Dietary xylo-oligosaccharide supplementation alters gut microbial composition and activity in pigs according to age and dose

Abstract

This study explored the effect of dietary xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) supplementation on the gut microbial composition and activity in pigs of different ages. Eighty pigs with an average body weight (BW) of 30 kg were randomly divided into eight groups: A control group, a group that received antibiotic treatment, and six groups fed diets supplemented with 100, 250, and 500 g/t XOS, of which three groups were in the growing period (GP, 30–65 kg BW) and three groups in the growing and fattening period (GFP, 30–100 kg BW). At the end of the experiment, the intestinal contents were sampled for analyses of gut microbiota and bacterial metabolites including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bioamines. The results showed that 100 g/t XOS supplementation during the GFP significantly reduced the relative abundances of presumably pathogenic bacteria ( Proteobacteria and Citrobacter ), but enhanced the relative abundances of likely beneficial bacteria ( Firmicutes and Lactobacillus ). However, XOS supplementation during the GP showed little effect on the gut microbiota when pigs were killed at 100 kg BW. Meanwhile, 100 g/t XOS supplementation during the GFP decreased the level of 1,7-heptane diamine and increased the acetic acid, straight-chain fatty acids, and total SCFAs concentrations in the intestinal contents. Statistical analysis showed that both the dose and exposure time to XOS supplementation affected the microbial communities. In summary, 100 g/t XOS supplementation during the GFP modified the gut microbiota composition and metabolic activity. Possible consequences of such changes for the host are discussed.

Opportunities of prebiotics for the intestinal health of monogastric animals

“…(2016) XOS Pigs 200 mg/kg 4 wk ↑ Villus height-to-crypt ratio ↑ Lactobacilli ↓ E. coli Liu et al. (2018) XOS Pigs 100 to 500 g/t 70 d ↓ Proteobacteria , Citrobacter ↑ Firmicutes, Lactobacillus , SCFA Pan et al. (2019) XOS Weaned piglets 0.01% Weaned ↑ Streptococcus, Turicibacter, ZO-1 ↓ Lactobacillus, IFN-γ Yin et al.…”

“…Growth, development, and physiologic homeostasis of the gut is intricately related to microbial interaction with the gut mucosa and with indirect “cross-talk” between the host and microbial metabolites. Various animal studies have indicated the crucial contributions of the gut microbiota in the producing of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the colonocytes, which play a crucial role in the regulation of the gene expression in colonocytes that are related to some anti-inflammation, maintenance of the gut barrier function, water-electrolyte balance, and several effects on intestinal metabolism ( Cheng et al., 2018 ; Pan et al., 2019 ). In addition, the gut microbiota is involved in the production of different kinds of antibacterial peptides, such as bacteriocins, and the regulation of intestinal mucin production by goblet cells ( Wrzosek et al., 2013 ), which further regulate bacterial adhesion to epithelial cells ( Ye et al., 2015 ).…”

Structural features, interaction with the gut microbiota and anti-tumor activity of oligosaccharides

“…77 SCFAs, which, as organic acids, can lower the pH in the intestine, promote gastrointestinal motility, and inhibit the growth and reproduction of nitrate-reducing bacteria, and thus prevent the occurrence of intestinal diseases. 78 SCFAs can affect immune function mechanisms of the host by regulating epidermal barrier, causing natural immunity to mediate inammation, and inhibiting intestinal pathogen infection. And SCFAs inhibit the growth and proliferation of colorectal tumor cells, induce tumor cell differentiation and apoptosis, and play an anti-tumor role.…”

Harnessing the strategy of metagenomics for exploring the intestinal microecology of sable (Martes zibellina), the national first-level protected animal

“…The status of the intestinal microbiota is closely related to intrinsic and extrinsic host factors, including birth, diet, nutrition, stress, drugs, habitat and social contact (Hale et al 2019 ; Jang et al 2018 ; Li et al 2017 ; Robertson et al 2018 ). Gut microorganisms are indispensable for nutrient absorption by the host and host metabolism (De Mandal et al 2018 ; Deng et al 2019 ; Dong et al 2018 ; Pan et al 2019 ; Si et al 2020 ). For instance, Firmicutes , Bifidobacterium , and Lactobacillus have multiple beneficial effects on host metabolism, producing energy and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) (Antunes et al 2019 ; Bang et al 2018 ; Blakeley-Ruiz et al 2019 ).…”