Background Oxidative stress significantly impacts growth performance and liver function in piglets.Ferulic acid(FA)works as an antioxidant,however,the role and mechanism of FA in the regulation of diquat-induced oxida...Background Oxidative stress significantly impacts growth performance and liver function in piglets.Ferulic acid(FA)works as an antioxidant,however,the role and mechanism of FA in the regulation of diquat-induced oxidative stress in piglets are less known.This study was designed to investigate the effects of FA on growth performance and antioxi-dant capacity in piglets with diquat challenge.Methods Thirty-two healthy DLY(Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire)piglets(13.24±0.19 kg)were randomly divided into one of two diets including 0 or 4 g/kg FA for 14 d.On d 15,all pigs were intraperitoneally injected diquat or sterile saline.Results Dietary supplementation with ferulic acid(FA)significantly improved the average daily gain(ADG)and decreased feed-gain ratio(F/G)of piglets.Here,dietary FA supplementation reduced serum aspartate aminotrans-ferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT)activities in diquat challenged piglets.Furthermore,diquat infusion increased reactive oxygen radicals(ROS)level in liver,decreased the activities of total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC)and increased malondialdehyde(MDA)con-tent in the liver and serum.Supplementation with FA significantly increased T-AOC and T-SOD activities and decreased MDA and ROS levels.FA down-regulated gene and protein expression of Keap1,and up-regulated protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in the liver of piglets with diquat challenge.Importantly,diquat challenge increased the ratio of late apoptosis,increased serum levels of IL-1β,IL-18 and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),and up-regulated pyroptosis-related genes in the liver.FA supplementation reduced the ratio of late apoptosis and down-regulated mRNA expression of Caspase-1.Accordingly,FA addition reduced concentration of IL-1β,IL-18,and LDH under diquat challenge.Conclusions Diquat-induced oxidative stress reduced growth performance and impaired liver function in piglets.Dietary FA supplementation enhanced the antioxidant capacity and reduced the degree of hepatocyte pyroptosis,thereby alleviating the oxidative damage in the liver and mitigating the impact of diquat on growth performance of piglets.展开更多
Background Intestinal inflammation is a common and serious health problem in piglet production,especially enteritis caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli(E.coli).This condition often leads to high mortality,slow weigh...Background Intestinal inflammation is a common and serious health problem in piglet production,especially enteritis caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli(E.coli).This condition often leads to high mortality,slow weight gain,and significant economic losses.Results In this study,we isolated an E.coli strain,SKLAN202302,from the colon of diarrheal piglets to create an intestinal inflammation model for evaluating the protective effects of baicalin.Piglets infected with E.coli exhibited significant reductions in body weight,feed intake,small intestine length,and ileal goblet cell count(P<0.05),along with deteriorated ileal morphology.However,baicalin supplementation resulted in body weights,feed intake,and intestinal morphology similar to those of the control group.Notably,there was a significant increase in the colonization of Lactobacillus species,particularly Lactobacillus_reuteri,Lactobacillus_amylovorus,and Lactobacillus_johnii,compared to the E.coli group(P<0.05).At the metabolic and transcriptional levels,E.coli infection increased inflammatory mediators,including eicosanoids(leukotriene F4,prostaglandin F1a,leukotriene E4,thromboxane B2,prostaglandin G2,and PGH2),monosaccharides,and TCA cycle intermediates(oxoglutaric acid,glutaric acid,adipic acid,citric acid,and isocitric acid)in the ileum.It also promoted the expression of genes related to autoimmune diseases and the Th17 differentiation signaling pathway(CTLA4,IFN-ALPHA-8,IL12RB2,TRAV3,TRAV16,FOS,and VEGFA),as well as inflammatory factors.Conversely,baicalin supplementation not only counteracted these effects but also enhanced the presence of metabolites such as phospholipids[including lyso PC(P-18:1(9Z)/0:0),PC(17:0/0:0),lyso PC(16:1(9Z)/0:0),PC(18:0/0:0),lyso PC(18:0/0:0),PA(10:0/i-16:0),and PA(10:0/8:0)]and amino acids.It also regulated genes within the IL-17 signaling pathway(IL4,CCL17,CXCL10,IFNG,and CXCL2),suggesting a mechanism by which baicalin mitigates E.coli-induced intestinal and microbial disturbances.Subsequent flow cytometry analysis showed that E.coli infection increased the numbers of CD3+and Foxp3+cells,decreased IL-17A+cells,and reduced Th17/Treg ratios.Baicalin supplementation restored these parameters to control levels.Conclusions Baicalin supplementation effectively alleviates E.coli-induced intestinal inflammation and microbial disturbances in piglets by enhancing beneficial Lactobacillus colonization,counteracting inflammatory mediators,and regulating immune-related gene expression and the Th17/Treg balance.These findings highlight baicalin's potential in alleviating intestinal inflammation.展开更多
Background Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus(PEDV)infection poses a significant challenge to the swine industry,with limited effective control measures available.Poria cocos polysaccharides(PCP)is the primary active ing...Background Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus(PEDV)infection poses a significant challenge to the swine industry,with limited effective control measures available.Poria cocos polysaccharides(PCP)is the primary active ingredient of Poria cocos,and has been demonstrated to show beneficial effects on intestinal damage in previous studies.However,its mechanism has not been fully understood.In the present study,18 seven-day-old piglets were divided into 3 groups:Control group,PEDV group,and PCP+PEDV group.After three days of adaptation,piglets in the PCP+PEDV group were orally administered 10 mg/kg body weight/d PCP from d 4 to 10.On d 8,piglets were orally administered with PEDV at the dose of 104.5 TCID50/piglet.This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of PCP on PEDVinduced intestinal injury and explored the underlying mechanisms.Results The results showed that PCP administration effectively alleviated diarrhea,reduced PEDV replication in the small intestine and colon of piglets,and significantly improved intestinal mucosal morphology.Specifically,PCP increased the villus height in both the jejunum and ileum and increased the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the ileum(P<0.05).Improved intestinal function was further evidenced by elevated plasma D-xylose levels and decreased diamine oxidase activity(P<0.05).Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed that lipid metabolism is a key pathway regulated by PCP during PEDV infection.Notably,PCP significantly upregulated sphingolipid metabolism-related genes,including ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase family member 7 and N-acylsphingosine amidohydrolase 2.Metabolomic analysis revealed that PCP primarily modulated the levels of plasmanylphosphoethanolamine,lysophosphatidylcholine,and carnitine.Additionally,PCP reversed the expression of key genes involved in fatty acid uptake,intracellular lipid transport,and fatty acid synthesis,such as fatty acid binding protein 2,fatty acid transport protein 4,apolipoprotein B,apolipoprotein C3,fatty acid synthase,long-chain fatty acyl CoA synthetase 3,lipoprotein lipase and acyl-CoA thioesterases 12(P<0.05).Conclusions These findings demonstrate that PCP mitigates PEDV-induced intestinal injury by modulating lipid metabolism and highlight its potential as a dietary supplement for enhancing anti-PEDV defenses and promoting intestinal health in piglets.展开更多
Background Based on observations in feral pigs,the role of dietary fibre and structure may be underestimated in suckling piglet nutrition.This study investigated the effect of grass hay offered to suckling piglets eit...Background Based on observations in feral pigs,the role of dietary fibre and structure may be underestimated in suckling piglet nutrition.This study investigated the effect of grass hay offered to suckling piglets either separately or included in their creep feed,combined with nursery diets with or without grass pellet inclusion on growth performance and gastrointestinal development.Methods Thirty-six litters(14–15 piglets per litter)were divided into three equal groups of 12 litters per treatment during the suckling phase:control group(CON)received regular creep feed;GH group received chopped grass hay as-is in separate feeders alongside regular creep feed;PGH group received regular creep feed but barley and wheat were replaced by 28%grass pellets.After weaning(d 23),each litter was split into two dietary treatments in a splitplot design(pre-wean treatment as main plot).Two of the pre-wean diets were also offered until d 14 post-weaning,i.e.,CON(CON nursery diet,CON-C,GH-C,PGH-C)and PGH(GH nursery diet,CON-GH,GH-GH,PGH-GH).Thereafter,transitioning to a diet containing 13%wheat/barley or grass pellets,respectively,until d 39 post-weaning.Gastrointestinal morphology,gene expression of intestinal nutrient transporters and barrier proteins,metabolite profile and microbiota were assessed on the day before weaning,d 10 and d 38 post-weaning.A total of 24 piglets were sacrificed at each dissection point.Results At weaning,GH group had consumed 7 g/piglet grass hay,and PGH group had consumed 46 g/piglet creep feed.One day before weaning,GH piglets showed heavier emptied small intestine(P=0.044)and colon(P=0.065),higher SCFA production in proximal segments and lower SCFA production in colon(P<0.05).Higher abundance of Prevotellaceae NK3b31 group was observed in caecal and colonic content of PGH compared to GH group(P<0.05),and PGH group showed a lower energy conversion ratio(net energy intake/gain,P=0.035).Following weaning,GH nursery group had a reduced average daily gain(226 vs.183 g,P<0.001)during d 0–14,while this group showed compensatory growth afterwards(P=0.056).Main plot effects on increased expressions of CLDN3 and FFAR2 were observed in GH and PGH by d 38 post-weaning(P<0.05).An interaction effect showed greater luminal abundance of the Prevotellaceae NK3b31 group in GH-GH and PGH-GH groups compared to CON-GH on d 38.The GH nursery diet showed a better energy conversion ratio(P=0.006)with no influence on body weight and their SCFA production shifted towards proximal segments.Conclusion In conclusion, feeding a structured and fibre-rich diet to suckling piglets enhance their digestive tractdevelopment and adapt their microbiome to fibre digestion in later life. Maintaining a fibre-rich diet from sucklingto nursery is recommended, though this come with a transient reduction in weight gain caused by lower feed intakethat, however, can be recovered afterwards accompanied with an optimized energy conversion ratio.展开更多
Background Weaning stress-induced diarrhea is widely recognized as being associated with gut microbiota dysbio-sis.However,it has been challenging to clarify which specific intestinal microbiota and their metabolites ...Background Weaning stress-induced diarrhea is widely recognized as being associated with gut microbiota dysbio-sis.However,it has been challenging to clarify which specific intestinal microbiota and their metabolites play a crucial role in the antidiarrhea process of weaned piglets.Results In this study,we first observed that piglets with diarrhea exhibited a lower average daily gain and higher diarrhea score,and elevated levels of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and D-lactate(D-LA)compared to healthy piglets.Subsequently,we analyzed the differences in intestinal microbial composition and metabolite levels between healthy and diarrheal weaned piglets.Diarrheal piglets demonstrated intestinal microbiota dysbiosis,characterized pri-marily by a higher Firmicutes to Bacteroidota ratio,a deficiency of Lactobacillus amylovorus and Lactobacillus reuteri,and an increased abundance of Bacteroides sp.HF-5287 and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron.Functional pro-filing of the gut microbiota based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)data was performed,and the results showed that tryptophan metabolism was the most significantly inhibited pathway in piglets with diar-rhea.Most tryptophan metabolites were detected at lower concentrations in diarrheal piglets than in healthy piglets.Furthermore,we explored the effects of dietary indole-3-aldehyde(IAld),a key tryptophan metabolite,on intestinal development and gut barrier function in weaned piglets.Supplementation with 100 mg/kg IAld in the diet increased the small intestine index and improved intestinal barrier function by promoting intestinal stem cell(ISC)expansion in piglets.The promotion of ISC expansion by IAld was also confirmed in porcine intestinal organoids.Conclusions These findings revealed that intestinal microbial tryptophan metabolite IAld alleviates impaired intesti-nal development by promoting ISC expansion in weaned piglets.展开更多
Background Aflatoxins have been reported as a significant pollutant in feed,capable of causing harm to the liver,gastrointestinal tract and kidneys of piglets.However,research on the interactions among aflatoxin B1(AF...Background Aflatoxins have been reported as a significant pollutant in feed,capable of causing harm to the liver,gastrointestinal tract and kidneys of piglets.However,research on the interactions among aflatoxin B1(AFB1),bile acid(BA)metabolism and gut microbiota is limited.Methods In this study,piglets were treated with AFB1 and antibiotics(ABX)to evaluate the interaction between AFB1 and gut microbiota.Subsequently,the roles of the farnesoid X receptor(FXR)and sterol 12α-hydroxylase(CYP8B1)in AFB1 absorption were studied by using FXR agonists obeticholic acid(OCA)and Cyp8b1-knockout(KO)mice,respectively.Result AFB1 inhibited bile salt hydrolase(BSH)activity in ileal microbiota,downregulated ileal FXR expression,and upregulated CYP8B1 expression in liver,increasing the proportion of 12α-OH BAs and potentially enhancing AFB1 absorption.ABX treatment reduced AFB1 absorption and liver damage,and unexpectedly increased BSH activity,counteracting the AFB1-induced downregulation of FXR and upregulation of CYP8B1.OCA reactivated ileal FXR,reduced AFB1 absorption,and alleviated liver damage.Furthermore,Cyp8b1-KO mice showed increased resistance to AFB1-induced liver damage by lowering AFB1 absorption.Conclusions These results underscore the significance of gut microbiota and BAs in AFB1 absorption,suggesting new strategies to mitigate health risks from AFB1 in piglets.展开更多
Background The benefits of combining benzoic acid and essential oils(BAO)to mitigate intestinal impairment during the weaning process have been well established,while the detailed underlying mechanism has not been ful...Background The benefits of combining benzoic acid and essential oils(BAO)to mitigate intestinal impairment during the weaning process have been well established,while the detailed underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated.Previous research has primarily focused on the reparative effects of BAO on intestinal injury,while neglecting its potential in enhancing intestinal stress resistance.Methods In this study,we investigated the pre-protective effect of BAO against LPS-induced stress using a modified experimental procedure.Piglets were pre-supplemented with BAO for 14 d,followed by a challenge with LPS or saline to collect blood and intestinal samples.Results Our findings demonstrated that BAO supplementation led to significant improvements in piglets’final weight,average daily gain,and feed intake/body gain ratio.Additionally,BAO supplementation positively influenced the composition of intestinal microbiota,increasing beneficial Actinobacteriota and Alloprevotella while reducing harmful Desulfobacterota,Prevotella and Oscillospira.Furthermore,BAO supplementation effectively mitigated oxidative disturbances and inflammatory responses induced by acute LPS challenge.This was evidenced by elevated levels of T-AOC,SOD,and GSH,as well as decreased levels of MDA,TNF-α,and IL-6 in the plasma.Moreover,piglets subjected to LPS challenge and pre-supplemented with BAO exhibited significant improvements in intestinal morphological structure and enhanced integrity,as indicated by restored expression levels of Occludin and Claudin-1 compared to the non-supplemented counterparts.Further analysis revealed that BAO supplementation enhanced the jejunal antioxidative capacity by increasing GSH-Px levels and decreasing MDA levels under the LPS challenge and stimulated the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.Additionally,the reduction of TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways activation and proinflammatory factor were also observed in the jejunal of those piglets fed with BAO.Conclusions In summary,our study demonstrates that pre-supplementation of BAO enhances the anti-stress capacity of weaned piglets by improving intestinal microbiota composition,reinforcing the intestinal barrier,and enhancing antioxidative and anti-inflammatory capabilities.These effects are closely associated with the activation of Nrf2 and TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways.展开更多
Diarrhea is a common enteric disease in piglets that leads to high mortality and economic losses in swine production worldwide.Antibiotics are commonly used to prevent or treat diarrhea in piglets.However,irrational a...Diarrhea is a common enteric disease in piglets that leads to high mortality and economic losses in swine production worldwide.Antibiotics are commonly used to prevent or treat diarrhea in piglets.However,irrational antibiotic use contributes to the development of resistance in bacteria and antibiotic residues in animal products,threatening public health,while causing gut microbiota dysbiosis and antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection in piglets.Therefore,the quest for alternative products(such as probiotics,prebiotics,organic acids,enzymes;essential oils,medium-chain fatty acids,zinc,and plant extracts)has recently been clearly emphasized through the increase in regulations regarding antibiotic use in livestock production.These antibiotic alternatives could lower the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and meet consumer demand for antibiotic-free food.Several antibiotic alternatives have been proposed,including immunomodulatory probiotics,as candidates to reduce the need for antimicrobial therapy.Many studies have revealed that probiotics can avert and cure bacterial diarrhea by regulating the gut function and immune system of piglets.In this review,we focus on the major pathogenic bacteria causing piglet diarrhear the research sta of using probiotics to prevent and treat diarrhea,their possible mechanisms,and the safety issues related to the use of probiotics.Supplementation with probiotics is a possible alternative to antibiotics for the prevention or treatment of bacterial diarrhea in piglets.Furthermore,probiotics exe rt beneficial effects on feed efficiency and growth performance of piglets.Therefore,appropriate selection and strategies for the use of probiotics may have a positive effect on growth performance and also reduce diarrhea in piglets.This review provides useful information on probiotics for researchers,pig nutritionists,and the additive industry to support their use against bacterial,diarrhea in piglets.展开更多
Background Maternal nutrition is essential in keeping a highly efficient production system in the pig industry.Laminarin has been shown to improve antioxidant capacity,reduce the inflammatory response,and favor the ho...Background Maternal nutrition is essential in keeping a highly efficient production system in the pig industry.Laminarin has been shown to improve antioxidant capacity,reduce the inflammatory response,and favor the homeostasis of intestinal microbiota.However,the effect of dietary supplementation of laminarin on the reproductive performance of sows and the growth of suckling offspring remains unknown.Methods A total of 40 Landrace×Yorkshire multiparous sows on d 85 of gestation,similar in age,body weight(BW),parity and reproductive performance,were randomly divided into four dietary treatments with 10 sows per treatment,receiving a control diet(basal pregnancy or lactating diets)and a basal diet supplemented with 0.025%,0.05%and 0.10%laminarin,respectively.The experiment lasted from d 85 of gestation to d 21 of lactation.Results Laminarin supplementation linearly increased number born alive per litter(P=0.03),average daily feed intake(ADFI,P<0.01),and total milk yield of sows during the lactation of 1–21 d(P=0.02).Furthermore,maternal laminarin supplementation increased the average daily gain(ADG)of piglets while tending to reduce the culling and death rate before weaning.In addition,alterations to the composition of colostrum and milk,as well as to serum inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins of sows were observed.The fecal microbiota profile of sows supported the improvement of reproductive performance in sows and the growth performance in suckling offspring.Conclusions Dietary supplementation of laminarin during late pregnancy and lactation could significantly improve reproductive performance of sows and growth performance of piglets.展开更多
Background Transmissible gastroenteritis virus(TGEV)is one of the main pathogens causing severe diarrhea of pig-lets.The pathogenesis of TGEV is closely related to intestinal inflammation.All-trans retinoic acid(ATRA)...Background Transmissible gastroenteritis virus(TGEV)is one of the main pathogens causing severe diarrhea of pig-lets.The pathogenesis of TGEV is closely related to intestinal inflammation.All-trans retinoic acid(ATRA)is the main active metabolite of vitamin A,which has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.However,it is unclear whether ATRA can alleviate TGEV-induced intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction in piglets.This study aimed to investigate the effects of ATRA on growth performance,diarrhea,intestinal inflammation and intesti-nal barrier integrity of TGEV-challenged piglets.Methods In a 19-d study,32 weaned piglets were randomly divided into 4 treatments:Control group(basal diet),TGEV group(basal diet+TGEV challenge),TGEV+ATRA5 group(basal diet+5 mg/d ATRA+TGEV challenge)and TGEV+ATRA15 group(basal diet+15 mg/d ATRA+TGEV challenge).On d 14,piglets were orally administered TGEV or the sterile medium.Results Feeding piglets with 5 and 15 mg/d ATRA alleviated the growth inhibition and diarrhea induced by TGEV(P<0.05).Feeding piglets with 5 and 15 mg/d ATRA also inhibited the increase of serum diamine oxidase(DAO)activ-ity and the decrease of occludin and claudin-1 protein levels in jejunal mucosa induced by TGEV,and maintained intestinal barrier integrity(P<0.05).Meanwhile,5 mg/d ATRA feeding increased the sucrase activity and the expres-sions of nutrient transporter related genes(GLUT2 and SLC7A1)in jejunal mucosa of TGEV-challenged piglets(P<0.05).Furthermore,5 mg/d ATRA feeding attenuated TGEV-induced intestinal inflammatory response by inhibit-ing the release of interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and promoting the secretion of IL-10 and secretory immunoglobulin A(sIgA)(P<0.05).Feeding 5 mg/d ATRA also down-regulated the expressions of Toll-like receptors and RIG-I like receptors signaling pathway related genes(TLR3,TLR4,RIG-I,MyD88,TRIF and MAVS)and the phosphorylation level of nuclear factor-κB-p65(NF-κB p65),and up-regulated the inhibitor kappa B alpha(IκBα)protein level in jejunal mucosa of TGEV-challenged piglets(P<0.05).Conclusions ATRA alleviated TGEV-induced intestinal barrier damage by inhibiting inflammatory response,thus improving the growth performance and inhibiting diarrhea of piglets.The mechanism was associated with the inhibi-tion of NF-κB signaling pathway mediated by TLR3,TLR4 and RIG-I.展开更多
Background To improve our understanding of host and intestinal microbiome interaction,this research investigated the effects of a high-level zinc oxide in the diet as model intervention on the intestinal microbiome an...Background To improve our understanding of host and intestinal microbiome interaction,this research investigated the effects of a high-level zinc oxide in the diet as model intervention on the intestinal microbiome and small intestinal functionality in clinically healthy post-weaning piglets.In study 1,piglets received either a high concentration of zinc(Zn)as zinc oxide(Zn O,Zn,2,690 mg/kg)or a low Zn concentration(100 mg/kg)in the diet during the post weaning period(d 14–23).The effects on the piglet's small intestinal microbiome and functionality of intestinal tissue were investigated.In study 2,the impact of timing of the dietary zinc intervention was investigated,i.e.,between d 0–14 and/or d 14–23 post weaning,and the consecutive effects on the piglet's intestinal functionality,here referring to microbiota composition and diversity and gene expression profiles.Results Differences in the small intestinal functionality were observed during the post weaning period between piglets receiving a diet with a low or high concentration Zn O content.A shift in the microbiota composition in the small intestine was observed that could be characterized as a non-pathological change,where mainly the commensals inter-changed.In the immediate post weaning period,i.e.,d 0–14,the highest number of differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in intestinal tissue were observed between animals receiving a diet with a low or high concentration Zn O content,i.e.,23 DEGs in jejunal tissue and 11 DEGs in ileal tissue.These genes are involved in biological processes related to immunity and inflammatory responses.For example,genes CD59 and REG3G were downregulated in the animals receiving a diet with a high concentration Zn O content compared to low Zn O content in both jejunum and ileum tissue.In the second study,a similar result was obtained regarding the expression of genes in intestinal tissue related to immune pathways when comparing piglets receiving a diet with a high concentration Zn O content compared to low Zn O content.Conclusions Supplementing a diet with a pharmaceutical level of Zn as Zn O for clinically healthy post weaning piglets influences various aspects intestinal functionality,in particular in the first two weeks post-weaning.The model intervention increased both the alpha diversity of the intestinal microbiome and the expression of a limited number of genes linked to the local immune system in intestinal tissue.The effects do not seem related to a direct antimicrobial effect of Zn O.展开更多
Background Weaning causes redox dyshomeostasis in piglets,which leads to hepatic oxidative damage.Microbederived antioxidants(MA)have great potential for anti-oxidat ion.This study aimed to investigate changes in hepa...Background Weaning causes redox dyshomeostasis in piglets,which leads to hepatic oxidative damage.Microbederived antioxidants(MA)have great potential for anti-oxidat ion.This study aimed to investigate changes in hepatic redox system,mitochondrial function and apoptosis after weaning,and effects of MA on growth performance and liver health in weaning piglets.Methods This study consisted of 2 experimets.In the both experiments,piglets were weaned at 21 days of age.In Exp.1,at 21(W0),22(W1),25(W4),28(W7),and 35(W14)days of age,6 piglets were slaughtered at each timepoint.In Exp.2,piglets were divided into 2 groups:one received MA gavage(MA)and the other received saline gavage(CON).At 25 days of age,6 piglets from each group were sacrificed.Results In Exp.1,weaning caused growth inhibition and liver developmental retardation from W0 to W4.The mRNA sequencing between W0 and W4 revealed that pathways related to"regulation of apoptotic process"and"reactive oxygen species metabolic process"were enriched.Further study showed that weaning led to higher hepatic content of reactive oxygen species(ROS),H_(2)O_(2) and O_(2)~-.Weaning enhanced mitochondrial fission and suppressed their fusion,activated mitophagy,thus triggering cell apoptosis.In Exp.2,MA improved growth performance of piglets with higher average daily gain(ADG)and average daily feed intake(ADFI).The hepatic ROS,as well as products of oxidative damage malonaldehyde(MDA)and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine(8-OHdG)in the MA group decreased significantly than that of the CON group.The MA elevated mitochondrial membrane potential,increased activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes(MRC)ⅠandⅣ,enhanced mitochondrial fusion and reduced mitophagy thus decreasing cell apoptosis.Conclusions The present study showed that MA improved the growth performance of weaning piglets and reversed weaning-induced oxidative damage,mitochondrial dysfunction,and apoptosis.Our results suggested that MA had promising prospects for maintaining liver health in weaning piglets and provided a reference for studies of liver diseases in humans.展开更多
Background Promoting the synchronization of glucose and amino acid release in the digestive tract of pigs could effectively improve dietary nitrogen utilization.The rational allocation of dietary starch sources and th...Background Promoting the synchronization of glucose and amino acid release in the digestive tract of pigs could effectively improve dietary nitrogen utilization.The rational allocation of dietary starch sources and the exploration of appropriate dietary glucose release kinetics may promote the dynamic balance of dietary glucose and amino acid supplies.However,research on the effects of diets with different glucose release kinetic profiles on amino acid absorption and portal amino acid appearance in piglets is limited.This study aimed to investigate the effects of the kinetic pattern of dietary glucose release on nitrogen utilization,the portal amino acid profile,and nutrient transporter expression in intestinal enterocytes in piglets.Methods Sixty-four barrows(15.00±1.12 kg)were randomly allotted to 4 groups and fed diets formulated with starch from corn,corn/barley,corn/sorghum,or corn/cassava combinations(diets were coded A,B,C,or D respectively).Protein retention,the concentrations of portal amino acid and glucose,and the relative expression of amino acid and glucose transporter m RNAs were investigated.In vitro digestion was used to compare the dietary glucose release profiles.Results Four piglet diets with different glucose release kinetics were constructed by adjusting starch sources.The in vivo appearance dynamics of portal glucose were consistent with those of in vitro dietary glucose release kinetics.Total nitrogen excretion was reduced in the piglets in group B,while apparent nitrogen digestibility and nitrogen retention increased(P<0.05).Regardless of the time(2 h or 4 h after morning feeding),the portal total free amino acids content and contents of some individual amino acids(Thr,Glu,Gly,Ala,and Ile)of the piglets in group B were significantly higher than those in groups A,C,and D(P<0.05).Cluster analysis showed that different glucose release kinetic patterns resulted in different portal amino acid patterns in piglets,which decreased gradually with the extension of feeding time.The portal His/Phe,Pro/Glu,Leu/Val,Lys/Met,Tyr/Ile and Ala/Gly appeared higher similarity among the diet treatments.In the anterior jejunum,the glucose transporter SGLT1 was significantly positively correlated with the amino acid transporters B0AT1,EAAC1,and CAT1.Conclusions Rational allocation of starch resources could regulate dietary glucose release kinetics.In the present study,group B(corn/barley)diet exhibited a better glucose release kinetic pattern than the other groups,which could affect the portal amino acid contents and patterns by regulating the expression of amino acid transporters in the small intestine,thereby promoting nitrogen deposition in the body,and improving the utilization efficiency of dietary nitrogen.展开更多
Rotavirus is one of the pathogenic causes that induce diarrhea in young animals, especially piglets, worldwide. However, nowadays, there is no specific drug available to treat the disease, and the related vaccines hav...Rotavirus is one of the pathogenic causes that induce diarrhea in young animals, especially piglets, worldwide. However, nowadays, there is no specific drug available to treat the disease, and the related vaccines have no obvious efficiency in some countries. Via analyzing the pathogenesis of rotavirus, it inducing diarrhea is mainly due to disturb enteric nervous system, destroy gut mucosal integrity, induce intracellular electrolyte imbalance, and impair gut microbiota and immunity. Many studies have already proved that prebiotics and probiotics can mitigate the damage and diarrhea induced by rotavirus infection in hosts. Based on these, the current review summarizes and discusses the effects and mechanisms of prebiotics and probiotics on rotavirus-induced diarrhea in piglets. This information will highlight the basis for the swine production utilization of prebiotics and probiotics in the prevention or treatment of rotavirus infection in the future.展开更多
Background The establishment of a robust gut microbiota in piglets during their early developmental stage holds the potential for long-term advantageous effects.However,the optimal timeframe for introducing probiotics...Background The establishment of a robust gut microbiota in piglets during their early developmental stage holds the potential for long-term advantageous effects.However,the optimal timeframe for introducing probiotics to achieve this outcome remains uncertain.Results In the context of this investigation,we conducted a longitudinal assessment of the fecal microbiota of 63 piglets at three distinct pre-weaning time points.Simultaneously,we gathered vaginal and fecal samples from 23 sows.Employing 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing methodologies,we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the fluctuation patterns in microbial composition,functional capacity,interaction networks,and colonization resistance within the gut microbiota of piglets.As the piglets progressed in age,discernible modifications in intestinal microbial diversity,composition,and function were observed.A source-tracking analysis unveiled the pivotal role of fecal and vaginal microbiota derived from sows in populating the gut microbiota of neonatal piglets.By D21,the microbial interaction network displayed a more concise and efficient configuration,accompanied by enhanced colonization resistance relative to the other two time points.Moreover,we identified three strains of Ruminococcus sp.at D10 as potential candidates for improving piglets’weight gain during the weaning phase.Conclusions The findings of this study propose that D10 represents the most opportune juncture for the introduction of external probiotic interventions during the early stages of piglet development.This investigation augments our comprehension of the microbiota dynamics in early-life of piglets and offers valuable insights for guiding forthcoming probiotic interventions.展开更多
[Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mycotoxin from moldy maize on immune response of piglets.[Method] ELISA method was used to determine the content of Aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A in ...[Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mycotoxin from moldy maize on immune response of piglets.[Method] ELISA method was used to determine the content of Aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A in maize; after the piglets were fed with the moldy maize,the corresponding antibody titers in the serums of piglets were measured.[Result] Antibody levels of tested group were obvious lower than that of the control,while the histological section of immune organs also suggested that mycotoxin could significantly inhibit the immune response of piglets.[Conclusion] Mycotoxin in maize had important effects on the internal organs and immune response of piglets.展开更多
Escherichia coli expressing F4 fimbriae is the major pathogenic bacteria that causes diarrhea in piglets before weaning. The adhesion of E. coli to the brush borders of the epithelial cells of piglets is the precondit...Escherichia coli expressing F4 fimbriae is the major pathogenic bacteria that causes diarrhea in piglets before weaning. The adhesion of E. coli to the brush borders of the epithelial cells of piglets is the precondition leading to diarrhea, which in turn is due to the presence of the F4 receptors determined by an autosomal recessive gene on the brush borders of the epithelial cells. In order to clarify the genetic mechanism of the adhesion, an in vitro adhesion experiment was carded out for three variants of E. coli F4 （ab, ac, and ad） in 366 piglets of three pig breeds [Landrace （LR）, Large White （LW）, and Songliao Black （SB）]. The results showed that there existed significant differences （P〈0.001） in the adhesion percentage among the three breeds. Most SB piglets were nonadhesive for all the three variants, whereas most LR piglets were adhesive. Within each breed except for LR, the proportions of the three F4 variants adhering to the brush borders differed significantly. According to the patterns of the adhesion of the three F4 variants in the three breeds, it is very likely that the three F4 variants F4ab, F4ac, and F4ad have different receptors that are controlled by three different loci.展开更多
In this study, feed-grade proteinase was added into conventional diets of three-line crossbred （Duroc x Landrace x Large White） piglets, to investigate the effects of feed-grade proteinase on anti-diarrhea capacity,...In this study, feed-grade proteinase was added into conventional diets of three-line crossbred （Duroc x Landrace x Large White） piglets, to investigate the effects of feed-grade proteinase on anti-diarrhea capacity, daily weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of piglets. The results showed that adding feed-grade proteinase in diets enhanced anti-diarrhea capacity of piglets and improved signifi- cantly production performance and breeding efficiency of piglets. This study provided the reference for rational utilization of feed-grade proteinase in actual production.展开更多
Dietary arginine supplementation enhances the immune status and protein synthesis in early-weaned pigs. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. To investigate how arginine affects the expression of ...Dietary arginine supplementation enhances the immune status and protein synthesis in early-weaned pigs. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. To investigate how arginine affects the expression of key proteins that regulate growth and nutrient transport of jejunum, a total of 12 healthy piglets （21 day-old, similar body weight, Landrace x Yorkshire） delivered by four sows were randomly divided into two groups. Piglets in the test group were reared with feed supplemented L-arginine at a concentration of 6.0 g/kg, while piglets in the control group were fed with feed supplemented L-alanine at a concentration of 12.3 g/kg （isonitrogenous control）. After 7 d, jejunum mucosae was collected and analyzed with the 2-D PAGE MS technology. Compared with the control pigs, arginine decreased the levels of proteins that regulate the protein syn- thesis, intermediary metabolism and tissue growth （ similar to anterior gradient 2 homolog, cyclophilin_ABHJike, hypothetical protein FLJ39502 and tetratrioopeptide repeat domain 16, similar to KIAA0156, mitechondrial ATP synthase, hydrion transporting F1 complex, beta subunit and alpha-tu- bulin ubiquitous isoform 19, prolyl 4-hydroxylase, beta subunit precursor）. In addition, arginine increased the levels of proteins that are involved in proteolysis and immune response （ PGAM1, T cell receptor beta variable 20, membrane steroid binding protein, similar to myomesin-1, and chain A, structure of pig muscle Pgk complexed with MgATP）. Therefore, arginine influences the immune response and protein synthesis mechanisms as well as improves eady weaned stress syndrome of piglets.展开更多
Weaning of piglets is generally considered as a stressor which changes intestinal ecosystem and leads to clinical implications. Microbiota inhabiting in small intestine （especially ileum） are assumed to promote heal...Weaning of piglets is generally considered as a stressor which changes intestinal ecosystem and leads to clinical implications. Microbiota inhabiting in small intestine （especially ileum） are assumed to promote health, but their functional properties are yet poody dascdbed. As indicated by the 16S rRNA gene sequences of ileal micrebiota in nursing piglets （at the age of 21 and 28 d） and 28-day-old weaned piglets （weaned at 21 d of age）, the microbiota were mainly comprised of gram-positive bacteria. There were 40 operational taxonomic units （OTUs） （from 171 clones） in the ileum of nursing piglets aged 21 d, 61 OTUs （from 194 clones） in the ileum of nursing piglets aged 28 d, and 56 OTUs （from 171 clones） in the ileum of weaned piglets aged 28 d. The flea of nursing piglets aged 21 d were dominantly occupied by Lactobacilli （87.7%） as well as Streptococ cus （ 3.5 % ）. Lactobacillus amy/ovorus （41.5 % ）, Lactobaci/lus sp. （ 19.3 % ）, Lactobaci/lus reuteri （ 12.3 % ）, Lactobacillus salivarius （ 9.4 % ） and L. mucosae （4.7%） were the predominant species among Lactobacil/L Similar results were obtained in the nursing piglets at 28 d of age ex- cept that Lactobaci/li decreased to 71.1% and Streptococcus increased to 21.1% significantly. Lactobacillus （52.0%） and Streptococcus （26.3%） were the two major groups in the ileum of weaned piglets aged 28 d. Lactobacillus amylovorus （31.6%） and Lactobaci/lus reuteri （ 16.4% ） was the two most important species in Lactobacillus. Therefore, Lactobacilli were predominant in the ileum of nursing and weaned piglets, and they had the highest diversity, followed by Streptococcus. The diversity of ileal microbiota was not different remarkably between the nursing piglets and the weaned piglets, but the composition changed significantly. These findings are helpful to understand ileal bacterial ecophysiology and further develop nutritional regimes to prevent or counteract complications during the weaning transition.展开更多
基金Sichuan Science and Technology Program(No.2021ZDZX0009).
文摘Background Oxidative stress significantly impacts growth performance and liver function in piglets.Ferulic acid(FA)works as an antioxidant,however,the role and mechanism of FA in the regulation of diquat-induced oxidative stress in piglets are less known.This study was designed to investigate the effects of FA on growth performance and antioxi-dant capacity in piglets with diquat challenge.Methods Thirty-two healthy DLY(Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire)piglets(13.24±0.19 kg)were randomly divided into one of two diets including 0 or 4 g/kg FA for 14 d.On d 15,all pigs were intraperitoneally injected diquat or sterile saline.Results Dietary supplementation with ferulic acid(FA)significantly improved the average daily gain(ADG)and decreased feed-gain ratio(F/G)of piglets.Here,dietary FA supplementation reduced serum aspartate aminotrans-ferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT)activities in diquat challenged piglets.Furthermore,diquat infusion increased reactive oxygen radicals(ROS)level in liver,decreased the activities of total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC)and increased malondialdehyde(MDA)con-tent in the liver and serum.Supplementation with FA significantly increased T-AOC and T-SOD activities and decreased MDA and ROS levels.FA down-regulated gene and protein expression of Keap1,and up-regulated protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in the liver of piglets with diquat challenge.Importantly,diquat challenge increased the ratio of late apoptosis,increased serum levels of IL-1β,IL-18 and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),and up-regulated pyroptosis-related genes in the liver.FA supplementation reduced the ratio of late apoptosis and down-regulated mRNA expression of Caspase-1.Accordingly,FA addition reduced concentration of IL-1β,IL-18,and LDH under diquat challenge.Conclusions Diquat-induced oxidative stress reduced growth performance and impaired liver function in piglets.Dietary FA supplementation enhanced the antioxidant capacity and reduced the degree of hepatocyte pyroptosis,thereby alleviating the oxidative damage in the liver and mitigating the impact of diquat on growth performance of piglets.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32102582)the Youth innovation of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(Y2023QC09)+1 种基金Zhejiang Province Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and technology Project(2022ZB270)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program(ASTIPIAS07,cxgc-ias-16)。
文摘Background Intestinal inflammation is a common and serious health problem in piglet production,especially enteritis caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli(E.coli).This condition often leads to high mortality,slow weight gain,and significant economic losses.Results In this study,we isolated an E.coli strain,SKLAN202302,from the colon of diarrheal piglets to create an intestinal inflammation model for evaluating the protective effects of baicalin.Piglets infected with E.coli exhibited significant reductions in body weight,feed intake,small intestine length,and ileal goblet cell count(P<0.05),along with deteriorated ileal morphology.However,baicalin supplementation resulted in body weights,feed intake,and intestinal morphology similar to those of the control group.Notably,there was a significant increase in the colonization of Lactobacillus species,particularly Lactobacillus_reuteri,Lactobacillus_amylovorus,and Lactobacillus_johnii,compared to the E.coli group(P<0.05).At the metabolic and transcriptional levels,E.coli infection increased inflammatory mediators,including eicosanoids(leukotriene F4,prostaglandin F1a,leukotriene E4,thromboxane B2,prostaglandin G2,and PGH2),monosaccharides,and TCA cycle intermediates(oxoglutaric acid,glutaric acid,adipic acid,citric acid,and isocitric acid)in the ileum.It also promoted the expression of genes related to autoimmune diseases and the Th17 differentiation signaling pathway(CTLA4,IFN-ALPHA-8,IL12RB2,TRAV3,TRAV16,FOS,and VEGFA),as well as inflammatory factors.Conversely,baicalin supplementation not only counteracted these effects but also enhanced the presence of metabolites such as phospholipids[including lyso PC(P-18:1(9Z)/0:0),PC(17:0/0:0),lyso PC(16:1(9Z)/0:0),PC(18:0/0:0),lyso PC(18:0/0:0),PA(10:0/i-16:0),and PA(10:0/8:0)]and amino acids.It also regulated genes within the IL-17 signaling pathway(IL4,CCL17,CXCL10,IFNG,and CXCL2),suggesting a mechanism by which baicalin mitigates E.coli-induced intestinal and microbial disturbances.Subsequent flow cytometry analysis showed that E.coli infection increased the numbers of CD3+and Foxp3+cells,decreased IL-17A+cells,and reduced Th17/Treg ratios.Baicalin supplementation restored these parameters to control levels.Conclusions Baicalin supplementation effectively alleviates E.coli-induced intestinal inflammation and microbial disturbances in piglets by enhancing beneficial Lactobacillus colonization,counteracting inflammatory mediators,and regulating immune-related gene expression and the Th17/Treg balance.These findings highlight baicalin's potential in alleviating intestinal inflammation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32172763,U22A20514)the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFD130040302)+1 种基金the Hubei Provincial Key R&D Program(2023BBB040)the Hubei Important Science and Technology Project(2024BBA004).
文摘Background Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus(PEDV)infection poses a significant challenge to the swine industry,with limited effective control measures available.Poria cocos polysaccharides(PCP)is the primary active ingredient of Poria cocos,and has been demonstrated to show beneficial effects on intestinal damage in previous studies.However,its mechanism has not been fully understood.In the present study,18 seven-day-old piglets were divided into 3 groups:Control group,PEDV group,and PCP+PEDV group.After three days of adaptation,piglets in the PCP+PEDV group were orally administered 10 mg/kg body weight/d PCP from d 4 to 10.On d 8,piglets were orally administered with PEDV at the dose of 104.5 TCID50/piglet.This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of PCP on PEDVinduced intestinal injury and explored the underlying mechanisms.Results The results showed that PCP administration effectively alleviated diarrhea,reduced PEDV replication in the small intestine and colon of piglets,and significantly improved intestinal mucosal morphology.Specifically,PCP increased the villus height in both the jejunum and ileum and increased the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the ileum(P<0.05).Improved intestinal function was further evidenced by elevated plasma D-xylose levels and decreased diamine oxidase activity(P<0.05).Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed that lipid metabolism is a key pathway regulated by PCP during PEDV infection.Notably,PCP significantly upregulated sphingolipid metabolism-related genes,including ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase family member 7 and N-acylsphingosine amidohydrolase 2.Metabolomic analysis revealed that PCP primarily modulated the levels of plasmanylphosphoethanolamine,lysophosphatidylcholine,and carnitine.Additionally,PCP reversed the expression of key genes involved in fatty acid uptake,intracellular lipid transport,and fatty acid synthesis,such as fatty acid binding protein 2,fatty acid transport protein 4,apolipoprotein B,apolipoprotein C3,fatty acid synthase,long-chain fatty acyl CoA synthetase 3,lipoprotein lipase and acyl-CoA thioesterases 12(P<0.05).Conclusions These findings demonstrate that PCP mitigates PEDV-induced intestinal injury by modulating lipid metabolism and highlight its potential as a dietary supplement for enhancing anti-PEDV defenses and promoting intestinal health in piglets.
文摘Background Based on observations in feral pigs,the role of dietary fibre and structure may be underestimated in suckling piglet nutrition.This study investigated the effect of grass hay offered to suckling piglets either separately or included in their creep feed,combined with nursery diets with or without grass pellet inclusion on growth performance and gastrointestinal development.Methods Thirty-six litters(14–15 piglets per litter)were divided into three equal groups of 12 litters per treatment during the suckling phase:control group(CON)received regular creep feed;GH group received chopped grass hay as-is in separate feeders alongside regular creep feed;PGH group received regular creep feed but barley and wheat were replaced by 28%grass pellets.After weaning(d 23),each litter was split into two dietary treatments in a splitplot design(pre-wean treatment as main plot).Two of the pre-wean diets were also offered until d 14 post-weaning,i.e.,CON(CON nursery diet,CON-C,GH-C,PGH-C)and PGH(GH nursery diet,CON-GH,GH-GH,PGH-GH).Thereafter,transitioning to a diet containing 13%wheat/barley or grass pellets,respectively,until d 39 post-weaning.Gastrointestinal morphology,gene expression of intestinal nutrient transporters and barrier proteins,metabolite profile and microbiota were assessed on the day before weaning,d 10 and d 38 post-weaning.A total of 24 piglets were sacrificed at each dissection point.Results At weaning,GH group had consumed 7 g/piglet grass hay,and PGH group had consumed 46 g/piglet creep feed.One day before weaning,GH piglets showed heavier emptied small intestine(P=0.044)and colon(P=0.065),higher SCFA production in proximal segments and lower SCFA production in colon(P<0.05).Higher abundance of Prevotellaceae NK3b31 group was observed in caecal and colonic content of PGH compared to GH group(P<0.05),and PGH group showed a lower energy conversion ratio(net energy intake/gain,P=0.035).Following weaning,GH nursery group had a reduced average daily gain(226 vs.183 g,P<0.001)during d 0–14,while this group showed compensatory growth afterwards(P=0.056).Main plot effects on increased expressions of CLDN3 and FFAR2 were observed in GH and PGH by d 38 post-weaning(P<0.05).An interaction effect showed greater luminal abundance of the Prevotellaceae NK3b31 group in GH-GH and PGH-GH groups compared to CON-GH on d 38.The GH nursery diet showed a better energy conversion ratio(P=0.006)with no influence on body weight and their SCFA production shifted towards proximal segments.Conclusion In conclusion, feeding a structured and fibre-rich diet to suckling piglets enhance their digestive tractdevelopment and adapt their microbiome to fibre digestion in later life. Maintaining a fibre-rich diet from sucklingto nursery is recommended, though this come with a transient reduction in weight gain caused by lower feed intakethat, however, can be recovered afterwards accompanied with an optimized energy conversion ratio.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(32372830 and 31972528).
文摘Background Weaning stress-induced diarrhea is widely recognized as being associated with gut microbiota dysbio-sis.However,it has been challenging to clarify which specific intestinal microbiota and their metabolites play a crucial role in the antidiarrhea process of weaned piglets.Results In this study,we first observed that piglets with diarrhea exhibited a lower average daily gain and higher diarrhea score,and elevated levels of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and D-lactate(D-LA)compared to healthy piglets.Subsequently,we analyzed the differences in intestinal microbial composition and metabolite levels between healthy and diarrheal weaned piglets.Diarrheal piglets demonstrated intestinal microbiota dysbiosis,characterized pri-marily by a higher Firmicutes to Bacteroidota ratio,a deficiency of Lactobacillus amylovorus and Lactobacillus reuteri,and an increased abundance of Bacteroides sp.HF-5287 and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron.Functional pro-filing of the gut microbiota based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)data was performed,and the results showed that tryptophan metabolism was the most significantly inhibited pathway in piglets with diar-rhea.Most tryptophan metabolites were detected at lower concentrations in diarrheal piglets than in healthy piglets.Furthermore,we explored the effects of dietary indole-3-aldehyde(IAld),a key tryptophan metabolite,on intestinal development and gut barrier function in weaned piglets.Supplementation with 100 mg/kg IAld in the diet increased the small intestine index and improved intestinal barrier function by promoting intestinal stem cell(ISC)expansion in piglets.The promotion of ISC expansion by IAld was also confirmed in porcine intestinal organoids.Conclusions These findings revealed that intestinal microbial tryptophan metabolite IAld alleviates impaired intesti-nal development by promoting ISC expansion in weaned piglets.
基金supported by grant from the Science and Technology Program of Zhejiang Province 2022C04034(to Jinzhi Zhang,Junli Zhu and Haifeng Wang)the Key Research and Development Program of China 2022YFD1300602(to Haifeng Wang)。
文摘Background Aflatoxins have been reported as a significant pollutant in feed,capable of causing harm to the liver,gastrointestinal tract and kidneys of piglets.However,research on the interactions among aflatoxin B1(AFB1),bile acid(BA)metabolism and gut microbiota is limited.Methods In this study,piglets were treated with AFB1 and antibiotics(ABX)to evaluate the interaction between AFB1 and gut microbiota.Subsequently,the roles of the farnesoid X receptor(FXR)and sterol 12α-hydroxylase(CYP8B1)in AFB1 absorption were studied by using FXR agonists obeticholic acid(OCA)and Cyp8b1-knockout(KO)mice,respectively.Result AFB1 inhibited bile salt hydrolase(BSH)activity in ileal microbiota,downregulated ileal FXR expression,and upregulated CYP8B1 expression in liver,increasing the proportion of 12α-OH BAs and potentially enhancing AFB1 absorption.ABX treatment reduced AFB1 absorption and liver damage,and unexpectedly increased BSH activity,counteracting the AFB1-induced downregulation of FXR and upregulation of CYP8B1.OCA reactivated ileal FXR,reduced AFB1 absorption,and alleviated liver damage.Furthermore,Cyp8b1-KO mice showed increased resistance to AFB1-induced liver damage by lowering AFB1 absorption.Conclusions These results underscore the significance of gut microbiota and BAs in AFB1 absorption,suggesting new strategies to mitigate health risks from AFB1 in piglets.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program(2021YFD1300400)Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province(2021A1515010944)Science and Technology Projects in Guangzhou(202201011730).
文摘Background The benefits of combining benzoic acid and essential oils(BAO)to mitigate intestinal impairment during the weaning process have been well established,while the detailed underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated.Previous research has primarily focused on the reparative effects of BAO on intestinal injury,while neglecting its potential in enhancing intestinal stress resistance.Methods In this study,we investigated the pre-protective effect of BAO against LPS-induced stress using a modified experimental procedure.Piglets were pre-supplemented with BAO for 14 d,followed by a challenge with LPS or saline to collect blood and intestinal samples.Results Our findings demonstrated that BAO supplementation led to significant improvements in piglets’final weight,average daily gain,and feed intake/body gain ratio.Additionally,BAO supplementation positively influenced the composition of intestinal microbiota,increasing beneficial Actinobacteriota and Alloprevotella while reducing harmful Desulfobacterota,Prevotella and Oscillospira.Furthermore,BAO supplementation effectively mitigated oxidative disturbances and inflammatory responses induced by acute LPS challenge.This was evidenced by elevated levels of T-AOC,SOD,and GSH,as well as decreased levels of MDA,TNF-α,and IL-6 in the plasma.Moreover,piglets subjected to LPS challenge and pre-supplemented with BAO exhibited significant improvements in intestinal morphological structure and enhanced integrity,as indicated by restored expression levels of Occludin and Claudin-1 compared to the non-supplemented counterparts.Further analysis revealed that BAO supplementation enhanced the jejunal antioxidative capacity by increasing GSH-Px levels and decreasing MDA levels under the LPS challenge and stimulated the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.Additionally,the reduction of TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways activation and proinflammatory factor were also observed in the jejunal of those piglets fed with BAO.Conclusions In summary,our study demonstrates that pre-supplementation of BAO enhances the anti-stress capacity of weaned piglets by improving intestinal microbiota composition,reinforcing the intestinal barrier,and enhancing antioxidative and anti-inflammatory capabilities.These effects are closely associated with the activation of Nrf2 and TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways.
基金supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research(A)(19H00965,23H00354 HK)Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research(B)(23H02358,KN)+4 种基金Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up(23K19327,FN)Challenging Research(Exploratory,23K18072,HK)JSPS Fellows(22F22080,HK)from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science(JSPS)supported by the Research Program on Development of Innovative Technology Grants(JPJ007097)from the Project of the Bio-Oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution(BRAIN)and by the Japan Racing Association to HKsupported by the JSPS Core-to-Core Program,A.Advanced Research Networks,titled Establishment of the International Agricultural Immunology Research Core for Quantum Improvement in Food Safety。
文摘Diarrhea is a common enteric disease in piglets that leads to high mortality and economic losses in swine production worldwide.Antibiotics are commonly used to prevent or treat diarrhea in piglets.However,irrational antibiotic use contributes to the development of resistance in bacteria and antibiotic residues in animal products,threatening public health,while causing gut microbiota dysbiosis and antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection in piglets.Therefore,the quest for alternative products(such as probiotics,prebiotics,organic acids,enzymes;essential oils,medium-chain fatty acids,zinc,and plant extracts)has recently been clearly emphasized through the increase in regulations regarding antibiotic use in livestock production.These antibiotic alternatives could lower the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and meet consumer demand for antibiotic-free food.Several antibiotic alternatives have been proposed,including immunomodulatory probiotics,as candidates to reduce the need for antimicrobial therapy.Many studies have revealed that probiotics can avert and cure bacterial diarrhea by regulating the gut function and immune system of piglets.In this review,we focus on the major pathogenic bacteria causing piglet diarrhear the research sta of using probiotics to prevent and treat diarrhea,their possible mechanisms,and the safety issues related to the use of probiotics.Supplementation with probiotics is a possible alternative to antibiotics for the prevention or treatment of bacterial diarrhea in piglets.Furthermore,probiotics exe rt beneficial effects on feed efficiency and growth performance of piglets.Therefore,appropriate selection and strategies for the use of probiotics may have a positive effect on growth performance and also reduce diarrhea in piglets.This review provides useful information on probiotics for researchers,pig nutritionists,and the additive industry to support their use against bacterial,diarrhea in piglets.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,2018YFD0500400。
文摘Background Maternal nutrition is essential in keeping a highly efficient production system in the pig industry.Laminarin has been shown to improve antioxidant capacity,reduce the inflammatory response,and favor the homeostasis of intestinal microbiota.However,the effect of dietary supplementation of laminarin on the reproductive performance of sows and the growth of suckling offspring remains unknown.Methods A total of 40 Landrace×Yorkshire multiparous sows on d 85 of gestation,similar in age,body weight(BW),parity and reproductive performance,were randomly divided into four dietary treatments with 10 sows per treatment,receiving a control diet(basal pregnancy or lactating diets)and a basal diet supplemented with 0.025%,0.05%and 0.10%laminarin,respectively.The experiment lasted from d 85 of gestation to d 21 of lactation.Results Laminarin supplementation linearly increased number born alive per litter(P=0.03),average daily feed intake(ADFI,P<0.01),and total milk yield of sows during the lactation of 1–21 d(P=0.02).Furthermore,maternal laminarin supplementation increased the average daily gain(ADG)of piglets while tending to reduce the culling and death rate before weaning.In addition,alterations to the composition of colostrum and milk,as well as to serum inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins of sows were observed.The fecal microbiota profile of sows supported the improvement of reproductive performance in sows and the growth performance in suckling offspring.Conclusions Dietary supplementation of laminarin during late pregnancy and lactation could significantly improve reproductive performance of sows and growth performance of piglets.
基金The present study was supported by Sichuan Science and Technology Program(2021ZDZX0009)the Sichuan Pig Innovation Team of National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System of China(scsztd-2021-08-11)the Sichuan Natural Science Foundation of China(2023NSFSC1141).
文摘Background Transmissible gastroenteritis virus(TGEV)is one of the main pathogens causing severe diarrhea of pig-lets.The pathogenesis of TGEV is closely related to intestinal inflammation.All-trans retinoic acid(ATRA)is the main active metabolite of vitamin A,which has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.However,it is unclear whether ATRA can alleviate TGEV-induced intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction in piglets.This study aimed to investigate the effects of ATRA on growth performance,diarrhea,intestinal inflammation and intesti-nal barrier integrity of TGEV-challenged piglets.Methods In a 19-d study,32 weaned piglets were randomly divided into 4 treatments:Control group(basal diet),TGEV group(basal diet+TGEV challenge),TGEV+ATRA5 group(basal diet+5 mg/d ATRA+TGEV challenge)and TGEV+ATRA15 group(basal diet+15 mg/d ATRA+TGEV challenge).On d 14,piglets were orally administered TGEV or the sterile medium.Results Feeding piglets with 5 and 15 mg/d ATRA alleviated the growth inhibition and diarrhea induced by TGEV(P<0.05).Feeding piglets with 5 and 15 mg/d ATRA also inhibited the increase of serum diamine oxidase(DAO)activ-ity and the decrease of occludin and claudin-1 protein levels in jejunal mucosa induced by TGEV,and maintained intestinal barrier integrity(P<0.05).Meanwhile,5 mg/d ATRA feeding increased the sucrase activity and the expres-sions of nutrient transporter related genes(GLUT2 and SLC7A1)in jejunal mucosa of TGEV-challenged piglets(P<0.05).Furthermore,5 mg/d ATRA feeding attenuated TGEV-induced intestinal inflammatory response by inhibit-ing the release of interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and promoting the secretion of IL-10 and secretory immunoglobulin A(sIgA)(P<0.05).Feeding 5 mg/d ATRA also down-regulated the expressions of Toll-like receptors and RIG-I like receptors signaling pathway related genes(TLR3,TLR4,RIG-I,MyD88,TRIF and MAVS)and the phosphorylation level of nuclear factor-κB-p65(NF-κB p65),and up-regulated the inhibitor kappa B alpha(IκBα)protein level in jejunal mucosa of TGEV-challenged piglets(P<0.05).Conclusions ATRA alleviated TGEV-induced intestinal barrier damage by inhibiting inflammatory response,thus improving the growth performance and inhibiting diarrhea of piglets.The mechanism was associated with the inhibi-tion of NF-κB signaling pathway mediated by TLR3,TLR4 and RIG-I.
基金partially funded by the Ministry of AgricultureNature and Food Quality(project number BO-55-001-015)partly by“Vereniging Diervoederonderzoek Nederland”。
文摘Background To improve our understanding of host and intestinal microbiome interaction,this research investigated the effects of a high-level zinc oxide in the diet as model intervention on the intestinal microbiome and small intestinal functionality in clinically healthy post-weaning piglets.In study 1,piglets received either a high concentration of zinc(Zn)as zinc oxide(Zn O,Zn,2,690 mg/kg)or a low Zn concentration(100 mg/kg)in the diet during the post weaning period(d 14–23).The effects on the piglet's small intestinal microbiome and functionality of intestinal tissue were investigated.In study 2,the impact of timing of the dietary zinc intervention was investigated,i.e.,between d 0–14 and/or d 14–23 post weaning,and the consecutive effects on the piglet's intestinal functionality,here referring to microbiota composition and diversity and gene expression profiles.Results Differences in the small intestinal functionality were observed during the post weaning period between piglets receiving a diet with a low or high concentration Zn O content.A shift in the microbiota composition in the small intestine was observed that could be characterized as a non-pathological change,where mainly the commensals inter-changed.In the immediate post weaning period,i.e.,d 0–14,the highest number of differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in intestinal tissue were observed between animals receiving a diet with a low or high concentration Zn O content,i.e.,23 DEGs in jejunal tissue and 11 DEGs in ileal tissue.These genes are involved in biological processes related to immunity and inflammatory responses.For example,genes CD59 and REG3G were downregulated in the animals receiving a diet with a high concentration Zn O content compared to low Zn O content in both jejunum and ileum tissue.In the second study,a similar result was obtained regarding the expression of genes in intestinal tissue related to immune pathways when comparing piglets receiving a diet with a high concentration Zn O content compared to low Zn O content.Conclusions Supplementing a diet with a pharmaceutical level of Zn as Zn O for clinically healthy post weaning piglets influences various aspects intestinal functionality,in particular in the first two weeks post-weaning.The model intervention increased both the alpha diversity of the intestinal microbiome and the expression of a limited number of genes linked to the local immune system in intestinal tissue.The effects do not seem related to a direct antimicrobial effect of Zn O.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Gant no.32272903)。
文摘Background Weaning causes redox dyshomeostasis in piglets,which leads to hepatic oxidative damage.Microbederived antioxidants(MA)have great potential for anti-oxidat ion.This study aimed to investigate changes in hepatic redox system,mitochondrial function and apoptosis after weaning,and effects of MA on growth performance and liver health in weaning piglets.Methods This study consisted of 2 experimets.In the both experiments,piglets were weaned at 21 days of age.In Exp.1,at 21(W0),22(W1),25(W4),28(W7),and 35(W14)days of age,6 piglets were slaughtered at each timepoint.In Exp.2,piglets were divided into 2 groups:one received MA gavage(MA)and the other received saline gavage(CON).At 25 days of age,6 piglets from each group were sacrificed.Results In Exp.1,weaning caused growth inhibition and liver developmental retardation from W0 to W4.The mRNA sequencing between W0 and W4 revealed that pathways related to"regulation of apoptotic process"and"reactive oxygen species metabolic process"were enriched.Further study showed that weaning led to higher hepatic content of reactive oxygen species(ROS),H_(2)O_(2) and O_(2)~-.Weaning enhanced mitochondrial fission and suppressed their fusion,activated mitophagy,thus triggering cell apoptosis.In Exp.2,MA improved growth performance of piglets with higher average daily gain(ADG)and average daily feed intake(ADFI).The hepatic ROS,as well as products of oxidative damage malonaldehyde(MDA)and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine(8-OHdG)in the MA group decreased significantly than that of the CON group.The MA elevated mitochondrial membrane potential,increased activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes(MRC)ⅠandⅣ,enhanced mitochondrial fusion and reduced mitophagy thus decreasing cell apoptosis.Conclusions The present study showed that MA improved the growth performance of weaning piglets and reversed weaning-induced oxidative damage,mitochondrial dysfunction,and apoptosis.Our results suggested that MA had promising prospects for maintaining liver health in weaning piglets and provided a reference for studies of liver diseases in humans.
基金partially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFD1300201)Jilin Province Key Research and Development Program of China(20220202044NC)。
文摘Background Promoting the synchronization of glucose and amino acid release in the digestive tract of pigs could effectively improve dietary nitrogen utilization.The rational allocation of dietary starch sources and the exploration of appropriate dietary glucose release kinetics may promote the dynamic balance of dietary glucose and amino acid supplies.However,research on the effects of diets with different glucose release kinetic profiles on amino acid absorption and portal amino acid appearance in piglets is limited.This study aimed to investigate the effects of the kinetic pattern of dietary glucose release on nitrogen utilization,the portal amino acid profile,and nutrient transporter expression in intestinal enterocytes in piglets.Methods Sixty-four barrows(15.00±1.12 kg)were randomly allotted to 4 groups and fed diets formulated with starch from corn,corn/barley,corn/sorghum,or corn/cassava combinations(diets were coded A,B,C,or D respectively).Protein retention,the concentrations of portal amino acid and glucose,and the relative expression of amino acid and glucose transporter m RNAs were investigated.In vitro digestion was used to compare the dietary glucose release profiles.Results Four piglet diets with different glucose release kinetics were constructed by adjusting starch sources.The in vivo appearance dynamics of portal glucose were consistent with those of in vitro dietary glucose release kinetics.Total nitrogen excretion was reduced in the piglets in group B,while apparent nitrogen digestibility and nitrogen retention increased(P<0.05).Regardless of the time(2 h or 4 h after morning feeding),the portal total free amino acids content and contents of some individual amino acids(Thr,Glu,Gly,Ala,and Ile)of the piglets in group B were significantly higher than those in groups A,C,and D(P<0.05).Cluster analysis showed that different glucose release kinetic patterns resulted in different portal amino acid patterns in piglets,which decreased gradually with the extension of feeding time.The portal His/Phe,Pro/Glu,Leu/Val,Lys/Met,Tyr/Ile and Ala/Gly appeared higher similarity among the diet treatments.In the anterior jejunum,the glucose transporter SGLT1 was significantly positively correlated with the amino acid transporters B0AT1,EAAC1,and CAT1.Conclusions Rational allocation of starch resources could regulate dietary glucose release kinetics.In the present study,group B(corn/barley)diet exhibited a better glucose release kinetic pattern than the other groups,which could affect the portal amino acid contents and patterns by regulating the expression of amino acid transporters in the small intestine,thereby promoting nitrogen deposition in the body,and improving the utilization efficiency of dietary nitrogen.
基金financially supported by 14^(th) Five-Year for Breeding Research Project of Sichuan Provincial Department of Science and Technology (2021YFYZ0008)。
文摘Rotavirus is one of the pathogenic causes that induce diarrhea in young animals, especially piglets, worldwide. However, nowadays, there is no specific drug available to treat the disease, and the related vaccines have no obvious efficiency in some countries. Via analyzing the pathogenesis of rotavirus, it inducing diarrhea is mainly due to disturb enteric nervous system, destroy gut mucosal integrity, induce intracellular electrolyte imbalance, and impair gut microbiota and immunity. Many studies have already proved that prebiotics and probiotics can mitigate the damage and diarrhea induced by rotavirus infection in hosts. Based on these, the current review summarizes and discusses the effects and mechanisms of prebiotics and probiotics on rotavirus-induced diarrhea in piglets. This information will highlight the basis for the swine production utilization of prebiotics and probiotics in the prevention or treatment of rotavirus infection in the future.
基金supported by a Key Technologies R&D Program of Guangdong Province project(2022B0202090002)a China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant No.2021M701263)+1 种基金a Local Innovative and Research Teams Project of Guangdong Province(2019BT02N630)a Project of Swine Innovation Team in the Guangdong Modern Agricultural Research System(2023KJ126).
文摘Background The establishment of a robust gut microbiota in piglets during their early developmental stage holds the potential for long-term advantageous effects.However,the optimal timeframe for introducing probiotics to achieve this outcome remains uncertain.Results In the context of this investigation,we conducted a longitudinal assessment of the fecal microbiota of 63 piglets at three distinct pre-weaning time points.Simultaneously,we gathered vaginal and fecal samples from 23 sows.Employing 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing methodologies,we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the fluctuation patterns in microbial composition,functional capacity,interaction networks,and colonization resistance within the gut microbiota of piglets.As the piglets progressed in age,discernible modifications in intestinal microbial diversity,composition,and function were observed.A source-tracking analysis unveiled the pivotal role of fecal and vaginal microbiota derived from sows in populating the gut microbiota of neonatal piglets.By D21,the microbial interaction network displayed a more concise and efficient configuration,accompanied by enhanced colonization resistance relative to the other two time points.Moreover,we identified three strains of Ruminococcus sp.at D10 as potential candidates for improving piglets’weight gain during the weaning phase.Conclusions The findings of this study propose that D10 represents the most opportune juncture for the introduction of external probiotic interventions during the early stages of piglet development.This investigation augments our comprehension of the microbiota dynamics in early-life of piglets and offers valuable insights for guiding forthcoming probiotic interventions.
文摘[Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mycotoxin from moldy maize on immune response of piglets.[Method] ELISA method was used to determine the content of Aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A in maize; after the piglets were fed with the moldy maize,the corresponding antibody titers in the serums of piglets were measured.[Result] Antibody levels of tested group were obvious lower than that of the control,while the histological section of immune organs also suggested that mycotoxin could significantly inhibit the immune response of piglets.[Conclusion] Mycotoxin in maize had important effects on the internal organs and immune response of piglets.
基金National Basic Research Program of China (No. 2006CB102104)National Natural Sci-ences Foundation of China (No. 30430500).
文摘Escherichia coli expressing F4 fimbriae is the major pathogenic bacteria that causes diarrhea in piglets before weaning. The adhesion of E. coli to the brush borders of the epithelial cells of piglets is the precondition leading to diarrhea, which in turn is due to the presence of the F4 receptors determined by an autosomal recessive gene on the brush borders of the epithelial cells. In order to clarify the genetic mechanism of the adhesion, an in vitro adhesion experiment was carded out for three variants of E. coli F4 （ab, ac, and ad） in 366 piglets of three pig breeds [Landrace （LR）, Large White （LW）, and Songliao Black （SB）]. The results showed that there existed significant differences （P〈0.001） in the adhesion percentage among the three breeds. Most SB piglets were nonadhesive for all the three variants, whereas most LR piglets were adhesive. Within each breed except for LR, the proportions of the three F4 variants adhering to the brush borders differed significantly. According to the patterns of the adhesion of the three F4 variants in the three breeds, it is very likely that the three F4 variants F4ab, F4ac, and F4ad have different receptors that are controlled by three different loci.
文摘In this study, feed-grade proteinase was added into conventional diets of three-line crossbred （Duroc x Landrace x Large White） piglets, to investigate the effects of feed-grade proteinase on anti-diarrhea capacity, daily weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of piglets. The results showed that adding feed-grade proteinase in diets enhanced anti-diarrhea capacity of piglets and improved signifi- cantly production performance and breeding efficiency of piglets. This study provided the reference for rational utilization of feed-grade proteinase in actual production.
基金Supported by grants from the Knowledge Innovation Project of Chinese Academy of Sciences ( KSCX2-YW-N-051 and SW-323)NSFC(30901040, 30901041, 30928018, 30828025, 30700581, and 30771558 )+2 种基金National Basic Research Program of China(2009CB118800)National 863 Project ( 2008AA10Z316)National Scientific and Technological Supporting Project(2007BAQ01047 and 2006BAD12B07)~~
文摘Dietary arginine supplementation enhances the immune status and protein synthesis in early-weaned pigs. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. To investigate how arginine affects the expression of key proteins that regulate growth and nutrient transport of jejunum, a total of 12 healthy piglets （21 day-old, similar body weight, Landrace x Yorkshire） delivered by four sows were randomly divided into two groups. Piglets in the test group were reared with feed supplemented L-arginine at a concentration of 6.0 g/kg, while piglets in the control group were fed with feed supplemented L-alanine at a concentration of 12.3 g/kg （isonitrogenous control）. After 7 d, jejunum mucosae was collected and analyzed with the 2-D PAGE MS technology. Compared with the control pigs, arginine decreased the levels of proteins that regulate the protein syn- thesis, intermediary metabolism and tissue growth （ similar to anterior gradient 2 homolog, cyclophilin_ABHJike, hypothetical protein FLJ39502 and tetratrioopeptide repeat domain 16, similar to KIAA0156, mitechondrial ATP synthase, hydrion transporting F1 complex, beta subunit and alpha-tu- bulin ubiquitous isoform 19, prolyl 4-hydroxylase, beta subunit precursor）. In addition, arginine increased the levels of proteins that are involved in proteolysis and immune response （ PGAM1, T cell receptor beta variable 20, membrane steroid binding protein, similar to myomesin-1, and chain A, structure of pig muscle Pgk complexed with MgATP）. Therefore, arginine influences the immune response and protein synthesis mechanisms as well as improves eady weaned stress syndrome of piglets.
基金Supported by grants from Knowledge Innovation Project of Chinese Academy of Sciences (KSCX2-YW-N-051 and SW-323)NSFC(30901040, 30901041, 30928018, 30828025, 30700581, and 30771558)+2 种基金National Basic Research Program of China(2009CB118800)National 863 project (2008AA10Z316)National Scientific and Technological Supporting Project(2007BAQ01047 and 2006BAD12B07)~~
文摘Weaning of piglets is generally considered as a stressor which changes intestinal ecosystem and leads to clinical implications. Microbiota inhabiting in small intestine （especially ileum） are assumed to promote health, but their functional properties are yet poody dascdbed. As indicated by the 16S rRNA gene sequences of ileal micrebiota in nursing piglets （at the age of 21 and 28 d） and 28-day-old weaned piglets （weaned at 21 d of age）, the microbiota were mainly comprised of gram-positive bacteria. There were 40 operational taxonomic units （OTUs） （from 171 clones） in the ileum of nursing piglets aged 21 d, 61 OTUs （from 194 clones） in the ileum of nursing piglets aged 28 d, and 56 OTUs （from 171 clones） in the ileum of weaned piglets aged 28 d. The flea of nursing piglets aged 21 d were dominantly occupied by Lactobacilli （87.7%） as well as Streptococ cus （ 3.5 % ）. Lactobacillus amy/ovorus （41.5 % ）, Lactobaci/lus sp. （ 19.3 % ）, Lactobaci/lus reuteri （ 12.3 % ）, Lactobacillus salivarius （ 9.4 % ） and L. mucosae （4.7%） were the predominant species among Lactobacil/L Similar results were obtained in the nursing piglets at 28 d of age ex- cept that Lactobaci/li decreased to 71.1% and Streptococcus increased to 21.1% significantly. Lactobacillus （52.0%） and Streptococcus （26.3%） were the two major groups in the ileum of weaned piglets aged 28 d. Lactobacillus amylovorus （31.6%） and Lactobaci/lus reuteri （ 16.4% ） was the two most important species in Lactobacillus. Therefore, Lactobacilli were predominant in the ileum of nursing and weaned piglets, and they had the highest diversity, followed by Streptococcus. The diversity of ileal microbiota was not different remarkably between the nursing piglets and the weaned piglets, but the composition changed significantly. These findings are helpful to understand ileal bacterial ecophysiology and further develop nutritional regimes to prevent or counteract complications during the weaning transition.
