Linkages of Various Calcium Sources on Immune Performance, Diarrhea Rate, Intestinal Barrier, and Post-gut Microbial Structure and Function in Piglets

Abstract

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of different sources of calcium on immune performance, diarrhea rate, intestinal barrier, and post-intestinal flora structure and function in weaned piglets. A total of 1,000 weaned piglets were randomly assigned to five groups 10 replicate pens per treatment, 20 piglets per pen and fed calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, multiple calcium, and organic trace minerals of different concentrations of acidifier diets. The results of the study showed that the replacement of calcium carbonate with calcium citrate and multiple calcium had almost no significant effect on immune indexes (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α) of piglets compared with the control group (p > 0.05). The five groups did not show a change in the diarrhea rate and diarrhea index (p > 0.05). The diet containing multiple calcium dramatically decreased the TP compared to the C and L diet (p < 0.05). No significant difference in HDL was noted in the five groups (p > 0.05). However, the concentration of LDL in blood in the multiple calcium group was significantly higher than that in groups L and D (p < 0.05). Moreover, the concentration of Glu in blood in the multiple calcium group was significantly higher than that in group C (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, calcium citrate plus organic trace minerals diet markedly increased UCG-005 abundance in the colon (p < 0.05). In addition, the relative abundance of Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group had an upward trend in the colon of the M group compared to the D group (p = 0.070). Meanwhile, calcium citrate plus organic trace minerals diet markedly increased Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 abundance in the colon (p < 0.05). Metagenomic predictions by PICRUSt suggested that the colonic and fecal microbiota was mainly involved in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, and metabolism of cofactors and vitamins.

Effects of essential oil extracted from Artemisia argyi leaf on lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in high-fat diet-fed mice

“…As previously reported, DNA extraction and 16S ribosomal RNA amplification were carried out ( 29 ). Fecal samples were extracted for DNA with an E.Z.N.A.…”

Starch–protein interaction effects on lipid metabolism and gut microbes in host

“…The depth of the crypts reflects the rate of cell formation, while shallower crypts indicate an increased rate of cell maturation and enhanced secretory function. The height of villi and the depth of crypts can comprehensively reflect the functional status of the small intestine ( 34 , 61 ). In our study, the ileal crypt depth was not affected significantly by the ratio of dietary protein and starch.…”

“…DNA extraction and 16S ribosomal RNA amplification were conducted as previously reported ( 34 ). Briefly, DNA was extracted from each fecal sample with an E.Z.N.A.…”

Glutathione Protects against Paraquat-Induced Oxidative Stress by Regulating Intestinal Barrier, Antioxidant Capacity, and CAR Signaling Pathway in Weaned Piglets

“…In addition, we observed that exogenous GSH reduced the DR and increased intestinal villus height in oxidative stress-induced-weaned piglets. The higher villus and shallower crypt indicate a higher digestive and absorptive capacity of the intestine and a faster cell maturation rate [ 29 ], which may predict that exogenous GSH is associated with an improved intestinal barrier function. We believe that a part of the exogenous GSH is degraded into its synthetic substrates (glutamate, glycine, and cysteine), which can stimulate GSH synthesis in vivo and play a functional role, whereas the other part is directly absorbed and utilized by the body, thus increasing nutrient metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and immune response.…”