Abstract
This study was conducted to compare the potential ameliorative effects between probiotic Bacillus subtilis and biodegradable Bacillus subtilis on zearalenone (ZEN) toxicosis in gilts. Thirty-six Landrace×Yorkshire gilts (average BW = 64 kg) were randomly divided into four groups: (1) Normal control diet group (NC) fed the basal diet containing few ZEN (17.5 μg/kg); (2) ZEN contaminated group (ZC) fed the contaminated diet containing an exceeded limit dose of ZEN (about 300 μg/kg); (3) Probiotic agent group (PB) fed the ZC diet with added 5 × 109 CFU/kg of probiotic Bacillus subtilis ANSB010; (4) Biodegradable agent group (DA) fed the ZC diet with added 5 × 109 CFU/kg of biodegradable Bacillus subtilis ANSB01G. Results showed that Bacillus subtilis ANSB010 and ANSB01G isolated from broiler intestinal chyme had similar inhibitory activities against common pathogenic bacteria. In addition, the feed conversion ratio and the vulva size in DA group were significantly lower than ZC group (p < 0.05). The levels of IgG, IgM, IL-2 and TNFα in the ZC group were significantly higher than PB and DA groups (p < 0.05). The levels of estradiol and prolactin in the ZC group was significantly higher than those of the NC and DA groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the residual ZEN in the feces of the ZC and PB groups were higher than those of the NC and DA groups (p < 0.05). In summary, the ZEN-contaminated diet had a damaging impact on growth performance, plasma immune function and hormone secretion of gilts. Although probiotic and biodegradable Bacillus subtilis have similar antimicrobial capacities, only biodegradable Bacillus subtilis could eliminate these negative effects through its biodegradable property to ZEN.
Highlights
Zearalenone (ZEN), known as an F-2 mycotoxin, is a powerful estrogenic metabolite produced by certain species of Fusarium and Erysipelas spp. [1]
Previous work from our laboratory reported that Bacillus subtilis ANSB01G, which has both a biodegradable effect against ZEN and probiotic activities against pathogenic bacteria, can alleviate toxicosis of ZEN in pre-pubertal female gilts [13,14]
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of biodegradable and probiotic Bacillus subtilis on growth performance, serum biochemical indexes and hormone, serum antioxidant, immune indicators and mycotoxin residue in gilts exposed to ZEN for 25 d in vivo, as well as the inhibitory activity of common harmful bacteria in vitro
Summary
Zearalenone (ZEN), known as an F-2 mycotoxin, is a powerful estrogenic metabolite produced by certain species of Fusarium and Erysipelas spp. [1]. Numerous researches have reported that physical, chemical and biological methods can be used to counter mycotoxicosis [7,8,9]. Most of these methods are impractical or potentially unsafe because of losses in the nutritional value, high equipment costs and formation of toxic residues or derivatives [10]. Previous work from our laboratory reported that Bacillus subtilis ANSB01G, which has both a biodegradable effect against ZEN and probiotic activities against pathogenic bacteria, can alleviate toxicosis of ZEN in pre-pubertal female gilts [13,14]. The article did not clarify whether the reduced toxicity was due to its probiotic or biodegradable properties
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
