Microbial Feed Research Articles

Novacq™ improves survival of Penaeus vannamei when challenged with pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus causing acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease

Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) caused by pathogenic isolates of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VPAHPND) carrying a plasmid encoding two pir-like toxins, is one of the most serious diseases affecting shrimp aquaculture. This study investigated if the microbial feed ingredient “Novacq™” improves resilience of Penaeus vannamei to VPAHPND infection and mortality. Two independent challenge trials were conducted where shrimp were fed a diet containing Novacq™ or a control diet for either 10 or 15-days (for trial 1 and trial 2 respectively) prior to exposure to VPAHPND. Mortalities were monitored every 3 h over the challenge periods (trial 1–99 h and trial 2–120 h) and foregut samples were collected from individual shrimp at different stages of the disease challenge to compare pirA and pirB toxin expression and V. parahaemolyticus abundance via qPCR. Shrimp fed Novacq™ had higher survival compared to control fed shrimp in both trial 1 and trial 2 with the relative percent survival (RPS) compared to the control 34% and 51% respectively. However, differences in Kaplan Meier survival estimates between the two diet treatments were only significant in trial 2. There was no significant difference in expression of pirA or pirB toxin genes or V. parahaemolyticus abundance between the two diet treatments in either trial, however, both toxin expression and V. parahaemolyticus abundance significantly changed throughout the disease time course. Results of this study along with previous studies of Novacq™ effects on a viral pathogen and other performance traits (i.e. growth), suggests Novacq™ may promote a general resilience phenotype that offers greater protection against both bacterial and viral agents of which the mode of action is still unknown.

Potential of Citrullus colocynthis L. Schrad. Immature Seed Extracts as Food Preservative against a Fungal Mycotoxigenic Contaminant

The world of plant extracts and natural compounds have long been regarded as a promise land for the individuation of healthy alternatives to chemical preservatives, against microbial contamination, in food and feed commodities. A plethora of aromatic and medicinal plant species have been studied from decades to explore their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, in order to both validate their ethnobotanical use for healing microbial illnesses and assess their suitability as food preservation agents. In fact, after terrestrialization and during the following evolutionary pathway, plants had to develop chemical compounds—constitutive and/or induced—for defence against specific pathogens, therefore becoming a potential source of new natural products usable with antimicrobial purposes. Aside from the most common contaminants that could occur in foodstuff, mycotoxigenic fungal species represent a big concern, mainly in cereals and derived products: aflatoxins in particular are the most dreaded among such toxic and cancerogenic secondary metabolites, and the control of the main producer Aspergillus flavus is currently one of the most pursued goals in the field of food safety. As aromatic and medicinal plants have a long history of use in the Mediterranean basin for both food preservation and pest control in crops, the exploitation of native species for the control of mycotoxigenic phytopathogens is almost rationale. The present work provides novel insights into the possible use of C. colocynthis seed organic extracts as antimycotoxigenic additives, demonstrating, for some of them, a feasible application as crop and food protectants with specific regard to aflatoxin contamination. Additionally, the evaluation of their cytotoxic potential and nitric oxide production on human cell lines has been reported for the first time.

PSIV-6 Effect of a Direct Fed Microbial Feed Additive on Finishing Beef Cattle Performance and Liver Abscess Rate

Abstract A feedlot study was conducted comparing the effects of a direct-fed microbial feed additive (DFM) to no feed additive (CON) on performance and liver abscess rates in finishing beef cattle. The study utilized 60 crossbred steers (initial BW 274 kg ± 2.23) individually fed using a Calan gate system. Steers were housed in separate pens by treatment to avoid DFM cross-contamination, with pen (barn of 30 steers) assigned randomly to each treatment. Cattle were fed a diet consisting of 15% corn silage, 36.5% high moisture corn, 24.5% dry rolled corn, 20% modified distillers grains, and 4% supplement for 189 days. The DFM counts were estimated using cell cytometry and was top dressed at a concentration of approximately 81 billion bacterial cells/head/day. The DFM additive used in this study was developed to reduce the abundance of Fusobacterium necrophorum and Streptococcus bovis in the rumen. No effect of treatment on hot carcass weight (HCW), average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency (G:F), or carcass traits (Table 1) were observed. No significant difference in the occurrence of liver abscesses between treatment groups were observed with 4 steers having abscessed livers in the CON group and 3 steers in the DFM group. Additionally, there were no differences in the severity of liver abscesses; all observed liver abscesses received the score of A. The DFM utilized in this study did not significantly affect performance, liver abscess rate, or the severity of liver abscesses in finishing beef cattle.

Probiotics role of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Bacillus subtilis in improving the health status of rabbits\u2019 gastrointestinal tract

BackgroundProbiotics are direct-fed microbial feed supplements which can modulate the gut microflora by competing intestinal pathogens through a competitive process. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bacillus subtilis or their mixture on blood biochemical constituents, intestinal pathogenic load and intestinal histological changes of growing New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits.ResultsSerum total protein, albumin, and globulin were (P ≤ 0.05) increased for rabbits fed supplemented diets. Microbial pathogenic load of small intestinal and caecal contents (E. coli and C. perfringens) showed reduction (P ≤ 0.05) for rabbits fed supplemented diets, while, lactobacillus spp. recorded higher counts (P ≤ 0.05) in intestinal and caecal contents of rabbits fed probiotics supplemented diets than control group. Small intestine length, villus height and crypt depth were higher (P ≤ 0.05) with probiotic diets than control. Musculosa depth was depressed (P ≤ 0.05) with probiotic diets.ConclusionsIt could be concluded that the addition of Bacillus subtilis or Saccharomyces cerevisiae to diets of growing NZW rabbits by 0.1% is recommended to minimize the pathogenic intestinal load and increasing of beneficial lactobacillus strains as well as improving the intestinal barriers integrity.

Effects of dietary microbial feed supplement on production efficacy in lactating dairy cows

This study evaluated the effects of a microbial feed supplement (MFS; Galaxis, Ascus Biosciences Inc.) comprising 2 native rumen microbes on performance parameters in mid-lactation dairy cows. Forty-six lactating primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows [629 ± 62 kg of body weight, mean ± standard deviation (SD); parity 1.64 ± 0.49; 119 ± 38 days in milk; 45.11 ± 3.81 and 52.73 ± 4.77 kg/d of milk yield for primiparous and multiparous, respectively] were enrolled in a study containing 3 experimental periods (P). During all periods, enrolled cows were fed the same base total mixed ration (TMR) ad libitum once daily. During P1 (7 d), baseline data were obtained for covariate analysis. At the beginning of P2 (60 d), cows were assigned to 1 of 2 dietary treatment groups in a randomized complete block design to balance for milk yield (MY), parity, and days in milk: (1) a control diet (CON; base TMR; n = 23), or (2) a control diet supplemented with 5 g/d of MFS (MFS; n = 23). Sample size was determined based on previous, unpublished results involving this MFS; a 3-kg difference between groups with a SD of 3.5 kg could be detected with sufficient power (0.81) using a total sample size of 46 cows. Treatment was top-dressed and hand-mixed into the top one-third of the TMR. During P3 (7 d), no treatment was administered, and all cows were fed the base TMR. When analyzing all cows in the data set, MFS had little to no effect on performance. However, modeling revealed that the fixed effect of covariate milk production level had a significant effect on the response of MY and ECM, and further investigation of the data revealed that treatment effectiveness in P2 correlated with milk production during P1. Cows were retrospectively categorized into 2 milk production groups (MPG) balanced for parity: MPG1 (i.e., <53 kg/d of ECM during P1; n = 34) or MPG2 (i.e., ≥53 kg/d of ECM during P1; n = 12). Energy-corrected milk was increased by 4.4% in MFS-administered MPG1 cows compared with CON cows during P2. Although there were no significant effects of MFS on production variables for MPG2 cows, MY tended to be decreased by 3.9% in MFS-administered cows compared with CON cows. Further investigation is needed to understand production level response differences and the effect of supplemented native rumen microbes on animal health and productivity.

Lactobacillus plantarum GB LP-1 as a direct-fed microbial for neonatal calves

Direct-fed microbial feed additives with potential to enhance growth performance, gut health, and immunity have gained considerable popularity in neonatal calf production. Lactobacillus plantarum GB LP-1 (LP) produced by a proprietary fermentation process could be a viable direct-fed microbial feed for neonatal calves. The hypothesis was that feeding LP may ease transitioning from milk replacer (MR) to calf starter (CS) by improving gut health and appetite, while minimizing health challenges from pathogens and stress to improve growth performance. The experimental objective was to evaluate LP in an MR feeding program at 3 inclusion rates. Fifty-one 2- to 5-d-old Holstein bull calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments using a randomized complete block design. Treatments were (1) Control (LP0): LP fed at 0 g/d; (2) LP4: LP fed at 4 g/d; and (3) LP8: LP fed at 8 g/d. Calves were fed MR at 0.57 kg/d for 14 d via bucket, which was increased to 0.85 kg/d until 35 d, and were then fed once daily at 0.425 kg/d with weaning after d 42 of the 56-d experiment. Calves were fed at 0630 and 1800 h in equal allotments, with access at all times to free-choice water and a pelleted CS with 25.5% crude protein. Calves demonstrated a linear growth response to increasing LP inclusion rate: calves fed LP8 gained more body weight (33.0, 36.9, and 37.7 kg for LP0, LP4, and LP8, respectively) than calves fed LP0, with calves fed LP4 being intermediate and similar. The 0-to-42-d (MR feeding phase) average daily gain (ADG; 562.9, 595.9, and 655.7 g/d) and 0-to-56-d ADG (588.6, 658.4, and 673.0 g/d) demonstrated linear responses, with calves fed LP8 having greater ADG than calves fed LP0, and calves fed LP4 being intermediate and similar. Total CS intake was similar among calves fed all treatments (66.3, 69.0, and 72.5 kg/56 d), which resulted in a quadratic response in feed efficiency (0.50, 0.53, and 0.52 kg of gain/kg of dry matter) for calves fed LP4 compared with calves fed LP0, with calves fed LP8 being intermediate and similar. Fecal scores improved linearly with increasing LP inclusion rate. These data demonstrate that feeding Lactobacillus plantarum GB LP-1 to neonatal calves improves gut health to increase growth performance at 4 and 8 g/d, while feed efficiency was greatest at 4 g/d.

Effects of Probiotic Fermented Kitchen Waste on the Growth and Propagation of RotiferBrachionus calyciflorus

Kitchen waste containing a large number of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and minerals can be used as fermentation substrates for producing probiotics, and then can be taken as microbial feed to cultivate rotifer. This approach not only emphasizes resource utilization of kitchen waste but also improves the growth and propagation of rotifer. In this study, kitchen wastewater and solid waste were used as fermentation substrates, respectively, while yeast, lactic acid bacteria, compound bacteria (yeast + lactic acid bacteria), and effective microorganisms (EM) bacteria were inoculated to harvest the microbial feed for the cultivation of rotifer. The population density, eggholding rate, body length, and the egg volume of rotifer were determined. These results indicate that the growth and propagation of rotifer were effectively improved by using kitchen wastewater or solid waste as fermentation substrates. When compared with the direct usage of kitchen waste for rotifer cultivation, the effect of kitchen waste fermented by probiotics on rotifer was more obvious, such as in the population density, egg-holding rate, body length, and egg volume, in the following sequence EM bacterial group &gt; yeast group &gt; compound bacterial group &gt; lactic acid bacterial group ^ control group. Hence, EM bacteria can be considered as the best one for kitchen waste fermentation to prepare microbial feed for rotifer. It is thus feasible to use probiotic fermented kitchen waste to cultivate rotifer.

Effect of a probiotic (

Context Deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination of feedstuffs causes detrimental effects on animals and poultry. Dietary inclusion of microbial feed additives, such as probiotics and/or yeast, seems to be a useful approach for DON detoxification and reducing the toxin absorption from the gut. Aims This study was conducted to evaluate the synergetic effects of a probiotic (Lactobacillus spp.), yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and mycotoxin detoxifier on performance, serum chemical parameters and immune status of broiler chickens fed a DON-contaminated diet. Methods A total of 200 1-day-old female broilers (Hubbard®) were allocated to five dietary treatments with four replicates each in a completely randomised design. Experimental diets consisted of: (1) control diet (basal diet), (2) DON diet (basal diet contaminated with 10 mg/kg DON), (3) DON diet supplemented with 0.25% mycotoxin detoxifier (Mycofix® Plus), (4) DON diet supplemented with a combination of 0.4 g/kg probiotic and 1.5 g/kg yeast, and (5) DON diet supplemented with a combination of a probiotic, yeast and mycotoxin detoxifier. Key results The results showed that the DON diet significantly increased the feed conversion ratio compared with mycotoxin detoxifier and control diets. Administration of 0.4 g/kg probiotic along with 1.5 g/kg yeast to a DON-contaminated diet caused a significant enhancement of dressing percentage, leg relative weight and aspartate aminotransferase enzyme activity. The DON-contaminated diet reduced total protein, albumin, triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations, but consumption of a probiotic, yeast and mycotoxin detoxifier improved the levels of these parameters. The DON-treated birds showed a reduction in haematocrit, haemoglobin, red blood cells and blood lymphocyte percentage in comparison with control levels. The inclusion of a combination of a probiotic and yeast along with mycotoxin detoxifier diminished the increased heterophil: lymphocyte ratio by DON administration. The antibody titre against Newcastle disease virus vaccine increased by inclusion of a probiotic, yeast and Mycofix. Conclusions In summary, a combination of a probiotic and yeast along with mycotoxin detoxifier can improve the enzyme activity, immunity and haematological attributes, which are useful for DON-contaminated diet detoxification. Implications Dietary supplementation with a probiotic, yeast and mycotoxin detoxifier could be used as an alternative to detoxification DON in broiler chickens.

Probiotic supplemented diets improved the performance of broiler chickens during wet season

Probiotics, a live microbial feed supplement affects the host animal by improving its intestinal microbial balance. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the effect of probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplemented diets on the performance of broilers chickens during the wet season. Two hundred and fifty five broilers chickens were randomly allotted to five treatments in a complete randomize design (CRD) with three replicate per treatment, each replicate having 17 birds. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was included at 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% respectively. Feed intake was measured weekly and the birds were weighed once weekly to determine the weight improvement. Data obtained from the study were subjected to analysis of variance. All parameters (final body weight, body weight gain, average daily gain, total feed intake, average feed intake and feed conversion ratio) measured showed significance (P&lt;0.05) differencewhen compared with the birds on control diets. In conclusion, inclusion of baker's yeast in broiler diet improved growth performance of the chickens.

A food system revolution for China in the post-pandemic world

The COVID-19 pandemic is worsening food shortages in food deficit countries, such as China, which rely on import for domestic food consumption. We argue that fundamental revolution in China’s livestock system can meet about 50% of its consumption of livestock products and thereby reduce the country’s reliance on imports. Three food system revolutions that can greatly reduce China’s reliance on imports are technically and economically feasible, and generate high eco-system benefits: (1) organic or inorganic based microbial feed protein production to substitute imported feed protein, (2) vegetation greening and fodder production through grassland restoration to reduce import of ruminant animal products, and (3) insect protein based fish-plant production and offshore marine restoration to replace red meat consumption and increase recycling of manure. Together these revolutions can accelerate progress towards multiple Sustainable Development Goals in exporting countries.

PSII-11 Effect of a feed supplement composed of native rumen microorganisms on feedlot steer digestive health

Abstract Feedlot cattle that receive high grain diets are prone to developing rumen acidosis. The rumen microbiome is a critical part of feed digestion, and thus naturally occurring, native rumen microorganisms may alleviate digestive distress. A daily, in feed microbial feed supplement (MFS) (Magnius, ASCUS Biosciences Inc, San Diego, CA) containing three native rumen microbes (Chordacoccus ruminofurens, Prevotella albensis, and Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens) was evaluated. Seventy-five commercial feedlot steers (Johnson Research, LLC, Parma, Idaho) were split into three treatment groups, 25 control, 25 low-dose (3E8 cells/steer/day), and 25 high-dose (3E9 cells/steer/day). The study included three periods: acclimation (28 days), grow-out period 1 (68 days), and grow-out period 2 (73 days). The animals were individually penned for the acclimation and grow-out period 1, and were collapsed into 7–9 steers per pen for grow-out period 2. The finishing ration for grow-out period 2 was also adjusted to 89.77% concentrate (DM) from 85.56% during grow-out period 1. No significant performance differences among treatment groups were observed during grow-out period 1. In grow-out period 2, the average daily weight gain of mid-weight steers was significantly higher (P = 0.04) in animals receiving a high-dose of MFS than controls. Additionally, the rumen pH of experimental steers were significantly higher than the controls (P &amp;lt; 0.001) during grow-out period 2. The rumen microbiome shifts further supported the observed pH differences. A strong (R2 &amp;gt;0.6) and significant negative correlation (P &amp;lt; 0.001) was observed between rumen pH and rumen dissolved %CO2 in all three treatment groups throughout the study. This is consistent with literature reporting that rumen CO2 accumulation may contribute significantly to rumen acidosis. These findings demonstrate the promise of using microbial based feed supplements in the improvement of feedlot cattle digestive health and performance.

A Study on the Preparation of Microbial and Nonstarch Polysaccharide Enzyme Synergistic Fermented Maize Cob Feed and Its Feeding Efficiency in Finishing Pigs.

1000 g maize cob mixed material was synergistically fermented by adding 2.5% composite probiotics and 0.06-0.08% NSP (nonstarch polysaccharide) enzyme to prepare fermented feed, and its effectiveness as feed for fattening pigs was investigated. The results showed that the appearance, texture, and nutrient quality of maize cobs significantly improved after fermentation, the total number of bacteria was 4.5 × 1010 CFU/g, and the protein content was 7.1%. Compared to the control group, the pigs in the 6% fermented maize cob feed experimental group showed significantly increased daily feed intake, daily weight gain, and nutrient digestion rate (p < 0.05) and reduced feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). Most indicators including slaughter performance and meat quality significantly improved. In addition, beneficial bacteria including Lactobacillus in the intestines of the finishing pigs significantly increased, and pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli in the intestines and feces were found to be significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The intestinal crypt depth, VH/CD ratio, and ileal mucosal immunity of the finishing pigs also significantly improved (p < 0.05). The cytokine content and gene expression of sIgA, IL-8, and TNF-α were found to be significantly increased (p < 0.05). It could be concluded that the addition of 6% fermented maize cob feed to the diets of finishing pigs could promote their growth, improve their production performance and slaughter performance meat quality, and enhance their intestinal microecological balance and immunity.

Effect of microbial feed additives on growth performance, microbial protein synthesis, and rumen microbial population in growing lambs

Arabi lambs (n =28; body weight = 24 ± 3.7 kg; average age = 120 ± 8 days) were used to investigate the effect of microbial additives on growth performance, microbial protein synthesis and rumen microbial population of fattening lamb based on completely randomized design. Four treatments were studied: (1) control (without additive; CON); (2) Lactobacillus fermentum and L. plantarum (FP); (3) Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) plus FP (SCFP); and (4) Megasphaera elsdenii plus SCFP (MSCFP). Lambs were inoculated before morning feeding (daily oral dosed) with a 50 mL microbial suspension as follows: FP, 50 mL bacterial suspension containing 4.5 × 108 colony-forming unit per day (cfu/d) of L. plantarum and L. fermentum (in ratio 50:50); SCFP, 50 mL microbial suspension containing 4.5 × 108 cfu/d FP and 1.4 × 1010 cfu/d SC; MSCFP, 50 mL microbial suspension containing 4.5 × 108 cfu/d Me, 4.5 × 108 cfu/d FP and 1.4 × 1010 cfu/d SC. Feed intake and body weight of lambs were not affected by microbial additives. Average daily gain and feed efficiency were increased on day 0 to 21. The highest concentration of uric acid, total excreted purine derivatives (PD), microbial N, microbial CP, and metabolizable protein were in MSCFP lambs. The ruminal population of Ruminococcus albus and Ruminococcus flavefaciens was higher in MSCFP and SCFP than CON and FP lambs. The highest and the lowest abundance of M. elsdenii and methanogen respectively was observed in lambs fed on microbial additives. The tendency to improve growth performance vs. CON may be due to improvements in microbial protein synthesis and microbial populations, especially fiber-degrading bacteria. The decrease in the population of methanogens as a result of the use of microbial additives is another positive result.

Lactation performance, nitrogen utilization, and profitability in dairy cows fed fermented total mixed ration containing wet corn gluten feed and corn stover in combination replacing a portion of alfalfa hay

To effectively use corn by-products for ruminants, lactation performance, nitrogen utilization, and profitability in lactating dairy cows fed fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) that contained wet corn gluten feed (WCGF) and corn stover in combination replacing a portion of alfalfa hay were studied. Thirty-six multiparous Holstein dairy cows (602 ± 46.8 kg of body weight; 109 ± 18.5 day in milk; 30.1 ± 1.53 kg of milk production; and 2.44 ± 0. 51 of parity; mean ± SD) were blocked into 12 groups based on DIM, milk production, and parity and were allocated randomly to 1 of 3 diets for a 14-week period, with the first 2 weeks allowed for adaptation to the diets. The TMR was prepared with same mixed ration of concentrate mixtures and corn silage but different proportions of alfalfa hay, corn stover and WCGF. The treatments were designed as (1) TMR A containing 220 g/kg DM alfalfa hay; (2) TMR B containing 118 g/kg DM alfalfa hay, 68.8 g/kg DM WCGF, and 34.4 g/kg DM corn stover; and (3) Fermented TMR (FTMR) prepared with same ingredient as TMR B. The FTMR diet had higher crude protein (CP) and lactic acid contents content, the ratio of ammonia nitrogen to total N while decreased pH value, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and dry matter (DM) content compared to other two diets. The milk fat concentration, milk fat yield, DM and CP degradation, estimated microbial CP yield and feed efficiency were higher (P < 0.05) in the cows fed FTMR treatment but DM intake was lower (P < 0.05) in the cows fed the FTMR treatment than the cows fed the other treatments. The concentrations of rumen volatile fatty acids, except for butyrate, were highest (P < 0.0001) in cows fed the FTMR diet followed by cows fed TMR B and TMR A diets. The cows fed the FTMR diet had a higher molar proportion of acetate, total-tract apparent digestibility and ammonia-N concentration and a lower molar proportion of butyrate, organic matter, NDF, and ADF intakes than the cows fed the other diets. The cows fed the FTMR diet decreased fecal N excretion and retention N, increased the urea nitrogen concentration in the urine and milk and improved income over feed cost per cow per day compared with the cows fed the other diets. The results confirmed that FTMR prepared with WCGF and corn stover in combination replacing a portion of alfalfa hay is a suitable choice for improving lactation performance of dairy cows.

Methane Emissions and Milk Fatty Acid Profiles in Dairy Cows Fed Linseed, Measured at the Group Level in a Naturally Ventilated Housing and Individually in Respiration Chambers.

Simple SummaryCows emit the greenhouse gas methane (CH4) as a result of microbial feed digestion. Methane emissions can be reduced by adopting nutritional strategies, such as dietary supplementation of linseed. Additionally, the oil in linseed increases the proportion of favorable fatty acids in milk fat. This study evaluated the effect of linseed on CH4 emission and milk fatty acid composition measured in a group of cows in a naturally ventilated barn and in individual cows in respiration chambers. The substantially higher proportions of favorable fatty acids in the milk of linseed-fed cows were detected in individual milk samples and in the milk of the herd. Therefore, the analysis of bulk milk could be a suitable control instrument for retailers. Visualizing the course of CH4 emissions over a whole day showed slightly lower CH4 values in linseed-supplemented individuals and groups. However, we found no significant reduction of CH4 as a result of linseed supplementation. Feed supplements in concentrations that are effective in reducing CH4 must show whether the reduction potential is comparable when determined at the group and individual levels. The present study evaluated the effects of linseed supplementation on CH4 emission and milk fatty acid composition in dairy cows measured at the group level in an experimental dairy loose housing using a tracer gas technique and individually in tied stalls and respiration chambers. Cows (2 × 20) were maintained in two separate sections under loose-housing conditions and received a diet supplemented with extruded linseed (L) lipids (29 g·kg−1 dry matter) or a control (C) diet containing corn flour. Subsequently, 2 × 6 cows per dietary group were investigated in a tied-housing system and respiration chambers. Substantially higher proportions of favorable milk fatty acids were recovered in L cows when compared with C cows at the group level, making the analysis of bulk milk a suitable control instrument for retailers. Linseed supplementation resulted in a slightly lower diurnal course of CH4 emission intensity than the control at the group and individual levels. However, we found no more than a trend for a CH4 mitigating effect, unlike in other studies supplementing similar linseed lipid levels. Feed supplements in concentrations that lead to a significant reduction in CH4 emissions must show whether the reduction potential determined at the group and individual levels is comparable.

A Pilot Study on the Effect of Prebiotic on Host-Microbial Co-metabolism in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients have a distinct uremic toxin profile and metabolic abnormalities, which could be related in part to the differences in gut microbiota.1 Prebiotics are microbial feed supplements that beneficially affect the host by improving its intestinal microbial balance and re-establishing symbiosis. Treatment with the prebiotic, oligofructose-enriched p-inulin (p-inulin) is believed to enable proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria such as Bifidobacteria, to attenuate inflammation, and to improve metabolic functions.

Administration of Enterococcus faecium HS-08 increases intestinal acetate and induces immunoglobulin A secretion in mice.

A probiotic is considered a live microbial feed supplement that has beneficial effects on the host. In this study, the probiotic property by which Enterococcus faecium HS-08 strengthens the immune system was investigated. Using a murine model, we evaluated the abilities of this strain to increase intestinal short-chain fatty acid contents and to induce the production of mucosal immunoglobulin A (IgA), which are crucial for mucosal immune systems. Various amounts (0%, 0.0038%, 0.038%, or 0.38%) of strain HS-08 cells were administered to BALB/cAJcl mice, which resulted in a dose-dependent increase of fecal IgA levels. A qRT-PCR analysis of Peyer's patch cells revealed that the gene expression of retinal-dehydrogenase, interleukin 6, B-cell-activating factor, and a proliferation-inducing ligand were increased, which leads to IgA secretion via a T-cell-independent mechanism. The administration of 0.038% and 0.38% of strain HS-08 cells also increased fecal acetate levels, which plays an important role for maintaining immune functions. This cecal floral analysis and the stability of strain HS-08 against gastrointestinal digestion suggest that this strain can inhabit the host intestine. In conclusion, the administration of E. faecium HS-08 increased intestinal acetate levels and enhanced IgA secretion, which may result in strengthening of the mucosal immune system.

Screening of Antimicrobial Residues and Confirmation of Doxycycline in Samples Collected from Chicken Farms and Processing Units Located Around Mumbai, India

The presence of antimicrobial residues in meat has several impacts on health aspects to the consumer. Strategic and scientific study on risk assessment of antibiotic residue in poultry production chain with different set of practices has not been conducted in order to protect the health of common consumers. The present study was planned to screen antibiotic residue in chicken meat production chain managed under different set of practices of farming and processing. Chicken farms managed under non-integrated, partially integrated and completely integrated sector and three different individual chicken processing units identified as retail shops, semi-automatic processing unit and automated processing unit along with one product processing unit were randomly selected for the collection of samples. A total of 271 samples (meat, serum, water and feed) comprising of 180 samples from poultry farms, 81 samples from chicken processing units and 10 muscle samples from poultry product processing units were collected and subjected for qualitative antimicrobial screening by Microbial Inhibition Assay Test Kit and confirmation by High Performance Liquid Chromatography /Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry was done. On screening by Microbial Inhibition Assay Test Kit, Muscle (2), Liver (2) and Feed (7) samples (6.11%) were positive from non-integrated (3.88%) and partially integrated farming systems (2.22%). Significant difference (P less than 0.05) was observed for antibiotic residue in feed samples of non-integrated (55.55%) and partially integrated (22.22%) farms. On screening of 91 samples, collected from chicken processing and product processing units, 08 (8.79%) samples were -positive. The HPLC analysis indicated that 9.5% and 5.26% muscle and liver samples, respectively were positive for doxycycline residue. Feed samples (57.14%) found positive to Chlortetracycline and 4-Epichlorotetracycline residues when analyzed by LCMS, with mean concentration of 2722.12 and 3720.87µg/kg, respectively. The presence of antibiotic residues in muscle and liver samples of unorganized farms and retail processing unit was higher in comparison. Therefore, the poultry farming and processing systems should be kept under continuous monitoring for preventing the occurrence of antibiotic residues in meat and meat products.

Probiotics for maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis.

Probiotics for maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis.

Probiotics for induction of remission in ulcerative colitis.

Probiotics for induction of remission in ulcerative colitis.