scholarly journals The Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Intestinal Protective Effects of Baicalin-Copper in Deoxynivalenol-Challenged Piglets

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andong Zha ◽  
Daixiu Yuan ◽  
Zhijuan Cui ◽  
Ming Qi ◽  
Simeng Liao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Expression ◽  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Serum Concentrations ◽  
Weaned Piglets ◽  
Sod Activity ◽  
Growth Impairment

The present study was performed to evaluate the antioxidant and intestinal protective effects of baicalin-copper on deoxynivalenol-challenged piglets. Forty weaned piglets were randomly divided into four groups and assigned to different diets: (1) basal diet (Con), (2) 4 mg/kg deoxynivalenol of basal diet (DON), (3) 5 g/kg baicalin-copper of basal diet (BCU); and (4) 4 mg/kg deoxynivalenol+5 g/kg baicalin‐copper of basal diet (DBCU). The results showed that the ADFI and ADG of piglets in the DON group were markedly lower than those in the Con group, but the ADFI and ADG of the DBCU group were not significantly different from those of the Con group. In piglets fed a DON-contaminated diet, dietary supplementation with BCU significantly decreased the mRNA levels of P70S6K, 4E-BP1, and HSP70 in the liver, the protein expression of HO-1 in the jejunum, and the expression of p-Nrf2 and p-NF-κB in the ileum but increased Mn-SOD activity in serum. Dietary supplementation with BCU increased jejunal maltase, ZIP4 and MT mRNA levels, and serum concentrations of Arg, Val, Ile, Leu, Lys, and Tyr in DON-contaminated piglets. In summary, BCU can alleviate the growth impairment induced by DON and enhance antioxidant capacity and nutrition absorption in piglets fed DON-contaminated diets.

scholarly journals Dietary Supplementation with Trihexanoin Enhances Intestinal Function of Weaned Piglets

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 3277
Author(s):  
Tao Wu ◽  
Kang Li ◽  
Dan Yi ◽  
Lei Wang ◽  
Di Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Fat Metabolism ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Mucosal Barrier ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Intestinal Function ◽  
Weaned Piglets ◽  
And Function

Trihexanoin is a short-chain triglyceride (SCT). Many studies have reported that SCTs play important roles in the maintenance of intestinal epithelial structure and function. The present work was to investigate the effects of trihexanoin on growth performance, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, as well as intestinal morphology and function in weaned piglets. Twenty weaned piglets (21 ± 2 d) were randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups: The control group (basal diet supplemented with 0.5% soya oil); the TH group (basal diet supplemented with 0.5% trihexanoin). Dietary trihexanoin supplementation significantly reduced diarrhea rate; increased the concentrations of LDL, HDL and total protein in plasma; decreased cholesterol concentrations and glutamyl transpeptidase activity in plasma; improved intestinal morphologic structure; altered the mRNA levels and abundances of proteins related to glycogen and fat metabolism, mucosal barrier function, antioxidant capacity and water transport capacity; and altered the community of intestinal microflora. These results indicate that dietary trihexanoin supplementation could reduce diarrhea, regulate carbohydrate and fat metabolism, exert beneficial effects on the intestinal mucosal barrier, protect the intestinal mucosa from injuries, improve intestinal transport and absorption, and enhance antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 0.5% trihexanoin improves the intestinal function and health of weaned piglets.

scholarly journals PSVIII-18 Dietary supplementation with trihexanoin enhances intestinal function of weaned piglets

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 302-303
Author(s):  
Tao Wu
Keyword(s):  
Fat Metabolism ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Mucosal Barrier ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Intestinal Function ◽  
Weaned Piglets ◽  
Villus Height ◽  
And Function

Abstract Trihexanoin is a short-chain triglyceride (SCT). Many studies have reported that SCTs play important roles in the maintenance of intestinal epithelial structure and function. The present work was to investigate the effects of trihexanoin on growth performance, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, as well as intestinal morphology and function in weaned piglets. Twenty weaned piglets (21 ± 2 d) were randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups: the control group (basal diet supplemented with 0.5% soya oil); the TH group (basal diet supplemented with 0.5% trihexanoin). Dietary trihexanoin supplementation significantly reduced diarrhea rate (P < 0.05); increased the concentrations of LDL, HDL and total protein, decreased cholesterol concentrations (CHOL) and glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity in plasma (P < 0.05); increased villus height, surface area, and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (P < 0.05); altered the mRNA levels and abundances of proteins related to glycogen and fat metabolism (gene LIPE, LPL, PPARG, ACACA, FASN, SLC27A2, INSR, PCK1 and ASS1), mucosal barrier function (protein claudin-1, and occludin), antioxidant capacity (protein HSP70 and gene Nrf2, NOX2 and GSTO2) and water transport capacity (protein AQP3 and gene AQP8 and AQP10) (P < 0.05); altered the gene abundance of intestinal bacteria (Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus, Clostridium, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of trihexanoin improved the intestinal function and health of weaned piglets by regulating nutrient metabolism, improving intestinal function of mucosal barrier, transport, absorption and antioxidant, and altering the community of microbiota.

scholarly journals PSVI-40 Effects of dietary glucan on intestinal morphology, immunity response, barrier function and antioxidant capacity in weaning pigs

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 212-213
Author(s):  
xia xiong ◽  
Lvliang Wu ◽  
Yirui Shao ◽  
Jian zou ◽  
Yulong Yin
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gut Health ◽  
Weaned Piglets ◽  
Weaning Piglets

Abstract Glucan has been studied as a potential alternative to antibiotics for animals in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary glucan on growth performance and gut health of weaning piglets, which is a water-soluble extracellular ꞵ-glucan produced by Agrobacterium sp. ZX09. A total of 108 weaned piglets (21 d of age; 6.05 ± 0.36 kg) were randomly assigned (6 pens/diet; 18 piglets/pen) to 3 dietary treatments consisting of a basal diet (control group) or the basal diet supplemented with 20 ppm olaquindox or 200 ppm glucan for 14 days, respectively. The results showed that piglets fed with glucan had greater (P < 0.05) body weight and average daily gain than piglets in control group. Piglets fed with glucan or antibiotic had greater villus height to crypt depth ratio on duodenum compared with control group (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of Claudin-1 on duodenum or ileum was higher (P < 0.05) in glucan group than that on the other groups. The mRNA expression of TLR4, MYD88 and NFκB on jejunum were lower (P < 0.05) in glucan or antibiotic group than those in control group. Dietary supplementation with glucan tended to increase the IL-10 and SIgA concentration on ileum (0.05 < P < 0.1). Dietary supplementation with glucan tended to increase the total antioxidant capacity on jejunum (P = 0.093). In conclusion, 200 ppm glucan or 20 ppm olaquindox can improve the growth performance of weaning piglets. The glucan may can accelerate the growth of weaned piglets by improving gut health. This research will provide guidance for the olaquindox alternative on growing piglets.

scholarly journals Effects of dietary licorice extract on serum Biochemical index, tissues antioxidant capacity and immunity function of weaned piglets

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
You Ting ◽  
Tang Jia Yong ◽  
Jia Gang ◽  
Liu Guang Mang ◽  
Tian Gang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Weaned Piglets ◽  
Sod Activity ◽  
Inflammatory Genes ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Licorice Extract ◽  
Serum Biochemical

Abstract Background: This study investigated the effects of dietary licorice extract (LE) on antioxidant capacity and immunity in weaned piglets. A total of 96 DLY (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) weaned piglets were randomly assigned to four treatments. The control group were fed a corn–soybean meal-based diet (basal diet, BD), and three LE level groups were fed on BD supplied with 50、150 and 250 mg/kg LE. The trial lasted 5 weeks. At day 35, six piglets per treatment were killed and blood, liver, spleen, and thymus were collected.Results: The result showed that: 1)Dietary LE increased (P < 0.05) activity of the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and reduced (P < 0.05) the activity of glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (AST), 50 mg / kg LE reduced (P < 0.05) total cholesterol (TC) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in serum. 2) The addition of 150 and 250 mg / kg LE increased (P < 0.05) glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in liver and spleen, increased (P < 0.05) the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in serum and spleen . 50 mg / kg LE increased (P < 0.05) the total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity in serum. Three doses of LE reduced (P < 0.05) serum malondialdehyde content (MDA). 3) 150 mg / kg LE increased (P < 0.05) serum IgG level. 4) Dietary LE down-regulated (P < 0.05) the mRNA levels of 7 immune-related genes (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1, ICAM-1) in the thymus; 50 mg / kg LE and 150 mg / kg LE down-regulated (P < 0.05) the mRNA levels of TNF-α, while 250 mg / kg LE up-regulated the mRNA levels of 2 inflammatory genes (IL-1β, and ICAM-1) in the spleen; three levels of LE down-regulated (P < 0.05 the mRNA levels of 3 inflammatory genes (IL-6, TNF-α, ICAM-1) in the liver.Conclusions: In summary, LE supplementation regulates the activity of serum biochemical enzyme, improves the antioxidant capacity and immune function of in serum, liver, spleen and thymus, those improvement may contributes to the promotion of growth performance of weaned piglets. In general, 150 mg / kg LE exhibits better effect.

scholarly journals Illicium verum extracts and probiotics with added glucose oxidase promote antioxidant capacity through upregulating hepatic and jejunal Nrf2/Keap1 of weaned piglets

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Zhang ◽  
Yanjun Liu ◽  
Zaibin Yang ◽  
Weiren Yang ◽  
Libo Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Expression ◽  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Glucose Oxidase ◽  
Interaction Effect ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Weaned Piglets ◽  
Mrna And Protein Expression ◽  
Illicium Verum

Abstract Accumulating evidences indicate that plant extracts and probiotics are effective antioxidant substitutes which play important roles in animal production. However, the comparative study of the mechanism underlying the antioxidant property of Illicium verum extracts (IVE) and probiotics with added glucose oxidase (PGO) on piglets remains to be explored. This study evaluated the difference and the interaction effect of IVE and PGO on serum, liver, and jejunum antioxidant capacity of weaned piglets. A total of 32 weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) at the age of 28 d with an average body weight of 14.96 ± 0.32 kg were randomly divided into four treatments with eight replicates per treatment in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Treatments included basal diet (IVE−PGO−), basal diet + 1,000 mg/kg PGO (IVE−PGO+), basal diet + 500 mg/kg IVE (IVE+PGO−), and basal diet + 500 mg/kg IVE + 1,000 mg/kg PGO (IVE+PGO+). All the piglets were housed individually for the 42-d trial period after 7-d adaptation. The piglets were euthanized at the end of the experiment and the liver and jejunum samples were taken and subjected to immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, as well as antioxidant and qRT-PCR analysis. Significant interactions were observed between IVE and PGO for total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in serum (42 d), liver, and jejunum; malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum (21 d); and mRNA and protein expression of kelch sample related protein-1 (Keap1) and nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor (Nrf2)/Keap1 in the liver and jejunum (P &lt; 0.05). Both IVE and PGO improved (P &lt; 0.05) T-SOD and GSH-Px in the serum (42 d), liver, and jejunum, and the mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 and Nrf2/Keap1 in the liver and jejunum, but decreased (P &lt; 0.05) MDA in the serum (21 d) and the mRNA and protein expression of Keap1 in the liver and jejunum. Immunohistochemical results confirmed that IVE and PGO enhanced the positive reactions of Nrf2 but weakened Keap1 in both the liver and jejunum. In conclusion, the results confirmed that IVE (500 mg/kg) and PGO (1,000 mg/kg) can improve the antioxidant capacity of weaned piglets and that the interaction effect between IVE and PGO is significant. At the same time, the fact that IVE and PGO activate the Nrf2/Keap1 in the liver and jejunum signaling pathway suggests that they play an important role in the ameliorative antioxidant capacity of weaned piglets. Therefore, the combination of IVE and PGO could be recommended as a new potential alternative to antibiotics in piglets’ diets.

Protective Effects of Ginsenosides on 17α-Ethynyelstradiol-Induced Intrahepatic Cholestasis via Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms in Rats

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (08) ◽  
pp. 1613-1629 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan-Jiao Xu ◽  
Zao-Qin Yu ◽  
Cheng-Liang Zhang ◽  
Xi-Ping Li ◽  
Cheng-Yang Feng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Alkaline Phosphatase ◽  
Superoxide Dismutase ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Intrahepatic Cholestasis ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Total Bile Acid ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Sod Activity ◽  
Mda Content

The present study was designed to assess the effects and potential mechanisms of ginsenosides on 17[Formula: see text]-ethynyelstradiol (EE)-induced intrahepatic cholestasis (IC). Ginsenoside at doses of 30, 100, 300[Formula: see text]mg/kg body weight was intragastrically (i.g.) given to rats for 5 days to examine the effect on EE-induced IC. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bile acid (TBA) were measured. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were determined. Protein expression of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-[Formula: see text], IL-6 and IL-1[Formula: see text] was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Results indicated that ginsenosides remarkably prevented EE-induced increase in the serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP and TBA. Moreover, the elevation of hepatic MDA content induced by EE was significantly reduced, while hepatic SOD activities were significantly increased when treated with ginsenosides. Histopathology of the liver tissue showed that pathological injuries were relieved after treatment with ginsenosides. In addition, treatment with ginsenosides could significantly downregulate the protein expression of TNF-[Formula: see text], IL-6 and IL-1[Formula: see text] compared with EE group. These findings indicate that ginsenosides exert the hepatoprotective effect on EE-induced intrahepatic cholestasis in rats, and this protection might be attributed to the attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation.

scholarly journals Glutamine and cystine-enriched diets modulate aquaporins gene expression in the small intestine of piglets

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0245739
Author(s):  
Inês Vieira da Silva ◽  
Bárbara P. Soares ◽  
Catarina Pimpão ◽  
Rui M. A. Pinto ◽  
Teresa Costa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Small Intestine ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Biochemical Parameters ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Promising Target ◽  
Dietary Treatments ◽  
Glycerol Permeability

The regulation of glycerol permeability in the gastrointestinal tract is crucial to control fat deposition, lipolysis and gluconeogenesis. Knowing that the amino acid glutamine is a physiological regulator of gluconeogenesis, whereas cystine promotes adiposity, herein we investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with glutamine and cystine on the serum biochemical parameters of piglets fed on amino acid-enriched diets, as well as on the transcriptional profile of membrane water and glycerol channels aquaporins (AQPs) in the ileum portion of the small intestine and its impact on intestinal permeability. Twenty male piglets with an initial body weight of 8.8 ± 0.89 kg were allocated to four dietary treatments (n = 5) and received, during a four week-period, a basal diet without supplementation (control) or supplemented with 8 kg/ton of glutamine (Gln), cystine (Cys) or the combination of the two amino acids in equal proportions (Gln + Cys). Most biochemical parameters were found improved in piglets fed Gln and Cys diet. mRNA levels of AQP3 were found predominant over the others. Both amino acids, individually or combined, were responsible for a consistent downregulation of AQP1, AQP7 and AQP10, without impacting on water permeability. Conversely, Cys enriched diet upregulated AQP3 enhancing basolateral membranes glycerol permeability and downregulating glycerol kinase (GK) of intestinal cells. Altogether, our data reveal that amino acids dietary supplementation can modulate intestinal AQPs expression and unveil AQP3 as a promising target for adipogenesis regulation.

scholarly journals Dietary cadmium chloride impairs shell biomineralization by disrupting the metabolism of the eggshell gland in laying hens

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingkun Zhu ◽  
Huaiyu Li ◽  
Liping Miao ◽  
Lanlan Li ◽  
Xinyang Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Complement C3 ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Palisade Layer ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Laying Performance ◽  
Dietary Cadmium

Abstract In this study, we identified cadmium (Cd) as a potential endocrine disruptor that impairs laying performance, egg quality, and eggshell deposition and induces oxidative stress and inflammation in the eggshell glands of laying hens. A total of 480 38-wk-old laying hens were randomly assigned into 5 groups that were fed a basal diet (control) or a basal diet supplemented with Cd (provided as CdCl2·2.5 H2O) at 7.5, 15, 30, and 60 mg Cd per kg feed for 9 wk. The results showed that, when compared with the control group, a low dose of dietary Cd (7.5 mg/kg) had positive effects on egg quality by improving albumen height, Haugh unit, yolk color, and shell thickness at the third or ninth week. However, with the increase in the dose and duration of Cd exposure, the laying performance, egg quality, and activities of eggshell gland antioxidant enzymes (catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxide [GSH-Px]), and ATPase (Na+/K+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, and Mg2+-ATPase) deteriorated, and the activity of total nitric oxide synthase (T-NOS) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) increased significantly (P &lt; 0.05). The histopathology and real-time quantitative PCR results showed that Cd induced endometrial epithelial cell proliferation accompanied by upregulation of the mRNA levels of progesterone receptor (PgR) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), downregulation of the mRNA levels of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and interleukin 6 (IL6), and inflammation of the eggshell gland accompanied by significantly increased expression of complement C3 and pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, the ultrastructure of the eggshell showed that dietary supplementation with 7.5 mg/kg Cd increased the palisade layer and total thickness of the shell, but with the increase in dietary Cd supplementation (30 and 60 mg/kg) the thickness of the palisade layer and mammillary layer decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.05), and the outer surface of the eggshell became rougher. Correspondingly, the expression of calbindin 1 (CALB1), ovocalyxin-32 (OCX-32), ovocalyxin-36 (OCX-36), osteopontin (SPP1), and ovocledidin-17 (OC-17) decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.05) with increasing dietary Cd supplementation. Conclusively, the present study demonstrates that dietary supplementation with Cd negatively affects laying performance, egg quality, and eggshell deposition by disturbing the metabolism of eggshell glands in laying hens but has a positive effect on egg quality at low doses.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Manganese, Chromium and Cobalt on Semen Qualities in Sahiwal Bulls

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anupama Tarun ◽  
Veena Mani ◽  
Mukesh Bhakat ◽  
Tushar Kumar Mohanty ◽  
Goutam Mondal
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Count ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Osmotic Swelling ◽  
Sod Activity ◽  
Frozen Semen ◽  
Semen Volume ◽  
Acid Detergent Fibre ◽  
Manganese Chromium

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplemental manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr) and cobalt (Co) on semen qualities in Sahiwal bulls. Twelve Sahiwal bulls divided into three groups T1, T2 and T3 based on their similar semen volume and concentration and were fed with 0, 1.5 and 2.0 times higher Mn, Cr and Co over and above the basal diet (ICAR, 2013) in T1, T2 and T3, respectively, for a period of 120 days. Semen was collected in all the groups twice a week and evaluated for quantitative and qualitative attributes. It was found that additional supplementation of Mn, Cr and Co had no influence on body weight gain, intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF)]. Seminal mass motility, initial progressive motility, live spermatozoa, normal spermatozoa, intact acrosome and hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) positive sperm count was higher (P less than 0.05) in T3 group in comparison to T1 and T2 groups of fresh as well as frozen semen. Blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was higher (P greator than 0.05) in both T2 and T3 than T1. A reduction (P less than 0.05) in lipid peroxidation activity (LPO) in fresh and frozen semen in T3 group was observed. It may be concluded that dietary supplementation of Mn @ 30 ppm, Co @ 0.22 ppm and Cr @ 2 ppm, respectively per day per Sahiwal bull can improve the qualitative and quantitative attributes of semen.

scholarly journals Dietary Supplementation With Bacillus subtilis Promotes Growth and Gut Health of Weaned Piglets

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhilong Tian ◽  
Xiaodan Wang ◽  
Yehui Duan ◽  
Yue Zhao ◽  
Wenming Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gut Health ◽  
Weaned Piglets ◽  
Villus Height ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Group A

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with different types of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) on the growth and gut health of weaned piglets. A total of 160 piglets were randomly assigned into four groups: control group (a basal diet), BS-A group (a basal diet supplemented with B. subtilis A at 1 × 106 CFU/g feed), BS-B group (a basal diet supplemented with B. subtilis B at 1 × 106 CFU/g feed), and BS-C group (a basal diet supplemented with B. subtilis C at 1 × 106 CFU/g feed). All groups had five replicates with eight piglets per replicate. On days 7, 21, and 42 of the trial, blood plasma and intestinal tissues and digesta samples were collected to determine plasma cytokine concentrations, intestinal morphology, gut microbiota community and metabolic activity, and the expression of genes related to gut physiology and metabolism. The results showed that dietary B. subtilis supplementation improved (P &lt; 0.05) the body weight and average daily gain (in BS-B and BS-C groups) of weaned piglets and decreased (P &lt; 0.05) the diarrhea rates (in BS-A, BS-B, and BS-C groups). In the intestinal morphology analysis, B. subtilis supplementation improved (P &lt; 0.05) the size of villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio in the ileum of weaned piglets. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Tenericutes were the most dominant microflora in piglets' colon whatever the trial group and time of analysis. Dietary BS-C supplementation increased (P &lt; 0.05) the relative abundances of Anaerovibrio and Bulleidia and decreased (P &lt; 0.05) the relative abundances of Clostridium and Coprococcus compared with the control group. In addition, dietary B. subtilis supplementation increased (P &lt; 0.05) the indicators of intestinal health, including plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-10, as well as the colonic levels of short-chain fatty acids. Furthermore, dietary B. subtilis supplementation also up-regulated (P &lt; 0.05) the expression of genes involved in metabolic pathways related to intestinal microbiota maturation. In conclusion, these findings suggest that a diet containing BS-B or BS-C can efficiently promote growth performance, decrease diarrhea incidence, and ameliorate several indicators of intestinal health through the modulation of gut microbiota composition and metabolic activity in weaned piglets.

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