A non-invasive tool to collect small intestine content in post weaning pigs: validation study.

The Capsule for Sampling (CapSa) is an ingestible capsule that collects small intestine content while transiting through the natural digestive pathway. In this study, 14 Swiss Large White pigs weighing less than 12 kg (Category < 12 kg) and 12 weighing between 12 and 20 kg (Category [12-20 kg]) were given two CapSas and monitored for three days. The animals were euthanized for post-mortem sampling, allowing us to directly obtain gut microbiota samples from the gastrointestinal tract. This post-mortem approach enabled a direct comparison between the microbial content from the gut and the samples collected via the CapSas, and it also facilitated precise identification of the CapSas' sampling sites within the gastrointestinal tract. For the category under 12 kg, only 2.3% of the administered CapSas were recovered from the feces. In contrast, in the 12-20 kg category, 62.5% of the CapSas were successfully retrieved from the feces within 48 h. Of these recovered CapSas, 73.3%-equating to 11 capsules from eight pigs-had a pH > 5.5 and were therefore selected for microbiome analysis. Bacterial composition of the CapSas was compared with that of the three segments of the small intestine, the large intestine and feces of the corresponding pig. The results were tested using a PERMANOVA model (Adonis) including sample type as a factor, and then pairwise comparisons were made. The bacterial composition found in the CapSas differed from that of the large intestine and feces (P < 0.01), while it did not differ from the first segment of the small intestine (P > 0.10). This study provides evidence that the CapSa effectively samples the intestinal microbiota from the upper section of the small intestine in post-weaning pigs. Furthermore, it was found that the collection of CapSas could only be successfully achieved in pigs classified within the heavier weight category.

Effect of different doses of camelina cake inclusion as a substitute of dietary soyabean meal on growth performance and gut health of weaned pigs.

Camelina cake (CAM) is a co-product proposed as an alternative protein source; however, piglet data are still limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different doses of CAM in substitution of soyabean meal on the growth, health and gut health of weaned pigs. At 14 d post-weaning (d0), sixty-four piglets were assigned either to a standard diet or to a diet with 4 %, 8 % or 12 % of CAM. Piglets were weighed weekly. At d7 and d28, faeces were collected for microbiota and polyamine and blood for reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) and thyroxine analysis. At d28, pigs were slaughtered, organs were weighed, pH was recorded on gut, colon was analysed for volatile fatty acids (VFA) and jejunum was used for morphological and gene expression analysis. Data analysis was carried out using a mixed model including diet, pen and litter as factors; linear and quadratic contrasts were tested. CAM linearly reduced the average daily gain from d0-d7, d0-d14, d0-d21 and d0-d28 (P ≤ 0·01). From d0-d7 increasing CAM linearly decreased feed intake (P = 0·04) and increased linearly the feed to gain (P = 0·004). CAM increased linearly the liver weight (P < 0·0001) and affected the cadaverine (P < 0·001). The diet did not affect the ROM, thyroxine, intestinal pH, VFA and morphology. All doses of CAM increased the α diversity indices at d28 (P < 0·05). CAM at 4 % promoted the abundance of Butyricicoccaceae_UCG-008. Feeding with CAM enhanced resilience in the gut microbiome and can be evaluated as a potential alternative protein source with dose-dependent limitations on piglet growth performance.

Dispersion of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in pig farms and in the surrounding environment.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance has been identified as a major threat to global health. The pig food chain is considered an important source of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). However, there is still a lack of knowledge on the dispersion of ARGs in pig production system, including the external environment. RESULTS: In the present study, we longitudinally followed one swine farm located in Italy from the weaning phase to the slaughterhouse to comprehensively assess the diversity of ARGs, their diffusion, and the bacteria associated with them. We obtained shotgun metagenomic sequences from 294 samples, including pig feces, farm environment, soil around the farm, wastewater, and slaughterhouse environment. We identified a total of 530 species-level genome bins (SGBs), which allowed us to assess the dispersion of microorganisms and their associated ARGs in the farm system. We identified 309 SGBs being shared between the animals gut microbiome, the internal and external farm environments. Specifically, these SGBs were characterized by a diverse and complex resistome, with ARGs active against 18 different classes of antibiotic compounds, well matching antibiotic use in the pig food chain in Europe. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our results highlight the urgency to implement more effective countermeasures to limit the dispersion of ARGs in the pig food systems and the relevance of metagenomics-based approaches to monitor the spread of ARGs for the safety of the farm working environment and the surrounding ecosystems.

Can environmental nebulization of lavender essential oil (L. angustifolia) improve welfare and modulate nasal microbiota of growing pigs?

The use of phytoextracts has been proposed as a method to improve animal welfare, also in pigs, by reducing stress and anxiety and improving performances. Lavandula angustifolia (Miller) essential oil (LaEO) is an interesting calming phytoextract that could be administered by inhalation for prolonged periods of time to help pigs coping with on-farm conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of daily inhalation of vaporized LaEO on pigs' welfare and health indicators, and nasal microbiota, trying to understand whether this phytoextract represents a feasible tool to improve animal welfare under intensive farming conditions. Eighty-four crossbred barrows were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups: control (C); lavender (L): 3 vaporization sessions of 10 min each of a custom made 1% solution of LaEO; sham (S): same vaporization sessions of L group but only using the solution vehicle. Experimental readouts included growth parameters, behavioural traits, tail and skin lesions, hair steroids and nasal microbiota. L group animals did not show altered growth performance and seemed calmer (increased recumbency time), with decreased amount of skin lesions also associated with lower severity class for tail lesions. They also showed decreased CORT/DHEA ratio, potentially suggesting a beneficial effect of LaEO. Inhalation of LaEO significantly affected the nasal pig microbiome by reducing its diversity. Overall, the study suggests how inhalation of Lavender essential oil may be capable of improving welfare in growing pigs, yet it is pivotal to consider the microbial modulatory capabilities of essential oils before exploiting them on larger scale.

Insight into the long-term impact of birth weight on intestinal development, microbial settlement, and the metabolism of weaned piglets.

Infant mortality of low birth body weight (LBBW) piglets can reach 10% and is mainly due to gut and immune system immaturity which can lead to a higher risk in the long term. This study aimed to assess the impact of birth body weight (BBW) on piglet metabolism, gut status, and microbial profile from weaning to 21 d postweaning. At birth, 32 piglets were selected for their BBW and inserted into the normal BBW (NBBW:1.38 ±â€…0.09 g) or the LBBW (0.92 ±â€…0.07 g) group. The piglets were weighed weekly from weaning (d0) to d21. At d9 and d21, 8 piglets/group were slaughtered to obtain the distal jejunum for morphology, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression analysis, colon content for microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis, and intestinal content for pH measurement. Blood was collected for metabolomic, haptoglobin (Hp), and reactive oxygen metabolite (ROM) analysis. The LBBW group had a lower body weight (BW) throughout the study (P < 0.01), a lower average daily gain from d9-d21 (P = 0.002), and lower feed intake (P = 0.02). The LBBW piglets had lower Hp at d9 (P = 0.03), higher ROMs at d21 (P = 0.06), and a net alteration of the amino acid (AA) metabolism at d9 and d21. A higher expression of NFKB2 was observed in the LBBW piglets at d9 (P = 0.003) and d21 (P < 0.001). MYD88 expression was enhanced in NBBW piglets at d9 (P < 0.001). The LBBW piglets had a lower villus height, absorptive mucosal surface (P = 0.01), and villus height:crypt depth ratio (P = 0.02), and a greater number of T-lymphocytes in both the epithelium and the crypts (P < 0.001) at d21. At d21, the LBBW piglets had higher lactic acid, acetate, butyrate, and valerate, and also higher SCFA in the colon (P < 0.05). The LBBW piglets had a higher Shannon index (P = 0.01) at d9 and a higher abundance of SCFA-fermenting bacteria. In conclusion, the present study confirmed that LBBW could impact the gut mucosal structure, immunity, and inflammatory and oxidative status, leading to an altered AA metabolism, and delaying the recovery from weaning.

The drawback of the high prolificacy selection in the swine industry in the past decades is an increase in the number of piglets born with a low birth body weight (LBBW). This study aimed to assess performance, metabolism, gut status, and microbial profile in piglets born with low (0.92 ±â€…0.07 g) and normal birth body weight (1.38 ±â€…0.09 g). Piglets were weighed weekly from weaning (25 d) until 3 weeks postweaning (end of the trial). At d9 and d21, 8 piglets/group were slaughtered to obtain blood for metabolomic, haptoglobin, reactive oxygen metabolite analyses, colon content for microbiota and short-chain fatty acid, intestinal content for pH measurement, distal jejunum for morphology, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression. The LBBW resulted in lower body weight through the study (P < 0.001), lower average daily gain from d9 to d21 (P = 0.002), and lower feed intake (P = 0.02). The LBBW piglets had a lower villus height, absorptive mucosal surface (P = 0.01), and villus height:crypt depth ratio (P = 0.02), and a greater number of T-lymphocytes in both the epithelium and the crypts (P < 0.001) at d21. In conclusion, the present study confirmed that LBBW could impact the gut mucosal structure, immunity, and inflammatory and oxidative status, leading to an altered AA metabolism, and delaying the recovery from weaning.

Faecal Microbiota Characterisation of Potamochoerus porcus Living in a Controlled Environment.

Intestinal bacteria establish a specific relationship with the host animal, which causes the acquisition of gut microbiota with a unique composition classified as the enterotype. As the name suggests, the Red River Hog is a wild member of the pig family living in Africa, in particular through the West and Central African rainforest. To date, very few studies have analysed the gut microbiota of Red River Hogs (RRHs) both housed under controlled conditions and in wild habitats. This study analysed the intestinal microbiota and the distribution of Bifidobacterium species in five Red River Hog (RRH) individuals (four adults and one juvenile), hosted in two different modern zoological gardens (Parco Natura Viva, Verona, and Bioparco, Rome) with the aim of disentangling the possible effects of captive different lifestyle and host genetics. Faecal samples were collected and studied both for bifidobacterial counts and isolation by means of culture-dependent method and for total microbiota analysis through the high-quality sequences of the V3-V4 region of bacterial 16S rRNA. Results showed a host-specific bifidobacterial species distribution. Indeed, B. boum and B. thermoacidophilum were found only in Verona RRHs, whereas B. porcinum species were isolated only in Rome RRHs. These bifidobacterial species are also typical of pigs. Bifidobacterial counts were about 106 CFU/g in faecal samples of all the individuals, with the only exception for the juvenile subject, showing 107 CFU/g. As in human beings, in RRHs a higher count of bifidobacteria was also found in the young subject compared with adults. Furthermore, the microbiota of RRHs showed qualitative differences. Indeed, Firmicutes was found to be the dominant phylum in Verona RRHs whereas Bacteroidetes was the most represented in Roma RRHs. At order level, Oscillospirales and Spirochaetales were the most represented in Verona RRHs compared with Rome RRHs, where Bacteroidales dominated over the other taxa. Finally, at the family level, RRHs from the two sites showed the presence of the same families, but with different levels of abundance. Our results highlight that the intestinal microbiota seems to reflect the lifestyle (i.e., the diet), whereas age and host genetics are the driving factors for the bifidobacterial population.

Productive and physiological implications of top-dress addition of branched-chain amino acids and arginine on lactating sows and offspring.

BACKGROUND: Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), including L-leucine (L-Leu), L-isoleucine (L-Ile), L-valine (L-Val), and L-arginine (L-Arg), play a crucial role in mammary gland development, secretion of milk and regulation of the catabolic state and immune response of lactating sows. Furthermore, it has recently been suggested that free amino acids (AAs) can also act as microbial modulators. This study aimed at evaluating whether the supplementation of lactating sows with BCAAs (9, 4.5 and 9 g/d/sow of L-Val, L-Ile and L-Leu, respectively) and/or L-Arg (22.5 g/d/sow), above the estimated nutritional requirement, could influence the physiological and immunological parameters, microbial profile, colostrum and milk composition and performance of sows and their offspring. RESULTS: At d 41, piglets born from the sows supplemented with the AAs were heavier (P = 0.03). The BCAAs increased glucose and prolactin (P < 0.05) in the sows' serum at d 27, tended to increase immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgM in the colostrum (P = 0.06), increased the IgA (P = 0.004) in the milk at d 20 and tended to increase lymphocyte% in the sows' blood at d 27 (P = 0.07). Furthermore, the BCAAs tended to reduce the Chao1 and Shannon microbial indices (P < 0.10) in the sows' faeces. The BCAA group was discriminated by Prevotellaceae_UCG-004, Erysipelatoclostridiaceae UCG-004, the Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Treponema berlinense. Arginine reduced piglet mortality pre- (d 7, d 14) and post-weaning (d 41) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Arg increased the IgM in the sow serum at d 10 (P = 0.05), glucose and prolactin (P < 0.05) in the sow serum at d 27 and the monocyte percentage in the piglet blood at d 27 (P = 0.025) and their jejunal expression of NFKB2 (P = 0.035) while it reduced the expression of GPX-2 (P = 0.024). The faecal microbiota of the sows in Arg group was discriminated by Bacteroidales. The combination of BCAAs and Arg tended to increase spermine at d 27 (P = 0.099), tended to increase the Igs (IgA and IgG, P < 0.10) at d 20 in the milk, favoured the faecal colonisation of Oscillospiraceae UCG-005 and improved piglet growth. CONCLUSION: Feeding Arg and BCAAs above the estimated requirements for milk production may be a strategy to improve sow productive performance in terms of piglet average daily gain (ADG), immune competence and survivability via modulation of the metabolism, colostrum and milk compositions and intestinal microbiota of the sows. The synergistic effect between these AAs, noticeable by the increase of Igs and spermine in the milk and in the improvement of the performance of the piglets, deserves additional investigation.

Effect of two milk supplements and two ways of administration on growth performance, welfare and fecal microbial ecology of suckling piglets.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two MS formulas, DanMilk™ (AB Neo, Denmark) (MS1) and Neopigg® RescueMilk (Provimi, Netherlands) (MS2) administered manually and to compare two ways of administration (manual vs automatic) of MS1 on growth performance, health, fecal microbial profile, behavior, and skin lesions of piglets during suckling and post-weaning. Methods: Forty litters (528 piglets) were divided into 4 groups: 1) Control group receiving no MS (CON); 2) MS1 administered automatically (A-MS1); 3) MS1 administered manually (Ma-MS1) 4) MS2 administered manually (Ma-MS2). All groups had access to sow milk and creep feed. On day 5 after birth (d0), litters were equalized (13.2 piglets/litter ± 0.8 SD), thereafter no cross-fostering was allowed. Piglets were weighed at day 5 after birth (d0), at the end of milk supplementation (d14), at weaning (d21 of the trial, 26 days of age) and ten days post-weaning (d31). Piglet welfare was assessed using behavioral and lesion measures at d4 and d10. Feces were collected at d14 and d21. Results and discussion: During the suckling period, A-MS1 had lowest mortality (p < 0.05), while Ma-MS1 had lower mortality compared with CON and Ma-MS2 (p < 0.05). Negative social behavior at d4, was more frequent in MS groups (A-MS1, Ma-MS1, Ma-MS2) compared to CON group (p = 0.03). Growth performance and lesion prevalence were not affected by MS provision. During lactation, Ma-MS2 group had a higher percentage of piglets not eating during suckling at d18 compared with Ma-MS1 (p = 0.03). MS1 increased microbial diversity compared with CON at d14 (Chao1, p = 0.02; Shannon, p = 0.03) and compared with CON (Shannon, p < 0.05; InvSimpson, p = 0.01) and Ma-MS2 (Chao1, p < 0.05; Shannon, p = 0.05, InvSimpson p = 0.01) at d21. Groups that received MS1 were characterized by genera producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), i.e., Lachnospiraceae (A-MS1) and Oscillospiraceae (Ma-MS1). MS composition and availability can contribute to reduce piglet's mortality during the suckling phase and can also affect intestinal microbiota by favoring the presence of SCFAs producing bacteria.

Supplementation of mixed doses of glutamate and glutamine can improve the growth and gut health of piglets during the first 2 weeks post-weaning.

The aim of this study was to test the effect of mixing doses of glutamate (Glu) and glutamine (Gln) on the growth, health and gut health of post-weaning piglets. One hundred twenty weaned piglets (24 ± 2 days of age) were assigned to 6 dietary groups: (1) standard diet (CO); (2) CO plus Glu (6 kg/Ton): 100Glu; (3) CO plus 75Glu + 25Gln; (4) CO plus 50Glu + 50Gln; (5) CO plus 25Glu + 75Gln and (6) CO plus 100Gln. At days 8 and 21, blood was collected for haematological and reactive oxygen metabolite analysis, intestinal mucosa for morphological and gene expression analysis, and caecal content for microbial analysis. Data were fitted using a Generalised Linear Model (GLM). Piglet growth increased linearly with an increase in Gln from d7 to d14. The Glu:Gln ratio had a quadratic effect on faecal consistency and days of diarrhoea, neutrophil% and lymphocyte%, and a positive linear effect on monocyte% in the blood at d8. The amino acids (AAs) reduced the intraepithelial lymphocytes in the jejunum, and 100Gln improved intestinal barrier integrity at d8. The caecal microbiota did not differ. Overall, this study suggested a favourable effect of mixing Glu and Gln (25 + 75-50 + 50) as a dietary supplementation in post-weaning piglets to benefit the immune and barrier function of the gut, resulting in an increase in faecal consistency and improvement of growth during the first 2 weeks post-weaning.

Importance of Breed, Parity and Sow Colostrum Components on Litter Performance and Health.

The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of breed and parity on colostrum components, and to associate sow breed, parity, and colostrum components with survival, growth, and the occurrence of diarrhoea of their litters. In Experiment 1, 64 sows (Duroc = 13; Landrace = 17 and Large White = 34) were included. In Experiment 2, 71 sows with different parities (1 = 10; 2 = 16; 3 = 13; 4 = 12; ≥5 = 20) were included. The number (N) of live piglets, litter body weight (Experiment 1), and the occurrence of diarrhoea (Experiment 1) were recorded at farrowing, at 2−3 days of age, and at weaning. Colostrum was analysed for proximate composition, immunoglobulins (Igs), and somatic cell count (SCC). Stepwise regressions and ANOVA models were used to associate breed, parity, and colostrum components with litter performance. The Duroc breed had the highest IgG and IgA (p < 0.005). Gilts had a higher fat% and SCC (p< 0.0001); these compounds were positively correlated (r = 0.45). Increased IgA tended to increase the N of weaned piglets (p = 0.058) and reduce litter diarrhoea (p = 0.021). The SCC increased the N of weaned piglets (p = 0.031). Overall, this study confirmed that breed and parity can influence the colostrum composition and highlighted the key role of Igs and somatic cells in piglet health.

Influence of Chlorella vulgaris on growth, digestibility and gut morphology and microbiota of weaned piglet.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of Chlorella vulgaris (5% in the diet), supplemented or not with two exogenous carbohydrase mixtures on piglets' performance, nutrient digestibility and gut morphology, fermentation products and microbiota. Forty-four male piglets weaned at 28 days of age, with 11.2 ± 0.46 kg of live weight, were used and assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: cereal and soybean meal based-diet (control, n = 11), control diet with 5% of C. vulgaris (CH, n = 10), CH diet supplemented with 0.005% of Rovabio® Excel AP (CH + R, n = 10) and CH diet supplemented with 0.01% of a recombinant 4-carbohydrase mixture (CH + M, n = 11). Growth performance was not changed by the of C. vulgaris inclusion during 21 days of trial. However, total tract apparent digestibility of nutritional fractions was negatively impacted by the inclusion. In addition, the viscosity of duodenum plus jejunum contents slightly increased in all groups fed with the microalga. In contrast, dietary microalga increased duodenum villus height and promoted a healthier gut microbiota, with higher abundance of some specific bacterial taxa (Colidextribacter, Oscillospira and Lactobacillus). This study indicates that the dietary inclusion of 5% C. vulgaris improves piglets' gut health without impairing performance. Data also indicate that C. vulgaris reduces nutrient digestibility but promotes compensatory developments of gut mucosa and prebiotic effects. Dietary supplementation with exogenous carbohydrases does not seem to be necessary for this inclusion level. Therefore, the incorporation of CH as a sustainable feed ingredient in piglets' nutrition is a viable alternative approach.

Weaning differentially affects the maturation of piglet peripheral blood and jejunal Peyer's patches.

The study aimed to assess how the post-weaning condition changes piglet peripheral blood (PB) and jejunal Peyer's patches (JPPs) as compared to the suckling period, and how these changes are associated with intestinal microbiota evolution. Sixteen pigs were slaughtered and sampled for PB, JPPs and jejunal content (JC) at weaning (26 days) or at 12 days fed on a pre-starter diet. The PB and JPP transcriptomes were analysed using mRNA-seq. The Gene Set Enrichment Analysis was used to demonstrate enriched gene clusters, depending on sampling time. Jejunal microbiota was profiled using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Post-weaning JPPs were enriched for processes related to the activation of IFN-γ and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen processing which clustered with the reduced abundance of the Weisella genus and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in JC. The post-weaning microbiome differed from that seen in just-weaned pigs. For just-weaned PB, the enrichment of genes related to hemoglobin and the iron metabolism indicated the greater presence of reticulocytes and immature erythrocytes. The JPP genes involved in the I MHC and IFN-γ activations were markers of the post-weaning phase. Several genes attributable to reticulocyte and erythrocyte maturation could be interesting for testing the iron nutrition of piglets.

Degree of conversion of resin-cements (light-cured/dual-cured) under different thicknesses of vitreous ceramics: systematic review.

PURPOSE: This systematic review synthesized and analyzed the scientific evidence on the degree of conversion (DC) obtained by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of light-cured and dual-cured resinous cements, photopolymerized under different thicknesses of vitreous ceramics. STUDY SELECTION: The study protocol of this systematic review was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42017069319). A comprehensive search (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, and LILACS) was performed for papers including an in vitro design and indexed from January 2007 to December 2020 according to the study purposes. A quality appraisal (specific instrument) and descriptive analysis of the articles that met the inclusion criteria were conducted. RESULTS: Nine included studies were analyzed. Two of them used feldspathic ceramics, six used lithium disilicate, and one used both (comparing different types and opacities of ceramics). Three studies found a higher DC in dual cements, while one did not find any significant differences, and five studies found a higher DC in light-cured resin cements. Light-cured cements showed a better DC in relation to dual-cured cements in vitreous ceramic restorations with thicknesses up to 2 mm. CONCLUSION: According to the findings, the use of good photoactivation is the most relevant variable to achieve an adequate DC in light-cured and dual-cured resin cements. The use of vitreous ceramic restorations with a thickness of less than 2 mm (light-curing cements) shows a better DC. Standardized in vitro studies are required to generate accurate scientific evidence.

Effect of Polishing Systems on the Surface Roughness of Nano-Hybrid and Nano-Filling Composite Resins: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The polishing of surface roughness is an important characteristic of composite resins and is directly related to the longevity of the restoration and patient comfort. Different polishing systems utilize different protocols, as reported in the literature. This systematic review (SR) aimed to synthesize and analyze the available scientific evidence about the effect of polishing systems on the surface roughness of nano-hybrid and nano-filling composite resins. METHODS: The study protocol of this SR was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews -PROSPERO- (CRD4201705653). A search was conducted in PubMed-Medline, Scopus, LILACS, EMBASE, for the period 2007-2020. Quality appraisal and a descriptive analysis of the papers that met the inclusion criteria were conducted. RESULTS: 18 records were included. Seven polishing systems (PS) of one step were found, seven PS of two steps, eight PS of three steps, three PS of four steps, and four PS of five steps. Polishing protocols (PP) varied, with application times ranging from 10 s to 60 s with speeds between 10,000 and 30,000 RPM. Regarding composition, the aluminum oxide was one of the most important components used to achieve a smooth surface. CONCLUSIONS: Multistep polishing systems were the most effective (i.e., Astropol and Sof-Lex Discs).

Disentangling the Possible Drivers of Indri indri Microbiome: A Threatened Lemur Species of Madagascar.

Research on the gut microbiome may help with increasing our understanding of primate health with species' ecology, evolution, and behavior. In particular, microbiome-related information has the potential to clarify ecology issues, providing knowledge in support of wild primates conservation and their associated habitats. Indri (Indri indri) is the largest extant living lemur of Madagascar. This species is classified as "critically endangered" by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, representing one of the world's 25 most endangered primates. Indris diet is mainly folivorous, but these primates frequently and voluntarily engage in geophagy. Indris have never been successfully bred under human care, suggesting that some behavioral and/or ecological factors are still not considered from the ex situ conservation protocols. Here, we explored gut microbiome composition of 18 indris belonging to 5 different family groups. The most represented phyla were Proteobacteria 40.1 ± 9.5%, Bacteroidetes 28.7 ± 2.8%, Synergistetes 16.7 ± 4.5%, and Firmicutes 11.1 ± 1.9%. Further, our results revealed that bacterial alpha and beta diversity were influenced by indri family group and sex. In addition, we investigated the chemical composition of geophagic soil to explore the possible ecological value of soil as a nutrient supply. The quite acidic pH and high levels of secondary oxide-hydroxides of the soils could play a role in the folivorous diet's gut detoxification activity. In addition, the high contents of iron and manganese found the soils could act as micronutrients in the indris' diet. Nevertheless, the concentration of a few elements (i.e., calcium, sulfur, boron, nickel, sodium, and chromium) was higher in non-geophagic than in geophagic soils. In conclusion, the data presented herein provide a baseline for outlining some possible drivers responsible for the gut microbiome diversity in indris, thus laying the foundations for developing further strategies involved in indris' conservation.

Investigation of Early Supplementation of Nucleotides on the Intestinal Maturation of Weaned Piglets.

Nucleotides are essential for the development of the gastrointestinal tract and immune function, but their intake with milk by piglets could be insufficient. The effect of nucleotides on growth and health was tested on 98 piglets divided into two groups: NU, orally administrated with 4 mL of a nucleotide-based product (SwineMOD®) at 10, 15, 18, 21, 27 days, or not (CO). Blood and feces were sampled at weaning (26 d, T1), and at 38 d (T2). Per each group and time-point, eight piglets were slaughtered and jejunal Peyer's patches (JPPs) were collected. NU increased hemoglobin content and hematocrit, but not growth. At weaning, the NU fecal microbiota was characterized by the abundance of Campylobacteraceae, more typical of the growing phase, compared to CO, with a greater abundance of Streptococcaceae. For the blood transcriptome, an initial greater inflammatory activation was seen in CO, while at T2, NU enriched gene sets related to erythropoiesis. The activation of gene groups ranging from epigenetic response to transcriptional regulation evidenced an intense proliferative activity in NU JPPs. NU supplementation did not influence the growth performance of piglets but could have expressed a positive effect on pig microbiota anticipating its maturation at weaning. This immunostimulant activity in the JPPs could moderate the inflammation in the immediate pre-weaning.

Timely Control of Gastrointestinal Eubiosis: A Strategic Pillar of Pig Health.

The pig gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is an open ecosystem in which microorganisms and their host are mutually involved and continually adapt to different factors and problems which may or may not be host dependent or due to the production system. The aim of the present review is to highlight the factors affecting the GIT microbial balance in young pigs, focusing on the pre- and post-weaning phases, to define a road map for improving pig health and the production efficiency of the food chain. Birth and weaning body weight, physiological maturation, colostrum and milk (composition and intake), genetic background, environmental stressors and management practices, antibiotic use and diet composition are considered. Overall, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the effect that some factors, including weaning age, the use of creep feed, the composition of the colostrum and milk and the use of antibiotics, may have on the gut microbiome of piglets. Furthermore, the information on the gut microbiome of piglets is mainly based on the taxonomy description, while there is a lack of knowledge regarding the functional modification of the microbiota, essential for the exploitation of microbiota potential for modulating pig physiology.

I Like the Way You Eat It: Lemur (Indri indri) Gut Mycobiome and Geophagy.

Here, we investigated the possible linkages among geophagy, soil characteristics, and gut mycobiome of indri (Indri indri), an endangered lemur species able to survive only in wild conditions. The soil eaten by indri resulted in enriched secondary oxide-hydroxides and clays, together with a high concentration of specific essential micronutrients. This could partially explain the role of the soil in detoxification and as a nutrient supply. Besides, we found that soil subject to geophagy and indris' faeces shared about 8.9% of the fungal OTUs. Also, several genera (e.g. Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium) commonly associated with soil and plant material were found in both geophagic soil and indri samples. On the contrary, some taxa with pathogenic potentials, such as Cryptococcus, were only found in indri samples. Further, many saprotrophs and plant-associated fungal taxa were detected in the indri faeces. These fungal species may be involved in the digestion processes of leaves and could have a beneficial role in their health. In conclusion, we found an intimate connection between gut mycobiome and soil, highlighting, once again, the potential consequent impacts on the wider habitat.

Transfer of Mycotoxins from Lactation Feed to Colostrum of Sows.

Studies regarding the transfer of mycotoxins from sow feed to colostrum are scarce. A sample of in-house produced lactation feed and one of colostrum were collected from two or three sows per farm (total 49) from 19 farms. The feed contents of aflatoxins (AFs), fumonisins (FUs), deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) were assessed using ELISA and confirmed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), The values were very low (10, 12, 17 and 2 positive samples for AFs, FUs, DON and ZEA, respectively), except for two samples (one AF, one DON). Based on feed values, colostrum samples from 13 farms were tested for at least one mycotoxin (Total 35). Aflatoxins were not found in any sample. A signal for FUs was observed in 5 of 11 colostra, despite low feed values; DON was frequently present in the colostrum (10/14). On the farm where the feed exceeded the DON suggested limits, a higher colostrum content was seen, 10.9 µg/kg, approximately 1/69 of the value showing toxicity in young pigs. The absence of reference values for neonate pigs, and the risk of higher and longer ingestion of DON by sows suggested considering routine checks of sow feed; more research on DON transfer and toxicity in piglets is needed.

Fecal Microbiota Characterization of Seychelles Giant Tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) Living in Both Wild and Controlled Environments.

A microbiome is defined as a complex collection of microorganisms and their genetic material. Studies regarding gut microbiomes of different animals have provided ecological and evolutionary information showing a strong link between health and disease. Very few studies have compared the gut microbiota of animals housed under controlled conditions and those in wild habitats. Little research has been performed on the reptile gut microbiota, and what studies do exist are mainly focused on carnivorous reptiles. The aim of this study was first to describe the overall microbiota structure of Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) and, second, to compare the microbiota of tortoises living under natural conditions and tortoises living in controlled environments, such as zoological and botanical parks, in Italy and in the Seychelles. Seventeen fecal samples were collected from giant tortoises located on Curieuse Island (CI, n = 8), at the Botanical Garden (BG, n = 3) in Mahé (Seychelles Islands) and at Parco Natura Viva-Garda Zoological Park (PNV, n = 6) in Verona (Italy). The V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified in order to characterize the gut microbiota profile. Overall, the major phyla identified were Bacteroidetes 42%, Firmicutes 32%, and Spirochaetes 9%. A higher microbial diversity (alpha indices) was observed for the BG samples as compared to the PNV samples (Shannon: 5.39 vs. 4.43; InvSimpson: 80.7 vs. 25; Chao1: 584 vs. 377 p < 0.05). The results in the present study showed a significant difference in beta diversity between the samples from CI, BG, and PNV (p = 0.001), suggesting a different bacterial fecal profile of giant tortoises at the different habitats. This study provided novel insights into the effects of different environmental conditions on the gut microbial communities of giant tortoises. In particular, differences were reported regarding the bacterial gut community structure between tortoises in natural and in controlled environments. These results could help to improve the management of giant tortoises under human care, thus enhancing ex-situ conservation efforts far from the species geographic range.