control group, and the Ace and Sobs indexes tended to be lower than those of the control group. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota in the feces of sows in TRE2 group was significantly lower than that of the control group, while that of Fusobacteriota in the feces of suckling piglets in TRE2 group tended to be lower than that of the control group. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Tissierella in the feces of sows in TRE2 group was significantly lower than that of the control group while that of Fusobacterium in the feces of suckling piglets in TRE2 group tended to be lower than that of the control group. The relative abundance of Clostridium&lowbar;sensu&lowbar;stricto&lowbar;1, Terrisporobacter, Turicibacter, and Tissierella in the feces of sows in TRE2 group was significantly lower than that of TRE1 group, while while Lactobacillus tended to be higher than that of TRE1 group. Discussion: The results suggested that supplementary feeding 60g d-1 bamboo powder could increase the water content in the feces of sows, reduce the oxidative damage, and tend to reduce the relative abundance of opportunistic pathogenic Fusobacterium for suckling piglets, while it reduced the fecal microbial diversity of sows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary glucose oxidase (GOD), catalase (CAT), or both supplementation on reproductive performance, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in sows. Methods A total of 104 multiparous sows were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 26) with each group given a basal diet, basal diet plus GOD at 60 U/kg, basal diet plus CAT at 75 U/kg, and basal diet plus GOD at 60 U/kg and CAT at 75 U/kg. Sows were fed the experimental diets throughout gestation and lactation. Results Dietary GOD supplementation increased average daily feed intake of sows and litter weight at weaning (p

CON, basal diet group; WH, wheat diet group; BL, barley diet group. Keywords: pigs; wheat; barley; blood antioxidant capacity; fecal microflora EN pigs wheat barley blood antioxidant capacity fecal microflora N.PAG N.PAG 13 08/29/22 20220801 NES 220801 1. The basal diet (CON) was based on corn and soybean meal, and pigs in the experimental treatments were fed with wheat (WH) and barley (BL) instead of corn, respectively. CON, basal diet group; WH, wheat diet group; BL, barley diet group. [Extracted from the article]

Simple Summary: Bacillus licheniformis has been shown to be safe as a green additive in food and feed. This experiment was conducted to investigate the value of Bacillus licheniformis in the diet of piglets. Our results suggested that dietary Bacillus licheniformis supplementation plays an important role in improving the average daily gain, alleviating diarrhea, improving antioxidant capacity, promoting immune function, and regulating the intestinal microflora of weaned piglets. Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) is a safe probiotic that can promote animal growth and inhibit pathogenic bacteria. This study aimed to assess the effects of B. licheniformis, one green feed additive, on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, immune function, fecal volatile fatty acids, and microflora structure in weaned piglets. Weaned piglets (n = 180) were randomly divided into three treatment groups and fed a basal diet and a basal diet supplemented with 500 mg B. licheniformis per kg and 1000 mg B. licheniformis per kg, respectively. The dietary 500 mg/kg B. licheniformis inclusion improved the average daily gain, reduced diarrhea incidence, and strengthened antioxidant capacity. Piglets supplemented with B. licheniformis presented increased serum immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM) compared to the CON group. Meanwhile, the expression of anti-inflammation factors was increased, and the levels of pro-inflammation factors were reduced after B. licheniformis administration. Moreover, the levels of volatile fatty acids, including acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, and isovaleric acid, in the BL500 and BL1000 groups were increased compared with the CON group, and the concentration of valeric acid was higher in the BL500 group. Furthermore, piglets in the 500 mg/kg B. licheniformis addition group significantly altered fecal microbiota by increasing Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and Oscillospira. In conclusion, dietary B. licheniformis relieved diarrhea, enhanced antioxidant capacity, immunity function, and fecal microflora structure in weaned pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Studies have shown that some viral infections cause structural changes in the intestinal microflora, but little is known about the effects of tumorigenic viral infection on the intestinal microflora of chickens. Results A 29-week commercial layer flock positive for avian leukosis virus-J (ALV-J), Marek’s disease virus (MDV) and avian reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) was selected, and fresh fecal samples were collected and examined for the composition of the gut microflora by Illumina sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. The operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of the fecal microbiota differentiated the chickens infected with only ALV-J and those coinfected with ALV-J and MDV or REV from infection-negative chickens. The enrichment and diversity of cloacal microflora in chickens infected with ALV-J alone were slightly different from those in the infection-negative chickens. However, the diversity of cloacal microflora was significantly increased in chickens coinfected with both ALV-J and MDV or REV. Conclusions The intestinal microbiota was more strongly disturbed in chickens after coinfection with ALV-J and MDV or REV than after infection with ALV-J alone, and there may be underlying mechanisms by which the capacity for the stabilization of the intestinal flora was impaired due to viral infection and tumorigenesis.

The bar-headed goose (Anser indicus) has two black spots on its head. It is considered an important bird in China. It breeds in plateau lakes, especially saltwater lakes, and swamp areas. However, the intestinal flora of wild bar-headed geese in the Tibet Autonomous Region is currently not known. In this study, 16S rDNA sequencing was performed on the intestinal microbes of wild bar-headed geese. A total of 513,505 reads of raw data were obtained, and the results analyzed the average number of 128,376 ± 2,392 reads per sample. The microbiota of all samples consists of 10 main bacterial phyla, including Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Patescibacteria, Deferribacteres, Planctomy-cetes, Fusobacteria, and Tenericutes. The results indicated that Firmicutes (67.34%) was the predominant phylum, followed by Proteobacteria (29.03%) and Cyanobacteria (1.97%). In our research, we identified the intestinal flora of the wild bar-headed goose, which provides valuable information for further research on the gene function of the bar-headed goose and the intestinal flora of wild animals. These findings are also useful and valuable for genetic and high-altitude research in the Tibet Autonomous Region.

The experiment explored effect of different dietary energy-protein ratios on growth performance, body size and fecal microbial diversity of 'Berkshire pigs × Bamei pigs'. The 27 duality of 'Berkshire pigs × Bamei pigs' of similar age and weight were randomly divided into three groups, with three replicates in each group and three pigs in each replicate. Pigs in each group were fed diets with different energy/egg ratios (DE/CP: 0.96∶ 1, 0.87∶ 1, 0.80∶ 1), respectively. The results showed that with the decrease of energy to egg level, the average daily gain of pigs increased, the average daily feed intake of pigs in G2 group was significantly lower than that in the other two groups (P<0.05). Fecal samples from three groups were sequenced by 16S rRNA, and a total of 423 operational taxa (OTUs) were obtained, belonging to 14 phyla and 177 genera. The dominant bacteria in three groups were Firmicutes, Spirochaetota and Bacteroidota. The ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes was 26.51 in G1 group, 37.07 in G2 group and 26.75 in G3 group, respectively. At the genus level, the dominant genera in G1 group and G2 group were Clostridium, Terrisporobacter and Turicibacter, while the dominant genera in G3 group were Clostridium, Streptococcus and Terrisporobacter. Diets with low energy-protein ratios could improved the relative abundance of Oscillospira, Bacillus and Butyricicoccaceae, and significantly reduce the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae (P<0.05). Oscillospira was positive correlated with the average daily gain and negatively correlated with the feed to gain ratio(P<0.01). Bacillus was positive correlated with feed consumption and average daily gain (P<0.05), Butyricicoccaceae was positive correlated with body weight (P<0.05), back fat thickness and other indicators, Lachnospiraceae was negatively correlated with body weight (P<0.05), body length and hip circumference, etc. The experiment indicates that the appropriate energy-protein ratios of 'Berkshire pigs × Bamei pigs' is 0.80∶1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to explore the effect of compound Chinese herbal additives on fecal flora of Belgian Malinois puppies. Thirty Belgian Malinoa puppies with similar age and body weight were selected and randomly divided into three groups, with five replicates in each group and two puppies in each replicate. Belgian Malinois puppies in control group were fed with basal diet, and Belgian Malinois puppies in experimental group I and group H were 宦d with basal diet added 0.2, 0.4 g/kg Chinese herbal additives. The pre-ceding period lasted for 7 d, and the experimental period lasted for 28 d. Alpha diversity analysis showed that the diversity of fecal flora in group I and group H was significantly lowerr than that in control group （P<0.05）. The fecal flora richness in experimental group I and group H was significantly higher than that in control group （P<0.05）. Community composition analysis showed that at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Fusobacteria and Proteobacteria in feces in experimental group I and group H was significantly increased compared with control group （P<0.05）, the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and actinobacteria decreased significantly （P<0.05）, the relative abundance of Fusobacteria in experimental group H was significantly increased compared with experimental group I （P<0.05）, and the relative abundance of Firmicutes decreased significantly （P<0.05）. At the genus level, compared with control group, the number of Fusobacterium, Lactobacillus and Parasutterella in experimental group I and group H was significantly increased （P<0.05）, there was a significant decrease in Allobaculum, Blautia, unclassified Lachnospiraceae, Clostridium XIVa, Clostridium XI, unclassified Ruminococcaceae, Holdemanella, Escherichia_Shigella, Collinsella, Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium （P<0.05）. Compared with experimental group H, Lactobacillus in experimental group I were significantly increased （P<0.05）. The experment indicates that adding Chinese herbal medicine additives to the diet of Malinois puppies has a significant effect on fecal microbial richness and diversity, which can affect fecal microflora and improve intestinal microflora composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postnatal colonization and development of the gut microbiota is linked to health and growth. A comprehensive understanding of the postnatal compositional changes and development of the microbial community is helpful to understand the gut health and improve the survival rate of South China tiger cubs (Panthera tigris amoyensis). Fecal samples from three tiger cubs were collected on the day of birth in 2018 (June 17–21 [G0], July 18 [G1], July 31 [G2], and August 7 [G3]). The 16S rRNA genes of the fecal microflora were sequenced. Results showed that 38 phyla, 58 classes, 134 orders, 272 families, and 636 genera of bacteria from 3,059 operational taxonomic units were identified from 12 fecal samples. The diversity and abundance of species of group G0 were significantly higher (p < 0.05 or 0.01) than those of groups G2 and G3. The predominant phylum was Proteobacteria in groups G0 and G1 (38.85% and 48%, respectively) and Firmicutes in groups G2 and G3 (71.42% and 75.29%, respectively). At the phylum level, the abundance of Deinococcus-Thermus was significantly decreased in groups G1, G2, and G3 as compared to group G0 (p < 0.05), while that of Firmicutes was significantly increased in groups G2 and G3 (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of Faecalibacterium, Ralstonia, and unidentified Rickettsiales was significantly decreased in groups G1, G2, and G3 as compared with group G0 (p < 0.05), while that of Pseudomonas was significantly decreased in groups G2 and G3 (p < 0.05). The composition and structure of fecal microbiota of South China tiger cubs changed after birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of wheat and barley substitution for corn on growth performance, blood antioxidant capacity, intestinal health and fecal microbial composition in growing pigs. Eighteen healthy “Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire” pigs (50 ± 0.85 kg) were randomly divided into three groups with six replicates and one pig per replicate. The three treatment groups were fed the basal diet (CON) based on corn and soybean meal, respectively, and the experimental group diet was partially replaced by wheat (WH) and barley (BL), respectively. The nutritional levels of the three treatments were the same. The experiment lasted 28 days. Wheat and barley partially replacing corn had no significant effects on growing pigs’ growth performance, blood antioxidant capacity and nutrient digestibility (p > 0.05). Compared with CON and BL, WH significantly increased the duodenal villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio of growing pigs (p < 0.05). Compared with CON, WH and BL significantly increased the contents of butyric acid, propionic acid and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) in the cecum and colonic digesta of growing pigs (p < 0.05). In addition, the abundance of Turicibacter, Escherichia-Shigella and other harmful bacteria in barley and wheat diet groups were significantly decreased at the genus level (p < 0.05). The abundance of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Prevotella and Roseburia increased significantly (p < 0.05). In conclusion, barley and wheat partially replacing corn as energy feedstuffs does not affect the growth performance of pigs but can regulate intestinal flora and promote intestinal health.

The effects of dietary extruded linseed (ELS):walnut meal (WM) mixture (8:1) on some plasma parameters and intestinal health in weaned piglets was investigated. Forty piglets (Topigs hybrid; body weight BW=8.02±0.82 kg), age 30±3 days, were divided into 2 groups and fed 2 diets: control (C, based on corn-triticale-soybean meal (SBM)) and experimental (ELS:WM, where the ELS:WM mixture 8:1 partially replaces SBM). Blood samples were collected at 7 and 21 days postweaning (PW). A chemistry analyzer was used to determine the plasma lipid (total cholesterol, T-Chol; HDL-cholesterol, HDL-C; triglycerides, TG), mineral and enzymatic profile. Microbial populations from fecal samples were determined by counting the colonies obtained on selected media. There was no effect of dietary mixture inclusion on plasma parameters at 7 and 21 days PW (P>0.05). The plasma HDL-C concentration was positively correlated with the alpha-linolenic (ALA) fatty acids content of diet at days 7 (r=0.94, P0.05), and at day 21 PW a tendency to decrease FS as a response to dietary mixture addition was observed (P=0.07). The tested dietary mixture positively affected the microbial fecal populations by decreasing the Staphylococcus spp. (P=0.001), E. coli (P

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Background: Studies have shown that some viral infections cause structural changes in the intestinal microflora, but little is known about the effects of tumorigenic viral infection on the intestinal microflora of chickens. Results: A 29-week commercial layer flock positive for avian leukosis virus-J (ALV-J), Marek's disease virus (MDV) and avian reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) was selected, and fresh fecal samples were collected and examined for the composition of the gut microflora by Illumina sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. The operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of the fecal microbiota differentiated the chickens infected with only ALV-J and those coinfected with ALV-J and MDV or REV from infection-negative chickens. The enrichment and diversity of cloacal microflora in chickens infected with ALV-J alone were slightly different from those in the infection-negative chickens. However, the diversity of cloacal microflora was significantly increased in chickens coinfected with both ALV-J and MDV or REV. Conclusions: The intestinal microbiota was more strongly disturbed in chickens after coinfection with ALV-J and MDV or REV than after infection with ALV-J alone, and there may be underlying mechanisms by which the capacity for the stabilization of the intestinal flora was impaired due to viral infection and tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-eight male, weaned Chinese Holstein calves ((156.8±33.4) kg) were used to investigate the effects of dietary forage to concentrate ratio (F:C) and forage length on nutrient digestibility, plasma metabolites, ruminal fermentation, and fecal microflora. Animals were randomly allocated to four treatments in a 2×2 factorial arrangement: whole-length forage (WL) with low F:C (50:50); WL with high F:C (65:35); short-length forage (SL) with high F:C (65:35); and SL with low F:C (50:50). Chinese wildrye was used as the only forage source in this trial. The grass in the SL treatments was chopped using a chaff cutter to achieve small particle size (∼50% particles >19 mm). Dry matter intake (DMI) and organic matter (OM) intake was increased by increasing both F:C (P0.05). Microflora similarity was 50–73% among the different treatments. It is concluded that the WL with high F:C (65:35) diet is suitable for weaned calves.

In the present study, the influences of diets (i.e. chow and AIN-93 diets) on the interpretation of various fecal parameters including viable microbiota, moisture, weight, and shortchain fatty acids in rats fed different amounts of inulin (0.5-2 g/kg). Eight groups of rats (n = 8/group) were fed, for 4 weeks, chow or AIN-93 diets with or without inulin supplementation. Fecal samples were analyzed for different fecal parameters. After a 2-week adaptation, apparent differences in some fecal parameters were observed between the chow and AIN-93 diet groups. Throughout the 4-week intervention period, significantly (p < 0.05) higher Lactobacillus spp. counts, fecal moisture (~2.7-fold), and fecal weight (~5.8- fold) were observed with chow diet over AIN-93 diet. More specifically, significant elevations in the levels of Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., fecal moisture, and fecal weight could be observed at low-dose (0.5 g/kg) of inulin in chow diet groups, while most of these changes could merely be seen at medium-dose (1 g/kg) in AIN-93 diet groups. These results demonstrated that the choice of experimental diets would affect the comparison of fecal parameters as well as the interpretation of effective dosage of prebiotic in intestinal health assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Animal Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• S. platensis and probiotics improved growth and serum IgG, IgM, IgA, and C3. • Synergistic effect was found on IgM at d7 and 28, and Ig G and C3 at d 28. • S. platensis had no effect on the fecal Lactobacillus spp. and E. coli contents. • S. platensis was weaker than probiotics in improving the fecal flora. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementations with S. platensis (purity ≥ 99%) and probiotics (1.0 × 109 CFU/g B. subtilis and 1.0 × 108 CFU/g L. plantarum) on pigs' growth performance, immune responses and fecal Lactobacillus spp. and E. coli contents. Eighty weaned piglets (8.85 ± 0.20 kg) with negative maternal food-and-mouth disease (FMD) antibodies were blocked by initial weight, sex, and litter of origin and subsequently randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments, consisting of 5 replicates of 4 pigs each. In this experiment, a control diet (CON), diet containing 0.5% S. platensis (SP) or 0.05% probiotics (PRO) or diet combined with 0.5% S. platensis and 0.05% probiotics (SP + PRO) was fed to weaned piglets for 28 days. On d 8, pigs were immunized with type O and A FMD vaccine. Added S. platensis , probiotics or both of them increased (p < 0.001) the average daily gain and average daily intake, decreased (p ≤ 0.015) the feed conversion ratio of weaned piglets, but had no effect on the antibody titer of type O and A FMD (p ≥ 0.22). Supplemented S. platensis , probiotics or both of them increased the contents of IgG on d 28 (p < 0.001), IgM on both d 7 and 28 (p ≤ 0.041), IgA and complement 3 on d 28 (p ≤ 0.039), but showed no impact (p ≥ 0.054) on complement 4, toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) or TLR4 on both d 7 and 28. Unlike probiotics, S. platensis -supplement showed no influence (p ≥ 0.34) on the contents of Lactobacillus spp. and E. coli of pig feces at 7 and 28 days of the trail. The synergistic effect between S. platensis and probiotics only be detected (p ≤ 0.024) on Ig M on d 7 and 28, IgG and complement 3 on d 28. These results indicated that adding 0.5% S. platensis , 0.05% probiotics or both of them when immunized with FMD vaccine on weaned piglets can promote their growth performance and enhance their serum IgG, IgM, IgA, and C3. However, S. platensis was weaker than probiotics in improving the fecal flora of weaned piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safety and efficacy was investigated for two candidate probiotic B. flexus MCC2427 and B. licheniformis MCC2512 via in vivo studies on albino Wistar rats. In acute toxicity assay, rats were fed with single dose of 1010 cfu mL−1 of probiotics. The follow-up studies for next 14 days did not reveal any toxicity-related criteria indicating the non-toxicity nature of probiotics. In 90-day repeated dosage studies, the cultures were administered in three doses (106, 107, 108 cfu mL−1). Results showed no overt toxic effect and no drastic treatment-related changes pertaining to histopathology of vital organs. DNA fingerprinting indicated the lack of bacterial translocation. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activity indicated their antioxidant potential. Reduced serum cholesterol with improved HDL-cholesterol specified the cholesterol-reducing ability of the cultures, which was also apparent with increased excretion of cholic acid in feces. Both probiotic cultures positively altered the gut microbial environment, retained lactic acid bacterial effect, and simultaneously reduced pathogenic strains. A sensitive and rapid tool was developed using strain-specific qPCR primers, which facilitated appropriate estimation of test culture in feces. The data strongly advocate the safety of tested probiotics at levels used in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Animal Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

ABSTRACT Seventy five pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] with an initial body weight of 23.3±1.40 kg were used in the present study to investigate the influence of supplementation of a Bacillus spp. combination as probiotic (0%, 0.01%, and 0.02% with basal diet) in growing-finishing pig diets on performance parameters with a feeding trial period of 16 weeks. Growth performance was analyzed at the start and at weeks 6, 12, and 16 of the experimental period. The entire experiment using probiotic supplementation in the diet revealed significant differences in average daily gain and gain:feed, but no effects on average daily feed intake. The result showed significant effects on digestibility of dry matter (0.002), nitrogen (0.069), and energy (0.099) at week 16; and number of fecal Lactobacillus (0.082, 0.041), E. coli (0.097, 0.052), and blood glucose (0.001, 0.049) at weeks 6 and 16. Dietary supplementation with Bacillus spp. probiotic resulted in a significant linear effect on sensory evaluation of meat color, drip loss at day 3, and carcass weight in pigs. In contrast, there was no significant difference in blood metabolic profiles and noxious gas emissions in this experiment. Dietary combination of Bacillus spp. can be used as a probiotic for enhancing the growth performances and carcass quality of growing-finishing pigs.

The present study was conducted to assess the effects of a mixture of essential oils and organic acids on the growth performance, immune system, major fecal volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and microflora community in the weaned piglets. We also evaluated the antibacterial activity of the essential oil mixture on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Three hundred weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly divided into the following 3 treatment groups: basal diet (C), basal diet supplemented with the mixture of essential oils and organic acids (T1), and basal diet supplemented with antibiotics (T2). The mixture of essential oils and organic acids comprised of cinnamaldehyde (15%), thymol (5%), citric acid (10%), sorbic acid (10%), malic acid (6.5%), and fumaric acid (13.5%). In vitro studies showed that the mixture of essential oils extremely damaged the cell structure of pathogenic bacteria by deforming the membranes and disorganizing the intracellular components. In vivo studies revealed that diet supplementation with a mixture of essential oils and organic acids improved the final body weight and ADG of piglets (P < 0.05), increased the concentration of serum complement 4 (P < 0.05), and enhanced the fecal level of isovaleric acid (P < 0.05) compared with controls on day 28. Result of high-throughput sequencing revealed that: 1) a total of 1,177 and 1,162 observed taxonomic units (OTUs) were shared between all treatment groups on day 14 and 28, respectively; 2) the T1 exhibited higher (P < 0.05) beta diversity (unweighted UniFrac distance) than control and antibiotics treatment on day 28; 3) the samples in principle component analysis plot and tree of relative abundance were separated from each other based on dietary treatments and age; 4) Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most 2 dominate phyla; Lactobacillus and Streptococcus were the 2 top species among the recognized microbiota; 5) T1 had higher (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Lactobacillus mucosae than control and antibiotics treatment on day 28. To conclude, the mixture of cinnamaldehyde and citric acids damaged the structure of pathogens in vitro; the mixture of essential oils and organic acids improved the growth performance, increased the fecal concentration of isovaleric acid, and modulated the microflora community in weaned piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of dietary extruded linseed (ELS):walnut meal (WM) mixture (8:1) on some plasma parameters and intestinal health in weaned piglets was investigated. Forty piglets (Topigs hybrid; body weight BW=8.02±0.82 kg), age 30±3 days, were divided into 2 groups and fed 2 diets: control (C, based on corn-triticale-soybean meal (SBM)) and experimental (ELS:WM, where the ELS:WM mixture 8:1 partially replaces SBM). Blood samples were collected at 7 and 21 days postweaning (PW). A chemistry analyzer was used to determine the plasma lipid (total cholesterol, T-Chol; HDL-cholesterol, HDL-C; triglycerides, TG), mineral and enzymatic profile. Microbial populations from fecal samples were determined by counting the colonies obtained on selected media. There was no effect of dietary mixture inclusion on plasma parameters at 7 and 21 days PW (P>0.05). The plasma HDL-C concentration was positively correlated with the alpha-linolenic (ALA) fatty acids content of diet at days 7 (r=0.94, P<0.0001) and 21 PW (r=0.89, P<0.0001), while at day 21 PW the T-Chol (r=0.52, P=0.08) and TG (r=0.54, P=0.07) tended to be influenced by the dietary treatment. Fecal score (FS) decreased at day 7 PW (P>0.05), and at day 21 PW a tendency to decrease FS as a response to dietary mixture addition was observed (P=0.07). The tested dietary mixture positively affected the microbial fecal populations by decreasing the Staphylococcus spp. (P=0.001), E. coli (P<0.0001) and fungi (P=0.004), also tended to increase the Lactobacillus spp. (P=0.08). In conclusion, the dietary mixture could be an alternative to partially replace SBM in piglet's diet due to positive biochemical response and intestinal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the combined effect of bamboo charcoal powder and bamboo vinegar liquid (BCV) on the growth, fecal microflora population and intestinal morphology in Betong chickens. A total of 128 4-week-old Betong chickens were fed a basal diet supplemented with BCV at 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5% level ad libitum for 16 weeks. The 1% inclusion of BCV gave the best growth performance. Carcass traits (yield) and visceral organs were not significantly affected by BCV. Jejunal villus height and jejunal villus area were also the highest in the 1% BCV group. At 140 days of age, colony counts of fecal Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. were comparatively low with 1 and 1.5% BCV. The present results suggest that BCV could be used at a level of 1% in Betong chicken diets.

Inulin efficacy was proven for raising anti- Salmonella activity of the inulin-degrading Lactobacillus paracasei I321 (infant isolate) through the mechanisms of antibacterial secretion and competitive adhesion. Inulin significantly promoted competitive adhesion of L. paracasei I321 against many Gram-negative foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Salmonella Typhimurium SA2093 was completely suppressed under highly competitive niche of fecal microflora when inulin, L. paracasei I321, and their synbiotic combination were applied. Inulin supplementation obviously alleviated nutrient limitation in the mimicked proximal colon leading to complete destruction of Salmonella . This was achieved through the manipulation of fecal bifidobacteria which subsequently altered antibacterial metabolites. Acetate was the major metabolite correlating to high number of fecal bifidobacteria in the presence of inulin, whereas lactate became dominant when L. paracasei I321 was coupled. This inulin-degrading strain was able to persist and dominate in the competitive environment of fecal microflora and functioned synergistically with inulin to completely destroy Salmonella . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim : The development of gastrointestinal symptoms following pelvic radiotherapy depends on morphological and functional modifications of the intestinal epithelium after radiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of preventive administration of the preparation ′′5′′ Strain Dophilus and Hylak on the fecal microflora after radiotherapy in patients during radiotherapy. Materials and Methods : Fourteen patients were randomly selected and subdivided into two groups: The first group was administered ′′5′′ Strain Dophilus (L Group) and the second group was administered Hylak (H Group). Radiation was delivered by a Cobalt 60 unit by using the four field box technique. The doses were divided into 2 Gy per day over 5 to 7 weeks to give the total cumulative dose of 50 Gy (2 Gy/day). High risk patients (e.g., patients with prostate cancer), received dosage 65 67 Gy (2 Gy/day). Results : Both experimental and clinical studies have shown that probiotics can effectively modulate intestinal inflammation by altering the composition and the metabolic and functional properties of gut indigenous flora. Conclusions : Many bacteria were found to be sensitive to irradiation. It would be necessary to check the possible effects of cytostatics on bacteria in larger studies.

BACKGROUND Probiotics can serve as alternatives to antibiotics to increase the performance of weaning pigs, and the intake of probiotics is affected by dietary nutrient density. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a probiotic complex in different nutrient density diets on growth performance, digestibility, blood profiles, fecal microflora and noxious gas emission in weaning pigs. RESULTS From day 22 to day 42, both high-nutrient-density and probiotic complex supplementation diets increased ( P < 0.05) the average daily gain. On day 42, the apparent total tract digestibility ( ATTD) of dry matter, nitrogen and gross energy ( GE), blood urea nitrogen concentration and NH3 and H2S emissions were increased ( P < 0.05) in pigs fed high-nutrient-density diets. Pigs fed probiotic complex supplementation diets had higher ( P < 0.05) ATTD of GE than pigs fed non-supplemented diets. Fecal Lactobacillus counts were increased whereas Escherichia coli counts and NH3 and H2S emissions were decreased ( P < 0.05) in pigs fed probiotic complex supplementation diets. Interactive effects on average daily feed intake ( ADFI) were observed from day 22 to day 42 and overall, where probiotic complex improved ADFI more dramatically in low-nutrient-density diets. CONCLUSION The beneficial effects of probiotic complex ( Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis and Clostridium butyricum) supplementation on ADFI is more dramatic with low-nutrient-density diets. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Antibiotics used as growth promoters in livestock have been banned in the European Union since 2006. Antibiotics alternatives have focused on probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. The concentration of L. acidophilus is considered crucial for obtaining the desired effects. However, limited studies have been conducted to test the dose-dependent effects of L. acidophilus. Therefore, the present study aimed to test the dose-dependent effects of L. acidophilus on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial flora and fecal noxious gas emission in weaning pigs. RESULTS Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation increased ( P < 0.05) average daily gain, average daily feed intake, apparent nutrient digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen and gross energy, and Lactobacillus counts compared to the basal diet treatment, and a linear effect ( P < 0.05) was observed on those criteria. Escherichia coli counts and NH3 emission were decreased ( P < 0.05) by L. acidophilus supplementation, and a linear effect ( P < 0.05) was observed on E. coli counts. CONCLUSION These results suggest that L. acidophilus could be used as an antibiotic alternative by improving growth performance, nutrient digestibility and gut balance (i.e. increased Lactobacillus counts and decreased E. coli counts), and decreasing NH3 emission, of weaning pigs. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been recently suggested a high ratio of fecal Firmicutes and reduction in the Bacteroidetes in obese animals. This study investigated the effect of dietary lily bulb (LB) on fecal Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in rats fed a high-fat (HF) diet. In experiment 1, rats were fed an HF diet with or without 7% raw (R) or steamed (S) LB. In experiment 2, rats were fed the HF diet with or without 7% RLB, 0.9% ethanol extract of LB, or 6.1% ethanol extract residue of LB. In experiment 1, fecal Firmicutes was reduced and Bacteroidetes was increased in both the RLB and SLB groups. In experiment 2, the fecal Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was not affected by the ethanol extract or ethanol extract residue of LB. These results suggest that LB in its entirety modulates colonic microflora, regardless of heat treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus brevis ZLB004 on growth performance, fecal microflora, and serum profile in weaned pigs. A total of 144 weaned pigs (Duroc×Yorkshire×Landrace) with an average initial body weight of 15.60±0.13 kg were randomly assigned to 3 treatments, with 4 replicate pen per treatment and 12 pigs per pen. Pigs were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.4, and 0.8 g/kg of L. brevis ZLB004. All pigs were given free access to feed and water for 30 d. The results showed that pigs fed diets with L. brevis ZLB004 increased average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and gain to feed ratio ( P =0.026, 0.031, and 0.022 respectively), while decreased diarrhea incidence ( P =0.044) compared with the control group. On d 30, dietary L. brevis ZLB004 increased lactobacillus populations ( P =0.001), reduced fecal coliform populations ( P =0.022). Supplemental L. brevis ZLB004 increased serum interferon-γ and total protein concentrations ( P =0.024 and 0.044, respectively), while decreased serum haptoglobin and blood urea nitrogen ( P =0.014 and 0.040, respectively). The results showed that L. brevis ZLB004 had beneficial effects on the improvement of intestinal microflora balance, immunity, and growth performance of weaned pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistant starch (RS) from unripe saba banana ( Musa sapientum (Linn)) (Kluai Hin) exhibited high resistance to gastric acid and intestinal amylases. Its bifidogenic effect under competition of human fecal microflora was determined in the simulated proximal region of human colon. In addition, saba RS effectively protected Lactobacillus plantarum CIF17AN2 during drying process. The maximum survival of 85.81% was achieved under vacuum drying operated at 37 °C when saba RS was added. The addition of saba RS to formulate a synbiotic product was able to retain high viability of the vacuum-dried L. plantarum during 8-week storage at ambient temperature. This is because saba RS can stabilize the moisture content of the synbiotic product. In contrast, the dramatic increase of moisture content in the vacuum-dried L. plantarum without saba RS led to significant decrease in cell survival. Moreover, saba RS could potentially protect the vacuum-dried L. plantarum from gastric acid and bile exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antagonistic mechanisms of Lactobacillus plantarum CIF17AN2 (an infant isolate), saba starch, and their synbiotic combination against Salmonella Typhimurium SA2093 were evaluated. The anti-Salmonella activity was investigated under the competitive niche of fecal microbiota using the simulated proximal colon model. The alterations of the dominant fecal microbiota and beneficial bacteria were also displayed using FISH and PCR-DGGE techniques. L. plantarum CIF17AN2 exhibited anti-Salmonella mechanisms through secretion of antimicrobial compounds, adhesion ability and competitive adhesion to mucin and HT-29 cell line. However, the Salmonella inhibition was significantly reduced in the presence of human fecal microflora. The combination of saba starch with L. plantarum CIF17AN2 showed the greatest inhibition against Sal. Typhimurium SA2093 in the simulated colon model. The enhancement of anti-Salmonella activity due to the addition of saba starch corresponded to a significant decrease in pH and an increase of lactic acid and short chain fatty acids. According to PCR-DGGE analysis, L. plantarum CIF17AN2 was able to survive and effectively compete with fecal microflora. Saba starch supplement modified bifidobacterial profile but had a slight impact on the profile of lactic acid bacteria. This prebiotic approach alleviated the nutrient limitation in the proximal colon model leading to the selective stimulation of beneficial lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, hence the enhancement of anti-Salmonella activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A total of 60 growing pigs with an average initial BW of 32.51±1.75kg were randomly allotted into one of three groups for a 24-d study to determine effects of sericite (silicate clay) supplementation on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, blood profiles and fecal microflora. Treatments were: Sericite-0.0%, control diet; Sericite-0.5%, control diet+0.5% sericite and Sericite-1.0%, control diet+1.0% sericite. Pigs fed the diet supplemented with 0.5% sericite had 6.6% higher (P<0.05) ADG and 5.1% higher (P<0.05) G/F ratio compared with their control counterparts. Dietary supplementation with 0.5% and 1.0% sericite increased (P<0.05) the CTTAD of DM by 3.9% and 7.5%, as well as the CTTAD of N by 4.9% and 5.7%, respectively. Simultaneously, the CTTAD of Ca and P were increased by 5.0–19.1% when pigs were fed supplementation of 0.5% and 1.0% sericite. Dietary supplementation of 1.0% sericite decreased (P<0.05) blood iron concentration by 34.2% compared with other two treatments. The blood IgG concentration, lymphocyte and monocyte percentage in pigs fed 0.5% and 1.0% sericite were increased (P<0.05) by 5.2–24.9% compared with control group. Supplementation of 0.5% and 1.0% sericite decreased (P<0.05) fecal E. coli population counts by 12.6% and 11.6% and increased (P<0.05) fecal Lactobacillus counts by 9.5% and 14.7% respectively. The results suggest that sericite has the potential to enhance nutrient digestibility and the performance of pigs and to alter indicators of immune status and gut microflora and warrants further investigation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recurrent Clostridium difficile infection ( CDI) is a common nosocomial infection that has a large effect on morbidity and quality of life in older adults in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Because antibiotics are often unsuccessful in curing this disease, fecal transplantation has emerged as a second-line therapy for treatment of recurrent CDI. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science regarding fecal transplantation for CDI was performed to further evaluate the efficacy and side effects of this promising therapy in older adults. Data were extracted from 10 published articles from 1984 to the present that met inclusion criteria , including nine open-label reports and one randomized controlled trial. Baseline characteristics and outcomes of individuals undergoing fecal transplantation and effects of fecal transplantation on the fecal microflora were reviewed. Methods of fecal transplantation and donor selection were reviewed. Fecal transplantation was performed in 115 individuals aged 60 to 101, with a female predominance. CDI cure was achieved in 103 (89.6%) individuals over a follow-up period of 2 months to 5 years (mean 5.9 months). There was no significant difference in cure rate between older and younger participants in included studies. Most failed transplantation occurred in individuals infected with the aggressive NAP1/027 strain of C. difficile. Microbiological studies of fecal biodiversity before and after fecal transplantation demonstrated greater bacterial diversity and shift in flora species to resemble donor flora after transplantation that correlated with clinical remission. Fecal transplantation provides a safe and durable cure for older adults with recurrent CDI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to investigate the effects of bamboo charcoal and bamboo vinegar as alternatives of antibiotics in the diet of fattening pigs and their influence on growth performance, immune responses and fecal microflora populations. Crossed pigs ( n = 144, 79 kg body weight) were divided into 12 heads per pen, four diets and three replications. The basal diet (negative control: NC) was supplemented with 0.3% antibiotics (positive control: PC), 0.3% bamboo charcoal (BC) and 0.3% bamboo vinegar (BV). Average daily weight gain and feed efficiency were higher ( P < 0.05) in PC, BC and BV. The concentration of lactate dehydrogenase and cortisol were lower ( P < 0.05), but the concentration of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA were higher ( P < 0.05) in PC, BC and BV. Counts of coliform bacteria and Salmonella spp. were lower ( P < 0.05), while the counts of fecal anaerobic total bacteria and lactic acid bacteria were higher ( P < 0.05) in PC, BC and BV. A reasonable inclusion of bamboo charcoal or bamboo vinegar as antibiotics in the diet of fattening pigs leads to a better growth performance, immune responses and fecal microflora populations. The results of the present study suggest that bamboo charcoal or bamboo vinegar could be a potential additives in animal production as an alternative to antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effectiveness of the continuous intake of Lactobacillus easel strain Shirota (LcS)-fermented milk on inpatients living at facilities for the elderly (n=42, 82 ± 10 years) in open trials that compared the pre- and post-intake. LcS-fermented milk was taken continuously for 6 months. Feces were sampled and analyses of fecal microflora, organic acid and pH measurement were performed. A reduction in the number of days that the inpatients had a fever, constipation and diarrhea was observed in the post-intake of the milk compared to the pre-intake. In the feces of the inpatients before the intake compared to those of staff (n=24, 40±12 years), Bifidobacterium decreased whereas Clostridium species increased. However, Bifidobacterium proliferated without the detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus in the samples after the intake. No bacteria causing nosocomial infections were detected among the staff. The acetic acid concentration increased and pH decreased in the feces of the inpatients after such intake. LcS-fermented milk is therefore considered to be useful for improving the clinical conditions, and the effects of the enteral micro flora and environment in such inpatients. LcS-fermented milk may therefore have efficacy for reducing the risk of infection among elderly individuals residing at nursing homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There is evidence of genetic predisposition to autism, but the percent of autistic subjects with this background is unknown. It is clear that other factors, such as environmental influences, may play a role in this disease. In the present study, we have examined the fecal microbial flora of 33 subjects with various severities of autism with gastrointestinal symptoms, 7 siblings not showing autistic symptoms (sibling controls) and eight non-sibling control subjects, using the bacterial tag encoded FLX amplicon pyrosequencing (bTEFAP) procedure. The results provide us with information on the microflora of stools of young children and a compelling picture of unique fecal microflora of children with autism with gastrointestinal symptomatology. Differences based upon maximum observed and maximum predicted operational taxonomic units were statistically significant when comparing autistic and control subjects with p-values ranging from <0.001 to 0.009 using both parametric and non-parametric estimators. At the phylum level, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes showed the most difference between groups of varying severities of autism. Bacteroidetes was found at high levels in the severely autistic group, while Firmicutes were more predominant in the control group. Smaller, but significant, differences also occurred in the Actinobacterium and Proteobacterium phyla. Desulfovibrio species and Bacteroides vulgatus are present in significantly higher numbers in stools of severely autistic children than in controls. If the unique microbial flora is found to be a causative or consequent factor in this type of autism, it may have implications with regard to a specific diagnostic test, its epidemiology, and for treatment and prevention. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Gut physiology, host phylogeny, and diet determine the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) belong to the Order Carnivora, yet feed on an omnivorous diet. The role of intestinal microflora in grizzly bear digestion has not been investigated. Microbiota and microbial activity were analysed from the feces of wild and captive grizzly bears. Bacterial composition was determined using culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. The feces of wild and captive grizzly bears contained log 9.1 ± 0.5 and log 9.2 ± 0.3 gene copies·g-1, respectively. Facultative anaerobes Enterobacteriaceae and enterococci were dominant in wild bear feces. Among the strict anaerobes, the Bacteroides-Prevotella-Porphyromonas group was most prominent. Enterobacteriaceae were predominant in the feces of captive grizzly bears, at log 8.9 ± 0.5 gene copies·g-1. Strict anaerobes of the Bacteroides-Prevotella-Porphyromonas group and the Clostridium coccoides cluster were present at log 6.7 ± 0.9 and log 6.8 ± 0.8 gene copies·g-1, respectively. The presence of lactate and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) verified microbial activity. Total SCFA content and composition was affected by diet. SCFA composition in the feces of captive grizzly bears resembled the SCFA composition of prey-consuming wild animals. A consistent data set was obtained that associated fecal microbiota and metabolites with the distinctive gut physiology and diet of grizzly bears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A recent study in rats investigated the retail sweetener product, Granulated SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener (Splenda) (Abou-Donia et al., 2008. Splenda alters gut microflora and increases intestinal P-glycoprotein and cytochrome P-450 in male rats. J. Toxicol. Environ. Health A, 71, 1415–1429), which is composed of (by dry weight) maltodextrin (∼99%) and sucralose (∼1%). The investigators reported that Splenda increased body weight, decreased beneficial intestinal bacteria, and increased the expression of certain cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes and the transporter protein, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), the latter of which was considered evidence that Splenda or sucralose might interfere with the absorption of nutrients and drugs. The investigators indicated that the reported changes were attributable to the sucralose present in the product tested. An Expert Panel conducted a rigorous evaluation of this study. In arriving at its conclusions, the Expert Panel considered the design and conduct of the study, its outcomes and the outcomes reported in other data available publicly. The Expert Panel found that the study was deficient in several critical areas and that its results cannot be interpreted as evidence that either Splenda, or sucralose, produced adverse effects in male rats, including effects on gastrointestinal microflora, body weight, CYP450 and P-gp activity, and nutrient and drug absorption. The study conclusions are not consistent with published literature and not supported by the data presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Probiotics are used in the therapy of inflammatory bowel disease. This study aimed to determine whether prior administration of probiotic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria would prevent disease and change gut flora in an animal model of colitis. Methods: Swiss albino mice received a probiotic mixture (four Lactobacillus and four Bifidobacterium species) or medium (control) for a week prior to induction of colitis by oral 4% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for seven days. Appropriate non-colitis controls were used. Histological damage was assessed ( n = 5 per group), as was expression of mRNA for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and SOCS-1 in the colonic mucosa ( n = 6 per group). Secretion of TNF-α was measured in distal colon organ culture ( n = 5–6 per group). Levels of Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus acidophilus in feces were quantified by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting 16S rDNA. Results: Compared to untreated DSS colitis, probiotic treatment significantly reduced weight loss ( P < 0.05), shifted histological damage to lesser grades of severity ( P < 0.001), reduced mRNA expression of TNF-α and TGF-β1 ( P < 0.05), and down-regulated production of TNF-α from distal colon explants ( P < 0.05). Colitis induced a significant reduction in the relative proportions of Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides and Lactobacillus acidophilus group bacteria in feces, and these levels were significantly increased in probiotic-treated mice compared to DSS mice ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: Prior administration of probiotic bacteria reduced mucosal inflammation and damage in DSS-induced colitis. DSS colitis was associated with significant changes in the fecal anaerobic bacterial flora and these changes were modulated by administration of probiotic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Brown rice fermented by Aspergillus oryzae (FBRA) is a fiber-rich food. Effects of dietary administration of FBRA on rat fecal microbiota composition were examined. Male Wistar rats were fed a basal diet or a 5% FBRA- or 10% FBRA-containing diet, and fecal microbiota was analyzed by culture and terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis. The viable cell number of lactobacilli significantly increased after feeding 10% FBRA diet for 3 weeks compared with that in the basal diet group and that in the same group at the beginning of the experiment (day 0). An increase in the viable cell number of lactobacilli was also observed after feeding 10% FBRA for 12 weeks compared with the effect of a basal diet. T-RFLP analysis showed an increase in the percentage of lactobacilli cells in feces of rats fed 10% FBRA for 14 weeks. Lactobacilli strains isolated from rat feces were divided into six types based on their randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) patterns, and they were identified as Lactobacillus reuteri, L. intestinalis and lactobacilli species based on homology of the partial sequence of 16S rDNA. FBRA contains lactic acid bacteria, but their RAPD patterns and identified species were different from those in rat feces. These results indicated that dietary FBRA increases the number of lactobacilli species already resident in the rat intestine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]