Galacto-oligosaccharides fed during gestation increase Rotavirus A specific antibodies in sow colostrum, modulate the microbiome, and reduce infectivity in neonatal piglets in a commercial farm setting

Abstract

IntroductionRotavirus A is a major cause of acute dehydrating diarrhea in neonatal pigs resulting in significant mortality, morbidity, reduced performance and economic loss. Commercially available prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides are similar to those of mammalian milk and stimulate the development of the microbiota and immune system in neonates. Little is known about the effects of supplementing sows' diets with galacto-oligosaccharides during gestation. This study aimed to determine if dietary galacto-oligosaccharide supplementation during gestation could improve immunity, reduce rotavirus infection and modulate the microbiota in sows and neonates in a commercial farm setting with confirmed natural endemic rotavirus challenge.MethodsIn a randomized controlled trial, control sows received lactation diet with no galacto-oligosaccharide supplementation and test sows received lactation diet with 30 g/day galacto-oligosaccharide top-dressed into feed daily, seven days before farrowing. Colostrum was collected from sows 24 hours post-partum and tested for rotavirus specific antibodies. Fecal samples were collected from sows and piglets three days post-partum, tested for rotavirus A by qPCR and the microbiome composition assessed by 16s rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsSupplementation with galacto-oligosaccharides during gestation significantly increased rotavirus-specific IgG and IgA in sow colostrum and reduced the number of rotavirus positive piglet fecal samples. Abundance of potential pathogens Treponema and Clostridiales were higher in fecal samples from non-galacto-oligosaccharide fed sows, their piglets and rotavirus positive samples.DiscussionThis study demonstrates that galacto-oligosaccharide supplementation during gestation significantly increases rotavirus specific IgG and IgA in sow colostrum thereby reducing neonatal rotavirus infection and suppresses potential pathogenic bacteria in nursing sows and neonatal piglets.

Effects of Different Galacto-Oligosaccharide Supplementation on Growth Performance, Immune Function, Serum Nutrients, and Appetite-Related Hormones in Holstein Calves

“…These bacteria can enhance local immune responses within the intestinal mucosa and stimulate B lymphocytes to release IgA, inhibiting and killing pathogens [46]. Consistent with our results, Lee et al [48] found that GOS significantly increased the concentrations of IgA in sow colostrum during lactation and reduced the number of harmful bacteria in the faces of fed piglets. Moreover, Alizadeh et al [49] also demonstrated that GOS can increase secretory IgA levels in the saliva of piglets.…”

“…Studies have also shown that supplemen-tation with GOS increases the colonic expression of GLP-1 in rats [69]. GLP-1 itself can inhibit the production of intestinal chylomicrons through the gut-brain axis [48]. CCK is a gastrointestinal hormone that induces gallbladder contraction [70].…”

Maternal intervention with a combination of galacto-oligosaccharides and hyocholic acids during late gestation and lactation increased the reproductive performance, colostrum composition, antioxidant and altered intestinal microflora in sows

“…Furthermore, supplementation with GOS has been indicated to stimulate the proliferation and/or activity of beneficial bacteria, especially Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus ( Gopal et al, 2001 ; Monteagudo et al, 2016 ). In fact, research data have demonstrated that dietary supplementation of GOS in pregnancy sows can elevate the plasma immunoglobulin A to enhance the immune status ( Wu et al, 2021 ; Lee et al, 2023 ).…”