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Published on: July 25, 2017
Enterococcus faecium EK13--an enterocin a-producing strain with probiotic character and its effect in piglets
Viola Strompfová1, Miroslava Marcináková, Monika Simonová
1Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Soltésovej 4-6, 04001 Kosice, Slovakia. strompfv@saske.sk
Anaerobe
|October 31, 2006
Summary
Probiotic Enterococcus faecium EK13 supplementation improved piglet health by increasing beneficial bacteria and key blood parameters. This probiotic enhanced gut health and immune response, though it did not significantly affect weight gain.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Neonatal piglet health is crucial for the swine industry.
- Gut microflora plays a vital role in animal health and metabolism.
- Probiotics offer a potential strategy to modulate gut health and improve animal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of Enterococcus faecium EK13 on metabolic profile, gut microflora, growth, and health in newborn piglets.
- To assess the impact of probiotic supplementation on key physiological and microbiological parameters in weaned piglets.
Main Methods:
- Two groups of newborn piglets (n=8 EK13, n=7 control) were administered either Enterococcus faecium EK13 or a placebo for 7 days.
- Fecal and blood samples were collected to analyze microflora, metabolic parameters, and immune markers.
- Intestinal contents were analyzed for pH, bacterial counts, and short-chain fatty acids on day 14.
Main Results:
- Enterococcus faecium EK13 significantly reduced Escherichia coli counts and increased beneficial bacteria in piglet feces.
- Supplementation led to higher total serum protein, calcium, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count, and phagocytic activity.
- Cholesterol levels were reduced, and duodenal pH was lower in the probiotic group, with increased lactic and propionic acid in the colon.
Conclusions:
- Enterococcus faecium EK13 supplementation positively modulates the gut microbiota and improves metabolic and immune parameters in newborn piglets.
- The probiotic enhanced gut health indicators and physiological markers without significantly impacting daily weight gain.
- Enterococcus faecium EK13 demonstrates potential as a beneficial feed additive for improving piglet health and resilience.
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