Caecal Contents Research Articles

The inclusion of insect meal from Hermetia illucens larvae in the diet of laying hens (Hy-line Brown) affects the caecal diversity of methanogenic archaea.

The inclusion of insect meal from Hermetia illucens larvae in the diet of laying hens (Hy-line Brown) affects the caecal diversity of methanogenic archaea.

Effects of Feed Restriction on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilisation, Biochemical Parameters, and the Caecum Microbiota and Metabolites in Rabbits.

The main objective of this research was to observe the effects of feed restriction on caecum microbiota and metabolites in rabbits. Forty-eight male 8-week-old rabbits with similar body weights (1872.11 ± 180.85 g) were randomly assigned to two treatments according to completely randomized design: (1) the control group received ad libitum access to feed (AL), and (2) the treatment received 80% of the feed consumed by the control (FR). The results showed that FR did not differ (p > 0.05) for average daily weight gain or feed conversion ratio between the two groups. FR treatment led to a significant increase (p < 0.05) in acid detergent fibre apparent faecal digestibility, nitrogen digestibility and retention, and gross energy digestibility and retention. The FR treatment showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower blood triglycerides, creatinine, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, malondialdehyde, and hydroxyl free radicals but significantly (p < 0.05) greater total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase. The FR group presented greater (p < 0.05) Firmicutes and Ruminococcus abundances but a lower (p < 0.05) Akkermansiaceae abundance in the caecal content. Moreover, 222 differentiated metabolites were identified, and beta-alanine metabolism was the top enriched pathway. Collectively, FR can improve nutrient utilisation, lipid metabolism, antioxidant activity, caecum microbiota, and metabolites in rabbits.

Bacterial dysbiosis and decrease in SCFA correlate with intestinal inflammation following alcohol intoxication and burn injury

BackgroundPatients intoxicated at the time of burn experience increased rates of sepsis and death compared with that observed in similarly sized burns alone. We sought to characterise changes in the...

Multi-omics uncover acute stress vulnerability through gut-hypothalamic communication in ducks.

1. The avian gut hosts a complex and dynamic microbial ecosystem, which is essential for regulating host organ function. However, the relationship between the gut microbiota and the hypothalamic axis in acute stress vulnerability in ducks remains unclear.2. This study investigated how the gut microbiota affects microbial metabolism and the host stress response by comparing hypothalamic neurotransmitter availability, microbial composition and co-metabolites generated by both the microbiota and hypothalamus in ducks exhibiting the lowest active avoidance (LAA) and highest active avoidance (HAA) behaviour.3. The HAA group experienced a significant increase in the availability of arginine, histidine, glutamine, norepinephrine, L-tyrosine and melatonin during acute stress in the hypothalamus, compared to that in the LAA group. The 16S rRNA sequencing revealed significant differences in the gut microbiota composition based on acute stress vulnerabilities.4. Both caecal and hypothalamic metabolomic analyses identified 71 metabolites altered in caecal content and 95 in the hypothalamus. There was significant enrichment in pathways such as the cGMP-PKG signalling, dopaminergic synapse and endocrine resistance.5. Correlation analyses demonstrated that certain co-metabolites, including 1,3-dicyclohexylurea, 1-deoxyvaleric acid, 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 3-chloroaniline, methenamine, N4-acetylcytidine-triphosphate and traumatin, may play a role in the gut microbiota-hypothalamic axis.6. The results suggested that the gut microbiome influenced acute stress responses. This provided a basis for understanding gut-hypothalamic communication and its impact on behaviour in ducks.

Lack of reproducibility compromises conclusions on the effects of three Bacillus species on Salmonella enterica Enteritidis colonisation in layer-type chickens

ABSTRACT 1. Salmonella spp. are one of the most important foodborne zoonotic pathogens, often transmitted to humans through table eggs and fresh meat. Strategies for the prevention and reduction of Salmonella spp. in poultry include various approaches, such as biosecurity measures, vaccination and the use of feed additives, like probiotic bacteria. 2. This study investigated the impact of a commercial Bacillus-based probiotic on Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) colonisation in layer-type chicks, a critical issue for food safety. Lohmann Selected Leghorn chicks were divided into two groups, where one received GalliPro® Fit (Chr. Hansen A/S, Hoersholm, Denmark; 1.6 × 10⁶ CFU/g feed) from day-of-hatch, while the control group did not. On d 8, all chicks were orally challenged with SE (7–8 × 10⁵ CFU/bird). Cloacal swabs were collected on d 8, 10, 11 and 12 to assess shedding, and caecal contents were analysed for SE counts after euthanasia on d 12. The study was repeated three times with 30 chicks per group in each trial under consistent housing, husbandry and feeding conditions, except for differing parental bird origins. Shedding analysis was not performed in the final trial. 3. The results were inconsistent. In the first trial, probiotic-treated chicks showed significantly reduced SE shedding and caecal loading compared to the control group. However, in the second trial, shedding and caecal loads were significantly higher in the probiotic group. The third trial revealed no significant differences between the groups. 4. These findings showed that the probiotic effect on SE colonisation was inconclusive, despite identical experimental conditions, apart from parental bird origin. This highlighted the potential influence of parental health on offspring immunocompetence and gut microbiota, underscoring the challenges in interpreting in vivo studies. This study emphasised the need for reproducibility and careful evaluation of factors affecting trial outcomes.

Optimizing Flammulina velutipes residue use: impact on health metrics and performance in three-yellow chickens

IntroductionThis study investigated the effects of Flammulina velutipes residue (FVR) on performance, antioxidant function, immunity, and intestinal flora of broilers.MethodsA total of 192 one-day-old three-yellow chickens were divided into four groups of 48 chickens per group, 6 replicates per group and 8 chickens per replicate. The control group (CON) was fed a basal diet, while the remaining three groups were supplemented with FVR in the basal diet, adding 2%, 4% and 6% of the basal diet, respectively. The experiment lasted for 48 days. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein on days 28 and 48 to determine serum biochemical indices. Caecum contents were collected on day 48 to assess flora diversity.Results and discussionNo significant differences were observed in dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), or feed conversion ratio (FCR) between the 2% and 4% group and the CON. However, the 6% FRV group showed significantly reduced DMI and FCR. The FVR groups exhibited significantly increased levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPC-PX) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), along with significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Additionally, serum interleukin-1 (IL-1) levels decreased, while immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels significantly increased in the FVR groups. The caecal flora diversity test revealed that FVR altered the flora structure, with increased proportions of Bacteroides, Ruminococcus and Faecalibacterium in the 6% FVR groups. In conclusion, FVR can significantly enhance the antioxidant capacity and immunity of broilers and enrich the structure of intestinal flora. The impact on growth performance is limited and dosage-dependent. Further research is needed to optimize its use in poultry diets.

Study of the Possibility of Modulating the Composition of the Gastrointestinal Microbiome of Rabbits Fed Fermented Rapeseed Meal

Abstract Understanding digestive functions and the role of microorganisms in the prevention of gastrointestinal and systemic diseases may be a strategy for preventing intestinal dysbiosis during critical periods of animal rearing, strengthening the immune system and reducing herd mortality. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the addition of fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) to the diet of rabbits on the composition of the bacterial microbiota of the caecal contents. The experiment was conducted using 40 35-day-old rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) assigned to four groups of 10 animals each. Animals in the control group (group C) were fed a standard diet, while the experimental groups received 4% (group E1), 8% (group E2) or 12% (group E3) dried FRSM in place of the previously used soybean meal (SBM). After 120 days, six rabbits (three males and three females), of average size and intended for slaughter, were selected from each group. The contents of the caecum were collected from these animals for metagenomic analysis. The research demonstrated that the microbiome of the caecum of rabbits shows low diversity at higher phylogenetic levels, but is highly diverse at lower levels. The study showed no directly proportional relationship between the various groups of microorganisms inhabiting the digestive tract and the share of fermented rapeseed meal used in the diet. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize the microbiome of rabbits fed diets with the inclusion of fermented feed components.

Cannabidiol can affect morphology, morphometry, enzymatic and microbial activity of rabbit digestive system.

The present research aimed to evaluate the effects of the continuative dietary administration of a hemp oil extract containing cannabinoids (cannabidiol, CBD) on the macroscopic morphology, morphometry, and enzymatic activity of different intestinal tracts as well as on the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the cecum of growing rabbits. The research was performed on 16 rabbits randomly selected from 2 experimental groups (8 per group). In detail, 42 sixty-day-old New Zealand White × California rabbits (sex ratio 1:1, average weight 1621.3 ± 46.2g) were homogeneously divided into 2 groups (21 animals/group), namely control and CBD. Both groups were fed the same commercial diet, but the CBD one was supplemented with 0.1mL of hemp extract in coconut-based oil corresponding to 10mg of CBD/animal/d. Up to 92 d of age (for 27 d), individual live weight and feed intake were measured weekly. At 92 d of age, 8 rabbits/group (sex ratio 1:1) were moved to a specialized slaughterhouse, and the gastrointestinal tract was separated from the carcass. Samples from 8 rabbits per dietary treatment were used for the histomorphological analysis of small and large intestines. In addition, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum were processed for enzymatic analysis. The caecal contents were used for the SCFAs determination. The administration of CBD did not affect feed intake and the final rabbits' whole body weight (P > 0.05), but some changes were detected in the gastrointestinal tract of the animals. CBD seemed to interfere with protein digestion, with a significantly lower activity of the enzymes related to peptides in the small intestine and a consequent increase of the fermentative activity of caecal microbiota. This effect, in combination with a general decrease of fermentative activity in the caecal content of rabbits submitted to CBD treatment, was responsible for a change in the SCFA proportion mainly regarding the reduction of butyrate production (P < 0.01) that resulted significant higher in CTR group compared to CBD. This last result is very important for intestinal health. Such fermentation activity modification was coupled with changes in the relative abundance of goblet cells in the colon. Overall, our findings suggest that a relatively long-term administration of CBD may affect digestion in rabbits, in particular at enzymatic and fermentative levels.

Effect of safflower oil supplementation in quail (&lt;i&gt;Coturnix coturnix japonica&lt;/i&gt;) diets on growth performance, blood antioxidant status, caecal short-chain fatty acid content, and biomechanical properties of bones

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of safflower oil supplementation in quail diets on growth performance, blood antioxidant status, caecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations, and tibia–femur biomechanical properties. A total of 180 one-day-old quail chicks were randomly divided into three groups, each containing 60 chicks. Each group was randomly divided into six subgroups, each containing 10 chicks. All chicks were fed a diet based on corn and soybean meal. The control group was fed the basal ration and experimental groups were fed the basal ration plus 0.5% and 2% safflower oil. The use of safflower oil in quails did not affect the growth performance parameters. Malondialdehyde, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase exhibited a linear response to the addition of safflower. Ceruloplasmin, albumin, total protein, and globulin were not affected by the addition of safflower oil. Acetic acid and SCFA were linearly associated with safflower oil content. There were no statistical differences in propionic, butyric, isobutyric, valeric, isovaleric, isocaproic, and caproic acids and BCFA in quails fed different percentages of safflower oil. Feeding a diet containing safflower oil did not affect the biomechanical properties of the tibia and femur in quails. It was concluded that diets containing safflower oil can be used to improve antioxidant status and caecal short-chain fatty acid content in quails.

Effect of chia oil addition to quail (&lt;i&gt;Coturnix coturnix japonica&lt;/i&gt;) diets on growth performance, blood antioxidant status, caecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, and biomechanical properties of bones

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of chia oil supplementation in quail diets on growth performance, blood antioxidant status, caecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration, and tibia–femur biomechanical properties. A total of 180, one-day-old quail chicks were randomly divided into three groups of 60 chicks each. Each group was randomly divided into six subgroups, each containing 10 chicks. All chicks were fed a diet based on corn and soybean meal. While the control group was fed with the basal ration, the experimental groups were fed with the basal ration and were given 0.2 g/kg and 0.4 g/kg chia oil in addition to the basal ration. The use of chia oil in quails did not affect growth performance parameters. Malondialdehyde and glutathione exhibited a linear response to the increase in dietary chia oil. The superoxide dismutase value exhibited a quadratic response to chia oil use; the glutathione peroxidase value showed a linear and quadratic response to the use of chia oil. Catalase, ceruloplasmin, albumin, total protein, and globulin were not affected by the addition of chia oil. Acetic acid, propionic acid, and total SCFA were linearly affected by the graded level of chia oil. No statistical difference was found in the concentrations of butyric, isobutyric, valeric, isovaleric, isocaproic, and caproic acids and BCFA in quails fed with different levels of chia oil. Feeding a diet containing chia oil did not affect the biomechanical properties of the tibia and femur in quail. It was therefore concluded that diets containing chia oil could be used to improve antioxidant status and caecal short-chain fatty acid values in quails.

Chlorella and vegetable oil inclusion in diets for growing rabbits: effects on growth, digestibility, plasma metabolites, and caecal fermentations and microbiota

Chlorella and vegetable oil inclusion in diets for growing rabbits: effects on growth, digestibility, plasma metabolites, and caecal fermentations and microbiota

Danshensu and Notoginsenoside R1 Combination Alleviates Obesity in Mice Via Modification of Gut Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acids

Objectives The current study evaluated the protective mechanism of Danshensu and Notoginsenoside R1 combination (DR1) on obesity from the perspective of gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were fed either a normal diet or a high-fat diet (HFD). DR1 (60 mg/kg) was administered to both normal and HFD-induced obese mice for 12 weeks. The obese phenotype and pharmacodynamics effects were assessed through hematoxylin-eosin staining of epididymal fat, liver, small intestine, and colon tissues, as well as serum biochemical detection. Moreover, 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (16S rRNA) sequencing was employed to profile the taxonomy and function of gut microbiota, while SCFAs were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry methods. Results Compared to HFD group, the tissue lesions were significantly alleviated by DR1 treatment in obese mice, accompanied by the significant reduction of average body, epididymal fat and liver weights, as well as the normalization of insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis ( P &lt; .05, P &lt; .01 or P &lt; .001). 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that DR1 treatment potently ameliorated HFD-induced dysbiosis of gut microbial composition and function. Notably, DR1 reversed the ratio of Firmicutes/ Bacteroidetes to normality. Moreover, DR1 improved intestinal barrier structures and enhanced SCFAs concentrations in the caecal contents (especially propionate and butyrate). Conclusion These results suggested that DR1 could reverse the gut microbial dysbiosis and increased SCFAs levels in HFD-induced obese mice, thereby ultimately supporting the anti-obesity value of DR1.

Inclusion of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal in the diet of barbary partridge (Alectoris barbara) improves caecal bacterial diversity and composition

In this study, we investigated the influence of the inclusion of Tenebrio molitor (TM) larvae meal in the diet on the diversity and structure of the bacterial community in the caecal content of Barbary partridges. A total of 36 partridges, selected randomly for slaughter from 54 animals, were divided equally into three treatment groups, including the control group (C) with a diet containing corn-soybean meal and two experimental groups, in which 25% (TM25) and 50% (TM50) of the soybean meal protein was replaced by the meal from TM larvae. After slaughtering, the bacterial community of the 30 caecal samples (10 samples per each experimental group) was analysed by high-throughput sequencing using the V4–V5 region of the 16 S rRNA gene. Alpha diversity showed a higher diversity richness in the TM50 group. Beta diversity showed statistical dissimilarities among the three groups. Firmicutes was the dominant phylum regardless of the diet, with the predominant families Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae. Clostridia and Faecalibacterium were decreased in both TM groups, Lachnospiraceae was suppressed in the TM50 group, but still this class, genus and family were abundantly present in all samples. Several potentially beneficial genera, such as Bacillus, Ruminococcaceae UCG-009, Oscillibacter and UC1-2E3 (Lachnospiraceae) were increased in the TM50 group. The results showed a beneficial effect of the T. molitor larvae meal on the caecal microbiota of Barbary partridges, particularly in the TM50 group, which showed an increase in bacterial diversity.

Effects of water-insoluble wheat bran-fraction powder on disease activity and caecal microbiota in dextran sodium sulphate-induced inflammatory bowel disease mouse model.

Water-soluble arabinoxylan exerts anti-colitic effect and exhibits ameliorative activity in an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) mouse model. Water soluble fibre from wheat bran (WB) also exhibits anti-colitic effect. However, arabinoxylan is a primary compound of insoluble polysaccharide (hemicellulose) in WB. This study aimed to clarify the anti-IBD effects of the WB water-soluble (WBS) and water-insoluble (WBI) fractions. WB suspension was autoclaved and fractionated to WBS and WBI. C57BL/6 mice were divided into control (CT), dextran sodium sulphate (DSS), WBI, and WBS groups. They were fed as follows from day 1: CT, standard diet and distilled water; DSS and WBI, 3% (w/v) DSS in drinking water; WBI, 8% (w/w) WBI diet; and WBS, 50% (v/v) WBS and 3% (w/v) DSS in water. DSS group mice showed diarrhoea, body weight reduction, and blood in faeces by day 5 and colon tissue damage by day 6. These inflammatory indices were significantly inhibited by treatment with WBI. Amplicon sequencing of the 16S rDNA (V4) gene of the caecal contents of the CT, DSS, and WBI groups showed that the abundances of Escherichia, Allobaculum, and Bacteroidaceae increased and that of Faecalibaculum decreased in the DSS group. KEGG pathway prediction showed that amino acid metabolism and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis decreased and increased, respectively, in the DSS group. However, WBI treatment tended to suppress these effects. WBI, rather than WBS, reduces inflammation and maintains the gut microbiota. However, further studies are warranted to elucidate the properties of the WBI active components and efficacy of WBI metabolites on gut microbiota, particularly on Faecalibaculum.

Changes in Microbial Ecosystems and Serum Metabolomics by Diet Supplementation With Enramycin in Weaning Piglets.

Antibiotics are used in swine production for growth promotion and disease prevention, raising concerns about environmental contamination and antibiotic resistance. In this study, we investigated the effects of enramycin supplementation on piglet growth, gut microbiota and blood metabolites. Enramycin promotes piglet growth and temporarily reduces diarrhoea. Gut microbiota analysis revealed changes in microbial composition, including an increase in the abundance of Limosilactobacillus reuteri. Metabolomic analysis has identified elevated levels of dimethylglycine, a known growth-promoting factor, in the enramycin group. Liver gene expression analysis revealed increased mRNA levels of ALDH and dimethylglycine dehydrogenase, which are enzymes involved in dimethylglycine metabolism. The enramycin-treated group had a higher concentration of acetic acid in caecal contents, and their caecal acetic acid concentrations were positively correlated with the abundance of L. reuteri and the content of serum dimethylglycine, respectively. These findings suggest that the promotion effect of enramycin on piglet growth is related to the gut microbiota, blood metabolites and liver gene expression, which provide insights into antibiotic alternatives for swine production.

The point mutation A1387G in the 16S rRNA gene confers aminoglycoside resistance in Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli.

Thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. are the most frequent cause of foodborne bacterial diarrhea and high-priority antibiotic-resistant pathogens, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Monitoring revealed current low prevalence of gentamicin resistance in European Campylobacter spp. isolates but substantial presence of gentamicin modifying genes circulating globally. Using a combined approach of natural transformation and whole-genome sequencing, we revealed a novel gentamicin resistance mechanism, namely the point mutation A1387G in the 16S rRNA gene, originally identified in a C. coli isolate from turkey caecal content. The transformation rate of the resistance using genomic DNA of the resistant donor to sensitive recipient C. jejuni and C. coli was ~2.5 log10 lower compared to the control rpsL-A128G point mutation conferring streptomycin resistance. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests showed cross-resistance to apramycin, kanamycin, and tobramycin, with transformants exhibiting more than 4- to 8-fold increased MICs to apramycin and tobramycin and over 64-fold higher MICs to kanamycin compared to wild-type isolates. Although transformants showed 177-1,235 variations relative to the recipient, only the A1387G point mutation in the 16S rRNA was in common. This mutation was causal for resistance, as transformation of a 16S rRNA_A1387G PCR fragment into susceptible isolates also led to resistant transformants. Sanger sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes and Oxford nanopore whole-genome sequencing of transformants identified clones harboring either all three copies with A1387G or a mixed population of wild-type and mutated 16S rRNA gene alleles. Within 15 passages on non-selective medium, transformants with mixed populations of the 16S rRNA gene copies partially reverted to wild type, both geno- and phenotypically. In contrast, transformants harboring the A1387G point mutation in all three 16S rRNA gene copies kept full resistance within at least 45 passages. We speculate that partial acquisition and rapid loss of the point mutation limited its spread among C. spp. isolates. In-depth knowledge on resistance mechanisms contributes to optimal diagnosis and preventative measures.

Diet rich in soluble dietary fibres increases excretion of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in male Sprague-Dawley rats

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) belongs to a large group of anthropogenic compounds with high persistency named per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS). Widespread use from industry to household appliances and food-contact materials contributes to PFAS exposure with food as the primary source. Association studies suggest that vegetables and fibre rich diet may reduce PFOS levels in humans, but experimental data remain limited. Here, we investigated PFOS uptake and wash-out after seven days of PFOS (3 mg/kg/day) in two groups of rats (N = 12 per group) fed diets either high (HF) or low (LF) in soluble dietary fibres. Two control groups (N = 12/group) were fed the same diets without PFOS. Changes in pH and transit time were monitored alongside intestinal and faecal microbiota composition. We quantified systemic and excreted, linear and branched PFOS. Results revealed significantly lower pH and faster intestinal transit in the HF groups. Importantly, HF rats had lower serum PFOS concentrations and higher PFOS concentrations in caecal content and faeces, indicating a more efficient excretion on the fibre rich diet. In both dietary groups, PFOS affected the gut microbiota composition. Our results suggest that a diet rich in soluble dietary fibres accelerates excretion of PFOS and lowers PFOS concentration in serum.

The utilization of N-acetylgalactosamine and its effect on the metabolism of amino acids in Erysipelotrichaceae strain

BackgroundThe metabolism of gut microbiota produces bioactive metabolites that modulate host physiology and promote self-growth. Erysipelotrichaceae is one of the most common anaerobic microorganism families in the gut, which has been discovered to play a vital role in host metabolic disorders and inflammatory diseases. Our previous study found that N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) in caecal content of pigs significantly affected the abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae strains. However, it remains unknown how GalNAc feeding in vitro culture affects the expression levels of genes in the GalNAc metabolic pathway and the concentrations of intermediate metabolites in the Erysipelotrichaceae strain. Whether GalNAc feeding should influence the metabolism of other nutrients, such as amino acids, remains unrevealed.ResultsIn this study, whole-genome sequence, transcriptome, and metabolome data were analyzed to assess the utilization of a Erysipelotrichaceae strain on GalNAc. The results showed the presence of a complete GalNAc catabolism pathway in the genome of this Erysipelotrichaceae strain. GalNAc feeding to this Erysipelotrichaceae strain significantly changed the expression levels of genes involved in glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Meanwhile, the concentrations of lactate, pyruvate, citrate, succinate and malate from the glycolysis and TCA cycle were significantly increased. In addition, transcriptome analysis indicated that the genes involved in the metabolism of amino acids were affected by GalNAc, including lysA (a gene involved in lysine biosynthesis) that was significantly down-regulated. The intracellular concentrations of 14 amino acids in the Erysipelotrichaceae strain were significantly increased after feeding GalNAc.ConclusionsOur findings comfirmed and extended our previous works that demonstrated the utilization of GalNAc by Erysipelotrichaceae strain, and explained the possible mechanism of GalNAc affecting the abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae strain in vitro.

Dietary Bacteriophage Administration Alleviates Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli-Induced Diarrhea and Intestinal Impairment through Regulating Intestinal Inflammation and Gut Microbiota in a Newly Weaned Mouse Model

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary bacteriophage administration on diarrhea and intestinal impairment induced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) in a newly weaned mouse model. Forty-four newly weaned C57BL/6 mice were divided into four treatment groups, where they were provided either the control diet or the bacteriophage-supplemented diet, with or without ETEC infection. The results show that the bacteriophage administration resulted in increased body weight, decreased diarrhea score, and improved jejunal histopathology in ETEC-infected mice. The bacteriophage administration enhanced the intestinal barrier function of the ETEC-infected mice, as indicated by the reduced serum DAO level and the increased expression of Claudin-1, Occludin, and ZO-1 at both the mRNA and protein levels in the jejunum. Also, the bacteriophage administration resulted in a decrease in serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels, a down-regulation of TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA levels in the jejunum, and the inhibition of jejunal TLR-4/NF-κB pathway activation induced by ETEC infection. Moreover, the bacteriophage administration increased the levels of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and total short-chain fatty acids in the caecum content. The bacteriophage administration increased the Shannon index, increased the abundance of Bacteroidota and Muribaculaceae, and decreased the abundance of Verrucomicrobiota and Akkermansiaceae in the colon contents of the ETEC-infected mice. Spearman’s correlation analysis indicates that the protective effects of bacteriophage on ETEC-induced intestinal impairment, inflammation, and intestinal barrier function are associated with regulating the abundance of Bacteroidota and Muribaculaceae in the colon contents of mice. Collectively, bacteriophage administration alleviates ETEC-induced diarrhea and intestinal impairment through regulating intestinal inflammation and gut microbiota in newly weaned mice.

Intestinal microbiota composition in broilers fed protein-free or casein-based diets

Intestinal microbiota composition in broilers fed protein-free or casein-based diets