​Probiotics for Augmenting Health

Abstract

Background: The probiotic microorganism consists mostly of the strains of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. Bifidobacterial species are common members of the infant gut where they form up to 91 per cent of the total micro flora in breast-fed babies and up to 75 per cent in formula fed infants Methods: Bifidobacterial species were isolated and identified from the faeces of breast fed infants by molecular techniques. Molecular tools like 16S rDNA targeted genus and species specific mPCR primers were used for confirmation. A total of 4 isolates were identified namely B. longum (IB10 and IB12) B. breve (IB39) and B. bifidum (IB42). The identified species were screened for probiotic properties like bile tolerance, antimicrobial activity and tolerance to acidity. Ideal isolate of B. longum was incorporated in the preparation of whey based malted nutraceutical spray dried food and fed to weaned piglets. Result: B. longum (IB10) was the ideal probiotic when compared to other isolates as it had maximum antimicrobial activity and tolerance to bile and acidity. It was noted that isolate IB10 (B. longum) had an inhibitory zone ranging from 3.03 to 2.95 mm against B. cereus, S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa due to acid and antibacterial compounds. Isolate B. longum (IB10) was incorporated in the preparation of whey based malted nutraceutical spray dried food. The influence of feeding five grams of the spray dried nutraceutical malt food containing B. longum at 107cfu/g per day on animal production, gut health and gut architecture in young weaned piglets were also investigated. The probiotic regime had positive effects on the health of piglets when compared to the control group. A significant two log reduction in the coliform count was observed in the faeces of weaned piglets fed with Bifidobacterial nutraceutical powder than that of control. Thus, these probiotic bifidobacteria can be considered as safe adjuncts for preparation of dairy nutraceuticals.