A meta-analysis of Lactobacillus-based probiotics for growth performance and intestinal morphology in piglets

Abstract

Antibiotics are widely used as growth promoters (AGPs) in livestock production to improve animal performance and health. However, pig producers today face the prohibition of in-feed antimicrobials and have to find safe and effective alternatives. Lactobacillus species are active microorganisms that convey multiple beneficial effects to the host and are one of the most promising AGPs replacements. Here, we aim to comprehensively assess the effects of Lactobacillus spp. supplementation on growth performance and intestinal morphology (villus height [VH], crypt depth [CD], and the V/C ratio) of piglets. Among the 196 identified studies, 20 met the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The effects of Lactobacillus-based probiotics supplementation on growth performance and intestinal morphology were analyzed using a random-effects model. And the publication bias was evaluated by funnel plots. Our results revealed that Lactobacillus spp. supplementation significantly improved the growth performance, including average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and the gain-to-feed ratio (G/F) in piglets (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, Lactobacillus spp. remarkably increased VH and the V/C ratio (P < 0.05) in the small intestine, including the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, which might contribute to an improved digestive capacity of these animals. In conclusion, our findings provide concrete evidence of the growth-promoting effects of Lactobacillus spp. supplementation in piglets and a better understanding of the potential of Lactobacillus-based probiotics as AGPs alternatives in pig production.

A first characterization of the Microbiota-Resilience Link in Swine

“…Of particular interest was the observation of higher abundances of ASVs a liated with the Lactobacillus genus in animals exhibiting lower resilience. At rst glance, this nding may seem contradictory, given the well-documented bene cial effects of various Lactobacillus strains on swine, including enhanced productivity [51,52] and improved immune function [53].…”

Astragalus polysaccharide: implication for intestinal barrier, anti-inflammation, and animal production

“…The efficiency of animal production is closely related with the economic benefits of animal husbandry ( 121 ). Nowadays, the general use of antibiotics in animal feed is banned, alternatives to antibiotics are urgently needed in animal agriculture ( 122 ).…”

From probiotics to postbiotics: Concepts and applications

“…Aspergillus oryzae supplementation can prevent leaky gut induced by transportation and exercise in horses [91]. A meta-analysis of the effect of Lactobacillus on piglet growth performance and intestinal morphology revealed that Lactobacillus supplementation significantly increased the VH and V/C ratio in the small intestine (including the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) and improved average daily feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), and gain-to-feed ratio (G/F) [92]. However, studies on improving intestinal barrier function with probiotics may yield the opposite results.…”

“…Combining medium-chain fatty acids and spore-forming bacteria (1.3 � 10 9 CFU/kg) in the diet can alleviate weaning stress in piglets by regulating the intestinal microbiota and barrier function [144]. A meta-analysis of the effects of Lactobacillus on the growth performance and intestinal morphology of piglets revealed that the supplementation of Lactobacillus significantly increased the villous height and villus-to-crypt ratio in the small intestine (including the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum), and ADFI, ADG, and G/F of piglets [92].…”