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14 pages, 2422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Dietary Combinations on Blood Biochemical Indicators and Rumen Microbial Ecology in Wenshan Cattle

by Dongwang Wu, Xiaoming He, Ying Lu, Zhendong Gao, Yuqing Chong, Jieyun Hong, Jiao Wu, Weidong Deng and Dongmei Xi

Microorganisms 2024, 12(11), 2154; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12112154 - 26 Oct 2024

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Abstract

With the continuous optimization of feed ingredients in livestock production, barley has garnered significant attention as a potential substitute for corn in feed. This study aims to investigate the effects of replacing part of the corn and soybean meal with barley, wheat bran, [...] Read more.

With the continuous optimization of feed ingredients in livestock production, barley has garnered significant attention as a potential substitute for corn in feed. This study aims to investigate the effects of replacing part of the corn and soybean meal with barley, wheat bran, and rapeseed meal on Wenshan cattle, focusing on the rumen microbial community, blood physiological and biochemical indicators, and growth traits. Through an intensive feeding experiment with two different dietary ratios, we found that adding barley to the diet significantly reduced the host’s blood lipid concentration and significantly increased the height, body length, heart girth, and average daily weight gain of Wenshan cattle. Analysis of the rumen microbial community structure showed that the addition of barley significantly affected the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, with the relative abundance of Spirochaetes being significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.05). The dominant bacterial groups mainly included Acinetobacter, Solibacillus, and Lysinibacillus. In summary, this study reveals the potential of different feed ingredient ratios involving barley, wheat bran, and rapeseed meal in the production performance of Wenshan cattle. By regulating blood physiology and improving the rumen micro-ecological structure, it provides new scientific evidence for optimizing livestock and poultry feeding management strategies. Future research will further explore the optimal application ratio of barley under different feeding conditions and its long-term impact on animal health and production performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Regulation on Gut Microbiota, 2nd Edition)

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25 pages, 1837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Dietary Supplementation with Dried Olive Pulp on Gut Microbiota, Production Performance, Egg Quality Traits, and Health of Laying Hens

by Anna Dedousi, Charalampos Kotzamanidis, Andigoni Malousi, Virginia Giantzi and Evangelia Sossidou

Microorganisms 2024, 12(9), 1916; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12091916 - 20 Sep 2024

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Abstract

This study examines the dietary effect of dried olive pulp (OP) on the overall performance, egg quality, health, and gut microbiota of laying hens during a 36-week trial. A total of 180 Isa Brown layers, aged 23 weeks, were assigned to 15-floor pens [...] Read more.

This study examines the dietary effect of dried olive pulp (OP) on the overall performance, egg quality, health, and gut microbiota of laying hens during a 36-week trial. A total of 180 Isa Brown layers, aged 23 weeks, were assigned to 15-floor pens and divided into three feeding groups (CON, OP4, and OP6) based on the dietary level of OP. Egg quality and biochemical parameters were assessed in 39- and 59-week-old hens. Fecal samples were collected for microbiota analysis. Data were analyzed with an Analysis of Variance. The percentage of broken eggshells was found to be 15–34% lower in the OP groups compared to the CON groups. At 59 weeks of age, a significant reduction in shell thickness was observed in the CON eggs compared to the OP eggs (p < 0.05). At 39 weeks of age, OP6 eggs had the darkest yolk color of all groups (p < 0.05). Fecal microbial diversity was affected only by hens’ age. However, an enrichment in bacterial species belonging to the genera Megasphaera and Megamonas was found in the OP groups at 59 weeks of age. Our results demonstrate that OP feeding beneficially affects egg quality and promotes the proliferation of bacteria involved in the degradation of complex plant compounds, potentially contributing to the overall health of the gut microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Regulation on Gut Microbiota, 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 5926 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fermented Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) Supplementation Enhances Growth and Immune Function Parallel to the Regulation of Gut Microbial Butyrate Production in Weaned Piglets

by Lei Xu, Ge Gao, Zian Zhou, Zixi Wei, Wenjuan Sun, Yanpin Li, Xianren Jiang, Jingang Gu, Xilong Li and Yu Pi

Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1403; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071403 - 11 Jul 2024

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Abstract

Weaning is a challenging period for piglets, characterized by stress-related growth checks, compromised immunity, and gut dysbiosis. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), known for its rich content of antioxidants, has potential as a functional feed ingredient. This study investigates the effects of feeding [...] Read more.

Weaning is a challenging period for piglets, characterized by stress-related growth checks, compromised immunity, and gut dysbiosis. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), known for its rich content of antioxidants, has potential as a functional feed ingredient. This study investigates the effects of feeding fermented purslane (FP) on the growth performance, immune function, intestinal microbiota, and metabolic profiles of weaned piglets. Forty-eight weaned piglets were randomly divided into two groups, with eight pens in each group and three pigs in each pen: a control diet (CON group) and a diet supplemented with 0.20% FP (FP group). The experiment lasted 28 days. The results show that FP supplementation did not affect the average daily feed intake (ADFI) but significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) during the initial 14 days post-weaning. FP supplementation decreased diarrhea occurrence, with a pronounced reduction from days 10 to 13 (p < 0.05). Immunologically, the FP group had a trend towards reduced serum IgA levels on day 14 (p < 0.10). Importantly, the serum concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 were significantly reduced on both days 14 and 28 post-weaning. The antioxidative analysis showed increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and decreased catalase (CAT) activities on day 14 (p < 0.05). In addition, FP supplementation significantly decreased serum diamine oxidase (DAO) activity and D-lactate levels by day 28, indicating a potential improvement in gut integrity. Fecal microbiota assessment demonstrated a distinctive clustering of microbial communities between the FP and CON groups, with an increase in the abundance of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Tyzzerella, and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group and a decrease in Lactobacillus, Bacillus, and Subdoligranulum in the FP group (p < 0.05). Functional predictions suggested that the relative abundance of microbial butyrate synthesis enzymes (EC 2.7.2.7 and EC 2.3.1.19) was significantly enhanced by FP treatment. This modulation was further corroborated by elevated fecal butyrate levels (p < 0.05). In summary, dietary supplementation with FP promotes early-growth performance and has beneficial effects on immune function and intestinal health in weaned piglets. The enhancements may be attributed to distinct microbiota compositional changes and targeted modulation of microbial butyrate metabolism, which are crucial for piglet post-weaning adaptation and overall health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Regulation on Gut Microbiota, 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 5067 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Disrupted Microbiota of Colon Results in Worse Immunity and Metabolism in Low-Birth-Weight Jinhua Newborn Piglets

by Jiaheng Li, Zeou Wei, Fangfang Lou, Xiaojun Zhang, Jiujun Duan, Chengzeng Luo, Xujin Hu, Pingguang Tu, Lei Liu, Ruqing Zhong, Liang Chen, Xizhong Du and Hongfu Zhang

Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1371; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071371 - 4 Jul 2024

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Abstract

The Jinhua pig is well known in China due to its delicious meat. However, because of large litter size, low birth weight always happens. This experiment used this breed as a model to research bacterial evidence leading to growth restriction and provide a [...] Read more.

The Jinhua pig is well known in China due to its delicious meat. However, because of large litter size, low birth weight always happens. This experiment used this breed as a model to research bacterial evidence leading to growth restriction and provide a possible solution linked to probiotics. In this experiment, the differences in organs indexes, colonic morphology, short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations, microbiome, and transcriptome were detected between piglets in the standard-birth-weight group (SG) and low-birth-weight group (LG) to find potential evidence leading to low birth weight. We found that LG piglets had a lower liver index (p < 0.05), deeper colonic crypt depth (p < 0.05), fewer goblet cells (p < 0.05), and more inflammatory factor infiltration. In addition, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly enriched in B-cell immunity and glucose metabolism, and LG piglets had lower concentrations of SCFAs, especially butyrate and isobutyrate (p < 0.05). Finally, most of the significantly differentially abundant microbes were fewer in LG piglets, which affected DEG expressions and SCFA concentrations further resulting in worse energy metabolism and immunity. In conclusion, colonic disrupted microbiota may cause worse glucose metabolism, immunity, and SCFA production in LG piglets, and beneficial microbes colonized in SG piglets may benefit these harmful changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Regulation on Gut Microbiota, 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 3491 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distinct Plasma Metabolomic and Gut Microbiome Profiles after Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Diet Treatment: Implications for Personalized Dietary Interventions

by Kameron Y. Sugino, Teri L. Hernandez, Linda A. Barbour, Jennifer M. Kofonow, Daniel N. Frank and Jacob E. Friedman

Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1369; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071369 - 4 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1212

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) triggers alterations in the maternal microbiome. Alongside metabolic shifts, microbial products may impact clinical factors and influence pregnancy outcomes. We investigated maternal microbiome-metabolomic changes, including over 600 metabolites from a subset of the “Choosing Healthy Options in Carbohydrate Energy” [...] Read more.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) triggers alterations in the maternal microbiome. Alongside metabolic shifts, microbial products may impact clinical factors and influence pregnancy outcomes. We investigated maternal microbiome-metabolomic changes, including over 600 metabolites from a subset of the “Choosing Healthy Options in Carbohydrate Energy” (CHOICE) study. Women diagnosed with GDM were randomized to a diet higher in complex carbohydrates (CHOICE, n = 18, 60% complex carbohydrate/25% fat/15% protein) or a conventional GDM diet (CONV, n = 16, 40% carbohydrate/45% fat/15% protein). All meals were provided. Diets were eucaloric, and fiber content was similar. CHOICE was associated with increases in trimethylamine N-oxide, indoxyl sulfate, and several triglycerides, while CONV was associated with hippuric acid, betaine, and indole propionic acid, suggestive of a healthier metabolome. Conversely, the microbiome of CHOICE participants was enriched with carbohydrate metabolizing genes and beneficial taxa such as Bifidobacterium adolescentis, while CONV was associated with inflammatory pathways including antimicrobial resistance and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. We also identified latent metabolic groups not associated with diet: a metabolome associated with less of a decrease in fasting glucose, and another associated with relatively higher fasting triglycerides. Our results suggest that GDM diets produce specific microbial and metabolic responses during pregnancy, while host factors also play a role in triglycerides and glucose metabolism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Regulation on Gut Microbiota, 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 7325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Priestia megaterium ASC-1 Isolated from Pickled Cabbage Ameliorates Hyperuricemia by Degrading Uric Acid in Rats

by Wenjuan Zhu, Siyuan Bi, Zhijia Fang, Lukman Iddrisu, Qi Deng, Lijun Sun and Ravi Gooneratne

Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040832 - 20 Apr 2024

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Abstract

Pickled cabbage, a traditional fermented food rich in functional microorganisms, can effectively control hyperuricemia and gout. In this study, a Priestia megaterium ASC-1 strain with strong uric acid (UA) degradation ability was isolated from pickled cabbage. After oral administration for 15 days, ASC-1 [...] Read more.

Pickled cabbage, a traditional fermented food rich in functional microorganisms, can effectively control hyperuricemia and gout. In this study, a Priestia megaterium ASC-1 strain with strong uric acid (UA) degradation ability was isolated from pickled cabbage. After oral administration for 15 days, ASC-1 was stably colonized in the rats in this study. ASC-1 significantly reduced UA levels (67.24%) in hyperuricemic rats. Additionally, ASC-1 alleviated hyperuricemia-related inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and blood urea nitrogen. Intestinal microbial diversity results showed that ASC-1 restored intestinal injury and gut flora dysbiosis caused by hyperuricemia. These findings suggest that P. megaterium ASC-1 may be used as a therapeutic adjuvant for the treatment of hyperuricemia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Regulation on Gut Microbiota, 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 6714 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Yupingfeng Polysaccharides as Feed Supplement on Immune Function and Intestinal Microbiome in Chickens

by Wendan Zheng, Yuling Guan and Bo Wu

Microorganisms 2023, 11(11), 2774; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11112774 - 15 Nov 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1284

Abstract

The health of chicks is closely related to their productivity. Yupingfeng polysaccharide (YPF-P) is a kind of water-soluble polysaccharide extracted from Yupingfeng powder; it has high pharmacological activity and can be used as a potential substitute for antibiotics to improve the health of [...] Read more.

The health of chicks is closely related to their productivity. Yupingfeng polysaccharide (YPF-P) is a kind of water-soluble polysaccharide extracted from Yupingfeng powder; it has high pharmacological activity and can be used as a potential substitute for antibiotics to improve the health of chicks. This study aimed to investigate the effects of YPF-P on immune performance, the duodenum, and the cecal microflora of chicks. All chickens (4224) were randomly distributed into four groups (eight replicas/group, 132 hens/replica). The control group was fed a basal diet (0 g/kg YPF-P), while the experimental groups were fed basal diets supplemented with 1, 2, or 4 g/kg YPF-P. The results showed that YPF-P significantly increased the thymus index (p < 0.05). The content of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and IgG and immunoglobulin M (IgM) was upregulated in the serum by YPF-P (p < 0.05). YPF-P decreased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). Further, 16S rRNA sequencing showed that 2 g/kg YPF-P modulated the predominant duodenum and cecal microbial community structure, which increased the number of Faecalibacterium, Megamonas, Bacteroides, Alistipes, NK4A214_group, and Enterococcus. In conclusion, YPF-P ameliorated the growth performance of chicks by regulating serum immune and antioxidant balance, as well as the intestinal microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Regulation on Gut Microbiota, 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 3415 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Brown or Germinated Brown Rice Supplementation on Fecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Microbiome in Diet-Induced Insulin-Resistant Mice

by Ruozhi Zhao, Janice Fajardo and Garry X. Shen

Microorganisms 2023, 11(11), 2629; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11112629 - 25 Oct 2023

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Abstract

Intake of whole grain foods is associated with improving metabolic profile compared to refined grain products, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present study examined the effects of brown rice (BRR) or germinated brown rice (GBR) supplementation on fecal short-chain fatty acids [...] Read more.

Intake of whole grain foods is associated with improving metabolic profile compared to refined grain products, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present study examined the effects of brown rice (BRR) or germinated brown rice (GBR) supplementation on fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and relationship with gut microbiota, metabolism and inflammation in high fat (HF)-diet-fed mice. The results demonstrated that an HF diet supplemented with BRR or GBR comparably increased the abundance of fecal isobutyric acid compared to that in mice receiving HF+white rice (WHR) diet (p < 0.01). The abundance of valeric acid in HF+GBR-diet-fed mice was higher than those receiving HF+WHR diet (p < 0.05). The abundances of fecal isobutyric acid negatively correlated with fasting plasma glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, tumor necrosis factor-α, plasminogen activator inhibit-1, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (p < 0.01). The abundance of valeric acids negatively correlated with insulin resistance (p < 0.05). The abundances of isobutyric acid positively correlated with Lactobacillus, but negatively correlated with Dubosiella genus bacteria (p < 0.05). The findings demonstrated that the increases in SCFAs in the feces of BRR and GBR-treated mice were associated with improvements in gut microbiome, metabolic and inflammatory profile, which may contribute to the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects of the whole grains in HF-diet-fed mice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Regulation on Gut Microbiota, 2nd Edition)

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