Rapid and visual detection of dichloroacetonitrile in water.

Dichloroacetonitrile (DCAN) is a common biotoxic disinfection by-product (DBP) of chlorine. The current methods used for detecting DCAN are tedious and heavily instrument-dependent, and are not suitable for on-site detection. In the present study, we developed a colorimetric assay for rapid detection of DCAN. DCAN in water acted as a complexing agent that formed a complex with cuprous species. The cuprous species was then extracted by chloroform and visualized using dithizone. The visual detection limit for DCAN was 20 ng mL-1, while fluorescence quantification could detect DCAN at a concentration as low as 8.75 ng mL-1. Moreover, haloacetonitriles (HANs) derived from chlorine disinfection and structurally similar to DCAN, including TCAN, BCAN, and DBAN, could also be detected using this method. Other DBPs at concentrations as high as 200 ng mL-1 did not affect the detection process. The low cost and instrument-independence characteristic of the present method enables its routine determination of the concentration of DCAN in water.

Solid-state fermentation improves the quality of chrysanthemum waste as an alternative feed ingredient.

Chrysanthemum waste (CW) is an agricultural and industrial by-product produced during chrysanthemum harvesting, drying, preservation, and deep processing. Although it is nutritious, most CW is discarded, wasting resources and contributing to serious environmental problems. This work explored a solid-state fermentation (SSF) strategy to improve CW quality for use as an alternative feed ingredient. Orthogonal experiment showed that the optimal conditions for fermented chrysanthemum waste (FCW) were: CW to cornmeal mass ratio of 9:1, Pediococcus cellaris + Candida tropicalis + Bacillus amyloliquefaciens proportions of 2:2:1, inoculation amount of 6%, and fermentation time of 10 d. Compared with the control group, FCW significantly increased the contents of crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, ash, calcium, phosphorus, and total flavonoids (p < 0.01), and significantly decreased pH and saponin content (p < 0.01). SSF improved the free and hydrolyzed amino acid profiles of FCW, increased the content of flavor amino acids, and improved the amino acid composition of FCW protein. Overall, SSF improved CW nutritional quality. FCW shows potential use as a feed ingredient, and SSF helps reduce the waste of chrysanthemum processing.

Mulberry leaf extract improves intestinal barrier function and displays beneficial effects on colonic microbiota and microbial metabolism in weaned piglets.

BACKGROUND: Mulberry leaf extract (MLE) extracted from mulberry leaves is rich in a variety of bioactive ingredients and can be used as feed additives of weaned piglets. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary MLE supplementation on intestinal barrier function, colon microbial numbers and microbial metabolites of weaned piglets. RESULTS: MLE supplementation increased the villus height and the villus height/crypt depth ratio in jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05), increased the mRNA expression of ZO-1, Claudin-1 and MUC-2 in the ileal mucosa (P < 0.05), and decreased the serum level of lipopolysaccharide (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, MLE reduced the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1ß (P < 0.05) and increased secretory immunoglobulin A level in the ileal mucosa (P < 0.05). In addition, MLE increased the numbers of beneficial bacteria Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus (P < 0.05) and decreased the number of potential pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli (P < 0.05) in the colon. Correspondingly, MLE supplementation reduced the pH value of colonic digesta (P < 0.05) and altered the microbial fermentation pattern of the colon by increasing the concentrations of microbial metabolites derived from carbohydrates fermentation such as lactate, acetate, butyrate and total short-chain fatty acids (P < 0.05), and decreasing the concentrations of microbial metabolites derived from amino acid fermentation such as p-cresol, skatole, spermine, histamine and tryptamine (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: MLE supplementation improved intestinal barrier function and displayed beneficial effects on colon microbes and microbial metabolism in weaned piglets. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Exogenous Glutathione Protects IPEC-J2 Cells against Oxidative Stress through a Mitochondrial Mechanism.

The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggers oxidative stress in cells by oxidizing and modifying various cellular components, preventing them from performing their inherent functions, ultimately leading to apoptosis and autophagy. Glutathione (GSH) is a ubiquitous intracellular peptide with multiple functions. In this study, a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage model in IPEC-J2 cells was used to investigate the cellular protection mechanism of exogenous GSH against oxidative stress. The results showed that GSH supplement improved the cell viability reduced by H2O2-induced oxidative damage model in IPEC-J2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, supplement with GSH also attenuated the H2O2-induced MMP loss, and effectively decreased the H2O2-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing the content of mtDNA and upregulating the expression TFAM. Exogenous GSH treatment significantly decreased the ROS and MDA levels, improved SOD activity in H2O2-treated cells and reduced H2O2-induced early apoptosis in IPEC-J2 cells. This study showed that exogenous GSH can protect IPEC-J2 cells against apoptosis induced by oxidative stress through mitochondrial mechanisms.

Effects of dietary citrus extract on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of pigs.

This study investigated the effects of citrus extract on growth, carcass and meat quality of Duroc × Landrace × Large White pigs. One hundred and eight pigs (54 barrows, 54 females) were assigned to one of three dietary treatments for 138 days. The dietary treatments were (1) basic diet; (2) basic diet supplemented with 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline; and (3) basic diet supplemented with citrus extract (0.25 ml/kg during 56-112 days of age and 0.20 ml/kg during 113-194 days of age). No significant differences among treatments were found for growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and free amino acids (p > 0.05). Feeding citrus extract tended to increase intramuscular fat (p = 0.052). Citrus extract and chlortetracycline increased C15:0 concentration (p = 0.016) and superoxide dismutase activity (p = 0.004). The pigs that received chlortetracycline exhibited the lowest (p = 0.033) muscle malondialdehyde concentration. Overall, citrus extract ameliorated some meat quality indicators without adverse effects on pig growth or carcass performance.

Effect of amino acids and their derivatives on meat quality of finishing pigs.

Amino acids provide key nutritional value, and significantly contribute to taste and flavor of meat. Here, we review the role of free amino acids in the muscle fibers in meat quality and sensory signals. We furthermore discuss how dietary supplementation of free amino acids and their derivatives (e.g. tryptophan, threonine, arginine, lysine, leucine, glutamate, threonine, sarcosine, betaines, and cysteamine) can influence these attributes. The available data shows that the quality of the meat is subject to the amino acids that are provided in the animal feed.

Alpha-ketoglutarate enhances milk protein synthesis by porcine mammary epithelial cells.

Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle, has been reported to promote protein synthesis through activating mechanistic targeting of rapamycin (mTOR) in enterocytes. The study tested the hypothesis that AKG may enhance growth and milk protein synthesis in porcine mammary epithelial cells (PMECs). PMECs were cultured for 96 h in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's-F12 Ham medium (DMEM-F12) containing prolactin (2 µg/ml) and AKG (0 or 1.5 mM). At the end of 96-h culture, the abundance of apoptosis-related proteins (caspase-3, caspase-9), milk-specific proteins (α-lactalbumin and ß-casein), mTOR signaling proteins (mTOR, p-mTOR, PERK, p-PERK, eIF2a, P70S6K and p-P70S6K), and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-associated proteins (BiP and CHOP) in PMEC were determined. Addition of AKG dose-dependently enhanced cell viability in the absence or presence of prolactin, with optimal concentrations of AKG being at 1.0 and 1.5 mM, respectively. In the presence of prolactin, addition of 1.5 mM AKG: (1) decreased (P < 0.05) the abundance of caspase-3 and caspase-9 by 21 and 39 %; (2) enhanced (P < 0.05) the phosphorylation of p-mTOR and p-P70S6K by 39 and 89 %, respectively; (3) increased (P < 0.05) the production of ß-casein and α-lactalbumin by 16 and 20 %, respectively; (4) attenuated (P < 0.05) the expression of CHOP by 34 % but promoted (P < 0.05) the expression of BiP by 46 %; (5) increased (P < 0.05) the secretion of lactose by 15 %, when compared to the 0 mM AKG group. Rapamycin (50 nM; an inhibitor of mTOR) attenuated (P < 0.05) the stimulatory effect of AKG on mTOR signaling and syntheses of milk protein and lactose, while relieving (P < 0.05) an inhibitory effect of AKG on expression of proteins related to ERS. Collectively, our results indicate that AKG enhances milk protein production by modulating mTOR and ERS signaling pathways in PMECs.

Brevibacillus laterosporus: A Probiotic with Important Applications in Crop and Animal Production.

Brevibacillus laterosporus (B. laterosporus) is widely distributed in nature and demonstrates significant potential for applications in biological control, environmental protection, agricultural production, and clinical medicine. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the applications of B. laterosporus in crop cultivation and animal feeding, as well as an examination of the antimicrobial peptides produced by B. laterosporus and their antibacterial mechanisms. B. laterosporus enhances crop cultivation by secreting hydrolases to improve nutrient absorption capabilities, synthesizing hormones to promote crop growth, and producing proteins to inhibit the reproduction of harmful organisms. B. laterosporus has been used to improve animal production by regulating the structure of the intestinal microbiota and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria through the secretion of various antimicrobial peptides. The bactericidal activity of Brevilaterins secreted by B. laterosporus is attributed to their ability to bind to lipopolysaccharide/lipid II molecules on the cell membrane, thereby altering permeability. Brevilaterins also inhibit bacterial reproduction by affecting relevant gene pathways in the cell membranes of pathogenic bacteria. These pathways include ATP synthesis, peptidoglycan biosynthesis, membrane transport, and cellular metabolism. In conclusion, B. laterosporus exhibits substantial potential as a probiotic activity in crop and animal production. However, applications of B. laterosporus in animal production could be improved, necessitating further research to elucidate the underlying probiotic mechanisms.

Magnolol-driven microbiota modulation elicits changes in tryptophan metabolism resulting in reduced skatole formation in pigs.

Skatole of gut origin has garnered significant attention as a malodorous pollutant due to its escalating emissions, recalcitrance to biodegradation and harm to animal and human health. Magnolol is a health-promoting polyphenol with potential to considerably mitigate the skatole production in the intestines. To investigate the impact of magnolol and its underlying mechanism on the skatole formation, in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted in pigs. Our results revealed that skatole concentrations in the cecum, colon, and faeces decreased by 58.24% (P = 0.088), 44.98% (P < 0.05) and 43.52% (P < 0.05), respectively, following magnolol supplementation. Magnolol supplementation significantly decreased the abundance of Lachnospira, Faecalibacterium, Paramuribaculum, Faecalimonas, Desulfovibrio, Bariatricus, and Mogibacterium within the colon (P < 0.05). Moreover, a strong positive correlation (P < 0.05) between skatole concentration and Desulfovibrio abundance was observed. Subsequent in silico studies showed that magnolol could dock well with indolepyruvate decarboxylase (IPDC) within Desulfovibrio. Further in vitro investigation unveiled that magnolol addition led to less indole-3-pyruvate diverted towards the oxidative skatole pathway by the potential docking of magnolol towards IPDC, thereby diminishing the conversion of substrate into skatole. Our findings offer novel targets and strategies for mitigating skatole emission from the source.

Metabolome and Metagenome Integration Unveiled Synthesis Pathways of Novel Antioxidant Peptides in Fermented Lignocellulosic Biomass of Palm Kernel Meal.

Approximately one-third of the entire world's food resources are deemed to be wasted. Palm kernel meal (PKM), a product that is extensively generated by the palm oil industry, exhibits a unique nutrient-rich composition. However, its recycling is seldom prioritized due to numerous factors. To evaluate the impact of enzymatic pretreatment and Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus reuteri fermentation upon the antioxidant activity of PKM, we implemented integrated metagenomics and metabolomics approaches. The substantially enhanced (p < 0.05) property of free radicals scavenging, as well as total flavonoids and polyphenols, demonstrated that the biotreated PKM exhibited superior antioxidant capacity. Non-targeted metabolomics disclosed that the Lactobacillus fermentation resulted in substantial (p < 0.05) biosynthesis of 25 unique antioxidant biopeptides, along with the increased (p < 0.05) enrichment ratio of the isoflavonoids and secondary metabolites biosynthesis pathways. The 16sRNA sequencing and correlation analysis revealed that Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Pediococcus acidilactici, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, and polysaccharide lyases had significantly dominated (p < 0.05) proportions in PMEL, and these bacterial species were strongly (p < 0.05) positively interrelated with antioxidants peptides. Fermented PKM improves nutritional value by enhancing beneficial probiotics, enzymes, and antioxidants and minimizing anti-nutritional factors, rendering it an invaluable feed ingredient and gut health promoter for animals, multifunctional food elements, or as an ingredient in sustainable plant-based diets for human utilization, and functioning as a culture substrate in the food sector.

Effect of Fermented Mulberry Leaves on Gut Health of Finishing Pigs.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementing fermented mulberry leaves (FML) on intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, and immune function in the gut of finishing pigs. Eighteen 132-day-old healthy crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) male castrated pigs were randomly divided into two treatment groups with nine replicates per group. The control (CON) group was fed the basal diet, and the FML group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 10% FML. The experiment lasted 69 days. The results showed that 10% FML improved gut health. The apparent total tract digestibility in dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, acidic detergent fiber, ether extract, and crude ash increased in the 10% FML group of finishing pigs compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). Duodenal, jejunal, and ileal intestinal morphology, such as villus height and villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio, increased in the 10% FML group compared to the CON group, whereas crypt depth decreased in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (p < 0.05). Total antioxidant capacity increased in the ileum of the 10% FML group compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). The FML supplementation improved the contents of duodenal immunoglobulin A, jejunal interleukin-1ß, interleukin-8, ileal interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, interferon-γ, and immunoglobulins A and M compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, FML downregulated the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α in the duodenum, Toll-like receptor 4, nuclear factor-κ B-P65, and myeloid differentiation factor 88 in the jejunum, and Toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-κ B-P65 in the ileum (p < 0.05). The FML also upregulated Montrose uniting church 1 in the duodenum and claudin 2 in the ileum (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 10% FML improved the gut health of finishing pigs and FML is a potential feed ingredient for pig breeding.

Effects of dietary Brevibacillus laterosporus BL1 supplementation on meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and the profiles of muscle amino acids and fatty acids in finishing pigs.

Consumer demand for tastier and higher-quality pork is increasing. Probiotics have been reported to improve meat quality, but the species of probiotics are limited, and efficacy is discrete. This study investigated the effects of dietary Brevibacillus laterosporus BL1 (live and heat-killed form) supplementation on the meat quality of finishing pigs. Results revealed that both live and heat-killed B. laterosporus BL1 supplementation increased pH24h and decreased drip loss (P < 0.05) compared to the control group (CON). Moreover, compared to the CON group, heat-killed B. laterosporus BL1 supplementation exhibited a stronger ability to improve meat quality (redness, shear force, inosine monophosphate, and intramuscular fat content, P < 0.05), antioxidant capacity, and free amino acid profiles of longissimus thoracis (LT) than live bacteria without impairing porcine growth performance. Further, heat-killed B. laterosporus BL1 supplementation favored up-regulating the expression of genes related to oxidative-type fiber in LT (P < 0.05). Proteomic analysis confirmed that Gene Ontology items related to oxidative metabolism were subsequently enriched with heat-killed B. laterosporus BL1 treatment in LT (P < 0.05). Overall, dietary heat-killed B. laterosporus BL1 supplementation may improve the meat quality of finishing pigs, which provides application guidance for B. laterosporus BL1 in producing higher-quality pork.

Integrated Metabolomics and Metagenomics Unveiled Biomarkers of Antioxidant Potential in Fermented Brewer's Grains.

About one-third of the global food supply is wasted. Brewers' spent grain (BSG), being produced in enormous amounts by the brewery industry, possesses an eminence nutritional profile, yet its recycling is often neglected for multiple reasons. We employed integrated metagenomics and metabolomics techniques to assess the effects of enzyme treatments and Lactobacillus fermentation on the antioxidant capacity of BSG. The biotreated BSG revealed improved antioxidant capability, as evidenced by significantly increased (p < 0.05) radical scavenging activity and flavonoid and polyphenol content. Untargeted metabolomics revealed that Lactobacillus fermentation led to the prominent synthesis (p < 0.05) of 15 novel antioxidant peptides, as well as significantly higher (p < 0.05) enrichment of isoflavonoid and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways. The correlation analysis demonstrated that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum exhibited strong correlation (p < 0.05) with aucubin and carbohydrate-active enzymes, namely, glycoside hydrolases 25, glycosyl transferases 5, and carbohydrate esterases 9. The fermented BSG has potential applications in the food industry as a culture medium, a functional food component for human consumption, and a bioactive feed ingredient for animals.

Carbon Footprint of the Pork Product Chain and Recent Advancements in Mitigation Strategies.

The carbon footprint of pork production is a pressing concern due to the industry's significant greenhouse gas emissions. It is crucial to achieve low-carbon development and carbon neutrality in pork production. Thus, this paper reviewed the recent studies about various sources of carbon emissions throughout the current pork production chain; feed production, processing, and manure management are the major sources of carbon emissions. The carbon footprint of the pork production chain varies from 0.6 to 6.75 kg CO2e·kg-1 pig live weight, and the carbon footprint of 1 kg of pork cuts is equivalent to 2.25 to 4.52 kg CO2e. A large reduction in carbon emissions could be achieved simultaneously if combining strategies of reducing transportation distances, optimizing farmland management, minimizing chemical fertilizer usage, promoting organic farming, increasing renewable energy adoption, and improving production efficiency. In summary, these mitigation strategies could effectively decrease carbon emissions by 6.5% to 50% in each sector. Therefore, a proper combination of mitigation strategies is essential to alleviate greenhouse gas emissions without sacrificing pork supply.

Guanidine Acetic Acid Alters Tissue Bound Amino Acid Profiles and Oxidative Status in Finishing Pigs.

This study aims to investigate the effects of guanidine acetic acid (GAA) on carcass traits, plasma biochemical parameters, tissue antioxidant capacity, and tissue-bound amino acid contents in finishing pigs. Seventy-two 140-day-old (body weight 86.59 ± 1.16 kg) crossbred pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Large White) were randomly assigned into four treatments with six replicate pens and three pigs per pen, which were fed the basal diets supplemented with 0, 0.05%, 0.10%, or 0.15% GAA, respectively. The plasma glucose concentration decreased, and creatine kinase activity and levels of GAA and creatine increased with the dietary GAA concentration. GAA linearly improved creatine content in the longissimus thoracis muscle (LM) and heart. The activities of superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione peroxidase increased linearly in tissue or/and plasma, while the contents of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl decreased linearly. GAA improved the contents of multiple-bound amino acids (such as proline or isoleucine) in the myocardium and LM. In conclusion, GAA enhanced the plasma biochemical parameters, oxidative status, and bound amino acid profiles of the heart and LM in finishing pigs.

Brevibacillus laterosporus BL1, a promising probiotic, prevents obesity and modulates gut microbiota in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Scope: Probiotics are a potential preventive strategy for obesity. However, with discrete efficacy and limited species of probiotics, there is a demand for novel strains with excellent anti-obesity properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Brevibacillus laterosporus BL1 on preventing obesity in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Methods and results: C57BL/6 male mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10) and fed a control diet, HFD, HFD plus B. laterosporus BL1, and HFD plus supernatant of B. laterosporus BL1, respectively for 8 weeks. The results showed that prophylactic B. laterosporus BL1 treatment reduced body weight gain by 41.26% in comparison to the HFD group, and this difference was accompanied by a reduction in body fat mass and the weight of inguinal white adipose tissues and epididymal white adipose tissue (-33.39%, -39.07%, and -43.75%, respectively). Moreover, the B. laterosporus BL1-mediated improvements in lipid profile, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation were associated with the regulation of gene expression related to lipid metabolism and enhancement of brown adipose tissue thermogenesis. Particularly, B. laterosporus BL1 intervention significantly improved HFD-induced gut flora dysbiosis, as evidenced by a reverse in the relative abundance of Bacillota and Bacteroidota, as well as an increase in the relative abundance of bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which in turn increased SCFAs levels. Conclusion: Our findings found for the first time that B. laterosporus BL1 may be a promising probiotic for prevention of obesity associated with the regulation of gut microbiota.

Guanidine acetic acid supplementation altered plasma and tissue free amino acid profiles in finishing pigs.

BACKGROUND: As a nutritive feed additive, guanidine acetic acid (GAA) participates in the metabolism of energy and proteins. This study aimed to investigate the effects of GAA on growth performance, organ index, plasma and tissue free amino acid profiles, and related metabolites in finishing pigs. A total of 72 crossbred pigs (body weight 86.59 ± 1.16 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments (GAA0, GAA500, GAA1000, and GAA1500). They were fed the basal diets supplemented with 0, 500, 1000, or 1500 mg/kg GAA for 42 days, respectively. The growth performance and organ weight were evaluated, and the contents of crude protein, free amino acids, and metabolites in plasma and tissues were determined. Spearman correlation between plasma and tissue free amino acids and related metabolites was also analyzed. RESULTS: Growth performance in pigs was not altered by GAA (P > 0.05). The absolute and relative weight of kidneys increased (quadratic, P < 0.05). As dietary GAA concentration was increased, the contents of plasma glycine, serine, leucine, ornithine, and ratio of ornithine/arginine decreased (linear or quadratic, P < 0.05), but the contents of plasma isoleucine and taurine and the ratios of alanine/branched-chain amino acids and proline/ornithine increased quadratically (P < 0.05). The hepatic γ-amino-n-butyric acid content increased linearly and quadratically (P < 0.001), while the carnosine content decreased (quadratic, P = 0.004). The contents of renal arginine, proline, cystine, glutamate, and total amino acids (TAA) decreased quadratically (P < 0.05), but the contents of glycine (quadratic, P = 0.015) and γ-amino-n-butyric acid (linear, P = 0.008) increased. The pancreatic tryptophan content (quadratic, P = 0.024) increased, while the contents of pancreatic proline (linear, P = 0.005) and hydroxyproline (quadratic, P = 0.032) decreased in response to GAA supplementation. The contents of cardiac essential amino acids (EAA), nonessential amino acids (NEAA), and TAA in GAA1000 were higher than those in GAA1500 (P < 0.05). Supplementing with GAA linearly increased the contents of methionine, threonine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, lysine, histidine, arginine, serine, alanine, glutamine, asparagine, tyrosine, proline, taurine, cystathionine, α-aminoadipic acid, ß-aminoisobutyric acid, EAA, NEAA, and TAA in the spleen (P < 0.05). A strong Spearman correlation existed between plasma and tissue free amino acids and related metabolites. CONCLUSION: GAA supplementation did not altered pig growth performance, but it altered plasma and tissue free amino acid profiles and the contents of related metabolites in pigs in a tissue-dependent manner.

Effects of Lysine-Lysine Dipeptide on Serum Amino Acid Profiles, Intestinal Morphology, and Microbiome in Suckling Piglets.

Aims: Small peptides are more energy-saving and efficiently absorbed compared to amino acids. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Lys-Lys dipeptide on the improvement of growth performance, amino acid metabolism, and gut development in suckling piglets. Methods and Results: Twenty-eight newborn suckling piglets were orally administrated with 0.1%, 1%, and 5% Lys-Lys dipeptide for 21 days. Our results showed that the Lys-Lys dipeptide has no significant effect on growth performance and intestinal morphology compared with the control group. We also found that the 1% Lys-Lys dipeptide significantly increased the concentrations of serum Lys, Thr, Phe, and Pro while decreasing Cys compared to the control group. Similarly, the 5% Lys-Lys dipeptide markedly increased the concentrations of serum Lys, Iso, Thr, Asp, Glu, and Pro compared to the control group. Moreover, the Lys-Lys dipeptide downregulated the expression of jejunal Slc7a1, Slc7a2, and Slc15a1 and ileal Slc7a2. Additionally, the Lys-Lys dipeptide decreased the microbiota richness indices and relative abundance of Bacteroidales. Conclusion: In this study, we found that the Lys-Lys dipeptide contributes to the metabolism of amino acids but failed to affect the growth performance of piglets. Additionally, the Lys-Lys dipeptide decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroidales. These results provide a theoretical for the future application and research of Lys-Lys dipeptide in intestinal development of suckling piglets.

Integrated metagenomics-metabolomics analysis reveals the cecal microbial composition, function, and metabolites of pigs fed diets with different starch sources.

This study integrated metagenomics and metabolomics to evaluate the effects of diets with different starch sources on the microbial community, metabolic functions, and resultant metabolites in the cecum of finishing pigs. In this study, 48 crossbred growing barrows were randomly allocated to 2 treatment groups with eight replicate pens of 3 pigs each. Pigs were fed a tapioca starch (TS) diet or a pea starch (PS) diet (the ratio between amylose and amylopectin of the two diets were 0.11 and 0.44, respectively) for 44 days. The results showed that, compared with the TS diet, the PS diet increased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of amylolytic bacteria, such as Lactobacillus spp., and Streptococcus spp., and decreased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of some inflammatory bacteria, such as Tyzzerella, Porphyromonas, and Tannerella in the cecum of pigs. In addition, analysis of microbial functions showed that 11 carbohydrate-active enzymes, such as GH73, AA3, and AA6, were enriched in the PS group (P < 0.05), while 26 other enzymes, such as GH2, GH35, and GH53, were enriched in the TS group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, KEGG pathway analysis showed a decreasing trend (P < 0.1) for energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism pathways, and a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the lipid metabolism pathways in the PS group. Correspondingly, the resultant metabolites related to amino acids and their derivatives (such as decreased histamine and indole, while increased γ-aminobutyric acid and pyroglutamic acid), and fatty acids and lipids (such as increased tetradecanoylcarnitine and monoacylglycerol) were also changed (P < 0.05) in the cecum of pigs fed the PS diet. In summary, these findings indicated that the cecal microbiota and metabolism underwent responsive changes to diets with different starch sources, and a high ratio of amylose to amylopectin in diets may be beneficial to intestinal health of pigs.

Effect of Maternal Catalase Supplementation on Reproductive Performance, Antioxidant Activity and Mineral Transport in Sows and Piglets.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of maternal catalase (CAT) supplementation on reproductive performance, antioxidant enzyme activities, mineral transport, and mRNA expression of related genes in sows and offspring. A total of 40 pregnant sows at 95 days of gestation with similar parity (3−5 parities) and back-fat thickness were assigned randomly and equally into the control (CON) group (fed a basal diet) and CAT group (fed a basal diet supplemented with 660 mg/kg CAT; CAT activity, 280 U/g). The reproductive performance was recorded, and the placenta and blood samples of sows and neonatal piglets, as well as the jejunum and ileum samples from neonatal boars (eight replicates per group), were collected. Results showed that dietary supplementation with CAT significantly decreased the intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) rate and increased the activity of serum CAT in neonatal piglets and umbilical cords (p < 0.05). In addition, CAT supplementation tended to improve total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels in the maternal serum (p = 0.089) and umbilical cords of piglets (p = 0.051). The serum calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) of farrowing sows and Mn concentration in the umbilical cord, and serum Ca, magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and Mn of neonatal piglets were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the CAT group. CAT supplementation downregulated mRNA expression of TRPV6 and CTR1 (p < 0.05), Cu/Zn SOD (p = 0.086) in the placenta and tended to increase the mRNA expression of the glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) (p = 0.084), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) (p = 0.063), and CAT (p = 0.052) genes in the ileum of piglets. These results showed that the maternal CAT supplementation improved fetal growth by decreasing the IUGR rate, and modulated antioxidant activity, as well as mineral elements in the pregnant sows and their piglets.