Lactobacillus Population Research Articles

Modulatory impact of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BL21 on the gut-brain-ovary axis in polycystic ovary syndrome: insights into metabolic regulation, inflammation mitigation, and neuroprotection.

This study evaluates the efficacy of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BL21 in mitigating symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in DHT-induced PCOS model mice. It focuses on BL21's role in modulating metabolic dysregulation, inflammation, and neuroprotection via the gut-brain-ovary axis. Employing an 8-week treatment regimen, this research assessed the effects of BL21 on prenatal androgen-induced PCOS in ICR mice. Evaluations included body weight, glucose tolerance tests, serum analyses of BDNF, inflammatory markers, sex hormone levels, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing for gut microbiota diversity and composition. Twenty-four ICR mice with induced PCOS served as subjects to examine the probiotic's impact. Mice were administered a daily oral dose of 1 × 109 CFU of BL21 continuously for a total of 8 weeks. BL21 significantly enhanced sex hormone levels (P < 0.05), particularly those of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2), indicating improved ovarian function and offering a novel PCOS treatment approach. The intervention notably curbed weight gain and improved glucose tolerance in PCOS mice (P < 0.05). BL21 reduced inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), while increasing IL-10, BDNF, FSH, and E2 levels (P < 0.05 for all). It also enriched gut microbiota diversity, enhancing populations of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Correlation analyses underscored the positive shifts in microbiota linked to beneficial hormonal and inflammatory profiles. BL21 shows promise in alleviating PCOS symptoms through metabolic regulation, inflammation reduction, and neuroprotection, validating its potential in integrated therapeutic strategies.IMPORTANCEPolycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by metabolic irregularities, hormonal imbalances, and chronic inflammation. Existing treatments are often inadequate, addressing symptoms without targeting the underlying etiological factors. The investigation of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BL21 as a probiotic intervention offers a novel approach by potentially regulating the gut-brain-ovary axis. This could lead to innovative therapeutic strategies that not only manage but also potentially reverse the multifaceted symptoms of PCOS, enhancing quality of life and reproductive health.

Black Soldier Fly Meal as a Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiota Remodelling Factor: A New Natural and Sustainable Source of Prebiotic Substances for Fish?

The microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) plays a crucial role in the development, lifespan, physiology, barrier functions and immunity against pathogens in fish. One of the significant causes of fish mortality in production systems, which also generates huge financial losses, is pathogenic dieseases. Consequently, effectively managing disruptions in the microbiota could play a crucial role in mitigating economic losses across the sector. It was investigated the effect of an alternative raw material increasing inclusion—full‐fat Hermetia illucens larvae meal on the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiome of Atlantic salmon. Thus, five experimental feeds were prepared: a control diet (CON) without the addition of black soldier fly full‐fat meal (BSFM) and with 30% fish meal (FM); BSFM5, with 5% addition of full‐fat BSFM and 27.1% FM; BSFM10, with 10% full‐fat BSFM and 24.3% FM; BSFM15, with 15% addition of full‐fat BSFM and 21.3% FM; and BSFM20, with 20% addition of full‐fat BSFM and 18.6% FM. After 60 days of growth experiment on Atlantic salmon presmolts, the contents of two sections of the GIT, proximal and distal, were gently sampled and subjected to next‐generation sequencing (NGS) to analyse the microbial populations. No significant differences were observed in the microbial compositions of the groups, irrespective of the intestinal section analysed. In the proximal and distal intestine, the CON group exhibited the highest number of distinct phyla. Increasing the inclusion of BSFM in the diet led to a reduction in the abundance of specific phyla. Similar results were noted at genus level. The BSFM5 and BSFM10 groups showed increase number in Enterococcus, while the Lactobacillus population were maintained at a high level. Due to abovementioned changes as well as the increased share of Bacilli populations, it may be concluded that up to 20% BSFM shares may have positive microbiota‐modulating effects. Thus, BSFM may be considered not only as a nutrient source but a functional feed material in fish diets also, due to its prebiotic effects observed in the study.

Meat Quality, Intestinal Microbiology and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Broilers Fed Different Levels of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) and Mulberry (Morus alba) Leaves Powder.

Today, customers pay more attention to the feed composition and carcasses of poultry, and the interest in using natural and safe compounds such as medicinal plants and their extracts in animal feed is increasing. The present experiment was conducted to assess the effect of green tea (Camellia sinensis) and mulberry (Morus alba) leaves powder on the meat quality, intestinal microbiology and serum biochemical parameters in broilers. The experiment was conducted with 648 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler male chicks with a factorial arrangement including three levels of green tea powder (GTP) and three levels of mulberry leaf powder (MLP), with nine treatments and six replications in a completely randomized design for 42 days. Treatments included: (1) no GTP + no MLP (control), (2) 1% GTP + no MLP, (3) 2% GTP + no MLP, (4) no GTP + 1% MLP, (5) 1% GTP + 1% MLP, (6) 2% GTP + 1% MLP, (7) no GTP + 2% MLP, (8) 1% GTP + 2% MLP and (9) 2% GTP + 2% MLP. The results showed that the lowest lightness (L*), drip loss and total cholesterol levels, and the highest Lactobacillus population were observed in treatments: 1% GTP + no MLP, 2% GTP + no MLP, 1% GTP + 1% MLP, 2% GTP + 1% MLP, no GTP + 2% MLP, 1% GTP + 2% MLP and 2% GTP + 2% MLP (p <0.05). The groups receiving 1% GTP + 1% MLP, 2% GTP + 1% MLP, no GTP + 2% MLP, 1% GTP + 2% MLP and 2% GTP + 2% MLP had the highest pH 24h (p <0.05). The chickens fed with 1% and 2% GTP showed lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and malondialdehyde (MAD) levels (p <0.05). The results showed that using the GTP and MLP in the diet of broilers could improve meat quality traits and beneficial ileal bacteria populations and reduce serum lipid and MDA levels.

Enhancing resistance to Salmonella typhimurium in yellow-feathered broilers: a study of a strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum as probiotic feed additives.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains are potentially rich sources of probiotics that could help avoid infections. In order to evaluate their efficacy in bolstering resistance to Salmonella typhimurium infection among chicks. In this study, L. plantarum and commercial probiotics were administered via the water supply at a dosage of 1×109 CFU per chicken from days 1 to 7 to establish a protective system for the chicks. On days 8 and 9, S. typhimurium was attacked to investigate the preventive effects and potential mechanisms of L. plantarum in comparison with commercial probiotics. Post-treatment, we took a broad range of measurements, including body weight, immune organ index changes, the viable count of S. typhimurium in the liver, spleen, and cecum, as well as pathological changes in the liver. Our findings demonstrated that both L. plantarum and the commercial probiotic could safeguard chicks from S. typhimurium infection. The data also suggested that probiotic medication could ease weight loss postinfection, lower the bacterial count in the liver, spleen, and cecum, and attenuate liver pathological damage among all treated participants. Subsequently, we did high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA to examine the fecal microbiota of the chicks 5 days post-infection. We discovered that both L. plantarum and the commercial probiotic could fend off the invasion of S. typhimurium by affecting the bacterial population of Anaerotruncus, Colidextribacter, and Lactobacillus. Generally speaking, the addition of L. plantarum as a feed additive protects yellow-feathered broilers from S. typhimurium illness, suggesting great potential for commercial uses in the poultry industry.

Oregano essential oil and Bacillus subtilis role in enhancing broiler’s growth, stress indicators, intestinal integrity, and gene expression under high stocking density

This study investigates the role of dietary Bacillus subtilis and oregano essential oil in mitigating the effects of high stocking density on growth performance, carcass traits, physiological stress indicators, gene expression, and intestinal integrity in broiler chickens. A total of, 1250 one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to five experimental groups, where each group had five replicates of 50 chicks. Group 1 (control, LSD): 15 chicks/m2 fed a basal diet without feed additive, group 2 (HSD): 20 chicks/m2 fed a basal diet without feed additive, group 3 (BHSD): 20 chicks/m2 fed a basal diet supplemented with B. subtilis (500 mg/kg diet), group 4 (OHSD): 20 chicks/m2 fed a basal diet supplemented with oregano essential oil (300 mg/kg diet), group 5 (CHSD): 20 chicks/m2 fed a basal diet supplemented with oregano essential oil and B. subtilis. At 35 days of age, there was a noticeable improvement in the growth performance of broilers fed CHSD under high stocking density through the increase in body weight gain, dressing percentage, and crude protein digestibility with a decrease in feed conversion rate compared to other groups. Adding CHSD enhanced the state of oxidation and immunity through increasing superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and the relative weight of bursa of Fabricius, while decreasing malondialdehyde, in addition to increasing plasma triiodothyronine levels. The microbial structure and morphometric parameters improved in the group that received the CHSD compared to the other groups, where villus height and Lactobacillus population increased, whereas Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens population decreased. Glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), fatty acid transporter 1 (FABP1), and amino acid transferase 1 (CAT1) gene expression levels significantly increased when feeding on oregano essential oil with B. subtilis. In conclusion, combining oregano essential oil and B. subtilis supplements mitigated the effects of high stocking density by enhancing growth performance, antioxidative status, and intestinal integrity, in addition to modifying the genetic expression of genes related to nutrient absorption.

Effect of Dietary Benzoic Acid and Oregano Essential Oil as a Substitute for an Anti-Coccidial Agent on Growth Performance and Physiological and Immunological Responses in Broiler Chickens Challenged with Eimeria Species.

To overcome the antimicrobial residues in food, benzoic acid (BA) and oregano essential oil (OEO) are used in the broiler chicken industry. Independently, both exerted anticoccidial and antimicrobial actions and improved growth performance in broiler chickens. Their effect may be multiplied when they are used in combination. This present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of dietary BA and OEO alone or in combination as a substitute for a commercial coccidiostatic drug on growth performance and physiological and immunological responses in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria species. A total of 252 unsexed 1-day-old broiler chicks were equally allotted to 36 pens, each pen containing seven chicks. The pens were randomly assigned to six treatments with six pens (replicates) for each treatment (n = 6)-(i) negative control, (ii) positive control, coccidia-challenged and non-treated, (iii) supplemented with salinomycin (an anti-coccidial drug) at 60 mg/kg of feed and coccidia-challenged, (iv) supplemented with BA at 500 mg/kg of feed and coccidia-challenged, (v) supplemented with OEOat 500 mg/kg of feed and coccidia-challenged (OEO), and (vi) supplemented with BA at 500 mg/kg of feed and OEO at 500 mg/kg of feed and coccidia-challenged (B&O). The liver enzymes and thyroxine and creatinine levels were not affected (p > 0.05) both in coccidia-challenged and supplemented chickens. The BA and OEO applied separately or in combination (B&O) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced gut pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella and Escherichia coli) and Eimeria spp., and concurrently enhanced (p > 0.05) the Lactobacillus population with better body weight gain, improved feed utilization, and superior hematological values. It also up-regulated (p > 0.05) the interferon-γ gene expression and down-regulated (p < 0.05) the interleukin-10 and Toll-like receptor-4 gene expression to protect the chickens from inflammatory reactions, which were not demonstrated in salinomycin-treated birds. The B&O supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the immune system by enhancing Eimeria-specific immunoglobulin Y titer and lymphocyte proliferation response. This study suggests that the combined application of OEO and BA can substitute for a commercial anti-coccidial agent (salinomycin) in controlling coccidiosis as well as improving growth performance, gut health, and immune responses in broiler chickens with a means of antimicrobial-resistant free food products.

Isolation and screening of high biofilm producing lactic acid bacteria, and exploration of its effects on the microbial hazard in corn straw silage

Silage is a well-established method for preserving feed. However, the preparation process still poses several potential microbial hazards. Lactic acid bacteria exhibiting a biofilm phenotype are considered the most advanced 'fourth-generation probiotics' due to their significant potential in enhancing fermentation quality. In this study, a strain of high-biofilm-producing lactic acid bacteria (HBP-LAB) was successfully isolated from silage samples using the crystal violet method and designated as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum S23Y. This strain was subsequently used as an inoculant in corn straw for experimental purposes. The results indicated that it effectively reduced dry matter loss caused by microorganisms, thereby enhancing the retention of dry matter in silage. Following aerobic exposure, this strain was able to maintain the population of Lactobacillus and the concentration of lactic acid, which significantly decreased the likelihood of yeast-induced aerobic spoilage and improved the aerobic stability of the silage. However, it is important to note that this HBP-LAB did not have a significant impact on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) or mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in the silage. In conclusion, using S23Y as a representative strain, we have demonstrated that HBP-LAB can enhance the fermentation quality of silage to a certain extent and mitigate the detrimental effects of microorganisms. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for the application of lactic acid bacteria with a biofilm phenotype in silage fermentation.

Use of black pepper oil in growing-quail diets and its impact on growth, carcass measurements, intestinal microbiota, and blood chemistry

Abstract. Supplements derived from plants are utilized to maintain and promote the growth efficiency of animals. The use of black pepper oil (BPO) has recently generated significant scientific interest, primarily because of its potential beneficial effects on both humans and animals. The goal of the current study was to determine how dietary BPO supplementation affected growth performance, characteristics of growing quails' immunity, antioxidant status, and carcass yield. A total of 240 growing quails (1 week old) were divided into five equal groups, each with 36 birds (four replicates of 12 each). A basal diet containing no BPO (0 g kg−1) was given to the first group, and the second, third, and fourth groups were given a diet that was supplemented with BPO (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 g kg−1, respectively). In comparison to a control group, quails' diets that were supplemented with 0.8 g BPO kg−1 showed improvements in final live body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio of 10.68 %, 12.6 %, and 18.2 %, respectively. During the whole study period (1 to 5 weeks), quails fed diets with 0.8 g BPO consumed less feed than the other groups and control. Due to BPO treatment, there were no statistically significant changes in any of the carcass parameters. BPO-supplemented groups had significantly elevated plasma levels of albumin and globulin than control groups (P &lt; 0.05), but the albumin/globulin ratio was reported to be significantly decreased (P &lt; 0.05) in birds supplemented with diets containing BPO compared to the control group. When compared to the control, the liver enzyme activity (aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT)) in blood plasma was reported to be significantly increased in the quails given 0.4 and 0.8 g BPO kg−1. Glutathione and catalase activities were significantly higher in the group given diets supplemented with BPO (1.2 g kg−1) than they were in the control group. In comparison to the control, the supplementation of BPO in the diets of quail significantly enhanced (P &lt; 0.05) the lipid profile in the plasma, moreover decreasing the caecal content pH (P &lt; 0.05). In comparison to the control, the populations of lactobacilli, coliform, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli in the caecum significantly decreased in the BPO-supplemented groups (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, dietary BPO supplementation in Japanese quails' diet can boost growth performance and antioxidant indices, enhance lipid profile and carcass traits, and reduce intestinal infections.

EFFECT OF CRUDE TAINNIN EXTRACTS FROM GLIRIDIA SEPIUM ON INTESTINAL MICROFLORA AND CHYME PH OF BROILER CHICKEN

Tannins have been reported to have antibiotic effect on consuming animals. In this study the effect of application of crude tannin extracts in drinking water of chickens in place of synthetic antibiotics on intestinal microflora and chyme pH of broiler chicken. Gliricidia sepium leaves were harvested, weighed, air-dried and milled using hammer mill. The tannins were extracted in aqueous medium as crude tannin extract (CTE) and then ad libitum 0, 12, 24, and 36mL-1 in water. Eighty-four 1- day old Abor acres chicks were randomly allotted to four treatments, three replicates in Completely Randomized Design. The birds were fed common diets and their respective water ad libitum. At week 6 the birds were slaughtered by severance of the jugular veins and the chyme pH, and the microbial populations within the duodenum, jejunum and ileum were examined. All data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The digesta pH within the ilea of broiler fed diet with CTE at 24 mL-1 in drinking water was significantly lower compare to all other groups (P&gt;0.05). The Total bacteria count within the jejunum of birds fed 36 mL-1 was significantly lower (p&gt;0.05) in contrast to other treatments. The coliform population in broiler fed diet with CTE at T2(12mL-1) within the jejunum was significantly lower than those fed T1(0 mL-1), T3(24 mL-1) and T4(36 mL-1) in drinking water (p&gt;0.05). The population of Lactobacillus in jejunum of broiler fed diet with CTE at 0mL-1in drinking water was significantly higher compare to all other groups. There were no significant (p&gt;0.05) differences in total fungi count within all the intestinal segment with the exception of broiler fed with CFE at T3 (24 mL-1) in drinking water in duodena. Based on the results from this study it could be concluded that the supplementation of gliricidia crude tannin extract at 36mL-1 in drinking water reduced bacteria population in small intestine.

Fluctuations in lactobacillus and coliforms population in faeces of piglets and antibiotic susceptibility of Escherichia coli strains isolated from stool samples of piglets

Fluctuations in lactobacillus and coliforms population in faeces of piglets and antibiotic susceptibility of Escherichia coli strains isolated from stool samples of piglets

Golden Flower Tibetan Tea Polysaccharides Alleviate Constipation in Mice by Regulating Aquaporins-Mediated Water Transport System and Gut Microbiota.

Constipation, a widespread gastrointestinal disorder, often leads to the exploration of natural remedies. This study examines the efficacy of Golden Flower Tibetan Tea Polysaccharides (GFTTPs) in alleviating constipation in mice. Chemical analyses reveal that GFTTPs possess O-H, carboxyl, carboxylic acid (-COOH), and C-O-C groups, alongside a porous crystal structure with thermal stability. In animal experiments, GFTTPs significantly upregulated aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and aquaporin 8 (AQP8) expressions in the colon, enhancing water absorption and reducing fecal water content. At a 400 mg/kg dosage, GFTTPs notably improved colonic tissue alterations and serum levels of excitatory neurotransmitters caused by loperamide hydrochloride. They also beneficially altered gut microbiota, increasing Coprococcus, Lactobacillus, and Pediococcus populations. These changes correlated with improved stool frequency, consistency, and weight in constipated mice. Importantly, GFTTPs at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses exhibited comparable effects to the normal control group in key parameters, such as gastrointestinal transit rate and fecal moisture. These findings suggest that GFTTPs may serve as a potent natural remedy for constipation, offering significant therapeutic potential within the context of gut health and with promising implications for human applications.

Dietary concoction of formic acid and thymol and its effects on zoo-technical performance, immunity, jejunal architecture and gut health in Turkey

With increasing demand for improved protein-rich food, diverse poultry birds like turkey are gaining popularity in India. However, with the rising concerns of antibiotic residues and drug resistance, safe alternatives like formic acid (FA) and thymol (TH) have attracted the attention of researchers as effective replacer of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP). This experiment investigated the effects of combinations of FA and TH on growth performance, immunity, gut microflora and jejunal microstructures in turkey. A total of 240 turkey poults were reared in 6 treatment groups for a period of 16 weeks with standard management and feeding: T1 (basal diet only); T2 (AGP); T3 (FA@2.5 ml + TH@240 mg/kg); T4 (FA@2.5 ml + TH@360 mg/kg); T5 (FA@7.5 ml + TH@240 mg/kg) and T6 (FA@7.5 ml + TH@360 mg/kg). The results revealed that T5 group had the highest final body weight and best FCR while the feed consumption across the groups was comparable. The immune status of the turkey improved (p ≤ 0.05) in treatment groups compared to control with T4 and T5 group showcasing the best CBH response, antibody titres and relative immune organ weight index. A significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) in jejunal microstructures was observed at 16th week in T5 group over control and AGP fed group. There was significant (p ≤ 0.001) reduction in total plate and coliform counts, but a positive shift was seen in Lactobacillus population in T5 group as compared to control and AGP fed group. In conclusion, the concoction of formic acid (7.5 ml/kg) + thymol (240 mg/kg) in-feed supplement improved the performance, immune status and gut health in turkey as an efficient alternative to AGPs.

Assessment of Enterobacter, Clostridium, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium Population in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Background: Today, according to various studies, the gut microbiome is closely linked to various diseases such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease (AD). Objectives: The primary purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the quality and quantity of the gut microbiota in a mouse model of AD. Methods: The mice were randomly divided into either an AD group injected with streptozotocin (STZ, 3 mg/kg) or a control group. After 16 - 17 days, the mice were evaluated for their memory capacity and learning, using the Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance response tests. Specific primers were designed to target the 16S rRNA genes of Enterobacter, Clostridium, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium species in the fecal samples of mice by real‐time PCR assay. Results: The MWM and passive avoidance tests confirmed that STZ caused AD in the mouse model. According to the results of real-time PCR assays, unlike Lactobacillus, Clostridium, and Enterobacter, the population of Bifidobacterium decreased significantly in mice after AD in day 28 (P &lt; 0.05). In other words, mean difference of Bifidobacterium CFU between AD group in day 28 and control group was -5.680 (95% CI: -11.3826 to -0.0174). Conclusions: Restructuring the gut microbiota using personalized dietary approaches or targeted interventions aimed at beneficial microbiota can potentially modify the composition of microbial communities and their metabolic byproducts, offering novel therapeutic possibilities for AD.

Impact of orange (Citrus sinensis) seed powder on growth performance, biochemical parameters and caecal bacterial population of broilers reared in hot humid climate

In broiler nutrition, dietary fibre affects the development of the digestive system, nutrient absorption, intestinal flora and growth performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of orange seed powder (OSP) on growth performance, biochemical parameters, and the caecal bacterial population of broiler chickens. Four hundred and eighty-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were divided into four treatment groups of six replicates. The treatment groups comprised a control group (without OSP supplementation) and three groups with varying levels of OSP supplementation (0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75%) over 42 days. All groups supplemented with orange seed powder significantly decreased serum cholesterol, triglyceride concentrations, E. coli, and total coliform population as well as feed conversion ratio and feed intake and significantly increased average weight gain and lactobacillus population on day 21 (p < 0.05). Carcase yield did not differ across all the treatment groups (p > 0.05). On day 42, the triglyceride level was significantly superior (p < 0.05) with the supplementation of OSP. The lactobacillus population was not affected on day 42; however, E. coli and the total coliform population remained affected (p < 0.05). Orange seed powder at 0.50% supplementation in poultry feed can optimise the caeca bacterial population and enhance the weight gain and feed conversion ratio.

Effects of dietary Silybum marianum powder on growth performance, egg and carcass characteristics, immune response, intestinal microbial population, haemato-biochemical parameters and sensory meat quality of laying quails

The study aimed to assess the effects of different dietary Silybum marianum (SM, milk thistle) powder levels on growth performance, productivity, immunity, small intestine, haemato-biochemical parameters, meat quality, and egg and carcass characteristics of laying quails. The experimental subjects consisted of one hundred and eight 43-day-old quails divided into 3 treatments (0, 0.75, and 1.50% SM) with 4 replicates each. The egg characteristics and growth performance of the quails were evaluated. Quails were euthanized for evaluation of carcasses, microbiota, and sensory characteristics of meat. Blood samples were analyzed for haematology and biochemical profile. SM at 0.75% and 1.50% significantly (P < 0.05) increased feed intake, enhanced egg characteristics (number, weight, width, length, volume, weight of egg yolk, and eggshell thickness), jejunum and ileum length, spleen weight, lactobacillus population, sensory characteristics of meat, red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin, erythrocytic indices, concentration of albumin, globulin and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). SM at 0.75% and 1.50% decreased (P < 0.05) carcass weight (abdominal fat, heart, neck, and pancreas), feed conversion ratio (FCR) based on eggs produced, percentages of heterophils and lymphocytes, concentration of lactate dehydrogenase, population of coliforms clostridia, and Escherichia coli. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and creatine kinase were not significantly (P > 0.05) altered by 0.75% and 1.50% SM. SM at both levels (0.75% and 1.50%) may improve growth, egg characteristics, immune response, intestinal morphology and microbiota, meat quality and erythropoiesis, and also lead to decreased cholesterol in laying quails. Economics can be improved, too. The authors recommend adding 1.0% of SM to quail diet.

Live performance, nutrient digestibility, immune response and fecal microbial load modulation in Japanese quails fed a Bacillus-based probiotic alone or combination with xylanase

Animal industry seeks cost-effective solutions to enhance performance and health of domestic animals. This study investigated the effects of supplementing Bacillus spp. probiotics and xylanase on 2000 one-day-old Japanese quails, randomly assigned to four treatment groups (10 replicates). The control group received no supplementation, while the others were supplemented with a Bacillus-based probiotic at 7.5 × 107 cfu/kg of feed, xylanase enzyme (2,000 U/kg) alone or in combination. Quails receiving both probiotic and enzyme exhibited significantly (p < 0.01) higher weekly and overall weight gain, and lower feed conversion ratios compared to the control group. Dressing percentage was higher (p < 0.01), and mortality lower in birds supplemented with a combination of enzyme and probiotic. Antibody titres against infectious bronchitis and infectious bursal disease were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in quails receiving combined probiotic and enzyme supplementation, while titres against Newcastle disease virus were higher (p < 0.01) in groups supplemented with probiotic and enzyme individually or in combination. Additionally, digestibility was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in groups receiving combined enzyme and probiotic supplementation, with higher apparent metabolizable energy compared to the control. The populations of beneficial Lactobacillus increased, while harmful E. coli and Salmonella decreased significantly in quails supplemented with both probiotic and enzyme. In conclusion, supplementing xylanase enzyme and probiotic together in Japanese quails positively influenced growth, nutrient digestibility, immune response, and cecal microbiota.

Effect of anise seed (Pimpinella anisum L.) and protease alone or in combination on growth performance, carcase characteristics, humoral immunity, nutrients digestibility and cecal microbiota in Japanese quails

ABSTRACT The trial investigated the effects of anise seed powder and protease, alone and combined, in Japanese quail diets. 540 seven-day-old quails were divided into four groups: Control (basal diet), Anise Seed Group (1000 mg/kg anise seed powder), Protease Enzyme Group (30,000 IU/kg Bacillus subtilis-derived protease enzyme), and a combination of anise powder and protease. The combination significantly increased weight gain and dressing percentage compared to the control. Quails receiving protease, anise powder, or both showed higher antibody titers against infectious diseases. The population of beneficial Lactobacillus increased in groups receiving protease and the combination. Additionally, the presence of harmful bacteria like Escherichia coli and Salmonella decreased significantly in quails supplemented with both protease enzyme and anise powder. In summary, combining protease and anise powder improved growth performance, immune responses, increased Lactobacillus population, and decreased pathogenic bacteria in quails.

Efficacy of supplementing Aspergillus awamori in enhancing growth performance, gut microbiota, digestibility, immunity, and antioxidant activity of heat-stressed broiler chickens fed diets containing olive pulp

BackgroundGut microbes play a significant role in digestion, developing immunity, and intestinal health. Therefore, direct-fed microbials are used to modify gut microbiota, maintain a healthy digestive system, enhance immunity, and promote the broilers’ performance. In addition, it has a role in improving the utilization of unconventional feed ingredients (olive pulp, OP). This study provides the potential role of Aspergillus awamori in enhancing gut microbial content, nutrient utilization, growth performance, and antioxidative status in heat-stressed broiler chickens fed diets containing olive pulp.MethodsThree hundred chicks (Ross 308; one day old) were divided into four treatment groups (75 chick/ group) randomly, as follows; CON: chicks fed a basal diet based on corn and soybean meal, OP10: chicks fed a diet containing 10% OP, OA1: chicks fed a diet containing OP with A. awamori at 100 mg per kg, OA2: chicks fed a diet containing OP with A. awamori at 200 mg per kg.ResultsAdding A. awamori to the broiler diet that contains OP had a positive effect on productive performance via enhancing nutrition digestibility, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and carcass characteristics. A. awamori supplementation had a positive impact on immune responses by increasing serum immunoglobulin G and the relative weight of bursa of Fabricius (P < 0.05) compared to the other groups. Chickens fed A. awamori showed a noticeable improvement in the oxidative status through the increase in the level of serum superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, and the decrease in the level of malondialdehyde. Feeding A. awamori also modified the intestinal microbial content by increasing the population of Lactobacillus (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur study indicated that adding 200 mg A. awamori reduced the negative effect of heat stress by modifying the microbial content of the intestine, immune response, and enhancing feed utilization, thus improving broiler performance, as well as, improving the nutritional value of the olive pulp. Therefore, adding A. awamori to the OP diet can be effectively used in heat-stressed broiler diets.

Fermented Gracilaria lemaneiformis polysaccharides alleviate food allergy by regulating Treg cells and gut microbiota

Food allergy has a significant impact on the health and well-being of individuals, affecting both their physical and mental states. Research on natural bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides extracted from seaweeds, holds great promise in the treatment of food allergies. In this study, fermented Gracilaria lemaneiformis polysaccharides (F-GLSP) were prepared using probiotic fermentation. Probiotic fermentation of Gracilaria lemaneiformis reduces the particle size of polysaccharides. To compare the anti-allergic activity of F-GLSP with unfermented Gracilaria lemaneiformis polysaccharides (UF-GLSP), an OVA-induced mouse food allergy model was established. F-GLSP exhibited a significant reduction in OVA-specific IgE and mMCP levels in allergic mice. Moreover, it significantly inhibited Th2 differentiation and IL-4 production and significantly promoted Treg differentiation and IL-10 production in allergic mice. In contrast, UF-GLSP only reduced OVA-specific IgE and mMCP in the serum of allergic mice. Furthermore, F-GLSP demonstrated a more pronounced regulation of intestinal flora abundance compared to UF-GLSP, significantly influencing the populations of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Lactobacillus, and Clostridiales in the intestines of mice with food allergy. These findings suggest that F-GLSP may regulate food allergies in mice through multiple pathways. In summary, this study has promoted further development of functional foods with anti-allergic properties based on red algae polysaccharides.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus TOM 22.8 (DSM 33500) is an effective strategy for managing vaginal dysbiosis, rising the lactobacilli population.

The present study is a single-centre, randomized, controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus TOM 22.8 (DSM 33500) strain, orally administrated, to treat vaginal dysbiosis. Overall, 80 women, with signs and symptoms of vaginal dysbiosis, were enrolled and allocated to the treatment group (A, n=60), who took 1 capsule of the probiotic strain for 10 consecutive days, or the non-treatment group (B, n=20), who did not receive any treatment. Clinical (vaginal signs and symptoms; pH of the vaginal fluid; Amsel criteria; Nugent score; Lactobacillary grade) and microbiological examinations were performed at baseline (T0), 10 days (T1), and 30 (T2) days after the oral administration of the probiotic TOM 22.8 strain. The latter resulted in a restoration of the physiological pH, accompanied by remission or attenuation of clinical signs and symptoms as well as the improvement of the quality of life (QoL). Microbiological data revealed a significant reduction of potentially pathogenic bacteria. The administration of the L. rhamnosus TOM 22.8 probiotic strain could be proposed as an effective strategy for the treatment of vaginal dysbiosis.