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The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of whole corn high-grain diet feeding on growth performance, ruminal bacterial community, and epithelial morphology and gene expression related to VFA absorption and metabolism in fattening lambs. Fourteen male (castrated) lambs were randomly assigned to either a group fed a ground corn high-grain diet (50.4% grain; HGC, n = 7) or a group fed a whole corn high-grain diet (50.4% grain; HWC, n = 7). After 7 wk of feeding, HWC group increased the average daily gain (ADG) (P = 0.036) and decreased the feed: gain value (P = 0.010) significantly. HWC group had a greater crude protein apparent digestibility (P = 0.028) in the third week and dry matter and neutral detergent fiber apparent digestibility (P < 0.05) in the seventh week. Pyrosequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene revealed that HWC feeding increased the relative abundance of genera Anaerovibrio , Schwartzia and Unclassified Veillonellaceae in the rumen content and Howardella , Schwartzia and Unclassified Veillonellaceae in the rumen epithelia (P <0.05), while decreased the proportion of Lachnospira and Unclassified Synergistaceae in the rumen content and Anaerovorax , Papillibacter , Ruminococcus , Fibrobacter , Unclassified Lachnospiraceae, Unclassified Bacteroidales and Unclassified Prevotellaceae in the rumen epithelia (P < 0.05). HWC group increased the rumen papilla length (P = 0.001) and surface area (P = 0.002). Furthermore, HWC diet feeding up-regulated the relative mRNA expression of putative anion transporter isoform 1 (PAT1) (P = 0.032) in the rumen epithelia. In summary, compared with ground corn high-grain diet feeding, whole corn high-grain diet feeding improved animal performance, changed ruminal bacterial composition and diversity, and increased VFA absorption of epithelial papilla in fattening lambs. These findings provided theoretical guidance for the actual application of whole corn high-grain diet in ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was to investigate the effects of chitosan-chelated zinc on ileal microbiota, inflammatory response, and barrier function in weaned piglets challenged with Escherichia coli K88. Piglets of the chitosan-chelated zinc treatment (Cs-Zn; 100 mg zinc + 766 mg chitosan/kg basal diet, from chitosan-chelated zinc) and the chitosan treatment (CS, 766 mg chitosan/kg basal diet) had significantly increased ileal villus height and the ratio of villi height to crypt depth. CS-Zn group piglets had a higher abundance of Lactobacillus in the ileal digesta, while the abundance of Streptococcus, Escherichia shigella, Actinobacillus, and Clostridium sensu stricto 6 was significantly decreased. The concentrations of propionate, butyrate, and lactate in the CS-Zn group piglets were significantly increased, while the pH value was significantly decreased. Furthermore, the concentrations of IL-1β, TNF-α, MPO, and INF-γ in the ileal mucosa of the CS-Zn and the H-ZnO group (pharmacological dose of 1600 mg Zn/kg basal diet, from ZnO) were significantly lower than those of the control group fed with basal diet, and the mRNA expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB of the CS-Zn group was also reduced. In addition, the mRNA expression of IGF-1 was increased, the protein expression of occludin and claudin-1 was enhanced, while the mRNA expression of caspase 3 and caspase 8 was decreased in the CS-Zn group. These results suggest CS-Zn treatment could help modulate the composition of ileal microbiota, attenuate inflammatory response, and maintain the intestinal function in weaned piglets challenged with Escherichia coli K88. Key points: • Chitosan-chelated zinc significantly modulated ileal microbiota. • Chitosan-chelated zinc can improve ileal health. • The ileal microbiota plays an important role in host health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the effects of early-life lactoferrin (LF) intervention on the colonic microbiota, intestinal function and mucosal immunity in suckling piglets. A total of 60 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire suckling piglets from six sows were assigned to the control (CON) and LF groups in litters. The LF group piglets were fed 0.5 g/kg body weight of LF solution per day, and the CON group piglets were fed the same dose of physiological saline for a week. Six piglets from the two groups were randomly chosen and euthanised on days 8 and 21. The LF group piglets had higher ACE and Chao1 indices of colonic microbiota than the CON group piglets (P < 0.05). In addition, the LF group piglets had a higher abundance of Roseburia (P < 0.05) and a lower abundance of Escherichia–Shigella (P < 0.05) in the colonic digesta. The LF group piglets also had a higher concentration of butyrate (P < 0.05) in the colonic digesta. Moreover, the LF group piglets had a higher gene expression of occludin (P < 0.05) in the colonic mucosa. In addition, the gene expression of MUC4 was upregulated in the LF group piglets compared with that in the CON group on day 21 (P < 0.05), and the lower gene expression of TLR-4 was found in the LF group compared with the CON group on day 8 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the concentration of IL-10 was increased in the LF group on day 8 (P < 0.05), while the LF group piglets had a higher concentration of sIgA and lower concentrations of IL-1α and IL-1β (P < 0.05) in the colonic mucosa. These results suggest that early-life LF intervention can modulate the composition of colonic microbiota and improve the intestinal function in suckling piglets. Key Points • Early-life LF intervention significantly modulated colon microbiota. • Early-life LF intervention can improve the colon health. • The colon microbiota plays an important role in host health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pectin significantly increased Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, decreased Bacteroidetes in colon. • Pectin group had the highest number of unique OTUs compared with other groups. • Pectin changed the expression of immune and metabolism-associated genes. • Pectin with high viscosity could lower the colonic mucosal thickness. To investigate the distinctive mechanism behind different types of fibers, this study compared the effects of inulin (INU), raw potato starch (RPS), pectin (PEC) enriched diets on the microbiota composition, and the mucosal transcriptome in pig colons. Results showed that PEC enriched diet significantly increased richness estimator (Chao) of colonic microbiota, relative abundances of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, and decreased Bacteroidetes, whereas INU and RPS induced a roughly similar microbiota composition to the control. PEC changed the expression of genes (CD8A , B2M and CD19) involving antigen processing and presentation, and primary immunodeficiency pathways, and up-regulated 2 active genes (UGT2B31 and LOC100738495) involving the metabolism of important endogenous compounds (e.g. bile acids and steroid hormones). Results indicate that the consumption of apple pectin with high viscosity may lead to a distinct response on microbiota composition and gene expression in pig colons, and result in a potential negative impact on gut health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium butyrate (SB) infusion on rumen papillae growth and volatile fatty acid (VFA) uptake and metabolism in neonatal lambs. Seven pairs of newborn twin lambs were used. Within each pair, lambs were assigned to receive an oral infusion of SB at 0.36 g/kg body weight (BW) (SB, n = 7) or the same volume of saline (Con, n = 7). Treatments were administered from 10 to 49 d of age, when all lambs were slaughtered. Results showed that the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of starter, average daily gain (ADG), BW of lambs at ages of 5 and 6 wk in SB group were greater (P < 0.05) than those in Con group. Infusion of SB increased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of acetate, butyrate, and total VFA in the rumen fluid and elevated (P < 0.05) the levels of β-hydroxybutyrate acid (BHBA), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and insulin in plasma. Infusion of SB promoted rumen papillae growth, depicted by higher emptied rumen weight, larger rumen papillae length, width, and surface area, and greater thickness of stratum corneum and total epithelium. Sodium butyrate infusion upregulated (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of cyclin A2 , cyclin D1 , and cyclin-dependent kinases 6 (CDK6), and downregulated (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of caspase-3 and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in the rumen epithelia. Moreover, SB infusion also upregulated (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP-5), and downregulated (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) in the rumen epithelia. Sodium butyrate infusion also enhanced (P < 0.05) gene expressions of monocarboxylate transporter isoform 1 (MCT1), downregulated in adenoma (DRA), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase isoform 2 (HMGCS2), and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA lyase (HMGCL), while depressed (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of sodium/proton exchanger isoform 2 (NHE2) in the rumen epithelia. Our results suggest that the SB infusion can improve animal performance, promote the ruminal papillae growth, and enhance expression of genes related to ruminal epithelial VFA uptake and metabolism in preweaning twin lambs. These findings provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of SB promoting rumen epithelial development and function in preweaning lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We previously reported that protein‐restricted rats experienced compensatory growth when they were switched to a normal protein diet (NPD). This study aimed to investigate the changes in gene expression and microbiome in the jejunum of compensatory‐growth rats. Weaned Sprague‐Dawley rats were assigned to an N group, an LN group and an L group. The rats in the L and N groups were fed a low protein diet (LPD) and the NPD respectively. The rats in the LN group were fed with the LPD for 2 weeks, followed by the NPD. The experiment lasted 70 days, and the rats were sacrificed for sampling on days 14, 28 and 70 to determine the jejunal morphology, microbiome and gene expression related to digestive, absorptive and barrier function. The results showed that, although rats in the LN group had temporarily impaired morphology and gene expression in the jejunum on day 14 in response to the LPD, they had improved jejunal morphology and gene expression related to jejunal function on day 28 compared to rats in the N group. This improvement might promote compensatory growth of rats. However, lower expression of genes related to nutrient absorption and undifferentiated villous height (VH) were observed in the jejunum of rats in the LN group on day 70. In contrast, rats in the L group had lower VH on day 28 and day 70, while the expression of absorptive genes increased on day 28 compared to rats in the N group. Additionally, dramatic microbial changes in the jejunum of compensatory‐growth rats were observed, principally for Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus. Moreover, the abundance of Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus significantly correlated with gene expression in the jejunum as revealed by the correlation analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-feed antibiotics have been commonly used to promote the growth performance of piglets. The antibiotics can increase protein utilization, but the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. The present study investigated the effects of in-feed antibiotics on intestinal AA transporters and receptors to test the hypothesis that the alteration of circulating AA profiles may be concomitant with the change of intestinal AA transporters and receptors. Sixteen litters of piglets at day 7 started to receive creep feed with (Antibiotic) or without (Control) antibiotic. Piglets were weaned at day 23 after birth, and fed the same diets until day 42. In-feed antibiotics did not affect the BW of 23-day-old ( P = 0.248), or 42-day-old piglets ( P = 0.089), but increased the weight gain to feed ratio from day 23 to 42 ( P = 0.020). At day 42 after birth, antibiotic treatment increased the concentrations of most AAs in serum ( P < 0.05), and decreased the concentrations of most AAs in jejunal and ileal digesta. Antibiotics upregulated ( P < 0.05) the mRNA expression levels for jejunal AAs transporters (CAT1, EAAC1, ASCT2, yLAT1), peptide transporters (PepT1), and Na-K-ATPase (ATP1A1), and ileal AA transporters (ASCT2, yLAT1, bAT, and BAT1), and ATP1A1. The antibiotics also upregulated the mRNA expression of jejunal AAs receptors T1R3 and CaSR, and ileal T1R3. Protein expression levels for jejunal AA transporters (EAAC1, bAT, and ASCT2) and PepT1 were also upregulated. Correlation analysis revealed that the alterations of AA profiles in serum after the in-feed antibiotics were correlated with the upregulations of mRNA expression levels for key AA transporters and receptors in the small intestine. In conclusion, the in-feed antibiotics increased serum level of most AAs and decreased most AAs in the small intestine. These changes correlated with the upregulations of mRNA expression levels for key AA transporters and receptors in the small intestine. The findings provide further insights into the mechanism of in-feed antibiotics, which may provide new framework for designing alternatives to antibiotics in animal feed in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compensatory growth is a physiological phenomenon found in both humans and animals. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this study, for the first time, we investigated the role of microbiota in compensatory growth induced by protein restriction using a rat model. Weaned Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a low protein diet (L group), a normal protein diet (N group) and a low protein diet for 2 weeks followed by a normal protein diet ( LN group). The results showed that in contrast with the inhibited growth of rats in the L group, compensatory growth was observed in the LN group. Meanwhile, rats in the LN group had increased concentrations of total short chain fatty acids, particularly butyrate, and an altered bacterial composition with modified abundances of Peptostreptococcaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, Porphyromonadaceae and Prevotellaceae in the colonic content. Furthermore, gene expression analysis indicated that the rats that experienced compensatory growth had improved barrier function and innate immune function in the colon. Our data revealed the importance of colonic microbiota in achieving compensatory growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butyrate in the gut of animals has potential properties including regulating the innate immune, modulating the lipid metabolism, and protecting gut healthy. So far, only limited information on the impact of butyrate on the neonatal is available. This study aimed to investigate effects of oral administration of sodium butyrate (SB) on gut microbiota and the expression of inflammatory cytokine in neonatal piglets. Ten litters of crossbred newborn piglets were randomly allocated to the SB and control (CO) groups, each group consisted of five litters (replicates). Piglets in the SB group were orally administrated with 7 to 13 ml sodium butyrate solution (150 mmol/l) per day from the age of 1 to 7 days, respectively; piglets in the CO group were treated with the same dose of physiological saline. On days 8 and 21 (of age), gut digesta and tissues were collected for the analysis of microbiota, butyrate concentration and gene expression of inflammatory cytokine. Results showed that there was no difference in the butyrate concentration in the gut of piglets on days 8 and 21 between two groups. Real-time PCR assay showed that SB had no effect on the numbers of total bacteria in the stomach, ileum, and colon. MiSeq sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that SB increased the richness in the stomach and colon, and the diversity of colonic microbiota on day 8 (P < 0.05). Genera Acinetobacter, Actinobacillus, Facklamia, Globicatella, Kocuria, Rothia, unclassified Leptotrichiaceae, unclassified Neisseriaceae, and unclassified Prevotellaceae in the stomach were increased in relative abundance by SB treatment, whereas the abundances of Lactobacillus decreased on day 8 (P < 0.05). At the genus and operational taxonomic unit (OTU) levels, SB had low impact on bacterial community in the ileum and colon on days 8 and 21. SB treatment decreased the expression of IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, IL-10, TGF-β, and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) in the ileum of piglets on day 8 (P < 0.05). SB treatment down-regulated the expression of IL-8, IFN-γ, and IL-1β on day 21 (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis on the combined datasets revealed some potential relationships between gut microbiota and the expression of inflammatory cytokines. The results show that early intervention with sodium butyrate can modulate the ileum inflammatory cytokine in neonatal piglets with low impact on intestinal microbial structure, which suggests oral administration of SB may have a benefit role in the health of neonatal piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, three primiparous lactating Holstein cows (260–285 d in lactation) were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design to assess the effects of three doses (0·0, 0·4 and 0·8 μg/kg body weight) of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, Escherichia coli 0111:B4) on changes in ruminal microbiota and ruminal fermentation. Ruminal pH was linearly decreased (P< 0·001) by LPS challenge, and the concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate, total volatile fatty acids and amino N increased linearly (P< 0·001) according to the LPS dose. LPS infusion linearly decreased (P< 0·001) the organic matter degradability of alfalfa hay and soyabean meal in the rumen, but did not affect (P>0·10) the gene expression of Na+/K+-ATPase and monocarboxylic acid transporter-1, -2 and -4. A plot of principal coordinate analysis based on unweighted UniFrac values and analysis of molecular variance revealed that the structure of ruminal bacterial communities in the control was distinct from that of the ruminal microbiota in the cattle exposed to LPS. At the phylum level, when compared with the control group, LPS infusion in the tested cows linearly increased (P< 0·05) the abundance of Firmicutes, and linearly decreased (P< 0·05) the percentage of Bacteroidetes, Tenericutes, Spirochaetes, Chlorobi and Lentisphaerae. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report that intravenously LPS challenge altered the ruminal bacterial microbiota and fermentation profiles. The present data suggest that systemic LPS could alter ruminal environment and ruminal microbiota composition, leading to a general decrease in fermentative activity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]