Probiotic Dose Research Articles

Evaluation of Probiotic Effects on the Growth Performance and Microbiome of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in a High-Density Biofloc System.

Biofloc technology is an aquaculture production system that has gained popularity with tilapia production. Probiotics provide benefits for the host and/or aquatic environments by both regulating and modulating microbial communities and their metabolites. When a probiotic feed is combined with a biofloc system, the production amount may be improved through better fish growth, disease resistance, and/or improved water quality by reducing organic matter and stabilizing metrics such as pH and components of the nitrogen cycle. Two research trials measured Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) growth performance and composition of the microbial communities in the water and within the fish fecal material, following feeding with top-coated probiotic treatments. Trial A incorporated tilapia (71.4 ± 4.4 g), and a commercial diet (Control) that was top coated with either Bacillus velenzensis AP193 (AP193; 1 × 107 CFU g1) and BiOWiSH Feedbuilder Syn3 (BW; 3.6 × 104 CFU g-1). In Trial B, juvenile tilapia (5.34 ± 0.42 g) were fed treatment diets top coated with two different concentrations of BiOWiSH Feedbuilder Syn3 at final concentrations of 3.6 × 104 CFU g-1 (BWx1) and 7.2 × 104 CFU g-1 (BWx2). Tilapia were offered commercial feed (38% protein floating tilapia feed) as a control diet for both trials. Results from both growth trials indicated no differences in growth performance due to the probiotic additions, except for feed conversion ratio (FCR) in Trial B. Both BWx1 and BWx2 showed improved survival, water quality, solids management, and bacterial composition of water and fecal matter. Even though growth performance results presented no significant differences, results could differ based on the probiotic concentration, the route of probiotic administration, or their impact on the microbial community of the biofloc system culture water. Trial results indicated that testing on a larger scale with varied probiotic doses may be necessary to achieve an effective dosage for improving tilapia growth performance.

THE EFFECT OF PROBIOTIC ADDITION IN MOIST FEED ON THE GROWTH OF SAND LOBSTER (Panulirus homarus)

Lobsters are a potential fishery commodity with significant economic value. An alternative feed option that can be used is artificial feed, such as moist feed. One commonly known probiotic in the market is EM4, which can be used as a feed additive and can increase protein content to support growth processes. This study aims to determine the optimum probiotic dosage in moist feed to enhance the growth of sand lobsters (Panulirus homarus). The findings of this research are intended to provide insights and benefits for further research or practical applications. This study used an experimental method with a completely randomized design (CRD). It involved five treatments with three replications, resulting in 15 experimental units. The treatments included P0 (control), P1 (moist feed without probiotics), P2 (moist feed + 0.1% probiotic), P3 (moist feed + 0.2% probiotic), and P4 (moist feed + 0.3% probiotic). The results showed that after maintaining Panulirus homarus for 60 days in Teluk Ekas, the addition of different probiotic levels in moist feed produced the following average outcomes: absolute length growth ranged from 3.19 to 4.76 cm, absolute weight growth ranged from 42.90 to 62.30 g, specific growth rate ranged from 1.71 to 2.14 g, feed conversion ratio (FCR) ranged from 5.05 to 6.69, feed efficiency ranged from 69.12% to 87.26%, and survival rate ranged from 70% to 90%. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the best treatment for absolute length growth, absolute weight growth, specific growth rate, feed efficiency, and FCR was P4 (moist feed + 0.3% probiotic), while the best survival rate was achieved in P2 (moist feed + 0.1% probiotic).

Efficacy of probiotics for treatment of acute or persistent diarrhoea in children from birth till 10 years: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of probiotics in treating acute and persistent diarrhoea. However, probiotics have not been established as a recommended management option for diarrhoeal illness by the World Health Organization (WHO). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of randomised controlled trials to assess the efficacy of probiotics for the management of acute and persistent diarrhoea in children. A systematic search on PubMed, CINAHL, Wiley Cochrane Library, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) was performed. All studies published in the year 2000 and onwards that assessed the use of probiotics in the management of acute and persistent diarrhoea in children aged 0-10 years were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias II (RoB-2) tool and the quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. This review was commissioned by WHO for revision of their guidelines for childhood diarrhoea management. The review included 98 studies with a total of 17 236 participants. Studies were categorised based on the WHO definition of diarrhoea or author-specified definition. In studies considering the WHO definition of diarrhoea, the probiotics group was more likely to achieve clinical cure (risk ratio = 1.12 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01, 1.24, studies = 14)) and reduce the duration of diarrhoea (mean difference = -13.27 hours (95% CI = -16.72, -9.83, studies = 33)) than the control group in children with acute diarrhoea. However, the effect size was small, and statistical heterogeneity was very high, leading to low certainty of evidence. In children with persistent diarrhoea, probiotics reduced the duration of diarrhoea by 95 hours (mean difference = -96.45 (95% CI = -110.53, -82.37, studies = 2)), but the certainty of the evidence was very low. The results from this systematic review suggest low certainty of evidence for the effect of probiotics on clinical cure and duration of diarrhoea in children. There was significant diversity in the genus, species, dosages, and duration of treatment in the trial and administration. High levels of heterogeneity reduced the certainty of evidence. Large-scale randomised clinical trials are needed to evaluate specific probiotic strains and doses. In addition, cost-effective analysis studies are needed to be explored in future research. The protocol for this review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42023449200).

Determination of optimum probiotic dosage for the culture of whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei in an indoor system

Determining the optimum application dosage of probiotic in biofloc system is often challenging because the microbial community seems to exert similar effects irrespective of their dosages. It is however noted that certain dosages promote higher yield in shrimp culture more effectively. Principal component analysis was adopted to identify these optimum dosages where 1-way ANOVA could not clearly identify due to the effects of microbial community. The effect of varying application dosages of probiotics in a shrimp culture system on growth indices and water quality variables were studied in a culture trial of Litopenaeus vannamei that lasted for 84 days in an indoor biofloc culture system. Only 4 (26.66 %) of variables showed significant difference in the 1-way ANOVA conducted. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to illustrate the dimensional interactions among variables. Contributions of observation points at 7 ml.l-1 (Obs1–3), 14 ml.l-1 (Obs 4–6), and 21 ml.l-1 (Obs 7–9) were analyzed. The Obs 4–6 (representing 14 ml.l-1) had the highest mean contributory effect (11.03) indicating the greatest impact recorded in the PCA relationships among growth indices and water quality variables. It was concluded that probiotic dosages can be determined in biofloc system based on the contributory effect it enhances in the measured variables.•Microbial community in biofloc affects the clear distinctions of the dosages due to proliferations•1-way ANOVA alone may not show dosage-related variations.•PCA could identify the optimum probiotic dosage that would enhance shrimp growth performance and maintain favourable water quality conditions in biofloc aquaculture systems.

Use of Probiotics for Preventing Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants: A Survey of Current Practices Among Indian Neonatologists.

Probiotics are known to reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC≥ Stage II) significantly, as well as all-cause mortality, late-onset sepsis (LOS), and feeding intolerance in preterm infants. Probiotics have been reported to have comparable benefits in high- and low-middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to assess the current practices of neonatologists in India for using probiotics in preterm infants. A questionnaire created using Survey Monkey's web-based tool was sent to neonatologists in India. Survey forms automatically converted responses into Excel files (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA). Data were analyzed using SPSS (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). A total of 615 responses were received from various neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in India (Level I: 43 (7%), II: 124 (20.8%), III: 448 (72.8%)). Around 431 (70%) of the units had either National Neonatology Forum (NNF) accreditation or IAP fellowships or were affiliated with private or government medical colleges. The remaining 184 (30%) were in private setups. Routine probiotic supplementation (RPS) was provided in 241 (39.1%) of the responding units; 179 (48%) quoted inadequate evidence as the reason for not providing RPS, 125 (33.43%) quoted difficulty in sourcing safe and effective products, whereas others were concerned about adverse effects. Most centers provided RPS for preterm infants <32 weeks and 1500 g at birth. The clinical practice was influenced by the judgment of the attending clinician. Significant variation was noticed in the protocol for RPS. Findings of the survey suggest that approximately 39% of the participating neonatologists in India currently offer RPS for preterm infants. A significant variation exists in the selection of probiotic strains, products, dose, and duration of supplementation. Despite limitations, our findings are useful in guiding clinical practice and further research to optimize the safety and efficacy of RPS for preterm infants.

The evidence for probiotics in the treatment of digestive disorders in the pediatric population.

Health claims for many probiotic-labeled products are poorly substantiated. This technical review addressed the clinical question: "Do probiotics have a role in the management of the following conditions in childhood?" Evidence supports efficacy for probiotic strains of Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for improving outcomes of acute gastroenteritis, of S. boulardii and L. rhamnosus GG for antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and of S. boulardii for Clostridium difficile diarrhea. For functional constipation and GERD, a role for probiotics is questionable as evidence of efficacy is either absent or marginal and as existing treatments are effective. For infantile colic and chronic abdominal pain, where existing treatments have limited efficacy and some important side effects, the use of probiotics, given their safety, is recommended, notwithstanding the evidence is low to moderate. While there is some evidence that probiotics could improve outcomes in the management of celiac disease, obesity, and, to a lesser extent, promotion of growth, their role is adjunctive as dietary management is fundamental. The evidence also supports an adjunctive role for probiotics in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection and ulcerative colitis. Decisions on probiotic prescription need to take into account disease tempo, severity, and burden, as well as probiotic strain and dose. Any potential advantage will have to be weighed against the complexity and costs of an additional treatment.

Gut dysbiosis mediates the association between antibiotic exposure and chronic disease.

Antibiotics are safe, effective drugs and continue to save millions of lives and prevent long-term illness worldwide. A large body of epidemiological, interventional and experimental evidence shows that exposure to antibiotics has long-term negative effects on human health. We reviewed the literature data on the links between antibiotic exposure, gut dysbiosis, and chronic disease (notably with regard to the "developmental origins of health and disease" ("DOHaD") approach). Molecular biology studies show that the systemic administration of antibiotic to infants has a rapid onset but also often a long-lasting impact on the microbial composition of the gut. Along with other environmental factors (e.g., an unhealthy "Western" diet and sedentary behavior), antibiotics induce gut dysbiosis, which can be defined as the disruption of a previously stable, functionally complete microbiota. Gut dysbiosis many harmful long-term effects on health. Associations between early-life exposure to antibiotics have been reported for chronic diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, some cancers, metabolic diseases (obesity and type 2 diabetes), allergic diseases, autoimmune disorders, atherosclerosis, arthritis, and neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative and other neurological diseases. In mechanistic terms, gut dysbiosis influences chronic disease through direct effects on mucosal immune and inflammatory pathways, plus a wide array of direct or indirect effects of short-chain fatty acids, the enteric nervous system, peristaltic motility, the production of hormones and neurotransmitters, and the loss of intestinal barrier integrity (notably with leakage of the pro-inflammatory endotoxin lipopolysaccharide into the circulation). To mitigate dysbiosis, the administration of probiotics in patients with chronic disease is often (but not always) associated with positive effects on clinical markers (e.g., disease scores) and biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation. Meta-analyses are complicated by differences in probiotic composition, dose level, and treatment duration, and large, randomized, controlled clinical trials are lacking in many disease areas. In view of the critical importance of deciding whether or not to prescribe antibiotics (especially to children), we suggest that the DOHaD concept can be logically extended to "gastrointestinal origins of health and disease" ("GOHaD") or even "microbiotic origins of health and disease" ("MOHaD").

The characterization of Lactobacillus strains in camel and bovine milk during fermentation: A comparison study

This study aims to compare the characterization of three Lactobacillus strains (L. helveticus, L. acidophilus, and L. paracasei subsp. paracasei) in camel milk and bovine milk during fermentation. Our finding showed that the average total viable counts of all three Lactobacilli strains in both milk types reached more than 7.0 log CFU/mL after 16 h of fermentation and continued to increase significantly (p < 0.05) as fermentation increased, which is according to the FAO and WHO, higher than the minimum recommended daily probiotic dose to provide the potential health benefits. The total count of L. paracasei subsp. paracasei was greater in fermented camel and bovine milk (8.76 and 8.98 log CFU/mL, respectively) compared to L. helveticus, and L. acidophilus. The L. helveticus exhibited the highest significant (p < 0.05) acidifying ability for both camel and bovine milk; on the other hand, L. paracasei subsp. paracasei revealed the highest significant (p < 0.05) pH in both milk. The L. acidophilus strain exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) the highest levels of free amino acids groups (FAAGs) among other tested strains in camel milk. It is concluded that the growth, viability, and proteolytic activity of three Lactobacilli strains were found to be mainly dependent on incubation time, strain, and type of milk.

Utilization of liquid multi-microbe probiotics supplemented urea red palm sugar block as a potential improving balance of microorganisms in digestive tract for cattle economical production

Probiotics are live microbial feed supplements, providing beneficial effects on the host animal by improving balance of microorganisms in digestive tract. This study aims to examine the benefits of liquid multi-microbe probiotic supplementation on nutrient digestibility and economical production of beef cattle. The treatments were including ration control using fresh forage of King grass (Pennisetum purpureum) + 350 g of URPS-Block without liquid probiotic supplement (T0), fresh forage of King grass (Pennisetum purpureum) + 350 g of URPS-Block + liquid probiotic supplement of 2.0 cc/liter fresh water (T1), fresh forage of King grass (Pennisetum purpureum) + 350 g of URPS-Block + liquid probiotic supplement of 4.0 cc/liter fresh water (T2) and fresh forage of King grass (Pennisetum purpureum) + 350 g of URPS-Block + liquid probiotic supplement of 6.0 cc/liter fresh water (T3). Experimental design applied the Randomized Block Design involving 24 male cattle, divided into six groups of animal ages and four liquid multi-microbe probiotic doses. Parameters were feed dried matter consumption (DMC), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion and income over feed costs (IOFC). The data were analyzed by variance analysis continued by Duncan test. Results showed that liquid multi-microbe probiotics supplementation of 2.0 to 6.0 cc/liter fresh water and URPS-Block of 350 g/day added into forages increased significantly (P&lt;0.05) production of cattle indicated by significant higher ADG of 510 to 570 g (P&lt;0.05) compared with those of control ration producing ADG of 380 g. The increase of animal production was supported linearly by the increasing drinking water consumption supplemented with liquid probiotic levels of 2.0 to 6.0 cc/liter fresh water of animals. Cattle supplemented with liquid probiotic of 2.0 to 6.0 cc/liter fresh water/animal/day also produced higher IOFC, equivalent with increases of 55.67 to 80.87 percents IOFC compared with the animals fed the control ration without liquid probiotics.

Effectiveness of biologically active substances added to sturgeon feeds

The purpose of this research was to study the effect of the vitamin‐mineral complex E‐selenium and the probiotic preparation Bacell when added to industrial feed on the fish‐breeding‐biological and physiological‐ biochemical parameters of juvenile sterlet‐beluga hybrids when reared in cages.The duration of the experiment was 45 days. In experimental option 1, the fish were fed with basic compound feed with the addition of E‐selenium (300 μg selenium/kg of feed), in experimental option 2, the fish were fed with basic compound feed with the addition of E‐selenium (300 μg selenium/kg of feed) and the Bacell preparation (0.2 % by weight of dry food). The control variant was fed with basic feed.The absolute increase in the experimental variants was 13.0–25.0 % higher than in the control. Hematological parameters varied – in some cases with a high degree of significance. In particular, hemoglobin increased by 5.6–13 %, blood serum protein by 0.42–12.6 %, cholesterol by 9.8–16.3 % in the experimental variants and by 70.5 % in the control, due to the presence of a high degree of stress in control fish. At the same time, in fish experiments the effects of stress factors were suppressed by antioxidants. Preventive doses of microelements, vitamins and probiotics reduce and stabilise peroxide processes and contribute to the maintenance of good physiological condition of fish kept in artificial conditions.

Positive impact of early-probiotic administration on performance parameters, intestinal health and microbiota populations in broiler chickens

Minimizing the utilization of antibiotics in animal production is crucial to prevent the emergence of antimicrobial resistances. Thus, research on alternatives is needed to maintain productivity, sustainability, and animal health. To gain a comprehensive understanding of probiotics' modes of action on performance, intestinal microbiota, and gut health in poultry, 3 probiotic strains (Enterococcus faecalis CV1028 [EntF], Bacteroides fragilis GP1764 [BacF], and Ligilactobacillus salivarius CTC2197 [LacS]) were tested in 2 in vivo trials. Trial 1 comprised of a negative control group fed basal diet (BD) and 3 treatment groups that received BD with EntF, BacF and LacS. Trial 2 included a negative control group, a positive control group with Zinc-Bacitracin as antibiotic growth promoter (AGP), and 2 groups treated with a blend of probiotics (EntF+BacF+LacS) during 0 to 10 or 0 to 35 d, respectively. Wheat-soybean-rye based diets without exogenous enzymes were used as a challenge model to induce intestinal mild- or moderate-inflammatory process in the gut. In Trial 1, individually administered probiotics improved FCR at 8 d compared to Control, but these positive effects were lost in the following growing periods probably due to the high grade of challenging diet and a too low dose of probiotics. In Trial 2, both Probiotic treatments, administered only 10 or 35 d, significantly improved FCR to the same extent as of the Antibiotic group at the end of the trial. Although the performance between antibiotic and probiotic mixture showed similar values, microbiota analysis revealed different microbial composition at 7 d, but not at 21 d. This suggests that modes of action of the AGP and the tested probiotic blend differ on their effects on microbiome, and that the changes observed during the first days' posthatch are relevant on performance at the end of the study. Therefore, the probiotics administration only during the first 10 d posthatch was proven sufficient to induce similar performance improvements to those observed in birds fed antibiotic growth promoters throughout the whole experimental trial.

The Effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis on the Prevention of Asthma in an Animal Model.

The increase in the prevalence of asthma, particularly in urban communities, has encouraged investigations into preventive strategies. The hygiene theory proposes that early exposure to infections and unhygienic conditions during childhood influences immune system development, potentially protecting against allergic diseases. The mechanisms involved are related to alterations in the intestinal microbiota, such as with probiotics. This study aimed to evaluate the preventive effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, administered isolated or in combination, at various concentrations, on asthma in an animal model. Mice received two concentrations (1 × 109 and 1 × 1010CFU/ml) of three probiotics, isolated and in combination, over 26 consecutive days, initiating 10days before sensitizing and challenging with ovalbumin. In vivobronchial hyperresponsiveness and airway and lung inflammation were assessed. The administration of L. paracasei, L. rhamnosus, and B. animalis spp. lactis in different concentrations, isolated or in combination, did not reduce hyperresponsiveness and airway and lung inflammation. As probiotic effects are strain and dose-dependents, specific studies are necessary to assess the effect of different probiotic strains, doses, and regimes.

Protective potential of Bacillus subtilis (NMCC-path-14) against extraarticular manifestations during acute and sub-acute phase of arthritis using mice model

Extra-articular manifestations (EAM), which are associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), affect the quality of life of patients and are one of the critical causes of early mortality. This study was aimed at investigating whether Bacillus subtilis NMCC-path-14 (1 × 108 CFU/animal/day) could serve as a valuable therapeutic agent in managing EAM using complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis during acute and sub-acute phases. Arthritis was induced using intra-dermal administration of CFA in the right hind paw of mice on day 1. Dexamethasone (Dexa) (5 mg/kg/day/animal) was used as a standard treatment. Animals in Dexa and Bacillus subtilis concurrent treatment (BS-CT) received treatments on day 1. The Bacillus subtilis pre-treatment (BS-PT) group received a probiotic dose 7 days before arthritis induction. Parameters like body weight, relative organ weight, colon length, hematology, serum biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, and histopathology of liver, kidney, spleen, colon, stress-related behavioral changes, and cortisol levels were evaluated on days 7 (acute) and 14 (sub-acute). Dexa failed to manage the EAM in arthritic mice and instead exacerbated them. On the other hand, B. subtilis NMCC-path-14 significantly declined EAM with no notable side effects, highlighting its safety and effectiveness. The current data show that B. subtilis NMCC-path-14 may be an alternative option for arthritis treatment that can reduce systemic symptoms associated with arthritis. More studies are required to comprehend the underlying mechanisms of mitigating the EAM by B. subtilis NMCC-path-14.

Use of protexin as a probiotic-supplemented feed additive: assessment of growth, digestibility, serum antioxidant enzyme activity, and blood profile in Cirrhinus mrigala

IntroductionProbiotics, one of functional feed additives (FFAs), have emerged as a potential supplement to strengthen fish health and mitigate oxidative stress. The main focus of our research was to explore the benefits of probiotics (protexin) on growth, digestibility, antioxidant enzyme activity, and blood indices of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings.MethodsA total of 105 fish (7.42 ± 0.02 g/fish) were used in a 90-day feeding trial. Fish were fed two times a day, and diets were tested in triplicate tanks (15 fingerlings per tank). Moringa oleifera seed meal was chosen as a basal feed ingredient. Seven test diets were formulated: One was control (without supplement), and six diets had different concentrations of probiotics, such as 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 g kg−1.ResultsThe results of growth and nutrient absorption were maximum at a probiotic concentration of 2 g kg−1. The optimal serum antioxidant enzyme activity and blood parameters were likewise obtained at a probiotic dose of 2 g kg−1.ConclusionsSupplementing C. mrigala with 2 g kg−1 probiotics substantially improved their growth, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant enzyme activity, and hematological indices (p &amp;lt; 0.05).

The Prospect of Probiotics to Treat Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome remains as a major health problem in the world today, with a prevalence of 23.4% in people aged 26-82 years. A high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet and lack of physical activity are considered as one of the triggers for metabolic syndrome. Dysbiosis is a condition where there is an imbalance between pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria in the human gut. Currently, an association has been found between dysbiosis and metabolic syndrome. Dysbiosis causes the generation of fermentation products in the form of active metabolites that can modulate hormones and other physiological functions. In metabolic syndrome, low-grade inflammation, energy metabolism, and disruption of the gut brain axis are thought to be the main mechanisms of the development of metabolic syndrome due to dysbiosis. Probiotics may be a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment of metabolic syndrome, by improving dysbiosis to eubiosis. Based on previously conducted clinical trials, it is currently known that probiotics can improve lipid profiles, fasting blood glucose, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and body mass index (BMI). However, the results found are still varied, so a dose ranging study is needed to determine the duration, bacterial composition and dose of probiotics as a therapeutic agent for metabolic syndrome. Keywords: insulin resistance, dysbiosis, gut-brain axis

Effects of Oral Probiotic Supplements on the Rate of Vaginal Colonization of Group B Streptococcus in Pregnant Women: A Clinical Trial Study

Background: Management of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection in a pregnant woman is one of the serious challenges for gynecologists and infectious disease specialists. The present clinical trial study aimed to investigate the impact of oral probiotic supplements on the rate of vaginal colonization of GBS in pregnant women. Methods: Overall, 64 pregnant patients with vaginal GBS were selected to participate in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups (n=32/each). The intervention group received a probiotic supplement capsule at a dose of 500 mg daily for 30 days, and the control group received a placebo for 30 days. At the end of the study on day 30, the vaginal sample was retaken with a sterile swab, and all the steps performed at the beginning of the study to diagnose GBS were repeated. Results: The average mean gestation at the first vaginal sampling was 27.09±2.48 weeks. There was no meaningful difference in age between the two groups of patients (P=0.47). Moreover, no considerable difference was found in the body mass index (P=0.37), weeks of gestation (P=0.92), or number of pregnancies (P=0.89) between the two groups. A significant relationship was observed between positive GBS and BMI in pregnant women (P=0.001), but this meaningful relationship was not found between GBS and age of patients (P=0.86) and age of pregnancy (P=0.16). Finally, there was no significant difference between the probiotic and placebo groups in terms of secondary test results for GBS (P=0.07). Conclusion: In the present study, oral probiotic supplementation did not significantly alter GBS in pregnant women, but for a definite opinion, a study with a larger sample size, different vaginal sampling techniques, a higher dose of oral probiotics, and an increase in the length of the intervention period is essential.

Effects of graded dose of probiotics on packed cell volume, live body weight and gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of rabbit buck

Probiotics are live microorganisms, and when administered in sufficient amounts they grant health benefits to the host. This study was designed to determine the effects of a graded dose of probiotics on packed cell volume (PCV) live body weight and semen characteristics of the rabbit buck. Twelve healthy adult rabbit bucks were purchased and kept in the Laboratory Animal Research Unit of the Large Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri. The animals were randomly grouped into four A, B, C and D. Groups A, B and C rabbits were supplemented in their feeds with probiotics at the dose of 300 g, 200 g, and 100 g respectively. Group D, served as control and fed only a basal diet without probiotics throughout the research period. Drinking water was provided ad libitum throughout the study period. Thereafter, blood samples were collected aseptically via the ear vein once every week for six weeks and the live body weight of each rabbit in all the groups was measured with weighing balance once every week for six weeks. At the end of the six weeks, the rabbit bucks were aseptically prepared for orchidectomy and their testes were used for evaluation of gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves. The results reveal that the (PCV) and the live body weight were significant (P ˂ 0.05) among the treated groups when compared to the control (group D). However, the Gonadal morphometric gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves were not significant (p ˃ 0.05) among the treated groups when compared to the control (group D). In conclusion, Probiotics have the potential and influence on the (PCV) and live body weight of the rabbits in a dose-dependent manner, with no significant effects on the semen characteristics of the rabbits bucks.

Effects of graded dose of probiotics on packed cell volume, live body weight and gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of rabbit buck

Probiotics are live microorganisms, and when administered in sufficient amounts they grant health benefits to the host. This study was designed to determine the effects of a graded dose of probiotics on packed cell volume (PCV) live body weight and semen characteristics of the rabbit buck. Twelve healthy adult rabbit bucks were purchased and kept in the Laboratory Animal Research Unit of the Large Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri. The animals were randomly grouped into four A, B, C and D. Groups A, B and C rabbits were supplemented in their feeds with probiotics at the dose of 300 g, 200 g, and 100 g respectively. Group D, served as control and fed only a basal diet without probiotics throughout the research period. Drinking water was provided ad libitum throughout the study period. Thereafter, blood samples were collected aseptically via the ear vein once every week for six weeks and the live body weight of each rabbit in all the groups was measured with weighing balance once every week for six weeks. At the end of the six weeks, the rabbit bucks were aseptically prepared for orchidectomy and their testes were used for evaluation of gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves. The results reveal that the (PCV) and the live body weight were significant (P ˂ 0.05) among the treated groups when compared to the control (group D). However, the Gonadal morphometric gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves were not significant (p ˃ 0.05) among the treated groups when compared to the control (group D). In conclusion, Probiotics have the potential and influence on the (PCV) and live body weight of the rabbits in a dose-dependent manner, with no significant effects on the semen characteristics of the rabbits bucks.

Effect of Probiotics on the Length and Weight of Broilers Small Intestine

The increasing need for chicken meat consumption every year makes farmers have to optimize the target of broiler production performance. One solution to maximize production targets is to provide probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that function to increase the effectiveness of the gastrointestinal tract. The media used in making probiotics is prebiotics in the form of milk powder waste with kefir grain starter. In probiotic solutions there are several types of bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bacillus sp. The purpose of this study was to increase the intestinal length of broiler chickens by probiotic supplementation in finisher phase broiler chickens. The research employed a Group Randomized Design (RAK) comprising 4 treatments and 5 repeats, namely P0 (Without probiotics), P1 (3% probiotics), P2 (5% probiotics) and P3 (7%) implementation of probiotics in broiler chicken drinking water given every afternoon to morning, using One Way ANOVA statistical test parameters with Duncan follow-up tests. Based on the results of P0, P1, P2 and P3 studies that have been carried out, the best probiotic dose research results were obtained at P3 (7% probiotics) with duodenal length worth 50.4 cm, jejenum 86.2 cm and ileum worth 52 cm. The weight of duodenum is worth 29.7 grams, jejenum is worth 30.4 grams and ileum is 30.1 grams.

Qi Huang Fang improves intestinal barrier function and intestinal microbes in septic mice through NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated cellular pyroptosis

ObjectiveSepsis has a high incidence, morbidity, and mortality rate and is a great threat to human safety. Gut health plays an important role in sepsis development. Qi Huang Fang (QHF) contains astragalus, rhubarb, zhishi, and atractylodes. It is used to treat syndromes of obstructive qi and deficiency of righteousness. This study aimed to investigate whether QHF improves intestinal barrier function and microorganisms in mice through NLRP3 inflammatory vesicle-mediated cellular focal death. MethodsA mouse model of sepsis was constructed by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) of specific pathogen-free (SPF)-grade C57BL/6 mice after continuous gavage of low, medium, and high doses of astragalus formula or probiotics for 4 weeks. Twenty-four hours postoperatively, the mechanism of action of QHF in alleviating septic intestinal dysfunction and restoring intestinal microecology, thereby alleviating intestinal injury, was evaluated by pathological observation, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, ELISA, and 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsDifferent doses of QHF and probiotics ameliorated intestinal injury and reduced colonic apoptosis in mice to varying degrees (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, different doses of QHF and probiotics were able to reduce the serum levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P < 0.05); down-regulate the protein expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, and caspase-11 (P < 0.05); and up-regulate the protein expression of zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1) and occludin (P < 0.05), which improved the intestinal barrier function in mice. In addition, QHF decreased the relative abundance of harmful bacteria (Firmicutes, Muribaculaceae, Campilobacterota, Helicobacter, and Alistipes) and increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria) (P < 0.05). ConclusionQHF improves intestinal barrier function and gut microbiology in mice via NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated cellular pyroptosis.