Joint Application of Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis Improves Growth Performance, Immune Function and Intestinal Integrity in Weaned Piglets

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore the effects of the joint application of Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis on growth performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, intestinal integrity, and gut microbiota composition in weaned piglets. The piglets were allocated randomly into 4 dietary groups, which were a control diet (NC), NC + 150 ppm mucilage sulfate (PC), and 3 additional diets containing 1 kg/t (LT), 1.5 kg/t (MT), or 2 kg/t (HT) mixture of Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis, respectively. Results showed that joint application of Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis increased ADFI and ADG of weaned piglets in d 14~28 and d 28~42 (p < 0.05), and decreased serum concentrations of DAO, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-2. The LT group increased jejunal and colonic sIgA contents compared with the PC group (p < 0.05). Groups of MT and HT increased colonic mRNA expression of host defense peptides and tight junction proteins compared with the NC and PC groups. The joint application of Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis increased the abundance of colonic Lactobacillus compared with NC and PC groups (p < 0.10). In conclusion, the joint application of Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis as an antibiotics alternative improved growth performance via promoting immune function and intestinal integrity of weaned piglets.

Bacillus siamensis Improves the Immune Status and Intestinal Health of Weaned Piglets by Improving Their Intestinal Microbiota

“…Given the direct and indirect contribution of probiotics to piglet health, their potential to optimize piglet health is currently being investigated [12]. Probiotics, such as Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum and Clostridium butyricum, have been shown to have a positive effect on growth performance, immune levels, the integrity of gut barrier function and the gut microbiota in weaned piglets [13][14][15]. Bacillus siamensis (B. siamensis) is a kind of probiotic with good resistance to acids, alkalis, bile salt and high temperatures.…”

Benefits of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant status, immunity, and cecal microbiota of rabbits

“…Probiotics, defined as living microorganisms with proven health benefits upon proper administration, have been extensively studied for their capacity to enhance host immunity, optimize gut health, and improve overall animal growth performance (1,2). Commonly employed probiotic strains encompass Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (3)(4)(5). However, the widespread utilization of live probiotics has unveiled associated risks, including variable colonization patterns, instability of live bacteria, and potential strain transfer across the intestinal barrier (6).…”

Effects of different dietary inclusions of whole-plant corn silage on growth performance, nutrient availability and jejunal development in growing-finishing pigs

“…Whole-plant corn silage (WCS) is a valuable source of dietary fibre (DF), organic acids, and abundant beneficial bacteria, which play crucial roles in promoting the intestinal development and maintaining normal functions of the gastrointestinal tract (Liu et al 2022). Previous studies pointed out that a highfibre diet would affect nutrient utilization and growth performance of pigs (Leek et al 2007).…”