Spray-dried plasma improves growth performance and reduces inflammatory status of weaned pigs challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88

Chemical Composition and Functional Properties of Spray-Dried Animal Plasma and Its Contributions to Livestock and Pet Health: A Review

Spray-dried animal plasma (SDAP) is a functional ingredient derived from healthy animal blood, used as a nutritional additive in livestock and pet nutrition. SDAP is rich in macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds such as immunoglobulins, albumin, growth factors, peptides, transferrin, and enzymes. This review focuses on the chemical composition of SDAP from porcine, bovine, and poultry sources, including protein quality and mineral profile. SDAP enhances performance and health in monogastric farm animals, aquaculture, and pets. It promotes growth rates and feed intake due to its high digestibility and superior amino acid profile compared to other protein sources. In pigs, SDAP's positive effects stem from tissue-specific actions in the gastrointestinal tract, impacting digestion, immunity, and barrier function. For poultry, SDAP shows promise as a substitute for antibiotic growth promoters, particularly in chick starter diets. SDAP contains functional proteins that regulate immune response, enhance intestinal health, and aid in stress conditions. It is also used as a binder in pet food, providing high protein content and other desirable properties. SDAP meets the dietary requirements of carnivorous pets, appealing to owners seeking animal-derived protein sources. Additionally, SDAP may help prevent cognitive impairment in senior dogs and cats.

Spray-Dried Animal Plasma as a Multifaceted Ingredient in Pet Food

Plasma is a co-product from pork and beef obtained during the processing of animals for human consumption. The spray-drying process maintains the solubility of spray-dried animal plasma (SDAP) and its nutritional and functional properties, making this ingredient multifunctional in human and animal nutrition. In pet food, SDAP has been used in the production of wet foods (pates and chunks in gravy) as an emulsifying and binding agent, with the potential to replace hydrocolloids partially or totally, which have some negative implications for digestibility, fecal quality, and intestinal inflammation. From a nutritional point of view, SDAP has high digestibility and an amino acid profile compatible with high-quality ingredients, such as powdered eggs. Studies in companion animals, especially in cats, have shown that SDAP is an ingredient with high palatability. Despite the immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, and neuroprotective properties demonstrated in some animal models, there are still few publications demonstrating these effects in dogs and cats, which limits its use as a functional ingredient for these species. In this review, the potential use of SDAP in pet food, aspects related to the sustainability of this ingredient, and opportunities for studies in companion animals are discussed.

A dietary spray-dried plasma feeding programme improves growth performance and reduces faecal bacterial shedding of nursery pigs challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88

This study aimed to assess the effects of different spray-dried plasma (SDP) feeding programmes to pigs on performance, intestinal histomorphology and faecal bacterial shedding after an Escherichia coli K88 challenge. A total of 96 piglets (5.77 ± 0.01 kg) were weaned at 21 days of age (Day 0) and challenged with 3 ml of 1 × 10¹⁰  CFU of E. coli K88 in total 3.0 × 10¹⁰  CFU/animal on Days 0, 2 and 4. Pigs were fed nursery diets containing 0.0%, 3.0%, 6.0% or 9.0% SDP from weaning to 35 days of age; 0.0%, 1.5%, 3.0% or 4.5% SDP from 36 to 49 days; and the same control diet (without SDP), for the last 10 days of the experiment (50-59 days of age). Performance was measured from 35 to 59 days of age and faecal bacterial shedding and intestinal histomorphometry were evaluated at Days 28 and 49 of age respectively. From 21 to 35 days of age, there was a linear effect for body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG), a trend of linear effect for average daily feed intake (ADFI) and a quadratic effect for feed:gain ratio (FG). From 21 to 49 days, the 9.0:4.5% and 6.0:3.0% SDP feeding programmes improved BW, ADG and FG when compared to the other treatments. At 59 days of age, BW and ADG were increased by the two highest SDP feeding programmes. The 9.0:4.5% SDP feeding programme increased ADFI from 21 to 59 days of age, with 6.0:3.0% being intermediate and the other two treatments being lowest. The CFU counts of E. coli/g of faeces decreased linearly with increasing addition of SDP. These results indicate that an extended inclusion of increased SDP levels in post-weaning diets can improve growth potential and decrease bacterial shedding induced by E. coli K88.

Spray-dried porcine plasma enhances feed efficiency, intestinal integrity, and immune response of broilers challenged with necrotic enteritis

Re-emergence of enteric diseases in the postantibiotic era has imposed severe loss to the poultry industry leading to the urgent need for appropriate additives to maintain gut health. Recently, more attention has been paid to animal plasma due to its high concentrations of active components such as albumins and globulins. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDP) supplementation during the starter phase (d 0-10) on growth performance, intestine health, and immune response of broilers under necrotic enteritis (NE) challenge. A total of 720 day-old male broiler parental line chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to a 2 (NE challenge: no, yes) × 2 (SDP: 0, 2%) factorial arrangement with 12 replications of 15 chicks each. To induce NE, birds were inoculated with live Eimeria vaccine on d 9 and Clostridium perfringens on d 14. The body weight of birds and feed consumption were measured per pen on d 8, 10, 24, and 29 to calculate performance parameters. On d 16, three birds per pen were sampled to analyse the intestinal lesion score, gut permeability, villi morphology, relative weight of organs, and immune response. Results showed that SDP improved (P < 0.001) FCR in the pre-challenge phase (d 0-8). The results indicated that supplementing SDP lowered (P < 0.01) FCR at the end of the experiment (d 29). Dietary SDP decreased (P < 0.05) the concentration of FITC-d in serum samples of challenged broilers, although it did not affect the intestinal morphology and lesion score. Birds fed with SDP had a higher (P < 0.05) relative weight of bursa (g/kg live body weight) compared to non-supplemented birds. Supplementing SDP reduced the concentration of interleukin-6 (P < 0.05) and α-1 acid glycoprotein (P = 0.051) in serum samples of broilers. In conclusion, supplementation of SDP in the starter phase enhanced feed efficiency and gut integrity in NE challenged broilers, possibly through manipulating the immune response, while further studies targeting intestinal microflora and key genes are required to explore the mode of action.

Effects of combined prebiotic, probiotic, IgG and amino acid supplementation on the gut microbiome of patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Background: The effects of the Total Gut Restoration (TGR) system supplementation on the gut microbiome were evaluated. Materials & methods: A mucosal in vitro simulation of the human gastrointestinal tract (M-SHIME®) system was inoculated with fecal samples from patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Chambers were supplemented for 5 days with the TGR system (five probiotic Bacillus strains, prebiotic mixture, immunoglobulin concentrate, amino acids and prebiotic flavonoids). Results: Compared with unsupplemented controls, supplementation was associated with a significant increase in short-chain fatty acid production, and changes to the microbiome were observed. Supernatants from supplemented chambers improved intestinal barrier function, increased IL-6 and IL-10 production and decreased MCP1 production versus control in Caco-2/THP1 coculture. Conclusion: Daily TGR supplementation facilitated changes to the gut microbiome of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

The Neuroprotective Effects of Spray-Dried Porcine Plasma Supplementation Involve the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis

Dietary supplementation with spray-dried porcine plasma (SDP) reduces the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) hallmarks in SAMP8 mice. Since gut microbiota can play a critical role in the AD progression, we have studied if the neuroprotective effects of SDP involve the microbiota−gut−brain axis. Experiments were performed on two-month-old SAMP8 mice fed a standard diet and on six-month-old SAMP8 mice fed a control diet or an 8% SDP supplemented diet for four months. Senescence impaired short- and long-term memory, reduced cortical brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) abundance, increased interleukin (Il)-1β, Il-6, and Toll-like receptor 2 (Tlr2) expression, and reduced transforming growth factor β (Tgf-β) expression and IL-10 concentration (all p < 0.05) and these effects were mitigated by SDP (all p < 0.05). Aging also increased pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum and colon (all p < 0.05). SDP attenuated both colonic and systemic inflammation in aged mice (all p < 0.05). SDP induced the proliferation of health-promoting bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Pediococcus, while reducing the abundance of inflammation-associated bacteria, such as Johnsonella and Erysipelothrix (both q < 0.1). In conclusion, SDP has mucosal and systemic anti-inflammatory effects as well as neuroprotective properties in senescent mice; these effects are well correlated with SDP promotion of the abundance of probiotic species, which indicates that the gut−brain axis could be involved in the peripheral effects of SDP supplementation.

Maternal Nutrition During Late Gestation and Lactation: Association With Immunity and the Inflammatory Response in the Offspring

The immature immune system at birth and environmental stress increase the risk of infection in nursing pigs. Severe infection subsequently induces intestinal and respiratory diseases and even cause death of pigs. The nutritional and physiological conditions of sows directly affect the growth, development and disease resistance of the fetus and newborn. Many studies have shown that providing sows with nutrients such as functional oligosaccharides, oils, antioxidants, and trace elements could regulate immunity and the inflammatory response of piglets. Here, we reviewed the positive effects of certain nutrients on milk quality, immunoglobulin inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and intestinal microflora of sows, and further discuss the effects of these nutrients on immunity and the inflammatory response in the offspring.

Nutritional and functional values of lysed Corynebacterium glutamicum cell mass for intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs

The objective was to determine the nutritional and functional values of lysed Corynebacterium glutamicum cell mass (CGCM) as a protein supplement and a source of cell wall fragments supporting the growth and intestinal health of nursery pigs. Thirty-two pigs (21 d of age) were allotted to four treatments (n = 8) based on the randomized block design with sex and initial body weight (BW) as blocks. The main effect was the dietary supplementation of lysed CGCM (0, 0.7, 1.4, and 2.1%) replacing blood plasma and fed in two phases (10 and 11 d, respectively). Feed intake and BW were measured at the end of each phase. Pigs were euthanized on day 21 to collect jejunal tissue and mucosa to evaluate intestinal health. Ileal digesta were collected to measure the apparent ileal digestibility of nutrients in diets. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed and Reg of SAS. Increasing daily intake of CGCM increased (linear; P < 0.05) ADG of pigs. Increasing CGCM supplementation affected (quadratic; P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae (minimum: 26.4% at 1.2% CGCM), Helicobacteraceae (maximum: 29.3% at 1.2% CGCM), and Campylobacteraceae (maximum: 9.0% at 1.0% CGCM). Increasing CGCM supplementation affected (quadratic; P < 0.05) the concentrations of immunoglobulin G (maximum: 4.94 µg/mg of protein at 1.0% CGCM) and protein carbonyl (PC; maximum: 6.12 nmol/mg of protein at 1.1% CGCM), whereas linearly decreased (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) in the proximal jejunal mucosa. Increasing CGCM supplemention affected (quadratic; P < 0.05) intestinal enterocyte proliferation rate (maximum: 13.3% at 1.0% CGCM), whereas it did not affect intestinal morphology and the nutrient digestibility. In conclusion, supplementing 1.0% to 1.2%, reducing blood plasma supplementation by 0.7% to 0.9%, respectively, increased potential pathogenic microbiota associated in the jejunal mucosa resulting in increased immune response, enterocyte proliferation, and PC concentration. However, supplementing diets with 2.1% CGCM, replacing 1.5% blood plasma, improved growth performance, and reduced MDA without affecting nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and microbiota in the jejunal mucosa. In this study, based on the polynomial contrast, supplementing 1.0% to 1.2% CGCM suppressed the benefits from blood plasma, whereas supplementing 2.1% CGCM showed functional benefits of CGCM with similar effects from blood plasma supplementation.

Dietary supplementation of fructooligosaccharides alleviates enterotoxigenic E. coli-induced disruption of intestinal epithelium in a weaned piglet model

Diarrhea caused by pathogens such as enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) is a serious threat to the health of young animals and human infants. Here, we investigated the protective effect of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) on the intestinal epithelium with ETEC-challenge in a weaned piglet model. Twenty-four weaned piglets were randomly divided into three groups: (1) non-ETEC-challenged control (CON), (2) ETEC-challenged control (ECON), and (3) ETEC challenge + 2.5 g/kg FOS (EFOS). On day 19, the CON pigs were orally infused with sterile culture, while the ECON and EFOS pigs were orally infused with active ETEC (2.5 × 109 colony-forming units). On day 21, pigs were slaughtered to collect venous blood and small intestine. Result showed that the pre-treatment of FOS improved the antioxidant capacity and the integrity of intestinal barrier in the ETEC-challenged pigs without affecting their growth performance. Specifically, comparing with ECON pigs, the level of GSH-Px (glutathione peroxidase) and CAT (catalase) in the plasma and intestinal mucosa of EFOS pigs was increased (P<0.05), and the intestinal barrier marked by ZO-1 and plasmatic DAO was also improved in EFOS pigs. A lower level (P<0.05) of inflammatory cytokines in the intestinal mucosa of EFOS pigs might be involved in the inhibition of TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB pathway. The apoptosis of jejunal cells in EFOS pigs was also lower than that in ECON pigs (P<0.05). Our findings provide convincing evidence of possible prebiotic and protective effect of FOS on the maintenance of intestinal epithelial function under the attack of pathogens.

Structure and biological activities of glycoproteins and their metabolites in maintaining intestinal health

Glycoproteins formed by covalent links between oligosaccharide and polypeptides are abundant in various food sources. They are less sensitivity to gastrointestinal enzymes, and hence many of them undergo fermentation in the colon by microorganisms. Therefore, the confer various health benefits on the intestinal ecosystem. However, the current understanding of the effect of glycoproteins on intestinal microorganisms and gut health is limited. This is probably due to their heterogeneous structures and complex metabolic programming patterns. The structure and biological activities of glycoproteins and their microbial metabolites were summarized in this review. The metabolic pathways activated by intestinal bacteria were then discussed in relation to their potential benefits on gut health. Food-derived glycoproteins and their metabolites improve gut health by regulating the intestinal bacteria and improving intestinal barrier function, thereby amplifying immune response. The data reviewed here show that food-derived glycoproteins are promising candidates for preventing various gastrointestinal diseases. Further studies should explore the interaction mechanisms between intestinal microorganisms and host metabolites.

Effects of spray-dried animal plasma on growth performance, survival, feed utilization, immune responses, and resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Spray-dried animal plasma (SDP) in feed for several animal species provides health benefits, but research about use of SDP in shrimp feed is very limited. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the effects of dietary SDP on growth performance, feed utilization, immune responses, and prevention of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). In Experiment 1, the post-larvae were divided into five groups (four tank/group and 80 shrimp/tank) and fed four times daily diets with porcine SDP at 0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6% of the diet for 45 days. In Experiment 2, the surviving shrimp from Experiment 1 were redistributed into six groups: four SDP groups as in Experiment 1 plus the positive and negative controls (four tank/group and 30 shrimp/tank). They were then challenged with V. parahaemolyticus by immersion at 10⁵ colony-forming units (CFU)/mL and were fed with the same diets for another 4 days. In Experiment 1, shrimp fed 4.5% or 6% SDP diets had significantly higher body weight, survival rate, and improved feed conversion ratio. The immune parameters (total hemocyte count and phagocytic, phenoloxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities) of the shrimp fed 3–6% SDP diets also showed significant enhancement compared to the control. In Experiment 2, the survival rates of the 3–6% SDP groups were significantly higher than the positive control at day 4 after the immersion challenge. Likewise, the histopathological study revealed milder signs of bacterial infection in the hepatopancreas of the 3–6% SDP groups compared to the challenged positive control and 1.5% SDP groups. In conclusion, shrimp fed diets with SDP, especially at 4.5–6% of the diet, showed significant improvement in overall health conditions and better resistance to V. parahaemolyticus infection.

Medical Therapies for Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder that manifests with abdominal pain and diarrheal bowel patterns, without structural explanation. Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome is a heterogeneous condition resulting from diverse pathophysiologic processes. Treatment strategies with varied mechanisms of action are beneficial in its management. The clinician must become familiar with a multi-dimensional approach to irritable bowel syndrome. The 3 approved medications are central to disease management. Effective treatment uses off-label medications and emerging therapies and a growing number of over-the-counter and supplemental agents to optimize symptom improvement for the patient with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

Dietary spray-dried plasma supplementation in late-gestation and lactation enhanced productive performance and immune responses of lactating sows and their litters

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of spray-dried plasma (SDP) supplementation during late gestation and lactation on productive performance and immune responses of sows and their litters. Twelve sows (227.78 ± 2.16 kg average body weight; 2.0 average parity) were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments: a basal diet (CON) and the basal diet supplemented with 1% SDP. Sows were fed experimental diets from d 30 before farrowing to weaning of their piglets. Blood samples were collected from sows on d 1, 3, and 7 of lactation and from two randomly selected nursing pigs per litter on d 3 and 7 after birth, and d 1, 3, and 7 after weaning. Productive performance and immune responses of sows and their piglets were measured. There was a trend of less body weight loss in sows supplemented with SDP (p < 0.10) during the lactation period and a trend of greater (p < 0.10) average daily gain in SDP piglets compared to those in the CON group. Sows in the SDP group tended to have lower (p < 0.10) serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and cortisol on d 3 and lower serum concentration of TNF-α on d 7 compared with sows in CON group. In comparison with CON piglets, piglets from SDP sows tended to have lower (p < 0.10) serum concentrations of TNF-α, TGF-β1, and cortisol on d 7 after birth, lower (p < 0.10) serum TNF-α and C-reactive protein on d 3 and 7 after weaning, and greater (p < 0.10) average daily gain after weaning. Moreover, weaned pigs from sows fed SDP had significantly lower (p < 0.05) serum concentrations of cortisol and TGF-β1 on d 3 and 7 postweaning, respectively, than CON piglets. In conclusion, SDP supplementation in sow diets from late gestation to weaning improved the productive performance of sows and their offspring; the beneficial effects of SDP may be mediated in part through modulation of immune responses of both sows and piglets.

Spray-Dried Plasma Improves Body Weight, Intestinal Barrier Function, and Tibia Strength during Experimental Constant Heat Stress Conditions

Simple Summary

Broilers are especially heat sensitive because of the absence of sweat glands and their elevated metabolism. Under commercial conditions, extremely high temperatures (heat stress) reduce their performance. This research aimed to assess spray-dried feeding plasma (SDP) during constant heat stress (HS) on the performance, intestinal permeability, and bone strength in broilers. Chickens fed with a diet supplemented with SDP increased both their body weight and body weight gain compared to the HS control group. At the end of the study (d 42 of age), chickens fed with SDP significantly alleviated the increased gut leakage induced by HS and showed a significant increase in tibia strength compared with control HS chickens. The results in the present study suggest SDP mends gut integrity, hence reducing chronic systemic inflammation.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to see how spray-dried plasma (SDP) supplementation affected broiler chicken performance, intestinal permeability, and bone strength during persistent heat stress. One-day-old chicks (n = 480) were randomly assigned into twelve environmental corrals; four thermoneutral (TN-negative control, maintained at 24 °C from d 21–42); four heat stress (HS, exposed to 35 °C from d 21–42); and four heat stress treated with 2% SDP in the feed until d 28 followed by 1% SDP until d 42 (HS-SDP). The performance and serum levels of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-d) were evaluated at d 21, 28, 35, and 42. The tibias strength was evaluated on d 21 and 42. The increment in chicken temperature (p < 0.05) was observed two h following the increase in environmental temperature in both HS groups and was associated with decreased performance parameters compared with the TN group. At d 42 of age, the chickens exposed to HS had an impaired gut permeability and decreased tibia strength compared to the TN group (p < 0.05). However, partially feeding SDP mitigated these adverse effects significantly. These findings imply that using SDP strategically during stressful times, such as prolonged heat stress, may help mitigate its negative consequences.

Evaluation of Serum-Derived Bovine Immunoglobulin Protein Isolate in Subjects With Decompensated Cirrhosis With Ascites

Background

Bacterial translocation plays a pivotal role in the natural course of cirrhosis and its complications. Serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin (SBI) is an oral medical food that has been shown to both reduce inflammation in the intestines and neutralize bacteria. It represents a unique intervention that has not been studied in this population.

Methodology

We conducted a prospective open-label trial with an eight-week treatment phase of SBI. Individuals were assessed using lactulose breath testing, serum markers for enterocyte damage and bacterial translocation, and the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) prior to and after completion of the treatment phase.

Results

We evaluated nine patients with a diagnosis of decompensated cirrhosis with ascites. Subjects had a mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score of 11.6 ± 3.0 and were not taking lactulose or antibiotics. All subjects tolerated SBI well with no significant adverse events or changes to any of the six domains of the CLDQ. Laboratory tests including liver tests and MELD score remained stable over the course of treatment. There were no significant changes in the rates of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (55.6% vs 55.6%, p = 1.00) or serum levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, intestinal fatty acid-binding protein, or soluble CD14 (p-values 0.883, 0.765, and 0.748, respectively) when comparing values prior to and immediately after treatment.

Conclusions

No adverse events or significant changes to the quality of life were detected while on treatment. There were no statistically significant differences in our outcomes when comparing individuals before and after treatment in this small prospective proof-of-concept pilot study. Further prospective randomized studies could be beneficial.

L-Ascorbic Acid Shapes Bovine Pasteurella multocida Serogroup A Infection

Bovine Pasteurella multocida serogroup A (bovine PmA) is one of the most important pathogens causing fatal pneumonia in cattle. However, it is largely unknown how nutrition shapes bovine PmA infection. Here, we discovered that the infected lung held the highest bacterial density than other tissues during infection. By screening the different metabolites between high (lung)- and low (liver)-bacterial density tissues, the present work revealed that L-ascorbic acid and L-aspartic acid directly influenced bovine P. multocida growth. Interestingly, L-ascorbic acid, which is expressed at higher levels in the infected livers, inhibited bovine PmA growth as well as virulence factor expression and promoted macrophage bactericidal activity in vitro. In addition, ascorbic acid synthesis was repressed upon bovine PmA infection, and supplementation with exogenous L-ascorbic acid significantly reduced the bacterial burden of the infected lungs and mouse mortality. Collectively, our study has profiled the metabolite difference of the murine lung and liver during bovine PmA infection. The screened L-ascorbic acid showed repression of bovine PmA growth and virulence expression in vitro and supplementation could significantly increase the survival rate of mice and reduce the bacterial load in vivo, which implied that L-ascorbic acid could serve as a potential protective agent for bovine PmA infection in clinic.

Early supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum in liquid diet modulates intestinal innate immunity through toll-like receptor 4-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in young piglets challenged with Escherichia coli K88

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of early supplementation during 4 to 18 d of age with Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) in liquid diets on intestinal innate immune response in young piglets infected with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88. Seventy-two barrow piglets at 4 d old were assigned to basal or LP-supplemented liquid diet (5 × 1010 CFU·kg-1). On day 15, piglets from each group were orally challenged with either ETEC K88 (1 × 108 CFU·kg-1) or the same amount of phosphate-buffered saline. The intestinal mucosa, mesenteric lymph node (MLN), and spleen samples were collected on day 18. Here, we found that LP pretreatment significantly decreased the mRNA relative expression of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α), porcine β-defensin 2 (pBD-2), and mucins (MUC1 and MUC4) in the jejunal mucosa in piglets challenged with ETEC K88 (P < 0.05). Moreover, LP significantly decreased the ileal mucosa mRNA relative expression of IL-8 and MUC4 in young piglets challenged with ETEC K88 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the piglets of the LP + ETEC K88 group had lower protein levels of IL-8, secretory immunoglobulin A, pBD-2, and MUC4 in the jejunal mucosa than those challenged with ETEC K88 (P < 0.05). Besides, LP supplementation reduced the percentage of gamma/delta T cells receptor (γδTCR) and CD172a+ (SWC3+) cells in MLN and the percentage of γδTCR cells in the spleen of young piglets after the ETEC K88 challenge. Supplementation with LP in liquid diets prevented the upregulated protein abundance of toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, phosphorylation-p38, and phosphorylation-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases in the jejunal mucosa induced by ETEC K88 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, LP supplementation in liquid diet possesses anti-inflammatory activity and modulates the intestinal innate immunity during the early life of young piglets challenged with ETEC K88, which might be attributed to the suppression of TLR4-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Early supplementation with LP in liquid diets regulates the innate immune response, representing a promising immunoregulation strategy for maintaining intestinal health in weaned piglets.

Dietary Inclusion of Blood Plasma with Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Supplementation Enhanced the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Lactobacillus Count, and Reduced Gas Emissions in Weaning Pigs

Simple Summary

Since 20th century, the use of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplement has been increased in animals feed due to its promising effects and potential to brighten the livestock industry in future. The feed cost of blood plasma is very expensive and, due to its high cost, it has been used mainly in piglet diets. In this regard, we implemented 3% blood plasma with 3% yeast supplementation to piglets mainly from 0–7 days, and gradually reduced the concentration of blood plasma with yeast supplement to 1.5:1.5% from 8–21 days and observed how it affects the overall performance of pigs on the remaining days 22–42 fed only basal diet. As expected, piglets fed blood plasma with yeast supplement over 0–21 days has a great impact on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial, and gas emission at the end of the experiment. Thus, we suggest that blood plasma with yeast could be an excellent alternative in the livestock industry.

Abstract

This experiment was performed to examine the hypothesis that blood plasma (BP) with yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplement in the diet of weaning pigs could provoke the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial, and reduce harmful gas excretion. A total of one hundred and eighty healthy piglets were taken and assigned (complete random blocks) to three dietary treatments as: Phase 1: Treatment (TRT) 1-6% BP; TRT 2-3% BP + 3% yeast; TRT 3-6% yeast. Phase 2: TRT 1-3%; BP., TRT 2-1.5% BP + 1.5% yeast; TRT 3- 3% yeast. Phase 3: TRT 1- Control (CON) (Basal diet); TRT 2- CON; TRT 3- CON for six- weeks. Each treatment had twelve replicates and five (three gilts and two barrows) pigs per pen. Dietary inclusion of BP with yeast supplementation significantly increased the body weight of piglets during phase 2 (p = 0.003) and phase 3 (p = 0.032). In addition, TRT2 group piglets had a significant improvement in average daily gain at the end of each phase and overall (p = 0.047, 0.025, 0.018 and 0.012, respectively). At phase 3, TRT2 group piglets showed a significant improvement on nutrient digestibility of dry matter (p = 0.012) and nitrogen (p = 0.040). The fecal microbiota of TRT2 group piglets showed a tendency to increase the number of Lactobacillus counts at phase 1 (p = 0.07) and phase 2 (p = 0.06) as well as, a significant improvement at phase 3 (p = 0.021). In addition, TRT2 group piglets had trend to decrease NH₃ (p = 0.074) and H₂S (p = 0.069) during phase 2, and significantly reduced NH₃ (p = 0.038) and H₂S (p = 0.046) at phase 3. However, the fecal score of piglets remains unaffected during the entire trial. At the end of phase 1 piglets’ IgG (p = 0.008) was significantly increased with the inclusion of BP with yeast supplementation. Based on the positive effects on body weight, average daily gain, nutrient digestibility, Lactobacillus count, and reduced gas emission, we suggest that dietary supplement with BP and yeast in the diet of weaned piglet could serve as an excellent alternative to antibiotics growth promoters.

Field evaluation of feeding spray-dried plasma in the starter period on final performance and overall health of broilers

The effect of feeding spray-dried plasma (SDP) during the starter period was evaluated with a commercial broiler integrator on performance and overall health of broilers. The I See Inside (ISI) methodology assessing gut health in broilers was used as a tool to evaluate the impact of dietary interventions under commercial conditions. One hundred farms with approximately 1.1 million broilers were used at a Brazilian broiler integrator. Two groups of farms were fed either a control or an SDP diet containing 1% SDP, from 0 to 10 d of age. Diets were formulated to have similar nutritional density, containing zinc bacitracin and CuSO₄ from 0 to 28 d. After 10 d, both groups were fed common commercial diets. Performance data were analyzed together or by type of ventilation system: positive pressure or negative pressure. Birds were sent to market as they reached 3.05 kg; therefore, age at slaughter (AS) was evaluated as a dependent variable along with other performance measures. From the 100 farms in the trial, 35 (16 control and 19 SDP farms) were selected for the assessment of broilers health, biosecurity, and local management. For that, 6 broilers per farm at 14 ± 2 d of age were necropsied and ileum sampled for the ISI methodology evaluation. Biosecurity and management were also evaluated to obtain the influence of those parameters on animal health. SDP-fed birds demonstrated improved feed conversion ratio, reduced mortality, and 1 d less for AS (P < 0.05) vs. control group (P < 0.05) regardless of the type of ventilation. During necropsy, birds fed SDP showed lower coccidiosis and locomotor system lesions as the overall ISI score compared to controls. Histologic intestinal alterations were also lower in SDP-fed broilers (P < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding 1% SDP in the starter period to broilers resulted in improved performance and health under both good and bad management and biosecurity standards independent of the type of ventilation. Overall, there was good agreement between the ISI method and performance improvements observed.

Towards Zero Zinc Oxide: Feeding Strategies to Manage Post-Weaning Diarrhea in Piglets

Simple Summary

Zinc oxide (ZnO) supplementation at pharmacological doses in post-weaning piglets is a consolidated practice that allows efficient control of post-weaning diarrhea (PWD), a condition exacerbated by Escherichia coli F4 (K88) infections. Far from being completely elucidated, the multifactorial ZnO mechanism of action is in all likelihood exerted at the gastrointestinal level. However, increasing environmental concerns are arising from prolonged ZnO use. This article reviews the utilization of ZnO in piglets, the biological rationale behind its powerful activity, and the emerging threats that are leading towards a significant reduction in its use. Finally, a wide analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of innovative alternative strategies to manage PWD at the nutritional level is given.

Abstract

Zinc oxide (ZnO) at pharmacological doses is extensively employed in the pig industry as an effective tool to manage post-weaning diarrhea (PWD), a condition that causes huge economic losses because of its impact on the most pivotal phase of a piglet’s production cycle. In a multifactorial way, ZnO exerts a variety of positive effects along the entire gastrointestinal tract by targeting intestinal architecture, digestive secretions, antioxidant systems, and immune cells. ZnO also has a moderate antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli F4 (K88), the main causative agent of PWD. However, the environmental impact of ZnO and new emerging threats are posing serious questions to the sustainability of its extensive utilization. To work towards a future free from pharmacological ZnO, novel nutritional approaches are necessary, and many strategies have been investigated. This review article provides a comprehensive framework for ZnO utilization and its broad mode of action. Moreover, all the risks related to pharmacological ZnO levels are presented; we focus on European institutions’ decisions subsequently. The identification of a novel, complete solution against PWD should be accompanied by the adoption of holistic strategies, thereby combining good management practices to feeding approaches capable of mitigating Escherichia coli F4 (K88) infections and/or lowering ZnO utilization. Promising results can be obtained by adjusting diet composition or employing organic acids, natural identical compounds, polyphenol-rich extracts, prebiotics, and probiotics.

Intestinal Health of Pigs Upon Weaning: Challenges and Nutritional Intervention

The primary goal of nursery pig management is making a smooth weaning transition to minimize weaning associated depressed growth and diseases. Weaning causes morphological and functional changes of the small intestine of pigs, where most of the nutrients are being digested and absorbed. While various stressors induce post-weaning growth depression, the abrupt change from milk to solid feed is one of the most apparent challenges to pigs. Feeding functional feed additives may be viable solutions to promote the growth of nursery pigs by enhancing nutrient digestion, intestinal morphology, immune status, and by restoring intestinal balance. The aim of this review was to provide available scientific information on the roles of functional feed additives in enhancing intestinal health and growth during nursery phase. Among many potential functional feed additives, the palatability of the ingredient and the optimum supplemental level are varied, and these should be considered when applying into nursery pig diets. Considering different stressors pigs deal with in the post-weaning period, research on nutritional intervention using a single feed additive or a combination of different additives that can enhance feed intake, increase weight gain, and reduce mortality and morbidity are needed to provide viable solutions for pig producers. Further research in relation to the feed palatability, supplemental level, as well as interactions between different ingredients are needed.

Management and Feeding Strategies in Early Life to Increase Piglet Performance and Welfare around Weaning: A Review

The performance of piglets in nurseries may vary depending on body weight, age at weaning, management, and pathogenic load in the pig facilities. The early events in a pig's life are very important and may have long lasting consequences, since growth lag involves a significant cost to the system due to reduced market weights and increased barn occupancy. The present review evidences that there are several strategies that can be used to improve the performance and welfare of pigs at weaning. A complex set of early management and dietary strategies have been explored in sows and suckling piglets for achieving optimum and efficient growth of piglets after weaning. The management strategies studied to improve development and animal welfare include: (1) improving sow housing during gestation, (2) reducing pain during farrowing, (3) facilitating an early and sufficient colostrum intake, (4) promoting an early social interaction between litters, and (5) providing complementary feed during lactation. Dietary strategies for sows and suckling piglets aim to: (1) enhance fetal growth (arginine, folate, betaine, vitamin B12, carnitine, chromium, and zinc), (2) increase colostrum and milk production (DL-methionine, DL-2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid, arginine, L-carnitine, tryptophan, valine, vitamin E, and phytogenic actives), (3) modulate sows' oxidative and inflammation status (polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, selenium, phytogenic actives, and spray dried plasma), (4) allow early microbial colonization (probiotics), or (5) supply conditionally essential nutrients (nucleotides, glutamate, glutamine, threonine, and tryptophan).

Effect of bioactive proteins on gait kinematics and systemic inflammatory markers in mature horses

Twenty-seven mature Quarter horses were used in a randomized design to determine the effects of bioactive protein supplementation on gait kinematics and systemic inflammatory markers in a 34-d trial. Treatments consisted of oral doses of 230 g/d of pelleted supplements containing 0 g (CON; n = 9), 40 g of bioactive protein (40BP; n = 9; LIFELINE, APC, LLC, Ankeny, IA), and 80 g of bioactive protein (80BP; n = 9) daily. Horses were fed a commercial concentrate at 0.5% BW (as-fed) and received ad libitum coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hay daily. On day 33, horses consistent in exercise (CON, n = 6; 40BP, n = 8; 80BP, n = 7) participated in a trailering and riding challenge. Kinematic gait analysis was performed on day 0 for use as a covariate, and on day 14, 28, and 34 to allow for the determination of potential time and dosage effects. Video footage was collected and analyzed using gait analysis software (EquineTec, Monroe, GA) for the determination of stride length (SL) and range of motion (ROM). Blood was collected via jugular venipuncture on days 0, 14, 28, and 34 for determination of systemic expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1β. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. A trend towards treatment × time interaction was observed in ROM of the knee at the walk (P = 0.10), due to the increasing ROM for 40BP and 80BP as time increased and decreasing ROM for CON. A treatment × time interaction was observed (P < 0.01) for hock ROM at a walk resulting from CON and 80BP decreasing from day 14 to 28 with 40BP increasing, while from day 28 to 34 ROM at a walk decreased for 40BP and increased for 80BP. The main effect of treatment on hock ROM at the walk was quadratic (P < 0.01) and characterized by higher ROM values for 40BP compared to CON or 80BP. Dietary treatment lengthened (P = 0.04) SL of the hind limb at the walk for 40BP and 80BP compared to CON on both days 14 and 28. A significant treatment × time interaction was observed in the expression of IL-1β (P < 0.01) and can be explained by lower concentrations of IL-1β for 80BP on day 34 compared to the other treatments, with 40BP being intermediate and CON being the highest. Increased articular ROM with decreased expression of IL-1β may indicate potential anti-inflammatory effects of 80 g/d of bioactive proteins.

Porcine Digestible Peptides (PDP) in Weanling Diets Regulates the Expression of Genes Involved in Gut Barrier Function, Immune Response and Nutrient Transport in Nursery Pigs

Simple Summary

Porcine digestive peptides (PDP) are a coproduct of the heparin industry obtained from the enzymatic hydrolysis of porcine intestinal mucosa. They have proven to be a valid substitute for other high quality dietary protein sources for piglets, like spray-dried plasma (SDP), but knowledge about their influence on intestinal function is still scarce. This study found that substituting soybean ingredients with PDP and SDP to the diets of weaned piglets increased growth rate at 14 d post-weaning. In addition, the combination of PDP with SDP increased the expression of certain genes related to intestinal function in the jejunum, which suggests that this combination might have functional properties that contribute to improving the intestinal health of the pigs, although more research is needed to confirm it.

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of porcine digestible peptides (PDP), spray-dried plasma (SDP), or a combination of both, on growth performance and the expression of genes related to intestinal function of weaned pigs. A total of 180 piglets (trial 1) and 198 piglets (trial 2) were used to evaluate the partial substitution of soybean ingredients with 2% SDP or 2% PDP (trial 1), and with 3% SDP or the combination of 1% SDP and 2% PDP (SDP-PDP; trial 2) during the pre-starter period (0–14 days). The gene expression of 56 genes was quantified in a qPCR platform in jejunum and ileum samples obtained from piglets 14 d after weaning (trial 2). Piglets fed SDP, PDP and SDP-PDP had a higher body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (G:F) than the soybean control on day 14 (p < 0.05). In addition, the combination of SDP and PDP upregulated ten genes in jejunum samples (p < 0.05) related to intestinal function. More research is needed to confirm that gene expression upregulation by PDP in combination with SDP has an impact on intestinal function and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms.

Orally administered ovine serum immunoglobulins modulate dental plaque in cats

The effects of orally administered ovine serum immunoglobulin on dental plaque and associated oral immunity in cats were investigated. The two treatment groups consisted of 1) cats that were fed unsupplemented kibble (control diet) and 2) cats that were fed the same kibble but coated with a freeze-dried ovine serum immunoglobulin preparation (ovine Ig) (test diet). The adult cats were randomly allocated to one of the two diets (n = 15) and received their respective kibble for a 28-day experimental period. When compared to the ovine Ig-supplemented kibble, cats consuming the unsupplemented kibble had significantly (p < 0.05) higher dental plaque scores. Cat IgA and IgG concentrations in the saliva and serum were significantly (p < 0.05) higher for cats fed the unsupplemented kibble when compared to cats receiving the ovine Ig supplement. Similarly, myeloperoxidase activity in the saliva was significantly (p < 0.05) higher for cats fed the unsupplemented kibble when compared to cats receiving the Ig-supplement. Orally administered ovine serum Ig positively influenced oral health and oral immunity in cats as evidenced by preventing an increase of dental plaque formation, salivary and serum IgA and IgG concentrations and salivary myeloperoxidase activity.

Effects of spray-dried animal plasma on the growth performance of weaned piglets-A review

Spray-dried animal plasma sourced from bovine, porcine or other animal origin is often used as a main feed ingredient in the diets of weanling piglets to improve growth performance. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of animal plasma in diets on the performance of piglets in the post-weaning period, with and/or without pathogenic challenge, by undertaking a meta-analysis. Data were extracted from peer-reviewed reports published in scientific journals. The average initial weight of the piglets was 5.8 kg and the average initial age 19 days (2-56 days). The average duration of feeding animal plasma was 40 days. Average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were found to be 22-28 g/day, 20-27 g/day and -0.28 to 0.06 g/g. Generally, diet supplemented with spray-dried bovine plasma (SDBP) improved the ADG of the piglets and spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) led to increases in the ADFI. For the first week post-weaning alone, as the dietary animal plasma percentage increased there was an increase in ADG and ADFI; similarly, the latter two measures increased as weaning age increased. The evidence suggests that mainly IgG present in animal plasma prevents the binding of pathogens to the gut wall and reduces the incidence of sub-clinical infection in the post-weaning stage. Animal plasma containing IgG appears to be a useful in-feed supplement for piglets in the post-weaning phase.

Micro-encapsulated essential oils and organic acids combination improves intestinal barrier function, inflammatory responses and microbiota of weaned piglets challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F4 (K88+)

This study evaluated the effects of micro-encapsulated (protected) organic acids (OA) and essential oils (EO) combination, P(OA + EO), and effects of a regular blend of free acids (FA) on the growth, immune responses, intestinal barrier and microbiota of weaned piglets challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F4 (K88⁺). A total of 30 crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Large White) weaned barrows (7.41 ± 0.06 kg, 28 d old) were assigned randomly to 5 treatments: 1) non-challenged positive control (PC), 2) ETEC F4 (K88⁺)-challenged negative control (NC), 3) NC + kitasamycin at 50 mg/kg + olaquindox at 100 mg/kg + free acidifier (FA) at 5 g/kg, 4) NC + kitasamycin at 50 mg/kg + olaquindox at 100 mg/kg + P(OA + EO) at 1 g/kg (P1), 5) NC + kitasamycin at 50 mg/kg + olaquindox at 100 mg/kg + P(OA + EO) at 2 g/kg (P2). Each dietary treatment had 6 replicates of one piglet each and the study lasted for 3 wk. On d 7, pigs in NC, FA, P1 and P2 were orally dosed with 10 mL of ETEC F4 (K88⁺) culture (1 × 10⁹ CFU/mL). From d 7 to 14 after the ETEC F4 (K88⁺) challenge, P1 increased gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) significantly (P < 0.05) compared with NC and FA groups. From d 14 to 21, P2 increased the average daily gain of pigs (P < 0.05) compared with NC and FA groups. Compared with NC, P2 reduced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 concentrations (P < 0.05) in sera collected at 4 h later after ETEC F4 (K88⁺) challenge. On d 21, P1 increased occludin and zonula occludens-1 protein expression in ileum compared with NC (P < 0.05). After this 3-wk experiment, alpha diversity of gut microbiota was decreased by P2 compared with PC, and P1 increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in ileum, cecum and colon (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary P(OA + EO) additive at 2 g/kg combined with antibiotics could improve piglet performance and attenuate inflammation, and P(OA + EO) additive at 1 g/kg combined with antibiotics improved intestinal barrier and increased beneficial microbiota composition after an F4 (K88⁺) challenge.

The impact of porcine spray-dried plasma protein and dried egg protein harvested from hyper-immunized hens, provided in the presence or absence of subtherapeutic levels of antibiotics in the feed, on growth and indicators of intestinal function and physiology of nursery pigs

The objective of this experiment was to compare the effects of spray-dried plasma protein (SDPP) and dried egg protein (DEP), without (AB-) or with (AB+) in-feed antibiotics, on growth performance and markers of intestinal health in nursery pigs raised in commercial conditions. This 42-d experiment utilized 1,230 pigs (4.93 ± 0.04 kg body weight; approximately 15-18 d of age). Pigs were randomly assigned to one of six dietary treatments that were arranged as a 2 × 3 factorial of in-feed antibiotics (AB- vs. AB+) and a specialty protein additive (none [CON], porcine SDPP, or DEP). Diets were fed in four phases with phases 3 and 4 as a common diet across all treatments. Specialty protein additives were fed in phases 1 (0-13 d; 3% SDPP, and 0.20% DEP) and 2 (13-26 d; 2% SDPP, and 0.10% DEP). Antibiotics were fed in phases 1-3 (662 mg chlortetracycline [CTC]/kg, 28 mg carbadox/kg, and 441 mg CTC/kg, respectively). Ileal tissue and blood samples were collected from 48 pigs (8 per treatment) on d 20. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS (9.4) with pen as the experimental unit; protein additives, antibiotics, and their interaction were fixed effects and block was a random effect. The pigs experienced naturally occurring health challenges in weeks 2 and 4. In the AB- diets, SDPP and DEP increased average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.036) and average daily feed intake (ADFI; P = 0.040) compared to CON; in the AB+ diets, neither SDPP nor DEP increased ADG or ADFI compared to CON but SDPP did increase these parameters over DEP. The SDPP and DEP diets decreased the number of individual medical treatments compared to CON (P = 0.001). The AB+ increased ileal mucosal interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist (P = 0.017). Feeding DEP reduced the concentration of mucosal IL-1β compared to CON, but not SDPP (P = 0.022). There was a trend for SDPP and DEP to increase villus height:crypt depth compared to CON (P = 0.066). Neither antibiotics or protein additive affected serum malondialdehyde concentration or ileal mRNA abundance of claudin-3 or 4, occludin, or zonula occludens-1 (P > 0.10). In conclusion, SDPP and DEP improved growth performance of weaned pigs in the absence of antibiotics but neither improved growth compared to CON when feeding standard antibiotic levels. The specialty proteins had a positive effect on health; specialty proteins and antibiotics were able to modulate some markers of intestinal inflammation and morphology.

Dietary phytonutrients and animal health: regulation of immune function during gastrointestinal infections

The composition of dietary macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and fibers) and micronutrients (vitamins, phytochemicals) can markedly influence the development of immune responses to enteric infection. This has important implications for livestock production, where a significant challenge exists to ensure healthy and productive animals in an era of increasing drug resistance and concerns about the sector's environmental footprint. Nutritional intervention may ultimately be a sustainable method to prevent disease and improve efficiency of livestock enterprises, and it is now well established that certain phytonutrients can significantly improve animal performance during challenge with infectious pathogens. However, many questions remain unanswered concerning the complex interplay between diet, immunity, and infection. In this review, we examine the role of phytonutrients in regulating immune and inflammatory responses during enteric bacterial and parasitic infections in livestock, with a specific focus on some increasingly well-studied phytochemical classes-polyphenols (especially proanthocyanidins), essential oil components (cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and carvacrol), and curcumin. Despite the contrasting chemical structures of these molecules, they appear to induce a number of similar immunological responses. These include promotion of mucosal antibody and antimicrobial peptide production, coupled with a strong suppression of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species. Although there have been some recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying their bioactivity, how these phytonutrients modulate immune responses in the intestine remains mostly unknown. We discuss the complex inter-relationships between metabolism of dietary phytonutrients, the gut microbiota, and the mucosal immune system, and propose that an increased understanding of the basic immunological mechanisms involved will allow the rational development of novel dietary additives to promote intestinal health in farmed animals.

Effect of berberine on LPS-induced expression of NF-B/MAPK signalling pathway and related inflammatory cytokines in porcine intestinal epithelial cells

Berberine is an alkaloid extracted from medicinal plants such as Coptis chinensis and Phellodendron chinense. It possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and anti-oxidation properties, and regulates Glc and lipid metabolism. This study explored the mechanisms of the protective effects of berberine on barrier function and inflammatory damage in porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) induced by LPS. We first evaluated the effects of berberine and LPS on cell viability. IPEC-J2 cells were treated with 5 μg/ml LPS for 1 h to establish an inflammatory model, and 75, 150 and 250 μg/ml berberine were used in further experiments. The expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α was measured by RT-PCR. The key proteins of the NF-κB/MAPK signalling pathway (IκBα, p-IκBα, p65, p-p65, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p-JNK, p38, p-p38, ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2) were detected by Western blot. Upon exposure to LPS, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA levels and p-IκBα p-p65 protein levels were significantly enhanced. Pre-treatment with berberine reduced the expression of inflammatory factors and was positively correlated with its concentration, and dose dependently inhibited the expression of IκBα, p-IκBα, p-p65, p-p38 and JNK. These results demonstrated that pre-treating intestinal epithelial cells with berberine was useful in preventing and treating diarrhoea induced by Escherichia coli in weaned pigs.

Novel insights into the intestinal immune regulatory effects of (2-Carboxyethyl) dimethylsulfonium Bromide (Br-DMPT) in on-growing grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

The present study evaluated the effects of (2-Carboxyethyl)dimethylsulfonium Bromide (Br-DMPT) supplementation on the intestinal immune function and potential mechanisms of on-growing grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) by feeding fish (initial weight 216.49 ± 0.29 g) five diets with gradational Br-DMPT (0-520 mg/kg diet) concentrations for 60 days and then infecting them with Aeromonas hydrophila for 14 days. Our results firstly indicated that compared with the control group, appropriate Br-DMPT supplementation increased the number of beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and enteritis resistance, decreased the number of detrimental bacteria Aeromonas and E. coli, and relieved the intestinal histopathological symptoms of fish. In addition, compared with the control group, appropriate Br-DMPT supplementation (1) increased lysozyme (LZ) and acid phosphatase (ACP) activities, as well as complement 3 (C3), C4 and immunoglobulin M (IgM) content; (2) upregulated the mRNA levels of anti-microbial substance: liver expressed anti-microbial peptide (LEAP) -2A, LEAP-2B, hepcidin, β-defensin-1 and Mucin2; (3) partially downregulated the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p40, IL-15, IL-17D, tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interferon γ2 (IFN-γ2)] by inhibiting [IKKβ/IκBα/(NF-κBp65 and c-Rel)] signalling; and (4) partially upregulated the mRNA levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines [IL-4/13A, IL-10, IL-11, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1] by activating [TOR/(S6K1 and 4E-BP)] signalling. The aforementioned results indicated that appropriate amount of Br-DMPT exerted a positive effect on the regulation of intestinal immune function in fish. Finally, based on enteritis morbidity, the IgM content and the lysozyme activity in the PI, the appropriate levels of Br-DMPT supplementation for on-growing grass carp were established as 295.43, 301.73 and 320.36 mg/kg diet, respectively.

Dietary supplementation with spray-dried porcine plasma has prebiotic effects on gut microbiota in mice

In animal models of inflammation and in farm animals, dietary inclusion of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDP) reduces mucosal inflammation. Here, we study whether these effects could be mediated by changes in the intestinal microbiota and if these changes are similar to those induced by oral antibiotics. Weaned 21-day-old C57BL/6 mice were divided into 3 groups: the CTL group, fed the control diet; the COL group, administered low doses of neomycin and colistin; and the SDP group, supplemented with 8% SDP. After 14 days, analysis of the fecal microbiome showed that the microbiota profiles induced by SDP and the antibiotics were very different, thus, SDP has prebiotic rather than antibiotic effects. At the phylum level, SDP stimulated the presence of Firmicutes, considerably increasing the lactobacilli population. It also enhanced the growth of species involved in regulatory T-lymphocyte homeostasis and restoration of the mucosal barrier, as well as species negatively correlated with expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. At the mucosal level, expression of toll-like receptors Tlr2, Tlr4 and Tlr9, and mucous-related genes Muc2 and Tff3 with regulatory and barrier stability functions, were increased. SDP also increased expression of Il-10 and Tgf-β, as well as markers of macrophages and dendritic cells eventually promoting an immune-tolerant environment.

Dietary Spray-Dried Porcine Plasma Prevents Cognitive Decline in Senescent Mice and Reduces Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress

BACKGROUND

Aging is characterized by chronic, low-grade inflammation that correlates with cognitive decline. Dietary supplementation with spray-dried porcine plasma (SDP) reduces immune activation in rodent models of inflammation and aging.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether the anti-inflammatory properties of SDP could ameliorate age-related cognitive deterioration and preserve brain homeostasis in an aging mouse model of senescence.

METHODS

Male senescence-accelerated prone 8 (SAMP8) mice were used. In Experiment 1, cognitive performance (n  = 10-14 mice/group) was analyzed by the novel object recognition test in 2-mo-old mice (2M group) and in mice fed a control diet or a diet supplemented with 8% SDP for 2 (4M-CTL and 4M-SDP groups) and 4 mo (6M-CTL and 6M-SDP groups). In Experiment 2, the permeability of the blood-brain barrier and junctional proteins in brain tissue was assessed, as well as synaptic density, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory genes and proteins in mice from the 2M, 6M-CTL, and 6M-SDP groups ( n = 5-11). Statistical analyses included one-factor ANOVA followed by Fisher's posthoc test.

RESULTS

6M-SDP mice had better cognitive performance than 6M-CTL mice in both short-term (P = 0.024) and long-term (P = 0.017) memory tests. In brain tissue, 6M-SDP mice showed reduced brain capillary permeability (P = 0.034) and increased ZO1 and E-cadherin expression (both P <0.04) compared with 6M-CTL mice. SDP also prevented the NFκB activation observed in 6M-CTL mice (P = 0.002) and reduced Il6 expression and hydrogen peroxide concentration (both P <0.03) observed in 6M-CTL mice. SDP also increased the concentration of IL10 (P = 0.027), an anti-inflammatory cytokine correlated with memory preservation.

CONCLUSIONS

In senescent SAMP8 mice, dietary supplementation with SDP attenuated cognitive decline and prevented changes in brain markers of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.

Effects of a Hatchery Byproduct Mixture on Growth Performance and Digestible Energy of Various Hatchery Byproduct Mixtures in Nursery Pigs

The objectives were to determine effects of a hatchery byproduct mixture (HBM) on growth performance and to measure digestible energy concentrations in various HBM. In the growth performance experiment, 96 pigs (initial body weight = 9.6 ± 0.8 kg) were assigned to 4 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 6 blocks. Each treatment consisted of 6 replicate pens with 4 pigs comprising 2 barrows and 2 gilts. Pigs were fed graded concentrations of HBM at 0%, 3.33%, 6.67%, and 10.00% for 14 days. In the energy digestibility experiment, 10 barrows (initial body weight = 11.5 ± 0.4 kg) were employed to determine digestible energy in HBM. A basal diet based on corn and soybean meal and 4 additional diets containing 25% of 4 different HBM were prepared. The marker-to-marker method was employed for total collection and the experimental design was a replicated 5 × 4 Latins square design. Growth performance was not compromised as the inclusion rate of HBM increased up to 10%. Digestible energy of HBM ranged from 2772 to 3887 kcal/kg as-is basis. In conclusion, HBM can be used in nursery pig diets and different energy values should be used for each HBM.

Effect of Spray-Dried Plasma Form and Duration of Feeding on Broiler Performance During Natural Necrotic Enteritis Exposure

The effect of duration of feeding (continuous or discontinued after d 14) and form (granular vs. powder) of spray-dried plasma (SDP) on performance and mortality of broilers using used litter was evaluated with 240 Ross × Ross 308 male broilers (6 broilers per pen, 8 pens per treatment). Dietary treatments were control (no SDP) or SDP as powder or granular included in the pellet and fed continuously (d 0 to 35) or discontinued after d 14. During the experiment, broilers developed necrotic enteritis, and tissue cultures were positive for Escherichia coli and Salmonella, resulting in 50% mortality on control broilers. Addition of SDP to the feed improved (P < 0.05) average daily gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency for each period of the study (d 0 to 14, 15 to 28, 29 to 35, and 0 to 35). Continuous feeding of SDP improved (P < 0.05) average daily gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency from d 15 to 35 compared with broilers fed SDP to d 14. Liveability was improved (P < 0.05) in broilers consuming SDP either for 14 d or continuously throughout the experiment compared with control broilers. Spray-dried granular plasma was more effective than spray-dried powder plasma from d 0 to 14. The results of this experiment confirmed that SDP improved broiler growth rate, feed intake, feed efficiency, and minimized enteric challenge associated with necrotic enteritis with maximal protection afforded by continuous feeding. The response to SDP was independent of age of the broiler.

Isoleucine attenuates infection induced by E. coli challenge through the modulation of intestinal endogenous antimicrobial peptide expression and the inhibition of the increase in plasma endotoxin and IL-6 in weaned pigs

Enteric infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in both humans and animals worldwide. Immunotherapy against intestinal infection is a well-known alternative to the antibiotic strategy. Herein, we demonstrated that isoleucine significantly suppressed the multiplication of E. coli in the presence of IPEC-J2 cells. Isoleucine supplementation enhanced the concentrations of total plasma protein and IgA in pigs compared to the alanine control diet, while inhibiting the increase in plasma endotoxin and IL-6 contents induced by E. coli challenge. A significant interaction between the E. coli challenge and the diet treatment was found in the red blood cell volume. Isoleucine improved the expression of porcine β-defensin-1 (pBD-1), pBD-2, pBD-3, pBD-114 and pBD-129 in the jejunum and ileum of pigs with or without E. coli challenge. Conclusively, isoleucine attenuated the infection caused by the E. coli challenge possibly through increasing the intestinal β-defensin expression and inhibiting the increase in plasma endotoxin and IL-6 in weaned pigs.

Antimicrobial peptide KR-32 alleviates Escherichia coli K88-induced fatty acid malabsorption by improving expression of fatty acid transporter protein 4 (FATP4)1

Bacterial infection causes nutrient malabsorption in small intestine. KR-32, a kind of synthetic antimicrobial peptide, has the bacteriostatic effect. In the present study, 2 experiments were designed to analyze the effects of KR-32 on fat absorption of piglets with or without Escherichia coli infection. In Exp. 1, 12 weaning piglets (21 d old) were allocated to 2 groups: piglets with an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of antimicrobial peptide KR-32 (APK) and piglets with an i.p. injection of an equivalent volume (1 mL) of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (CON-1). Results showed that after 7 d of growth, KR-32 did not significantly change growth performance and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of feed nutrients of normal pigs. To confirm whether KR-32 affects those of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88-challenged pigs, we performed Exp. 2, in which 18 piglets (28 d old) were divided into the following 3 groups: 1) piglets orally challenged with 1 × 1010 cfu ETEC K88 on day 1 followed by an i.p. injection of 0.6 mg/kg KR-32 (K88 + APK); 2) piglets orally challenged with 1 × 1010 cfu ETEC K88 on day 1 followed by an i.p. injection of an equivalent volume (1 mL) of PBS (K88); and 3) piglets with an oral administration of fresh Luria-Bertani broth (50 mL) followed by an i.p. injection of an equivalent volume of PBS (CON-2). Results showed that ETEC K88 challenge led to poor ADFI, ADG, and G:F in piglets; decreased ATTD of feed nutrients, especially CP and ether extract (EE); and intestinal morphology disorder. After i.p. injection of KR-32, ADG and ATTD of CP and EE were greatly increased, G:F was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), and, especially, ATTD of EE returned to a normal level compared with group CON-2. Fatty acid absorption also highly increased after KR-32 injection. Then we focused on fat digestion and fatty acid uptake. The pH in the intestine and pancreas lipase showed no difference among the 3 treatment groups, whereas fatty acid transporter protein 4 (FATP4) expression was remarkably improved (P < 0.05) and the epithelial barrier was recovered after i.p. injection of KR-32. In conclusion, KR-32, given to ETEC K88-challenged piglets, improved growth performance, ATTD of EE, fatty acid absorption, and intestinal morphology, which indicated that KR-32 was likely to improve the expression of FATP4 and by repairing the epithelial barrier, thereby alleviating fatty acid malabsorption.

Impact of Spray-Dried Plasma on Intestinal Health and Broiler Performance

Spray-dried plasma (SDP) is a functional ingredient commonly utilized in swine production and calf milk replacers to improve performance, feed efficiency, and health. The improvements noted with SDP in animal production are more pronounced under commercial production conditions compared to cleaner research settings. Multiple modes of action of SDP have been proposed, including either directly influencing the immune inflammatory response locally or systemically, and/or through the indirect modification of beneficial microbial populations. Spray-dried plasma included at various dietary levels and duration of feeding in broilers has been evaluated in different production and challenging conditions with beneficial effects on broiler performance, as noted in other animals. The purpose of this review is to discuss research related to the modes of action of SDP on immunomodulation and improved intestinal health and specifically discuss research conducted utilizing SDP in feed for poultry. Collectively, the data available indicates that SDP improves early intestinal health and supports an efficient immune system response both locally at the intestine and systemically, thereby benefiting growth, feed efficiency, and survival of broilers in conventional commercial production and under challenging conditions such as disease or environmental stressors.

The effects of prebiotics on growth performance and in vitro immune biomarkers in weaned pigs

The objective of the experiment was to investigate the effects of prebiotics in nursery pigs on growth performance and immune biomarkers. Sixty-four weaned pigs (31 ± 1 d; BW 8 ± 0.1 kg) of mixed gender were housed (4 pigs/pen) in an environmentally controlled nursery with ad libitum access to feed and water over a 35-d study. Pigs were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: control (53% corn, 32% SBM, 7% fishmeal, 8% others), control + 2.5% GroBiotic-S (GS), control + 0.05% chicory (CL), or control + 0.5% chicory (CH). Feeders and pigs were weighed weekly. On day 21, blood samples were obtained from three pigs/treatment for collection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Isolated PBMC were cultured and subsequently challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 20 ng/mL). Cell culture supernatants were collected for quantification of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-10, respectively. Dietary treatment had no effect on BW. At days 28 to 35, pigs fed GS (790 ± 15 g), CL (704 ± 15 g), or CH (692 ± 15 g) had greater (P < 0.05) ADG compared with control (643 ± 15 g) pigs. In addition, overall (days 0–35), pigs fed GS (823 ± 18 g), CL (783 ± 18 g), or CH (782 ± 18 g) had greater (P < 0.05) ADFI compared with control, and ADFI for GS-fed pigs was greater (P < 0.05) than either CL or CH. There was no difference in G:F among treatments. In vitro LPS challenge increased (P < 0.05) IL-8 secretion from PBMC isolated from CL (23,731 ± 3,221 pg/mL) pigs compared with control (10,061 ± 3,221 pg/mL) and CH (12,411 ± 3,221 pg/mL) pigs. Secretion of IL-10 from PBMC isolated from CL (63 ± 9 pg/mL) pigs was greater (P < 0.05) compared with control (22 ± 9 pg/mL) pigs and tended (P < 0.1) to be greater compared with CH (34 ± 9 pg/mL) pigs. Results indicate that inclusion of prebiotics in nursery pig diets has positive effects on growth performance and may have immunomodulatory effects (in vitro) on cells isolated from prebiotic-fed pigs.

Methodology and application of Escherichia coli F4 and F18 encoding infection models in post-weaning pigs

The enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) expressing F4 and F18 fimbriae are the two main pathogens associated with post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) in piglets. The growing global concern regarding antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has encouraged research into the development of nutritional and feeding strategies as well as vaccination protocols in order to counteract the PWD due to ETEC. A valid approach to researching effective strategies is to implement piglet in vivo challenge models with ETEC infection. Thus, the proper application and standardization of ETEC F4 and F18 challenge models represent an urgent priority. The current review provides an overview regarding the current piglet ETEC F4 and F18 challenge models; it highlights the key points for setting the challenge protocols and the most important indicators which should be included in research studies to verify the effectiveness of the ETEC challenge.

Based on the current review, it is recommended that the setting of the model correctly assesses the choice and preconditioning of pigs, and the timing and dosage of the ETEC inoculation. Furthermore, the evaluation of the ETEC challenge response should include both clinical parameters (such as the occurrence of diarrhea, rectal temperature and bacterial fecal shedding) and biomarkers for the specific expression of ETEC F4/F18 (such as antibody production, specific F4/F18 immunoglobulins (Igs), ETEC F4/F18 fecal enumeration and analysis of the F4/F18 receptors expression in the intestinal brush borders). On the basis of the review, the piglets’ response upon F4 or F18 inoculation differed in terms of the timing and intensity of the diarrhea development, on ETEC fecal shedding and in the piglets’ immunological antibody response. This information was considered to be relevant to correctly define the experimental protocol, the data recording and the sample collections. Appropriate challenge settings and evaluation of the response parameters will allow future research studies to comply with the replacement, reduction and refinement (3R) approach, and to be able to evaluate the efficiency of a given feeding, nutritional or vaccination intervention in order to combat ETEC infection.

Effect of Mucine 4 and Fucosyltransferase 1 genetic variants on gut homoeostasis of growing healthy pigs

Putative genetic markers have been associated with ETEC F4 (Mucine 4 [MUC4]; MUC4GG;CG as susceptible; MUC4CC as resistant) and F18 (Fucosyltransferase 1 [FUT1]; FUT1GG;AG as susceptible; FUT1AA as resistant) resistances respectively. In this study, 71 post-weaning pigs were followed from d0 (35 days old) to d42 (77 days of age) to investigate the effect of MUC4 or FUT1 genotypes on the mid-jejunal microbiota composition, pigs expression of genes related to inflammation (IL8, GPX2, REG3G, TFF3, CCL20 and LBPI) and glycomic binding pattern profile (Ulex europaeus agglutinin I [UEA] fucose-binding lectin and peanut agglutinin [PNA] galactose-specific), and on blood plasma targeted metabolomics profile, faecal score and performance parameters of growing healthy pigs. The MUC4 and FUT1 resistant genotypes improved the pigs' growth performance and had firmed faecal score susceptible genotypes in d0-d21 period. Pigs with MUC4GG genotype had a higher jejunal expression of genes relate to immune function (CCL20 and REG3G) than MUC4CG and MUC4CC pigs (p < 0.05). MUC4CG pigs had higher expression of TFF3 (implicated in mucosal integrity) than MUC4GG and MUC4CC (p < 0.05). FUT1 influenced the alpha- and beta-jejunal microbial indices. The FUT1AA group had a higher number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to Lactobacillus genus, while FUT1GG group had a higher number of OTUs belonging to Veillonella genus. MUC4CC pigs had lower scores for UEA on brush borders and goblet cells in villi than MUC4GG (p < 0.05). FUT1AA pigs had lower UEA positivity and higher PNA positivity on brush borders and goblet cells than FUT1AG and FUT1GG (p < 0.05). Both FUT1 and MUC4 influenced the metabolic profile of healthy pigs. Results highlight the role of MUC4 and FUT1 on pig intestinal homoeostasis and improved the knowledge regarding the potential interaction between host genetics, gut microbiota composition and host metabolism in a healthy status.

Effects of dietary lysozyme levels on growth performance, intestinal morphology, immunity response and microbiota community of growing pigs

BACKGROUND

Lysozyme 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 lysozyme on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, immune response and gut health of growing pigs.

RESULTS

A total of 216 growing pigs (19.81 ± 0.47 kg) were fed the diets supplemented with colistin sulfate at 20 mg kg^-1 (control), or lysozyme at 50 (L50) or 100 mg kg^-1 (L100) diet for 30 days. The results showed that pigs fed with L100 or control had greater average daily gain and gain-to-feed ratio than pigs in the L50 group. Pigs fed with L100 or colistin had greater villus height to crypt depth ratio in jejunum compared with pigs in the L50 group. Pigs fed with L100 had greater serum immunoglobulin A and jejunal secretory immunoglobulin A than control and L50, but lower serum total protein and globulin than control. No differences were observed in the messenger RNA expression of genes related to mucosal cytokines, antioxidant capacity, enzyme activity, and barrier functions among three treatments. The caecal microflora evenness was lower in the L100 group than in the control or L50 group by 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing. Phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states analysis predicted that lysozyme may modify nutrient metabolism by changing intestinal microbial function of pigs.

CONCLUSIONS

Pigs supplemented with 100 mg kg^-1 lysozyme had similar growth performance and intestinal morphology as pigs fed with colistin. This was likely due to the improved systemic and gut immune responses and the reduced microbiota diversity by feeding 100 mg kg^-1 lysozyme. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin for children with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Background

Oral serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin (SBI)/protein isolate is a medical food intended to manage chronic diarrhea. It has been shown to improve pain and diarrhea in adults with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (d-IBS).

Aim

To determine if SBI can improve symptoms in children with d-IBS.

Methods

We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study (NCT02609529) to evaluate the effectiveness of SBI in children 8–18 years with d-IBS. We recorded stool number, abdominal pain, and stool form in all patients for 1 week and then assigned the patients at a ratio of 2:1 to treatment with SBI 5 g BID or placebo for 3 weeks. The patients and their parents completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ for Gastrointestinal Symptoms (PedsQOL) and the Pediatric Functional Disability Index (FDI). In addition, complete blood counts and serum chemistries were recorded at the start and end of treatment to evaluate safety.

Results

Fifteen patients (nine SBI, six placebo) completed the study. Both SBI and placebo groups reported nonstatistical reductions in stool frequency per week. The SBI group showed a significant reduction in stool frequency at weeks 1 and 2 but not at the end of treatment. The SBI group also demonstrated statistical improvements in abdominal pain and stool form by 3 weeks. The placebo group did not achieve similar improvements. The overall FDI and PedsQOL scores, as well as PedsQOL subscale scores for pain, discomfort when eating, diarrhea, worry about stomach aches, and communication, improved significantly in the SBI group, but not in the placebo group. No serious adverse events occurred. Serum chemistries and hemograms were normal at baseline and at the end of study in all patients.

Conclusion

In this single-center, exploratory pilot study, we demonstrated that 10 g SBI per day was safe in children with d-IBS and improved symptoms. Larger studies, with longer treatment duration, seem warranted based on these initial positive results.

Meeting Global Feed Protein Demand: Challenge, Opportunity, and Strategy

Feed protein supplements are one of the most expensive and limiting feed ingredients. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of how the expected expansion of animal production, driven by the rising world population and living standards for more animal-sourced foods, is creating a global shortage of feed protein supply. Because ruminants, chickens, and pigs contribute to 96% of the global supply of animal protein and aquaculture is growing fast, means of meeting the feed protein requirements of these species are elaborated. Geographic variation and interdependence among China, Europe, and North America in the demand and supply of feed protein are compared. The potential and current state of exploration into alternative feed proteins, including microalgae, insects, single-cell proteins, and coproducts, are highlighted. Strategic innovations are proposed to upgrade feed protein processing and assessment, improve protein digestion by exogenous enzymes, and genetically select feed-efficient livestock breeds. An overall successful and sustainable solution in meeting global feed protein demands will lead to a substantial net gain of human-edible animal protein with a minimal environmental footprint.