Effects of Bacillus licheniformis on Growth Performance, Diarrhea Incidence, Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Function, and Fecal Microflora in Weaned Piglets

Abstract

Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) is a safe probiotic that can promote animal growth and inhibit pathogenic bacteria. This study aimed to assess the effects of B. licheniformis, one green feed additive, on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, immune function, fecal volatile fatty acids, and microflora structure in weaned piglets. Weaned piglets (n = 180) were randomly divided into three treatment groups and fed a basal diet and a basal diet supplemented with 500 mg B. licheniformis per kg and 1000 mg B. licheniformis per kg, respectively. The dietary 500 mg/kg B. licheniformis inclusion improved the average daily gain, reduced diarrhea incidence, and strengthened antioxidant capacity. Piglets supplemented with B. licheniformis presented increased serum immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM) compared to the CON group. Meanwhile, the expression of anti-inflammation factors was increased, and the levels of pro-inflammation factors were reduced after B. licheniformis administration. Moreover, the levels of volatile fatty acids, including acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, and isovaleric acid, in the BL500 and BL1000 groups were increased compared with the CON group, and the concentration of valeric acid was higher in the BL500 group. Furthermore, piglets in the 500 mg/kg B. licheniformis addition group significantly altered fecal microbiota by increasing Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and Oscillospira. In conclusion, dietary B. licheniformis relieved diarrhea, enhanced antioxidant capacity, immunity function, and fecal microflora structure in weaned pigs.

Dietary Supplementation with Mono-Lactate Glyceride Enhances Intestinal Function of Weaned Piglets

“…We found that dietary supplementation with LG increased the activities of SOD in the ileum and CAT in the colon and decreased the contents of MDA in the jejunum and ileum and H 2 O 2 in the jejunum. These results are consistent with Yu et al‘s study that supplementation of 500 mg/kg B. licheniformis in the diet of weaned piglets enhanced antioxidant capacity [ 44 ]. In summary, dietary supplementation of 0.6% LG enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the intestine by regulating the expression of antioxidant-related genes and increasing the activity of intestinal antioxidant enzymes.…”

Effects of Bacillus licheniformis on the Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Ileal Morphology, Intestinal Short Chain Fatty Acids, and Colonic Microflora in Piglets Challenged with Lipopolysaccharide

“…Moreover, studies have revealed that supplementation with B. licheniformis improves growth performance and modulates digestive microflora [8,10]. Studies have also confirmed an improvement in the antioxidant capacity induced by dietary B. licheniformis in pigs and poultry [11][12][13]. B. licheniformis can play a positive role in defending against necrotic enteritis by modulating the intestinal microflora.…”

The protective effects of Bacillus licheniformis against inflammatory responses and intestinal barrier damage in broilers with necrotic enteritis induced by Clostridium perfringens

“…15 Our previous studies demonstrated that B. licheniformis HJDY01 improved growth performance, immunity, and antioxidant function in broilers, 16 and relieved diarrhoea, increased immunity, and improved faecal microflora structure in weaned pigs. 17 At present, comprehensive studies on the efficacy and mechanism of B. licheniformis HJDY01 against NE in broilers are scarce. NE occurs most frequently in 16-to 28-day-old birds.…”

“…Bacillus licheniformis has displayed strong environmental adaptability based on its high temperature resistance, acid resistance and bile salt resistance 15 . Our previous studies demonstrated that B. licheniformis HJDY01 improved growth performance, immunity, and antioxidant function in broilers, 16 and relieved diarrhoea, increased immunity, and improved faecal microflora structure in weaned pigs 17 …”