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17 pages, 2159 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Type of Parturition on Colostrum Microbiota Composition and Puppy Survival

by Leonida Kajdič, Tanja Plavec, Irena Zdovc, Anja Kalin and Maja Zakošek Pipan

Animals 2021, 11(7), 1897; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11071897 - 25 Jun 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1946

The objective of our study was to determine whether the type of parturition affects the microbiota of the colostrum and the growth and survival of the puppies. Seventy-nine newborn puppies were divided into three groups regarding the type of parturition: vaginal delivery (VD), [...] Read more.

The objective of our study was to determine whether the type of parturition affects the microbiota of the colostrum and the growth and survival of the puppies. Seventy-nine newborn puppies were divided into three groups regarding the type of parturition: vaginal delivery (VD), elective caesarean section (EL-CS), and emergency caesarean section (EM-CS). After the birth of the puppies, swabs of meconium were collected from the puppies and colostrum was obtained from the dam. Many aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were isolated and identified by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The colostrum microbiota of VD and EL-CS puppies contained a significantly higher abundance of bacteria belonging to the genera Staphylococcus, Kocuria and Enterococcus compared with EM-CS colostrum samples. The composition of the meconium microbiota of the puppies present at birth was similar to the colostrum microbiota of their mothers. It was also found that puppies without a meconium microbiota at birth gained weight more slowly compared with puppies with a meconium microbiota at birth. The type of parturition influenced the bacterial composition of the microbiota in the colostrum. Future studies are necessary to further define the significance of the observed differences in microbiota composition between EM-CS compared with EL-CS and VD colostrum microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Microbiome in Animal Health and Nutrition)

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16 pages, 2117 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Vitamin A Supplementation on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Parameters, Intestinal Immunity Response and Gut Microbiota in American Mink (Neovison vison)

by Weixiao Nan, Huazhe Si, Qianlong Yang, Hongpeng Shi, Tietao Zhang, Qiumei Shi, Guangyu Li, Haihua Zhang and Hanlu Liu

Animals 2021, 11(6), 1577; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061577 - 28 May 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4406

Abstract

This experiment investigated the effect of vitamin A supplementation on growth, serum biochemical parameters, jejunum morphology and the microbial community in male growing-furring mink. Thirty healthy male mink were randomly assigned to three treatment groups, with 10 mink per group. Each mink was [...] Read more.

This experiment investigated the effect of vitamin A supplementation on growth, serum biochemical parameters, jejunum morphology and the microbial community in male growing-furring mink. Thirty healthy male mink were randomly assigned to three treatment groups, with 10 mink per group. Each mink was housed in an individual cage. The mink in the three groups were fed diets supplemented with vitamin A acetate at dosages of 0 (CON), 20,000 (LVitA) and 1,280,000 IU/kg (HVitA) of basal diet. A 7-day pretest period preceded a formal test period of 45 days. The results show that 20,000 IU/kg vitamin A increased the ADG, serum T-AOC and GSH-Px activities, villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of IL-22, Occludin and ZO-1 in the jejunum of mink were significantly higher in the LVitA group than those in the CON and HVitA groups (p < 0.05). Vitamin A supplementation increased the diversity of jejunum bacteria, decreased the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes and increased the relative abundance of Akkermansia, uncultured bacterium f Muribaculaceae, Allobaculum, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, Rummeliibacillus and Parasutterella. The comparison of potential functions also showed enrichment of glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, transport and catabolism pathways in the vitamin A supplementation groups compared with the CON group. In conclusion, these results indicate that dietary vitamin A supplementation could mediate host growth by improving intestinal development, immunity and the relative abundance of the intestinal microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Microbiome in Animal Health and Nutrition)

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17 pages, 1385 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Fermented Products Produced by Bacillus licheniformis on the Growth Performance and Cecal Microbial Community of Broilers under Coccidial Challenge

by Yeong-Hsiang Cheng, Yi-Bing Horng, Wei-Jung Chen, Kuo-Feng Hua, Andrzej Dybus and Yu-Hsiang Yu

Animals 2021, 11(5), 1245; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051245 - 26 Apr 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2412

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of fermented products produced by Bacillus licheniformis (fermented products) on the growth performance and cecal microbial community in broilers exposed to coccidial challenge. A total of 108 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allotted to one [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effects of fermented products produced by Bacillus licheniformis (fermented products) on the growth performance and cecal microbial community in broilers exposed to coccidial challenge. A total of 108 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allotted to one of three treatments. Each treatment was distributed into six replicate cages with six birds each. The treatments consisted of a basal diet without treatment (NC), basal diet plus coccidial challenge (PC), and basal diet plus the coccidial challenge and 1 g/kg of fermented products (FP). The results indicated that FP increased the average daily gain of broilers at 21 to 35 days of age compared with the PC group (p < 0.05). The anti-coccidia index in the FP group was elevated compared with the PC group (p < 0.05). Principal coordinate analysis showed significant segregation in bacterial community composition in the cecal digesta among the groups. The genus Lactobacillus was more abundant in the cecal digesta of the FP group compared with the PC group (p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the abundance of the genus Lactobacillus in the cecal digesta and growth performance (body weight, average daily gain, and average feed intake). Furthermore, the abundance of the genus Lactobacillus in the cecal digesta was positively associated with the cecal short-chain fatty acid levels (formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and isobutyric acid). These findings suggest that fermented products produced by B. licheniformis can ameliorate the average daily gain of broilers exposed to coccidial challenge. B. licheniformis-fermented product supplementation increases anti-coccidial activity and modulates gut microbiota composition by increasing beneficial microbes and decreasing harmful microbes in broilers under coccidial challenge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Microbiome in Animal Health and Nutrition)

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22 pages, 32661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation, Identification and Function of Pichia anomala AR₂₀₁₆ and Its Effects on the Growth and Health of Weaned Pigs

by Yajun Ma, Zhihong Sun, Yan Zeng, Ping Hu, Weizhong Sun, Yubo Liu, Hong Hu, Zebin Rao and Zhiru Tang

Animals 2021, 11(4), 1179; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11041179 - 20 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2465

Abstract

This study isolates and identifies Pichia anomala (P. anomala) AR₂₀₁₆, and studies its effect on the growth and health of weaned pigs. A P. anomala strain from solid wine koji is isolated and identified using 26S rDNA analysis, and [...] Read more.

This study isolates and identifies Pichia anomala (P. anomala) AR₂₀₁₆, and studies its effect on the growth and health of weaned pigs. A P. anomala strain from solid wine koji is isolated and identified using 26S rDNA analysis, and its culture conditions are optimized. Heat tolerance, bile salt tolerance, artificial gastric, and intestinal juice tolerance are evaluated. In our methodology, thirty 28 d Large White × Landrace × Rongchang weaned pigs were randomly divided into three groups with 10 barrows in each, and fed a maize-soybean meal diet and orally administered 0.85% saline (CK), 1 mL 1 × 10⁹ cfu/mL Candida utilis (C. utilis), and 1 mL 1 × 10⁹ cfu/mL P. anomala once daily for 28 days. A P. anomala strain was identified and named P. anomala AR₂₀₁₆. P. anomala AR₂₀₁₆ grew best in yeast extract peptone dextrose medium with pH 5.0 at 28 °C, 180 r/min and could tolerate 45 °C for 0.5 h, 0.2% pig bile salts, simulated gastric fluid, and 1.0% simulated intestinal fluid. Our results show that compared with the CK group, orally administered P. anomala AR₂₀₁₆ increases average daily gain, the ileal villus height, the ileal mucosal concentrations of occludin and zonula occluens-1, the serum glucose and total protein concentration, total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidative capacity activity, the trypsin and lipase activity in jejunal and ileal contents, the jejunal and ileal mucosa mRNA levels of ALP, TNF-α, and TLR-2, and the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Succinivibrionaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Prevotellaceae (p < 0.05). Compared with the CK group, oral administration of P. anomala AR₂₀₁₆ decreased the incidence of diarrhea, aspartate aminotransferase activity, alanine amino-transferase-activity, malondialdehyde, D-lactic acid and endotoxin content in serum, the mRNA level of aminopeptidase N of ileum mucosa, and the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Clostridiaceae, Campylobacteraceae, Vibrionaceae, Bacillus, and Pseudon (p < 0.05). Collectively, the study indicates that P. anomala AR₂₀₁₆ can tolerate high acidity and high bile salts, and has high survivability in the artificial gastric intestinal juice environment. Oral administration of P. anomala AR₂₀₁₆ improves the growth performance, reduces the incidence of diarrhea, enhances intestinal barrier function, and improves microflora in weaned pigs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Microbiome in Animal Health and Nutrition)

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16 pages, 306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emulsifier and Xylanase Can Modulate the Gut Microbiota Activity of Broiler Chickens

by Marta Kubiś, Paweł Kołodziejski, Ewa Pruszyńska-Oszmałek, Maciej Sassek, Paweł Konieczka, Paweł Górka, Jadwiga Flaga, Dorota Katarzyńska-Banasik, Marcin Hejdysz, Zuzanna Wiśniewska and Sebastian A. Kaczmarek

Animals 2020, 10(12), 2197; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10122197 - 24 Nov 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3089

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of xylanase (XYL), emulsifier (EMU), and a combination of both (XYL + EMU) in wheat diet with a high level of tallow on gastrointestinal tract microbiota activity, excretion of sialic acids, and selected gut [...] Read more.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of xylanase (XYL), emulsifier (EMU), and a combination of both (XYL + EMU) in wheat diet with a high level of tallow on gastrointestinal tract microbiota activity, excretion of sialic acids, and selected gut segments morphology of 480 one-day-old male ROSS 308 broiler chickens. The activities of bacterial enzymes in the ileal digesta were lower in experimental groups compared to the control (CON) group. Enzyme activity in the cecum was significantly higher than in the ileum. The additives did not affect the excretion of sialic acid. The number of duodenum goblet cells on the villi decreased in all of the experimental groups (p < 0.05). The simultaneous use of XYL + EMU deepened the ileum crypts (p < 0.05). The total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration in the cecal digesta was higher in experimental groups. The abundance of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Escherichia coli did not change among experimental groups. The relative abundance of Clostridium was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in groups with emulsifier addition. In conclusion, the simultaneous usage of EMU and XYL in wheat-based diets with beef tallow reduces the ileum microbiota activity and enhances cecum microbiota activity. Presumably, the addition of both additives results in a cumulative effect on the gut microbiota activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Microbiome in Animal Health and Nutrition)

18 pages, 3765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fermented Feed Supplement Relieves Caecal Microbiota Dysbiosis and Kidney Injury Caused by High-Protein Diet in the Development of Gosling Gout

by Yumeng Xi, Yuanpi Huang, Ying Li, Junshu Yan and Zhendan Shi

Animals 2020, 10(11), 2139; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10112139 - 17 Nov 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2195

Abstract

Firstly, forty-eight 1-day-old goslings were randomly allocated to four groups and were fed diets containing crude protein (CP) at different concentrations: 160, 180, 200, and 220 g/kg in Experiment One. We found a dose-dependent relationship between the dietary protein levels and morbidity of [...] Read more.

Firstly, forty-eight 1-day-old goslings were randomly allocated to four groups and were fed diets containing crude protein (CP) at different concentrations: 160, 180, 200, and 220 g/kg in Experiment One. We found a dose-dependent relationship between the dietary protein levels and morbidity of gosling gout. The concentration of serum uric acid (UA), creatinine (Cr), and urea nitrogen (UN), and the activity of xanthine oxidase in the 220CP groups were significantly higher than those in the low-protein diet groups. Beneficial microbes, including Akkermansia, Lactococcus, and Butyricicoccus were enriched in the ceca of healthy goslings, while the microbes Enterococcus, Enterobacteriaceae, and Bacteroides were enriched in those with gout. Then, we explored the effects of fermented feed on gosling gout caused by high-protein diets in Experiment Two. A total of 720 1-day-old goslings were randomly allotted to four experimental groups: CN (162.9 g/kg CP), CNF (167.5 g/kg CP, replacing 50 g/kg of the basal diet with fermented feed), HP (229.7 g/kg CP, a high-protein diet), and HPF (230.7 g/kg CP, replacing 50 g/kg of the high-protein diet with fermented feed). We found that the cumulative incidence of gout increased in the HP group compared with that in the control, but decreased in the HPF group compared to that in the HP group. Similarly, the concentration of serum UA in the HP group was higher than that in the CN group, but decreased in the HPF group. Meanwhile, compared with the HP group, using fermented feed in diets decreased the abundance of Enterococcus in the ceca of goslings, while increasing the abundance of Lactobacillus. These results suggest that appropriate dietary protein levels and the fermented feed supplement might relieve the kidney injury and gut microbiota dysbiosis caused by high-protein diets in the development of gosling gout. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Microbiome in Animal Health and Nutrition)

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13 pages, 1589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Bacillus licheniformis-Fermented Products and Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome on Litter Performance Traits, Milk Composition, and Fecal Microbiota in Sows

by Yu-Hsiang Yu, Ting-Yu Hsu, Wei-Jung Chen, Yi-Bing Horng and Yeong-Hsiang Cheng

Animals 2020, 10(11), 2044; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10112044 - 05 Nov 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2159

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Bacillus licheniformis-fermented products (BLFP) and postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) on litter performance traits, milk composition, and fecal microbiota in sows in a commercial farrow to finish pig farm. Fifty multiparous cross-bred pregnant sows [...] Read more.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Bacillus licheniformis-fermented products (BLFP) and postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) on litter performance traits, milk composition, and fecal microbiota in sows in a commercial farrow to finish pig farm. Fifty multiparous cross-bred pregnant sows were randomly assigned to two groups in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments comprised a basal diet (pregnancy and nursery diet) as control and basal diet supplemented with 1.5 g/kg of BLFP. Sows with PDS in the two groups were further verified 12 h post-partum. Results show that the piglet body weight at weaning was increased in sows fed the BLFP compared to those fed the control diet. The milk fat content of prepartum sows was reduced in sows fed the BLFP. Postpartum sows with PDS had increased milk solid content compared with healthy sows. Microbial composition and species relative abundance analysis indicated distinct bacterial clusters between the groups. The abundance of the family Prevotellaceae in the feces decreased in sows with PDS. BLFP increased the average abundance of the genus (Eubacterium) coprostanoligenes group in feces of sows. These findings demonstrate that BLFP in the diet of sows can improve the piglet body weight at weaning and modulate the fecal microbiota of sows. PDS also has an impact on milk composition and fecal microbiota in sows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Microbiome in Animal Health and Nutrition)

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9 pages, 715 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Changes in the Levels of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes Phyla of Sheep Feces Depending on the Breed

by Paulina Cholewińska, Magdalena Wołoszyńska, Marta Michalak, Katarzyna Czyż, Witold Rant and Marzena Janczak

Animals 2020, 10(10), 1901; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10101901 - 16 Oct 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2074

Abstract

Studies carried out so far have indicated the effect of the microbiome on the composition of ruminant products. Recent studies have shown that not only diet, but also genetic factors can affect the microbiological composition of the digestive system. The aim of the [...] Read more.

Studies carried out so far have indicated the effect of the microbiome on the composition of ruminant products. Recent studies have shown that not only diet, but also genetic factors can affect the microbiological composition of the digestive system. The aim of the study was to determine the differences in the levels of selected bacterial phyla in terms of breed differences. Three sheep breeds, i.e., Olkuska, Romanov, and old-type Polish Merino, differing in their use (meat–wool, meat, prolificacy) and country of breed origin were included in the study. Sheep at the same age and of the same sex were kept for a period of 3 months in the same environmental conditions and fed the same feed in the same proportions. The study included real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis of feces collected before the slaughter and measurements of body weight and chilled carcasses. The obtained results showed significant differences between the breeds in the levels of bacterial populations tested. There were also differences in body weight between the breeds during the first weight measurements, however, the final results did not show any differences—after three months of maintenance all of them reached similar body weights, despite differences in fecal microbiological composition. The study suggests that in addition to diet and environmental conditions, the microbiology can also be influenced by breed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Microbiome in Animal Health and Nutrition)

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20 pages, 3504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Laetiporus sulphureus-Fermented Wheat Bran on Growth Performance, Intestinal Microbiota and Digesta Characteristics in Broiler Chickens

by Wei Chih Lin and Tzu Tai Lee

Animals 2020, 10(9), 1457; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10091457 - 20 Aug 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2640

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of a Laetiporus sulphureus-fermented wheat bran (LS) supplementation on the microbiota and digesta characteristics of broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into three groups fed with a corn–soybean-based diet (control), [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effects of a Laetiporus sulphureus-fermented wheat bran (LS) supplementation on the microbiota and digesta characteristics of broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into three groups fed with a corn–soybean-based diet (control), and the control diet being replaced with 5% wheat bran (WB) and 5% LS, respectively. Each group had four replicates and 20 birds per pen. Metagenomics analysis results of the ileum microbiota showed that, at the family level, the 5% LS groups had over 40% higher Lactobacillaceae compared to the control group in a mean difference comparison. Heat maps showed that, at the phylum level, the population of Firmicutes was higher and Proteobacteria was lower in the ileum of 5% LS compared to the control group. Results of the stack column plots of the top ten OTUs at the family level showed that a 5% LS and 5% WB supplementation altered the broiler microbiota distribution by increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae. Cecal microbiota analysis showed that the 5% LS-supplemented group had approximately 5% and 3% higher Veillonellaceae and Lactobacillaceae, respectively. Stack column plots of the top ten OTUs indicated that the distribution of cecal bacteria in each group was not markedly different. Both the ileum and cecum digesta in the 5% LS supplementation group had a slight and not significant elevation on the total VFA, while the pH values and ammonia nitrogen were significantly lowered compared to the control and 5% WB groups (p < 0.05). In addition, the 5% LS supplementation group had a significantly higher lactic acid concentration in both the ileum and cecum compared to the control and 5% WB groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a 5% LS supplementation could potentially enhance the feed conversion ratio and European Broiler Index (EBI) of broilers by elevating the family Lactobacillaceae and suppressing the phylum Proteobacteria’s population, thus creating changed intestinal environments that may potentially favor the growth and health of the broilers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Microbiome in Animal Health and Nutrition)

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Review

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18 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gut Microbiota-Polyphenol Interactions in Chicken: A Review

by Yasir Iqbal, Jeremy J. Cottrell, Hafiz A.R. Suleria and Frank R. Dunshea

Animals 2020, 10(8), 1391; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10081391 - 11 Aug 2020

Cited by 49 | Viewed by 4995

Abstract

The gastrointestinal tract of the chicken harbors very complex and diverse microbial communities including both beneficial and harmful bacteria. However, a dynamic balance is generally maintained in such a way that beneficial bacteria predominate over harmful ones. Environmental factors can negatively affect this [...] Read more.

The gastrointestinal tract of the chicken harbors very complex and diverse microbial communities including both beneficial and harmful bacteria. However, a dynamic balance is generally maintained in such a way that beneficial bacteria predominate over harmful ones. Environmental factors can negatively affect this balance, resulting in harmful effects on the gut, declining health, and productivity. This means modulating changes in the chicken gut microbiota is an effective strategy to improve gut health and productivity. One strategy is using modified diets to favor the growth of beneficial bacteria and a key candidate are polyphenols, which have strong antioxidant potential and established health benefits. The gut microbiota-polyphenol interactions are of vital importance in their effects on the gut microbiota modulation because it affects not only the composition of gut bacteria but also improves bioavailability of polyphenols through generation of more bioactive metabolites enhancing their health effects on morphology and composition of the gut microbiota. The object of this review is to improve the understanding of polyphenol interactions with the gut microbiota and highlights their potential role in modulation of the gut microbiota of chicken. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Microbiome in Animal Health and Nutrition)

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