Effect of Probiotics and Herbal Products on Intestinal Histomorphological and Immunological Development in Piglets.

Daiga Gāliņa,Līga Ansonska,Anda Valdovska

doi:10.1155/2020/3461768

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of probiotics and herbal products on the intestinal histomorphological and immunological development in piglets. Accordingly, 2-week-old piglets were allocated in 4 groups: C (basal diet), Pro (basal diet + probiotics), Pro+B (basal diet + probiotics + buckwheat bran), and H (powder of herbs). After 6 weeks of the experiment, 4 piglets from each experimental group were randomly selected and slaughtered at a slaughterhouse. Samples of tissue and digestive content from the jejunum and colon were collected for bacteriological, histological, and immunohistochemical examination. The results showed that probiotics increased the number of Lactobacillus spp. in the small (p < 0.05) and large intestines. The intestinal histomorphology was improved (p < 0.05) in all experimental groups by an increased villus height, VH : CD ration, colon crypt depth, and number of Ki-67+ epithelial cells. A higher number (p < 0.05) of goblet cells and their acidification were observed in group Pro, while the density of goblet cells was decreased by the herbs. Probiotics increased (p < 0.05) the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), density of CD3+ cells in Peyer's patches (PPs), and lamina propria (LP). In group H, a dual effect on the CD3+ cell distribution was observed. The herbs reduced (p < 0.05) the number of IELs and CD3+ in LP but increased the distribution of CD3+ cells in PPs. In the colon, herbs increased CD3+ cells in LP as well. It suggests that probiotics and herbs had influence on the intestinal histomorphology and the ability to modulate the mucosal immune system; however, the combination of probiotics and buckwheat bran was not so convincing, probably due to the inhibitory effect of the buckwheat bran on the probiotics used.

Highlights

Weaning is a critical period in the life of pigs; factors such as separation from the sow, a new environment, and dietary changes promote a negative effect on the growth of piglets
Our results have demonstrated that probiotics increased the number of Lactobacillus spp. in small and large intestines. e ability of probiotics to increase the count of Lactobacillus spp. in piglets has been well documented [5]. e combination of probiotics and buckwheat bran slightly decreased the count of Enterobacteriaceae and increased the count of Lactobacillus spp. but did not reach even an equivalent level of Lactobacillus spp. as it was observed when using only probiotics
Probiotic supplements improved the gut microbiota by increasing the count of Lactobacillus in the small and large intestines, while herbs had a tendency to decrease the count of Enterobacteriaceae. e improved microbiota of probiotics and the subsequent immunestimulatory effect increased the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in the small intestine

Summary

Introduction

Weaning is a critical period in the life of pigs; factors such as separation from the sow, a new environment, and dietary changes promote a negative effect on the growth of piglets. The dominance of the intensive farming model, the increase of the size of piglet groups, and limited space result in injuries and spread of diseases among pigs. It is a great challenge for the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract and immune system that are not fully mature in this life period of pigs [1]. Antimicrobial resistance is a serious global threat; the development of alternative feed supplements is important to prevent the selection and transmission of resistant bacteria

Methods

Results

Conclusion