Probiotic-supplemented Groups Research Articles

Effect of probiotic and fisetin supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics and small intestinal morphology in broiler chickens

Abstract We studied the dietary effects of probiotic and fisetin supplementation on performance parameters, carcass characteristics and small intestinal morphology in broiler chickens. Sixty (one-day-old) Arbo Acre breed of broiler chickens were allotted into 4 groups of 15 each randomly: Group I, Control was administered only distilled water; Group II, fisetin (5 mg/kg); Group III, probiotic (4.125×106 cfu/100 mL); and Group IV, probiotic and fisetin (4.125×106 cfu/100 mL and 5 mg/kg, respectively) for the first one week of life. All administrations were performed orally through gavage. Broiler chickens supplemented with probiotic and probiotic+fisetin had greater feed intake significantly (P<0.05) at weeks 5 and 6, when compared respectively with those of the control and fisetin groups which had lesser feed intake values. Body weight gain was of great significance (P<0.05) in the probiotic-supplemented broiler chickens, while that of the control was less. Carcass quality of the probiotic-supplemented group was higher in significance (P<0.05) than any other treatment group which had lower qualities. The pH changes in the breast muscle was lesser significantly (P<0.05) in the probiotic+fisetin group, when compared with those of the control group which had greater changes. The villus height/crypt height ratio was higher in significance (P<0.05) in the treatment groups, while that of the control group was lower. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of probiotic may enhance broiler chickens’ productivity, by improving performance, carcass weight, pH, and small intestinal morphology as compared to fisetin supplementation.

Effects of dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus fermentum URLP18 on growth, innate immunity and survival against Aeromonas hydrophila ATCC 7966 challenge in freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio (common carp)

Probiotics utilization in aquaculture is getting great potential due to their functional attributes. The present study elucidates the effects of dietary supplementation of probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum URLP18 on growth performance, antioxidants, haematological indices, immune regulatory gene expression and disease resistance in juveniles of Cyprinus carpio. Fish were fed for 60 days with basal diet (BD) and diet supplemented with L. fermentum URLP18 at 2 × 108 CFU/g (DI) and 2 × 106 CFU/g (DII). Dietary supplementation of the selected probiotic showed significant increases in weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, feed efficiency ratio (FER) and decreases in feed conversion ratio of C. carpio fed diet containing 2 × 108 CFU/g (DI). L. fermentum URLP18-supplemented groups showed better haematological parameters such as red blood cell, white blood cell count, haematocrit (Hct) and haemoglobin (Hb) level relative to the BD group. A significant increase in the total serum protein and lower liver enzyme profile (ALT and AST) was noticed in probiotic-supplemented groups. Pro-inflammatory gene expression was significantly upregulated in L. fermentum URLP18 group. Likewise, supplementation of L. fermentum URLP18 at 2 × 108 CFU/g showed resistant against Aeromonas hydrophila infection and highest survival rate (88.09%) was observed. In conclusion, diet-supplemented L. fermentum URLP18 at 2 × 108 CFU/g showed improved diet digestibility and resulted in better growth performance and FER in C. carpio. Haematological indices and total serum protein, antioxidant gene expression profile depicted the role of L. fermentum URLP18 through enhanced non-specific immunity and health status of C. carpio.

Effects of xylanase and probiotic supplementation on broiler chicken diets

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of xylanase and probiotic supplementation on the performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal pH, intestinal viscosity, and ileal microbiota of broiler chickens fed diets containing wheat bran. The study animals were kept in metal cages, and the study was performed using a completely randomized design, with four treatments, six birds per treatment, and six replicates. The four treatments included a control group, a probiotic-supplemented group, a xylanase-supplemented group, and a [...]

Effect of Lactobacillus paracasei HII01 on lipid profile and blood parameters in hypercholesterolemic patients: A preliminary study

Background: Probiotics are live microbes that when administered in suitable amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Probiotics are considered as a complementary and supportive therapeutic agent for the treatment of several diseases and for the management of several disorders. Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for the incidence of cardiovascular (CV) diseases. Several pharmacological and dietary approaches are proposed and used to improve the cholesterol profile.
 Aims and Objective: The objective of the current study was to study the effect of probiotic supplementation (Lactobacillus paracasei HII01) on high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in hypercholesterolemic patients.
 Materials and Methods: Ten hypercholesterolemic subjects were supplemented with 12.5 × 109 CFU of HII01 per day for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after the intervention period. The LDL-C, HDL-C, LPS, and IgA content were assessed by outsourcing and ELISA methods.
 Results: After 12 weeks of intervention, HDL (from 61.14 ± 9.65 to 67.29 ± 7.99 mg/DL), LDL (from 141.57 ± 31.95 to 126.29 ± 36.23 mg/DL), IgA (446.31 ±262.00 to 939.62 ± 758.52 ng/ml), and LPS (113.53 ± 40.07 to 72.78 ± 32.39 pg/ml) levels were significantly changed in the probiotic-supplemented group when compared to the baseline value.
 Conclusion: The supplementation of L. paracasei HII01 may help to improve the lipid profile, reduce the endotoxin level and have the impact of immune activation in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Additional studies are mandatory to disclose the favorable effect of the probiotic strain L. paracasei HII01.

Necrotic Enteritis in Broiler Chickens: The Role of Tight Junctions and Mucosal Immune Responses in Alleviating the Effect of the Disease.

Necrotic enteritis (NE) continues to present major challenges to the poultry industry, and the etiologic agent Clostridium perfringens is the fourth leading cause of bacterially-induced food- borne illnesses in the US. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of a probiotic during naturally occurring NE. On day of hatch, 1080 Cobb 500 male broilers were randomly allocated to three groups (12 replicate pens/treatment, 30 birds/pen) including (1) negative control (NC): corn-soybean meal diet; (2) positive control (PC): NC + 20 mg virginiamycin/kg diet (0.450 kg Stafac®20/ton); and (3) NC + PrimaLac (1.36 and 0.91 kg/ton from 1–21 and 22–42 days, respectively). One day (d) post placement, all birds were challenged by a commercial live oocyst coccidia vaccine as a predisposing factor to NE. Body weight and feed intake were measured at the onset of NE (d 8) and end of each feeding phase. On d 8, small intestines of two birds/pen were examined for NE lesions, and jejunum samples from one bird were collected for mRNA gene expression analysis of tight junction proteins, cytokines, and nutrient transporters. Data were analyzed using the JMP software and significance between treatments identified by LSD (p < 0.05). Compared to NC, supplementation of probiotic reduced d 1–42 mortality; however, PC was the only group with significantly lower mortality. Despite significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) in PC and probiotic groups during d 1–42, average daily gain was only higher in PC (77.69 g/bird) compared with NC (74.99 g/bird). Furthermore, probiotic and PC groups had significantly reduced lesion scores in the duodenum and jejunum compared to NC. Expression of claudin-3 was higher, while expression of zonula occluden-2 tended (p = 0.06) to be higher in probiotic-supplemented birds compared to NC. Moreover, birds fed the probiotic diet had significantly higher expression of IL-10, IL-17, AMPK-α1, and SGLT1 mRNA compared to NC birds. The expression of PepT1 was higher for the probiotic-supplemented group compared to PC. IFN-γ expression was lower in PC compared to NC, while there was no difference between probiotic and NC. There were no differences in gene expression of sIgA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-22 among treatments. Collectively, these data indicate that in a naturally occurring NE model, supplementation of a probiotic helps to improve FCR and reduce lesions, potentially due to the improvements in mRNA expression of tight junctions, cytokines, and nutrient transporters.

Single or Combined Applications of Zinc and Multi-strain Probiotic on Intestinal Histomorphology of Broilers Under Cyclic Heat Stress.

Two-hundred-eighty-day-old broiler chicks were divided into seven groups. The groups were designated as T1, thermoneutral zone; T2, heat stressed (HS); T3, HS + zinc (Zn) supplementation (30mg/kg); T4, HS + Zn (60mg/kg); T5, HS + probiotic (0.1g/kg); T6, HS + probiotic (0.1g/kg) + Zn (30mg/kg); and T7, HS + Zn (60mg/kg) + probiotic (0.1g/kg). Significant decrease (p < 0.05) was observed in villus height (VH), VH to crypt depth ratio, and villus surface area of all intestinal segments in the T2 group when compared with the T1 group. The same parameters had significantly higher (p < 0.05) values in the jejunum and ileum of the Zn- and probiotic-supplemented groups (alone + combination) when compared with the T2 group. The birds exposed to HS showed fewer (p < 0.05) intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in the jejunum and ileum than the T1 group, while their count increased in the jejunum and ileum with dietary treatments. In conclusion, Zn and probiotic positively modulated the intestinal microstructures of broilers kept under high environmental temperature.

Evaluation of changes in tonic immobility, vigilance, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase in broiler chickens administered fisetin and probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and exposed to heat stress

The study evaluated changes in tonic immobility (TI), vigilance behavior, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in broiler chickens administered fisetin and probiotic. Sixty Arbor Acre breed of broiler chickens at day old, allotted into 4 groups of 15 birds each, were used. Group I (control) was given only sterile water; group II, fisetin (5 mg/kg); group III, probiotic (4.125 × 106 cfu/100 mL); and group IV, fisetin + probiotic. At weeks 3, 4, and 5, thermal environment parameters, TI and vigilance behavior, were recorded each day at 07:00 h, 13:00 h, and 18:00 h. The vigilance at self-righting during each TI test was observed in broiler chickens and ranked as (1) fearlessness, (2) slightly fearful, and (3) fearfulness. MDA concentration and SOD activity in breast muscle were determined using a spectrophotometer. Temperature-humidity index (25.55-35.30) was outside the thermoneutral zone (20.8) for broiler chickens above 3 weeks of age. Week 3 had the longest (P < 0.05) duration of TI in the controls, but the shortest (P < 0.05) duration was recorded in the fisetin + probiotic group. At week 4, the shortest (P < 0.05) TI duration was recorded in the probiotic-supplemented group, while the longest (P < 0.05) TI was obtained in the control group. The shortest (P < 0.05) TI duration was recorded at week 5 in the probiotic and fisetin + probiotic groups, compared with that of the controls. The highest (P < 0.05) TI duration was recorded at 13:00 h in the controls, but the shortest (P < 0.05) was obtained at 18:00 h in the probiotic and fisetin + probiotic groups. At week 3, the vigilance behavior ranking recorded in the probiotic, fisetin + probiotic, and fisetin broiler chickens were lower (P < 0.05) than that obtained in the control group, which was the highest. At week 4, the highest (P < 0.05) vigilance behavior ranking was obtained in the control group. At week 5, the lowest (P < 0.05) vigilance behavior ranking was recorded in the probiotic-supplemented group, but the highest (P < 0.05) value was obtained in the control group. At 7:00, 13:00, and 18:00 h, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the vigilance behavior ranking in the control, fisetin, probiotic, and fisetin + probiotic groups of broiler chickens. The MDA concentration in broiler chickens administered probiotic, either alone or in combination with fisetin, was lower (P < 0.05) compared with that of the controls. The activity of SOD was higher (P < 0.05) in fisetin + probiotic broiler chickens than in the control group. Probiotic and/or fisetin ameliorated the behavioral stress response in the broiler chickens via oxidative stress mechanism, as evidenced by increase in SOD activity and decrease in MDA concentration in the breast muscle of the chickens. In conclusion, administration of probiotic, either alone or in combination with fisetin, decreased duration of TI and vigilance behavior ranking, increased SOD activity, and lowered MDA concentration in broiler chickens exposed to heat stress.

Influence of dietary supplementation of probiotics on intestinal histo-morphometry, blood chemistry and gut health status of broiler chickens

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of probiotics, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum , on histo-morphologic measurements of the small intestine and on the gut health status of broiler chickens. A total of 240 day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one of six dietary treatments for six weeks. The dietary treatments were basal diet (T 1 ); basal diet + bacitracin methyl di-salicylate (BMD) at 20 mg/kg diet (T 2 ); basal diet + L. acidophilus (10 6 and 10 7 cfu/gm diet) (T 3 and T 4 ); and basal diet + B. bifidum (10 6 and 10 7 cfu/gm diet) (T 5 and T 6 ), respectively. The villus height (VH), width (VW), crypt depth (CD) and the ratio between villus height and crypt depth (VH: CD) were significantly increased at 21 days and 42 days in L. acidophilus -supplemented groups (T 3 or T 4 ). No significant differences were observed in protein, albumin and serum mineral (Ca and P) concentrations and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in any of the dietary probiotic treatment groups. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatinine concentrations were increased, whereas alanine aminotransferase (ALT), uric acid and total cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in probiotic-supplemented groups. Coliforms and total anaerobes counts were significantly reduced at 21 and 42 days at the ileum and caecal in T 4 , whereas the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) Lactobacilli count was significantly increased in all the probiotic-supplemented groups. The results of the present study indicate that L. acidophilus at 10 6 cfu/g feed inclusion in basal diet may improve blood biochemical parameters and histo-morphometry in the intestine and gut health in broiler chickens, resulting in a valid feed additive to replace antibiotic growth promoters. Keywords: Feed additives, lactobacillus acidophilus , bifidobacterium bifidum gut health, histo-morphology, antibiotic

Effect of probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici FT28 on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, health status, meat quality, and intestinal morphology in growing pigs.

Aim:The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of swine-origin probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici FT28 on growth, nutrient utilization, health status, meat quality and intestinal morphology in growing female pigs.Materials and Methods:Pigs (n=27) were distributed into three groups (3 replicates of 3 each) and supplemented with basal diet either without probiotics (C) or with a probiotic of dairy-based (Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC-15; TLact) or swine based (P. acidilactici FT28; TPedic). The probiotics were fed as fermented feed at 200 g/pig/day. At the end of the trial, six pigs from each group were selected for metabolism trial and then sacrificed to determine meat quality and intestinal morphology.Results:Supplementation of both probiotics improved growth performance, whereas feed intake, digestibility of CP and N retention were better (p<0.05) in P. acidilactici FT28-fed group. However , the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), ether extracts (EE), crude fiber and nitrogen free extract did not show any significant effect on probiotic supplementation. The serum A: G ratio, triglyceride, and cholesterol level were also improved (p<0.05) in TPedic group compared to other treatment groups. Both probiotic supplementations showed lower (p<0.05) serum glucose level with similar protein and albumin value, which indicated good utilization of feed as well as health status of growing pigs. Dressing percentage, vital organ weight, and EE of loin meat were higher (p<0.05) in probiotic-supplemented groups compared to control. However, P. acidilactici FT28-fed animals showed higher (p<0.05) CP and total ash percentage of meat without affecting pH, water holding capacity, and extract release volume of loin muscle. The villi height and crypt depth were better in both supplemented groups compared to control.Conclusion:Results of the present study revealed that P. acidilactici FT28 could serve as better probiotic source in swine production for the better utilization of CP and N-retention in meat with improved health status and intestinal morphology.

Single and Combined Effects of Clostridium butyricum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on Growth Indices, Intestinal Health, and Immunity of Broilers

Simple SummaryAfter banning the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in poultry production, scientists had to find efficient and safe alternatives. Because of their useful properties, two types of probiotic bacteria were chosen to be administrated in a broiler diet, either individually or combined. Useful effects were obtained regarding improvements of growth performance, and immunity.A total of 120 1-day-old commercial Cobb chicks were used to study the effects of Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) and/or Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) on growth performance, intestinal health, and immune status in broilers. The experimental groups were as follows: G1; basal diet (BD), G2; basal diet (BD) plus C. butyricum preparation at 0.5 g/kg diet, G3; BD plus S. cerevisiae preparation at 0.5 g/kg diet, G4; BD plus 0.25 g/kg C. butyricum preparation plus 0.25 g/kg S. cerevisiae. Results showed that the total body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the G4 group than in the other groups. The mortality percentage was reduced in the probiotic-supplemented groups. The villi height was elongated, and the villus height/crypt depth ratio was significantly increased in G2 and G4 chicks, compared to those in the control. The crypt depth was significantly decreased in all the probiotic-supplemented groups. Hemagglutination inhibition titers for Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were markedly increased in G2 and G4 chicks at 35 days of age, compared to those in G3 and control chicks. These results showed that dietary supplementation of a combined mixture of C. butyricum and S. cerevisiae in an equal ratio (G4) was more effective in improving growth performance, immune status, and gut health of broilers, compared with individual supplementation at a full dose.

Probiotic supplementation improves reproductive performance of unvaccinated farmed sows infected with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus.

We investigated if probiotic supplementation could improve the health and reproductive performance of unvaccinated lactating sows infected with porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus. Twenty unvaccinated pregnant sows were equally allocated to probiotic‐supplemented (P) and control (C) groups. For the experiment, 15 g/day of probiotic compound BIO‐THREE PZ was given to P sows. Reproductive performance was checked daily. The number of neonates fostered by each sow was maintained at eight throughout the experiment. Individual milk production post‐parturition was measured twice. Milk protein and fat ratios were determined by a milk analyzer. Total immunoglobulin (Ig) A and G concentrations were measured by ELISA. At day 7 post‐parturition, the body weight of P sows was 10 kg higher than that of C sows, and at day 3 post‐parturition, P sows produced more milk (+2 kg) and had a higher IgA concentration in whey than did C sows (p < .05). Finally, unlike C sows, P sows tended to return to estrus faster, and had larger piglets at birth with a lower mortality percentage during early days of suckling. In conclusion, probiotic compound BIO‐THREE PZ helped strengthen the immune system of unvaccinated, PED‐infected sows and improved their reproductive performance.

CHEMICAL AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF CHICKEN BREAST MEAT AFTER DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION WITH PROBIOTIC GIVEN IN COMBINATION WITH BEE POLLEN AND PROPOLIS

The present study evaluated the effect of probiotic in combination with bee pollen and propolis in diet of broilers on chemical and sensory characteristics of chicken breast meat. A total of 180 one-d-old chicks of mixed sex were randomly assigned to three dietary groups as follows: 1. control group (C); 2. basal diet supplemented with 400 mg bee pollen (ethanol extract) per 1 kg of feed and 3.3 g probiotic (Lactobacillus fermentum) per day in water (E1); 3. basal diet supplemented with 400 mg propolis (ethanol extract) per 1 kg of feed and 3.3 g probiotic (Lactobacillus fermentum) per day in water (E2). Chicken meat was analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, fat, ash, cholesterol, and energy value. Diet did not affect the chemical characteristics of chicken meat, except for supplementation with bee pollen and probiotic which resulted in increased fat content. As for sensory characteristics, dietary groups differ from each other in terms of aroma and overall acceptability. In addition, there was significant difference between the E1 group and groups C and E2 in terms of taste and tenderness. Significant differences were also detected between group E2 and groups C and E1 group in terms of juiciness. In conclusion, propolis + probiotic-supplemented group manifested the best results in terms of sensory characteristics. Propolis extract can be thus recommended as a potential supplement providing rich nutrients and biological active substances in chicken diet that is (together with probiotic) capable of improving the sensory quality of chicken breast meat.

Efficiency of early, single-dose probiotic administration methods on performance, small intestinal morphology, blood biochemistry, and immune response of Japanese quail

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of early probiotics (single dose) administered in different ways, on quails’ performance, small intestine morphology, blood biochemistry, and immune response. In total, 192 day-old chicks were used in one of the following experimental groups before being transferred to a raising room: 1) Control (no probiotic administered), 2) oral gavage, 3) spray, and 4) vent lip. Four replicates of 12 chicks per cage were considered for each treatment and birds were raised up to 35 d in the same conditions. Probiotic treated birds had higher d 1 to 35 feed intake than the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, oral-gavaged birds had a higher body weight gain as compared to the control (P < 0.05). The values of duodenum length and villus height of the oral group and ileum length and villus height of the vent lip group were greater than that of the control (P < 0.01). Regardless of the method of administration, probiotics resulted in deeper crypts and in a higher number of goblet cells in the duodenum and ileum as compared to the control (P < 0.01). The administration of probiotics resulted in increased plasma uric acid (P < 0.05), glucose, and total protein (P < 0.01). The concentration of hemoglobin was slightly higher in probiotic-supplemented groups. While a decreased concentration of triglyceride was observed in vent-lip probiotic-administered birds compared to control (P < 0.05), the concentration of cholesterol was not significantly affected by treatments (P > 0.01). None of the immune-related parameters were affected by the probiotic (P > 0.05). Single dose usage of probiotics exerts its beneficial effects on quails’ body weight gain, feed intake and mortality in 1 to 35 d period, regardless of the route of administration. This work generally supports the efficacy of single-dose usage of probiotics and suggests the spray of probiotics as an early, single-dose administration method.

Effect of Probiotics on Blood Biochemical Profile, Immunity and Small Intestine Morphology in Growing Finishing Pigs

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of probiotics (Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCDC 49 and Lactobacillus acidophilus-15) on blood biochemical profile, immunity and small intestine morphology in growing finishing pigs, weaned at 28 days of age. Thirty-six cross-bred (Landrace X Desi) piglets were allocated to three treatments on the basis of the body weight in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was comprised of four replicates with three piglets in each. The three dietary treatments were: basal diet without any probiotic (Control), basal diet where 10 % of feed was replaced by feed fermented with S. cerevisiae NCDC 49 with the count of 3–5 × 106 cfu/g (SC) and basal diet with 10 % of feed fermented with L. acidophilus-15 with the count of 2–3 × 109 cfu/g (LA). The results showed that probiotic supplementation had no effect (P > 0.05) on blood biochemical profile. Antibody titre against 20 % SRBC injection was significantly higher in probiotic-supplemented groups than control. Villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio of jejunum were increased (P < 0.01) in SC and LA groups as compared to control. It is concluded that inclusion of probiotics at 10 % level of the basal diet improved the immunity and intestinal morphology of growing finishing pigs weaned at 28 days of age.

Beneficial effects of dietary probiotics mixture on hemato-immunology and cell apoptosis of Labeo rohita fingerlings reared at higher water temperatures.

Probiotics play an important role in growth increment, immune enhancement and stress mitigation in fish. Increasing temperature is a major concern in present aquaculture practices as it markedly deteriorates the health condition and reduces the growth in fish. In order to explore the possibilities of using probiotics as a counter measure for temperature associated problems, a 30 days feeding trial was conducted to study the hemato-immunological and apoptosis response of Labeo rohita (8.3±0.4 g) reared at different water temperatures, fed with or without dietary supplementation of a probiotic mixture (PM) consisting of Bacillus subtilis, Lactococcus lactis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (1011 cfu kg−1). Three hundred and sixty fish were randomly distributed into eight treatment groups in triplicates, namely, T1(28°C+BF(Basal feed)+PM), T2(31°C+BF+PM), T3(34°C+BF+PM), T4(37°C+BF+PM), T5(28°C+BF), T6(31°C+BF), T7(34°C+BF) and T8(37°C+BF). A significant increase (P<0.01) in weight gain percentage was observed in the probiotic fed fish even when reared at higher water temperature (34–37°C). Respiratory burst assay, blood glucose, erythrocyte count, total serum protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase were significantly higher (P<0.01) in the probiotic fed groups compared to the non-probiotic fed groups. A significant (P<0.01) effect of rearing temperature and dietary probiotic mixture on serum myeloperoxidase activity, HSP70 level and immunoglobulin production was observed. Degree of apoptosis in different tissues was also significantly reduced in probiotic-supplemented groups. Hence, the present results show that a dietary PM could be beneficial in enhancing the immune status of the fish and also help in combating the stress caused to the organism by higher rearing water temperature.

Effects of Commercial Yeast Probiotic (Antox® Supplement) On Broiler Chickens Growth Performance and Salmonella Inhibition

The extensive use of antibiotics in livestock has contributed to the development of antibiotics resistant bacteria and residue deposition in food of animal origin. Alternative to antibiotics use for animal health and welfare as well as food safety is essential for global antibiotic resistance control. The effect of a commercially available monoculture yeast probiotics (Antox®) on the growth performance and inhibition of gut salmonella was carried out in this study.One hundred, one- day-old broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four groups for dosing of a probiotic (containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and inoculation with Salmonella gallinarum. The chickens were grouped into four vis: Group 1(control): not dosed with Antox® and not inoculated with Salmonella; Group 2: dosed with Antox® and inoculated with Salmonella; Group 3: dosed with Antox® only; Group 4: inoculated with Salmonella only. The growth performance of the chickens, feed intake (FI) and feed conversion rate (FCR) were monitored weekly throughout the experiment. This study showed improved growth performance of the chicken in live and carcass weight as well as reduced caecal Salmonella load by the yeast probiotic. Probiotic group had significantly (p<0.01) higher body weights compared to the control and Salmonella groups. FI was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the probiotic group, and significant (p<0.01) different from the control and Salmonella infected groups. Higher FCR was recorded in the control group than in probiotic-supplemented groups. Also the caecal Salmonella load of the probiotic group (2.404 log10cfu/g) was significantly lower (p<0.001) than in the Salmonella infected groups. This study confirmed that yeast probiotic improved body weight, feed intake, better feed conversion ratio in broiler chickens and also effectively inhibited the colonization of ceacal salmonella. Its application can replace the use of antibiotics as growth promoters and reduce the incidence of Salmonella and antibiotic resistance in poultry and should be promoted for adoption by commercial poultry farms.

Effects of dietary probiotics on growth performance, faecal microbiota and serum profiles in weaned piglets

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with probiotics on growth performance, faecal microbiota, and serum profiles in weaned piglets. Large White × Landrace piglets (n = 144) weaned at 35–37 days of age were selected and divided into four groups, and the piglets from each group were assigned randomly to six pens (replicates) with six animals each. Each group was fed one of four diets for 5 weeks: a basal diet without antibiotics and probiotics (control), or the basal diet supplemented with Lactobacillus plantarum GF103, Bacillus subtilis B27, or a mixture of L. plantarum GF103 and B. subtilis B27. During the first 2 weeks of the supplementation, the piglets supplemented with probiotics had lower (P &lt; 0.05) average daily feed intake than control piglets. The feed conversion ratio was improved (P &lt; 0.05) in probiotic-supplemented groups compared with that of control. The population of E. coli in faeces of the piglets supplemented with L. plantarum GF103 was lower (P &lt; 0.05) than that of control piglets. On day 14, dietary supplementation of the combination of L. plantarum GF103 and B. subtilis B27 increased (P &lt; 0.05) the serum concentrations of total protein, globulin, and creatinine, but decreased (P &lt; 0.05) the ratio of serum albumin to serum globulin, compared with the basal diet. On day 14, dietary supplementation with probiotics increased (P &lt; 0.05) the serum IgM concentration compared with the basal diet. Supplementation of B. subtilis B27 or the combination of L. plantarum GF103 and B. subtilis B27 increased (P &lt; 0.05) the serum IgA concentration at the end of the trial. These results suggest that dietary probiotics improved growth performance and enhanced immune responses at the early stage of the post-weaning period in piglets.

Low Doses of Allergen and Probiotic Supplementation Separately or in Combination Alleviate Allergic Reactions to Cow β-Lactoglobulin in Mice

Probiotic supplementation and oral tolerance induction can reduce certain types of food allergy. The objectives of this study were to investigate the allergy-reducing effects of probiotics (VSL#3) and/or oral tolerance induction via low doses of an allergen supplementation in β-lactoglobulin (BLG)-sensitized mice. Three-week-old, male BALB/c mice were divided into 6 groups (n = 8/group): sham-sensitized negative control (CTL−), BLG-sensitized positive control (CTL+), oral tolerance-induced and BLG-sensitized group (OT), probiotic-supplemented OT group (OTP), probiotic-supplemented CTL− (PRO), and probiotic-supplemented and BLG-sensitized (PROC) groups. Mice were i.p. sensitized with BLG and alum and then orally challenged with BLG. Immunological responses were assessed by monitoring hypersensitivity scores and measuring levels of BLG-specific serum Igs, total serum IgE and fecal IgA, and cytokines from serum and spleen lysates. Hypersensitivity scores were significantly lower in the PROC (2.00 ± 0.53), OT (0.75 ± 0.46), and OTP mice (1.00 ± 0.53) than in the CTL+ mice (2.63 ± 0.52) as were BLG-specific serum IgE concentrations (34.3 ± 10, 0.442 ± 0.36, 3.54 ± 3.5, and 78.5 ± 8.7 μg/L for PROC, OT, OTP, and CTL+, respectively). Our results suggest that supplementation of VSL#3 suppressed the allergic reaction mainly through increased intestinal secretary IgA (sIgA) in PROC mice, and oral tolerance offered allergen-specific protective effects to BLG-induced allergy, probably through CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell-mediated active suppression. In OTP mice, probiotics did not induce a further reduction of hypersensitivity score compared with OT mice but may provide additional protection to unforeseen nonspecific challenges through increased intestinal sIgA.

Impact of probiotic-supplemented diet on the expression level of lactate dehydrogenase in the leukocytes of rabbits

Probiotics are known as living, nonpathogenic microorganisms that colonize the intestine and provide benefit to the host. The present study aims to measure one important energy metabolism-related enzyme activity in blood of rabbits fed on probiotics of recommended concentration. In addition, it also aims for the evaluation of the expression level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Two groups of rabbits are used: control group receiving normal standardized diet and the other probiotic-supplemented group receiving the same diet containing probiotic, namely, Mega acidophilus (200millioncfu/kg body weight/day) for 4weeks. The obtained results revealed that the rabbits supplemented with probiotics showed a significant decrease in the levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) when compared with control group. Risk factors detected by measuring TC/HDL-c and LDL-c/HDL-c ratios showed statistically significant decrease in probiotic-supplemented rabbits when compared with control group. In addition, blood glucose and total LDH activity were elevated in probiotic-supplemented rabbits when compared with control group. RT-PCR products of LDH-M gene produced two specific amplicons. One amplicon has the expected size of 243bp from all samples of rabbits as revealed by GelPro software. The level of LDH-M expression was found to be increased in the probiotic-supplemented group. However, unexpected amplicons are produced at 586bp in all the samples, which may be a dimeric form of the amplified region. It was concluded that this probiotic blend is beneficiary for the metabolic reactions of lipids in the body. Moreover, LDH expression level can be considered as a biomarker for the effect of probiotic and hence monitoring the metabolic changes as reflected from its administration.

Effect of probiotic supplemented diet on marine shrimp survival after challenge with Vibrio harveyi

The effect of a Lactobacillus plantarum-supplemented diet on shrimp growth, digestive tract bacterial microbiota, survival, and some hemato-immunological parameters after an experimental challenge with Vibrio harveyi was studied. No difference (P&gt;0.05) was observed in shrimp survival (80±6%) and final weight (6.63±0.56g) after 60 days feeding trial. Total bacteria count and Vibrio spp. count in the digestive tract were not diferent (P&gt;0.05) until day 40, but they were lower (P&lt;0.05) in the probiotic-supplemented group on day 60. Total lactic bacteria in the shrimp digestive tract was higher after day 20 in the probiotic-supplemented group. Ten hours after V. harveyi challenge, survival of the probiotic-supplemented group (65.7±2.9%) was higher (P&gt;0.05) than the control group (39.9±4.4%). Bacterial counts in hemolymph and hepatopancreas was lower (P&lt;0.05) in the probiotic-supplemented group than in the control group after V. harveyi challenge. Total hemocyte count and serum agglutination activity were higher (P&gt;0.05) in the probiotic-supplemented group after challenge with V. harveyi. Probiotic-supplemented diet modifies shrimp digestive tract bacterial microbiota, increasing resistance to V. harveyi infection.