Populations Of Total Bacteria Research Articles

Isolation and Characterization of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria from Ipomoea sp. Rhizospheres Growing in Iron Sand Soil

Iron sand field, is mostly found along the Indonesia coast. It has low organic matter, contains 38-59% iron (Fe) and sand particles. These characteristics can be called as extreme environments, however there are bacteria capable of growing and surviving in such habitats. Several genera are known as PGPR agents such as Rhizobium, Azospirillum, Azotobacter and Pseudomonas. The research objectives were to measure total population of bacteria from rhizosphere of Ipomoea sp. in iron sand soils, to investigate the ability of bacterial isolates capable of fixing nitrogen, solubilizing phosphate, and producing plant growth hormone such as IAA, and to identify plant growth promoting rhizobacteria isolated from plant rhizospheres candidates growing in iron sand soils. Isolation on NA medium showed that the population were ranged from 1.59 x 105 to 5.2 x 105 CFU.g-1. There were 22 bacterial isolates originated from the media of Ashby, Caceres, and Pikovskaya. Six isolates (A4, A10, C10, P2, P3, and P4) showed high ability to fix nitrogen, solubilize phosphate, and produce IAA. Isolate P4 grew in nitrogen fixing and phosphate solubilizing assay as well as IAA producing. It showed high value of phosphate index (275 mm). Bacterial identification indicated that four isolates (C10, P2, P3, P4) were species members of genus Bacillus and two isolates (A4, A10) were identified as species members of Actinomycetes.

Pasteurization of carrot juice by combining UV-C and mild heat: Impact on shelf-life and quality compared to conventional thermal treatment

The combination of UV-C radiation and mild heat (UV-H) treatment is a promising strategy for synergistically increasing microbial inactivation in low UV-transmitting juices. In this research, we explored the suitability of UV-H treatment in carrot juice pasteurization and its impact on juice quality during shelf-life compared to that of thermal pasteurization. UV-H treatment at 60 °C (3.92 J/mL, 3.6 min) enabled reductions of over 5 log10 cycles in the reference pathogens and a significant reduction in spoilage yeasts, bacteria, and bacterial spores. The activity of pectin methylesterase and polyphenol oxidase was reduced by UV-H treatment to levels close to those of low-temperature pasteurization (60 °C/18.1 min). The native population of total aerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts and molds of UV-H-treated juice remained undetectable during 29 days of cold storage. Furthermore, viscosity, cloud stability, and the color of fresh juice were better preserved by UV-H treatment than by thermal pasteurization throughout storage.Industrial relevanceThis study demonstrates that UV-H treatment is a beneficial alternative to conventional thermal processing in carrot juice pasteurization, since appropriate inactivation levels of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms can be reached while better preserving the quality attributes of fresh juice throughout its shelf-life.

Effects of Dietary Starch Structure on Growth Performance, Serum Glucose-Insulin Response, and Intestinal Health in Weaned Piglets.

Simple SummaryCarbohydrates are the most important energy source for monogastric animals, including humans, and dysregulation of carbohydrate metabolism has been associated with metabolic syndromes, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, and obesity. Starch is the major carbohydrate source, consisting of amylose and amylopectin. This study investigated the effects of dietary starch structure on growth performance, serum glucose–insulin response, and intestinal health in weaned piglets, which may contribute to the principles of carbohydrate nutrition and facilitate the utilization of dietary starches.To investigate the effects of dietary starch structure (amylose/amylopectin ratio, AR) on serum glucose absorption metabolism and intestinal health, a total of ninety weaned piglets (Duroc × (Yorkshire × Landrace)) were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatments and fed with a diet containing different AR (2.90, 1.46, 0.68, 0.31, and 0.14). The trial lasted for 21 d. In this study, the growth performance was not affected by the dietary starch structure (p > 0.05). Diets with higher amylose ratios (i.e., AR 2.90 and 1.46) led to a significant reduction of the serum glucose concentration at 3 h post-prandium (p < 0.01), while high amylopectin diets (AR 0.31 and 0.14) significantly elevated The expression of gene s at this time point (p < 0.01). High amylopectin diets also increased the apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), and crude ash (p < 0.001). Interestingly, diet rich in amylose (AR 2.90) significantly elevated the butyric acid content (p < 0.05) and decreased the pH value (p < 0.05) in the cecal digesta. In contrast, diet rich in amylopectin (i.e., AR 0.14) significantly elevated the total bacteria populations in the cecal digesta (p < 0.001). Moreover, a high amylopectin diet (AR 0.14) tended to elevate the mRNA level of fatty acid synthase (FAS, p = 0.083), but significantly decreased the mRNA level of sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1, p < 0.05) in the duodenal and jejunal mucosa, respectively. These results suggested that blood glucose and insulin concentrations were improved in high AR diets, and the diet also helped to maintain the intestinal health.

Effects of probiotic on gut microbiota in children with acute diarrhea: a pilot study

Background Acute diarrhea is a common health problem in Indonesia. During acute diarrhea, changes in gut microbiota are marked by decrease beneficial microbes Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and increased pathogenic bacteria Enterobacter and Clostridium. Such microbial imbalances are known as dysbiosis. Treatment with probiotics may help repair dysbiosis, quicken healing time, and decrease complications.&#x0D; Objective To assess for dysbiosis during acute diarrhea, and determine if it can be normalized by probiotic treatment.&#x0D; Methods This placebo-controlled, unblinded clinical trial was performed in Budhi Asih District Hospital, Jakarta, from January to March 2018. Twenty-four children age 6-24 months with acute diarrhea and 12 healthy children were enrolled. First fecal specimen was collected for all subjects and analyzed using non-culture real time PCR to count the population of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterobacter, Clostridium, and all bacteria. Children with diarrhea were assigned to probiotic or placebo treatment for 5 days and the second fecal specimen was analyzed two weeks after the diarrhea subsided.&#x0D; Results Prior to treatment, significant higher amounts of Lactobacillus were observed in children with acute diarrhea than in healthy controls [median (interquartile range/IR): 1.52x103 (1.22x104) vs. 6.87x10 (2.41x102), respectively; proportion in percentage (from total bacteria population): 0.044% vs. 0.003%, respectively]. However, median (IR) Clostridium was significantly higher in healthy controls than in children with acute diarrhea [2.37x102 (4.64x103) vs. 4.67 (1.50x102), respectively (P&lt;0.05), with proportion of 0.01% vs. 0.0001%, respectively]. Children who received probiotics had significantly higher count of Bifidobacterium compared to the placebo group [1.94x104 (4.97x104) vs. 1.74x103 (2.08x107), respectively, with proportion of 0.394% vs. 0.081%, respectively].&#x0D; Conclusion This pilot study do not find evidence of dysbiosis in children with acute diarrhea. Group who received probiotic had higher Bifidobacterium count compared towards those who received placebo.

Effects of probiotic on gut microbiota in children with acute diarrhea: a pilot study

Background Acute diarrhea is a common health problem in Indonesia. During acute diarrhea, changes in gut microbiota are marked by decrease beneficial microbes Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and increased pathogenic bacteria Enterobacter and Clostridium. Such microbial imbalances are known as dysbiosis. Treatment with probiotics may help repair dysbiosis, quicken healing time, and decrease complications.&#x0D; Objective To assess for dysbiosis during acute diarrhea, and determine if it can be normalized by probiotic treatment.&#x0D; Methods This placebo-controlled, unblinded clinical trial was performed in Budhi Asih District Hospital, Jakarta, from January to March 2018. Twenty-four children age 6-24 months with acute diarrhea and 12 healthy children were enrolled. First fecal specimen was collected for all subjects and analyzed using non-culture real time PCR to count the population of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterobacter, Clostridium, and all bacteria. Children with diarrhea were assigned to probiotic or placebo treatment for 5 days and the second fecal specimen was analyzed two weeks after the diarrhea subsided.&#x0D; Results Prior to treatment, significant higher amounts of Lactobacillus were observed in children with acute diarrhea than in healthy controls [median (interquartile range/IR): 1.52x103 (1.22x104) vs. 6.87x10 (2.41x102), respectively; proportion in percentage (from total bacteria population): 0.044% vs. 0.003%, respectively]. However, median (IR) Clostridium was significantly higher in healthy controls than in children with acute diarrhea [2.37x102 (4.64x103) vs. 4.67 (1.50x102), respectively (P&lt;0.05), with proportion of 0.01% vs. 0.0001%, respectively]. Children who received probiotics had significantly higher count of Bifidobacterium compared to the placebo group [1.94x104 (4.97x104) vs. 1.74x103 (2.08x107), respectively, with proportion of 0.394% vs. 0.081%, respectively].&#x0D; Conclusion This pilot study do not find evidence of dysbiosis in children with acute diarrhea. Group who received probiotic had higher Bifidobacterium count compared towards those who received placebo.

Rhizodegradation of Petroleum Oily Sludge-contaminated Soil Using Cajanus cajan Increases the Diversity of Soil Microbial Community

Most components of petroleum oily sludge (POS) are toxic, mutagenic and cancer-causing. Often bioremediation using microorganisms is hindered by the toxicity of POS. Under this circumstance, phytoremediation is the main option as it can overcome the toxicity of POS. Cajanus cajan a legume plant, was evaluated as a phyto-remediating agent for petroleum oily sludge-spiked soil. Culture dependent and independent methods were used to determine the rhizosphere microorganisms’ composition. Degradation rates were estimated gravimetrically. The population of total heterotrophic bacteria (THRB) was significantly higher in the uncontaminated soil compared to the contaminated rhizosphere soil with C. cajan, but the population of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria (HUB) was higher in the contaminated rhizosphere soil. The results show that for 1 to 3% oily sludge concentrations, an increase in microbial counts for all treatments from day 0 to 90 d was observed with the contaminated rhizosphere CR showing the highest significant increase (p < 0.05) in microbial counts compared to other treatments. The metagenomic study focused on the POS of 3% (w/w) and based on the calculated bacterial community abundance indices showed an increase in the values for Ace, Cho, Shannon (Shannon-Weaver) and the Simpson’s (measured as InvSimpson) indices in CR3 compared to CN3. Both the Simpson’s and the Shannon values for CR3 were higher than CN3 indicating an increase in diversity upon the introduction of C. cajan into the contaminated soil. The PCoA plot revealed community-level differences between the contaminated non-rhizosphere control and contaminated rhizosphere microbiota. The PCoA differentiated the two treatments based on the presence or absence of plant. The composition and taxonomic analysis of microbiota-amplified sequences were categorized into eight phyla for the contaminated non-rhizosphere and ten phyla for the contaminated rhizosphere. The overall bacterial composition of the two treatments varied, as the distribution shows a similar variation between the two treatments in the phylum distribution. The percentage removal of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) after 90 days of treatments with 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5% (w/w) of POS were 92, 90, 89, 68.3 and 47.3%, respectively, indicating removal inhibition at higher POS concentrations. As the search for more eco-friendly and sustainable remediating green plant continues, C. cajan shows great potential in reclaiming POS contaminated soil. Our findings will provide solutions to POS polluted soils and subsequent re-vegetation.

Effect of Antimicrobial Peptide Microcin J25 on Growth Performance, Immune Regulation, and Intestinal Microbiota in Broiler Chickens Challenged with Escherichia coli and Salmonella.

Simple SummaryAntimicrobial peptides are thought to be ideal candidates, owing to their antimicrobial properties, broad spectrum of activity, and low propensity for development of bacterial resistance. Microcin J25 (MccJ25) is an antimicrobial peptide produced by a fecal strain of Escherichia coli (E. coli) containing 21 Arbor Acres (AA) broilers, and has a strong inhibition on E. coli and Salmonella. This study was performed primarily to evaluate the effects of MccJ25 on growth performance and gut health in broilers challenged with E. coli and Salmonella, as a potential substitute for antibiotics. The results showed that MccJ25 promoted growth performance, improved intestinal morphology, and influenced fecal microbiota composition.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of antimicrobial peptide microcin J25 (MccJ25) on growth performance, immune regulation, and intestinal microbiota in broilers. A total of 3120 one-day-old male Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were randomly allocated to five groups (12 replicates, 52 chickens per replicate). The treatments were control, challenge (0 mg/kg MccJ25), different dosages of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) (0.5 and 1mg/kg MccJ25), and antibiotic groups (20 mg/kg colistin sulfate). The MccJ25 groups increased the body weight gain (starter and overall) that was reduced in the challenge group. The overall (day 1 to day 42) feed-to-gain ratio (G:F) was significantly decreased in AMP groups compared with the challenge group. Birds fed AMP had a decreased population of total anaerobic bacteria (day 21 and day 42) and E. coli (day 21 and day 42) in feces, as well as a lower Salmonella infection rate (day 21 and day 42) compared with birds in the challenge group. The villus height of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, as well as the villus height/crypt depth of the duodenum and jejunum were greater in AMP groups than birds in the challenge group. Moreover, MccJ25 linearly improved the villus height of the duodenum and jejunum. The addition of MccJ25 decreased the concentration of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 compared with challenge group. At d 21, MccJ25 linearly reduced the level of IL-6. In conclusion, dietary supplemented MccJ25 effectively improved performance, systematic inflammation, and improved fecal microbiota composition of the broilers.

Intestinal microbial ecology, immune response, stress indicators, and gut morphology of male broiler chickens fed low-phosphorus diets supplemented with phytase, butyric acid, or Saccharomyces boulardii

Six dietary treatments were applied in a 42-d study to determine the effect of phytase, butyric acid, and S. boulardii on productive performance, intestinal microflora, immune response, stress indicators, and gut morphology in broiler chickens fed diets with reduced content of nonphytate P (nPP). On d 0, a total of 750 male broiler chickens were randomly allotted to 6 treatments with 5 pens of 25 broiler chickens for each diet: positive control (PC, adequate amounts of nPP), negative control (NC, 0.1% reduction in dietary nPP content), NC + 500 FTU phytase/kg (PHY), NC + 2 g butyric acid/kg (BA), NC + 1 × 108 cfu S. boulardii /kg (SB), and NC + butyric acid + S. boulardii (BA + SB). Considering the entire study period, body weight gain in broiler chickens fed any of the diets were greater (P < 0.05) than in broiler chickens fed the NC diet, where the broiler chickens fed diets PHY and BA + SB had the greatest value. Broiler chickens fed diets PC, PHY, SB, and BA + SB had greater (P < 0.05) relative thymus weight, primary and secondary antibody response against infectious bronchitis virus vaccine, and cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity to phytohaemagglutinin-P, but lower (P < 0.05) mortality rate and blood corticosterone concentration than those fed the NC diet at d 42. Feeding diet BA + SB increased (P < 0.05) cecal Lactobacillus spp. counts (d 35) and jejunal villus high:crypt depth (d 42), but decreased (P < 0.05) cecal Clostridium spp. counts (d 35) compared with those fed the NC diet. On d 35, the PHY, BA, SB, and BA + SB treatments had also the lower (P < 0.05) population of E. coli and Clostridium spp. in the ileum. No diets affected feed intake, relative weights of abdominal fat and liver, the population of total anaerobic bacteria, Bifidobacterium spp., and Coliforms in both ileum and ceca, serum insulin concentration, and duodenal morphology. In conclusion, the combination of butyric acid and S. boulardii may have synergistic effects on improving productive performance, immune response, intestinal microflora, and gut morphology in broiler chickens fed the low-nPP diet.

Effects of betaine and rumen-protected folic acid supplementation on lactation performance, nutrient digestion, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites in dairy cows

This study evaluated the effects of betaine (BT) and rumen-protected folic acid (RPFA) on lactation performance, nutrient digestion, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites in dairy cows. Thirty-six mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows were assigned to one of four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial randomized block design. Supplemental RPFA (0 [RPFA-] or 5.2 mg/kg dietary dry matter [DM] of folic acid [FA] from RPFA [RPFA+]) and BT (0 [BT-] or 4.0 g/kg DM of BT [BT+]) was mixed into the daily ration, respectively. The experiment lasted for 105 days with the first 15 days for adaptation and the following 90 days for sample collection. The RPFA × BT interaction was significant for blood folate concentration which decreased with BT addition in RPFA- diet but increased with BT addition in RPFA + diet. Dry matter intake and body weight change were similar among treatments. Dietary RPFA or BT addition increased yield of milk and milk fat but higher milk protein yield was only observed for RPFA addition. Feed efficiency was increased due to RPFA or BT addition. Apparent total-tract digestibility of DM, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre increased with RPFA or BT addition. Ruminal pH decreased with RPFA addition but was unchanged with BT addition. Dietary RPFA or BT addition increased ruminal total volatile fatty acids concentration and altered rumen fermentation mode to more acetate production. Ammonia-N concentration was unchanged with RPFA addition but decreased with BT addition. Addition of RPFA or BT increased activity of carboxymethyl-cellulase, xylanase and protease as well as population of total bacteria, protozoa, Ruminococcus (R.) albus and R. flavefaciens. Population of Prevotella ruminicola was higher for RPFA addition but activity of cellobiase and population of total fungi and Ruminobacter amylophilus was higher for BT addition. Blood concentrations of glucose, non-esterified fatty acid, beta-hydroxybutyrate and homocysteine were similar among treatments. Blood total protein and albumin concentrations were increased with RPFA addition but were not affected by BT addition. The data indicated that addition of RPFA or BT had beneficial impacts on lactation performance, nutrient digestion and ruminal fermentation and BT addition might increase FA utilization efficiency in dairy cows receiving diet without RPFA.

Effects of rumen-protected folic acid and betaine supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestion, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites in Angus bulls.

This study evaluated the effects of rumen-protected folic acid (RPFA) and betaine (BT) on growth performance, nutrient digestion and blood metabolites in bulls. Forty-eight Angus bulls were blocked by body weight and randomly assigned to four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design. BT of 0 or 0·6 g/kg DM was supplemented to diet without or with the addition of 6 mg/kg DM of folic acid from RPFA, respectively. Average daily gain increased by 25·2 and 6·29 % for addition of BT without RPFA and with RPFA, respectively. Digestibility and ruminal total volatile fatty acids of neutral-detergent fibre and acid-detergent fibre increased, feed conversion ratio and blood folate decreased with the addition of BT without RPFA, but these parameters were unchanged with BT addition in diet with RPFA. Digestibility of DM, organic matter and crude protein as well as acetate:propionate ratio increased with RPFA or BT addition. Ruminal ammonia-N decreased with RPFA addition. Activity of carboxymethyl cellulase, cellobiase, xylanase, pectinase and protease as well as population of total bacteria, protozoa, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminobacter amylophilus increased with RPFA or BT addition. Laccase activity and total fungi, Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Prevotella ruminicola population increased with RPFA addition, whereas Ruminococcus albus population increased with BT addition. Blood glucose, total protein, albumin, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 increased with RPFA addition. Addition of RPFA or BT decreased blood homocysteine. The results indicated that addition of BT stimulated growth and nutrient digestion in bulls only when RPFA was not supplemented.

TOTAL BAKTERI ASAM LAKTAT DAN COLIFORM USUS ITIK CIHATEUP YANG DIBERI PAKAN MENGANDUNG KOMBINASI TEPUNG KULIT MANGGIS DAN KUNYIT (Total Lactic Acid Bacteria and Coliform of Cihateup Ducks Intestine that Given Feed Containing the Combination of Mangosteen Peel and Turmeric Flour)

The number of beneficial microbial populations (lactic acid bacteria/LAB) and pathogens (coliform) in the digestive tract of ducks is one indicator of duck health status. Healthy ducks have a beneficial microbial population more than pathogenic bacteria. The addition of herbal ingredients such as mangosteen peel and turmeric flour is thought to improve the health of ducks by increasing the LAB population. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the combination of mangosteen peel flour and turmeric flour on the total lactic acid bacteria and coliform of small intestine and caecum of Cihateup duck. The study was conducted experimentally using 60 male Cihateup ducks grouped into 5 feed treatments which contains a combination of mangosteen peel and turmeric flour at different levels as follows: 0.5% (R1); 1.0% (R2); 1.5% (R3); 2.0% (R4); and 2.5% (R5), respectively. The variables studied were total lactic acid and coliform bacteria in the small intestine and caecum of Cihateup ducks. The results showed that the treatments of feed significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected the total lactic acid bacteria (except caecum) and coliform bacteria. The population of lactic acid bacteria tended to increase along with the increasing dose of combination treatment of mangosteen peel and turmeric flour. In contrast, the total population of coliform bacteria in the small intestine and caecum of ducks showed a tendency to decrease with increasing treatment doses. The use of a combination of mangosteen peel and turmeric flour at higher levels (2.0 – 2.5%) can increase the total LAB and decrease coliform bacteria in the small intestine and cecum of Cihateup duck.

Pemanfaatan Mikroba Tanah dalam Pembuatan Pupuk Organik serta Peranannya terhadap Tanah Aluvial dan Pertumbuhan Bibit Tanaman Kakao

The use of microorganisms and organic materials in agriculture because it can increase the availability of soil nutrients and absorption by plants and form soil structures becomes looser. The purpose of this study was to obtain the most effective types of decomposer microorganisms and the most appropriate organic fertilizer (compost) to improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of alluvial soils and their role in plants in cocoa seedlings. The research was conducted in the Laboratory of Soil, Greenhouses and experimental gardens of the Agricultural Polytechnic State Payakumbuh Tanjung Pati Kabupaten Lima Puluh Kota. The study uses experimental methods. The study used a factorial randomized block design on soil tests and a complete randomized design for the cacao seedling test. Parameters observed were alluvial soil pH, N-total alluvial soil, P-available alluvial soil, K-exchangeable alluvial soil, alluvial soil volume weight, the total population of alluvial soil bacteria, plant height of cocoa seedlings, number of leaves of cocoa seedlings, stem diameter of cocoa seedlings, dry weight of cacao seed stover. The results of the study there were no differences in the treatment of the type of compost and the type of microorganisms to the pH value of the soil. Types of microorganisms with the type of compost can increase the total N content in alluvial soil. The use of compost types and types of microorganisms had a significantly different effect on the value of soil volume weight, P-available, K-exchangeable, and the total population of alluvial soil bacteria. Treatment of Type of Compost Tithonia and Types of Pseudomonas fluorescens + Trichoderma harzianum microorganisms have the best influence on soil test variables. The application of cacao seedlings at the dose of Tithonia compost 1.25 kg/polybag provides the best growth.&#x0D; Keywords: Alluvial soil, cocoa seedlings, compost, microorganisms

Method comparison for the direct enumeration of bacterial species using a chemostat model of the human colon

BackgroundClostridioides difficile infection (CDI) has a high recurrent infection rate. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been used successfully to treat recurrent CDI, but much remains unknown about the human gut microbiota response to replacement therapies. In this study, antibiotic-mediated dysbiosis of gut microbiota and bacterial growth dynamics were investigated by two quantitative methods: real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and direct culture enumeration, in triple-stage chemostat models of the human colon. Three in vitro models were exposed to clindamycin to induce simulated CDI. All models were treated with vancomycin, and two received an FMT. Populations of total bacteria, Bacteroides spp., Lactobacillus spp., Enterococcus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., C. difficile, and Enterobacteriaceae were monitored using both methods. Total clostridia were monitored by selective culture. Using qPCR analysis, we additionally monitored populations of Prevotella spp., Clostridium coccoides group, and Clostridium leptum group.ResultsBoth methods showed an exacerbation of disruption of the colonic microbiota following vancomycin (and earlier clindamycin) exposure, and a quicker recovery (within 4 days) of the bacterial populations in the models that received the FMT. C. difficile proliferation, consistent with CDI, was also observed by both qPCR and culture. Pearson correlation coefficient showed an association between results varying from 98% for Bacteroides spp., to 62% for Enterobacteriaceae.ConclusionsGenerally, a good correlation was observed between qPCR and bacterial culture. Overall, the molecular assays offer results in real-time, important for treatment efficacy, and allow the monitoring of additional microbiota groups. However, individual quantification of some genera (e.g. clostridia) might not be possible without selective culture.

Branched-chain volatile fatty acids and folic acid accelerated the growth of Holstein dairy calves by stimulating nutrient digestion and rumen metabolism

The combined addition of branched-chain volatile fatty acids (BCVFAs) and folic acid (FA) could improve growth performance and nutrient utilization by stimulating ruminal microbial growth and enzyme activity. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of BCVFA and FA addition on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, microbial enzyme activity, microflora and excretion of urinary purine derivatives (PDs) in calves. Thirty-six Chinese Holstein weaned calves (60 ± 5.4 days of age and 107 ± 4.7 kg of BW) were assigned to one of four groups in a randomized block design. Treatments were control (without additives), FA (with 10 mg FA/kg dietary DM), BCVFA (with 5 g BCVFA/kg dietary DM) and the combined addition of FA and BCVFA (10 mg/kg DM of FA and 5 g/kg DM of BCVFA). Supplements were hand-mixed into the top one-third of total mixed ration. Dietary concentrate to maize silage ratio was 50 : 50 on a DM basis. Dietary BCVFA or FA addition did not affect dry matter intake but increased average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion efficiency. Ruminal pH and ammonia N were lower, and total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) concentration was higher for BCVFA or FA addition than for control. Dietary BCVFA or FA addition did not affect acetate proportion but decreased propionate proportion and increased acetate to propionate ratio. Total tract digestibility of DM, organic matter, CP and NDF was higher for BCVFA or FA addition than for control. Dietary BCVFA or FA addition increased activity of carboxymethyl cellulase and cellobiase, population of total bacteria, fungi, Ruminococcus albus, R. flavefaciens, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Prevotella ruminicola as well as total PD excretion. Ruminal xylanase, pectinase and protease activity and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens population were increased by BCVFA addition, whereas population of protozoa and methanogens was increased by FA addition. The BCVFA × FA interaction was significant for acetate to propionate ratio, cellobiase activity and total PD excretion, and these variables increased more with FA addition in diet without BCVFA than in diet with BCVFA. The data indicated that supplementation with BCVFA or FA increased ADG, nutrient digestibility, ruminal total VFA concentration and microbial protein synthesis by stimulating ruminal microbial growth and enzyme activity in calves.

A comparison of nitrate removal and denitrifying bacteria populations among three wetland plant communities.

Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) is an invasive, cool-season grass commonly dominating wetlands with high nutrient loads. Its impact on nitrogen removal via denitrification in wetlands is unknown. Most studies of denitrification in treatment wetlands have focused on the effects of physical or chemical variables and not on the effects of plant roots on the soil environment. The purpose of this study was to measure effects of plant type on denitrification rates in typical wetland soils of the midwestern United States by comparing wet prairie mix, switchgrass-dominated, and reed canary grass plant communities. Nitrate (NO3 - ) removal and other parameters were measured in miniature wetlands, or mesocosms, containing each plant community transplanted from a small agricultural treatment wetland in southern Minnesota. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to quantify the total bacteria population (measured with 16S rRNA genes) and denitrifying gene abundance (measured with nosZ genes) from the rhizosphere of each plant community. The wet prairie mix mesocosms on average removed the most NO3 - in each test (p=.01 and .08). Whereas the wet prairie mix removed the most NO3 - from the surface water (p<.01), reed canary grass removed more from the subsurface (p<.01). Ratios of denitrifying to total bacteria were higher in the wet prairie mix than in the other communities' root zones (p<.05). Results suggest that reed canary grass invasion could reduce denitrification in wetlands, especially during the spring and fall when it is growing but other plants are dormant.

Effect of β-1/3,1/6-glucan upon immune responses and bacteria in the gut of healthy common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

β-glucans are frequently included in the diet of healthy common carp Cyprinus carpio as a pre-emptive measure for combatting disease. In order to study the effect this has on the relationship between the gut bacteria and host immune response, carp were maintained on either a β-glucan free diet or feed containing 0.1% MacroGard®, a β-1/3, 1/6-glucan, for up to 7 weeks and analysis of innate immune gene expression and molecular analysis of the gut bacteria was performed. The data reveals feeding of MacroGard® to healthy carp does not induce bactericidal innate immune gene expression in the gut but does appear to alter bacterial species richness that did not have a negative effect on overall health. Analysis of innate immune gene expression within the upper midgut revealed that there were significant changes over time in the expression of Interleukin (il)-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase (inos), mucin (muc2) and C-reactive protein (crp2). Diet did not affect the number of copies of the bacterial 16s rDNA gene in the gut, used as a as a measure of total bacteria population size. However, PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis revealed a shift in bacterial species richness with MacroGard feeding. Bactericidal immune gene expression of crp2, muc2 and il-1β was weakly correlated with gut bacteria population size indicating a potentially limited role of these genes in interacting with the gut bacteria in healthy carp in order to maintain gut homeostatic conditions. These findings highlight the importance of considering both host immunity and the microbiome together in order to fully elucidate the effeect of immunomodulants, such as β-glucans, upon gut health.

Effects of folic acid and sodium selenite on growth performance, nutrient digestion, ruminal fermentation and urinary excretion of purine derivatives in Holstein dairy calves

This study evaluated the effects of folic acid (FA) and sodium selenite (SS) supplements on growth performance, nutrient digestion, ruminal fermentation, microbial enzyme activity, microflora and urinary excretion of purine derivatives (PD) in dairy calves. Thirty-six Holstein calves (63 ± 3.4 days of age and 83 ± 2.1 kg of body weight) were randomly assigned to four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Two levels of FA (0 or 3.0 mg/kg of FA) and SS (0 or 0.3 mg/kg of Se from SS) were added into diets on a dry matter (DM) basis. Nutrient intake and average daily gain increased with FA addition, but were not affected by SS addition. Both supplements increased total tract digestibility of DM, organic matter and neutral detergent fiber. Ruminal pH and ammonia N concentration decreased, but total volatile fatty acids concentration increased with FA or SS addition. Acetate molar proportion and acetate to propionate ratio increased, while propionate molar proportion decreased with FA addition. The unchanged acetate molar proportion, higher propionate molar proportion and lower acetate to propionate ratio were observed with SS addition compared with the control. Activities of xylanase, pectinase, α-amylase and protease as well as populations of total bacteria, protozoa and methanogens were higher for both supplements compared with the control. Carboxymethyl-cellulase activity and Prevotella ruminicola population increased with FA addition. The Ruminobacter amylophilus population decreased with SS addition. The FA×SS interaction was significant for total tract digestibility of crude protein and acid detergent fiber, populations of total fungi, Ruminococcus (R.) albus, R. flavefaciens, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens as well as urinary total PD excretion; these variables increased with SS addition and the increase was greater when the diet was not supplemented with FA than with FA supplemented diet. The results indicated that dietary FA and/or SS addition stimulated nutrient digestion, ruminal fermentation, microbial growth and urinary total PD excretion.

Effects of soybean oil and dietary copper levels on nutrient digestion, ruminal fermentation, enzyme activity, microflora and microbial protein synthesis in dairy bulls

ABSTRACT The study evaluated the effects of soybean oil (SO) and dietary copper levels on nutrient digestion, ruminal fermentation, enzyme activity, microflora and microbial protein synthesis in dairy bulls. Eight Holstein rumen-cannulated bulls (14 ± 0.2 months of age and 326 ± 8.9 kg of body weight) were allocated into a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with factors being 0 or 40 g/kg dietary dry matter (DM) of SO and 0 or 7.68 mg/kg DM of Cu from copper sulphate (CS). The basal diet contained per kg DM 500 g of corn silage, 500 g of concentrate, 28 g of ether extract (EE) and 7.5 mg of Cu. The SO × CS interaction was significant (p < 0.05) for ruminal propionate proportion and acetate to propionate ratio. Dietary SO addition increased (p < 0.05) intake and total tract digestibility of EE but did not affect average daily gain (ADG) of bulls. Dietary CS addition did not affect nutrient intake but increased (p < 0.05) ADG and total tract digestibility of DM, organic matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre. Ruminal pH was not affected by treatments. Dietary SO addition did not affect ruminal total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration, decreased (p < 0.05) acetate proportion and ammonia N and increased (p < 0.05) propionate proportion. Dietary CS addition did not affect ammonia N, increased (p < 0.05) total VFA concentration and acetate proportion and decreased (p < 0.05) propionate proportion. Acetate to propionate ratio decreased (p < 0.05) with SO addition and increased (p < 0.05) with CS addition. Dietary SO addition decreased (p < 0.05) activity of carboxymethyl cellulase, cellobiase and xylanase as well as population of fungi, protozoa, methanogens, Ruminococcus albus and R. flavefaciens but increased (p < 0.05) α-amylase activity and population of Prevotella ruminicola and Ruminobacter amylophilus. Dietary CS addition increased (p < 0.05) activity of cellulolytic enzyme and protease as well as population of total bacteria, fungi, protozoa, methanogens, primary cellulolytic and proteolytic bacteria. Microbial protein synthesis was unchanged with SO addition but increased (p < 0.05) with CS addition. The results indicated that the addition of CS promoted nutrient digestion and ruminal fermentation by stimulating microbial growth and enzyme activity but did not relieve the negative effects of SO addition on ruminal fermentation in dairy bulls.

Effects of pantothenic acid and folic acid supplementation on total tract digestibility coefficient, ruminal fermentation, microbial enzyme activity, microflora and urinary purine derivatives in dairy bulls

AbstractThe effects of pantothenic acid (PA) and folic acid (FA) addition on digestibility coefficient, ruminal fermentation and urinary purine derivative (PD) excretion in dairy bulls were evaluated. Eight rumen-cannulated Holstein dairy bulls were allocated to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Diets were supplemented with two levels of FA (0 or 8.0 mg/kg dietary dry matter [DM]) and two of PA (0 or 60 mg/kg DM). The PA × FA interaction was not significant for all variables. Both supplements increased DM intake and average daily gain, but decreased a feed conversion ratio. Digestibility of DM, organic matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre increased, but ether extract digestibility was unchanged for both supplements. Digestibility of acid detergent fibre only increased with FA supplementation. For both supplements, ruminal pH and ammonia nitrogen (N) decreased, but total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration increased. Acetate proportion only increased with FA supplementation. Propionate proportion decreased for both supplements. Consequently, the acetate to propionate ratio increased. For both supplements, activity of xylanase and pectinase, population of Ruminococcus albus, R. flavefaciens, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminobacter amylophilus and total PD excretion increased. Additionally, activity of carboxymethylcellulase, cellobiase, α-amylase and protease, and population of total bacteria, fungi, protozoa, methanogens, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Prevotella ruminicola increased with FA addition. The results suggested that PA and FA supplementation stimulated ruminal microbial growth and enzyme activity, resulting in an increased digestibility coefficient and ruminal total VFA concentration in dairy bulls.

PENGARUH PUPUK HAYATI KONSORSIUM MIKROBA DAN MIKORIZA ARBUSKULAR TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN TANAMAN JAGUNG PADA INCEPTISOL

Inceptisols are the main agricultural soils in Indonesia. However, Inceptisols have problems such as relatively low soil fertility, due to weathering and leaching. Increased fertilization efficiency can be achieved through the use of biological fertilizers, in the form of microbial consortium and arbuscular mycorrhiza. Maize plant can be used as an indicator of soil fertility because it is very responsive to nutrient treatments. The study aimed to determine the effect of microbial consortium and Arbuscular mycorrhizal (MA) biofertilizers on the growth of corn plants on Inceptisols. The application of microbial consortium and Arbuscular mycorrhizal (MA) biofertilizer was able to increased plant height at 6 WAP (Week After Planting) by 42% and 8 WAP by 34%, root length by 142%, number of spores by 216%, mycorrhizae colonies on the root by 60%, total population of bacteria by 248%, soil pH by 5,5%, available P by 29%, and C-organic by 49%. The effective dose of microbial consortium fertilizer to increase the growth of maize plants was 0.8 g polybag -1 (M2).