1. Beta-glucan from Agrobacterium sp. ZX09 improves growth performance and intestinal function in weaned piglets.
- Author
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Luo J, Liu S, Yu B, He J, Mao X, Cheng L, and Chen D
- Subjects
- Animals, Bacteria classification, Bacteria genetics, Claudin-1 genetics, Claudin-1 metabolism, DNA genetics, Gastrointestinal Contents microbiology, Gene Expression Regulation drug effects, Intestines physiology, Mucins genetics, Mucins metabolism, Occludin genetics, Occludin metabolism, RNA, Messenger genetics, RNA, Messenger metabolism, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction, Zonula Occludens-1 Protein genetics, Zonula Occludens-1 Protein metabolism, beta-Glucans, Agrobacterium chemistry, Intestines drug effects, Swine physiology
- Abstract
Beta-glucan is currently under consideration as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics. The aim of the study was to investigate Agrobacterium sp. ZX09 beta-glucan on intestinal morphology, cytokine concentration, mucin expression and microbial populations of weaning piglets. Pigs were randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg beta-glucan. Data showed an increase in ADG at the 100 mg/kg group (p = .03). A significant increase in villus height and reduction in crypt depth were fund in ileal tissue at the 100 mg/kg inclusion level (p < .05). Dietary supplementation of 100 mg/kg beta-glucan enhanced IL-10 concentration (p = .04) and gene expression of MUC1 and MUC2 (p < .05) in the jejunum. Dietary supplementation of 100 mg/kg beta-glucan provoked the up-regulation of Lactobacillus counts and down-regulation of Escherichia coli counts in the caecum (p = .05). Data suggested that improved growth performance in response to beta-glucan supplementation at 100 mg/kg in weaned piglets may be explained by the improved intestinal function., (© 2019 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)
- Published
- 2019
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