Lactulose and Lactobacillus plantarum, a Potential Complementary Synbiotic To Control Postweaning Colibacillosis in Piglets

• DOI: 10.1128/aem.00770-14
• Publication Date: 2014-06-07T08:26:22Z
• Authors: A. A. Guerra-Ordaz; G. González-Ortiz; R. M. La Ragione; M. J. Woodward; J. W. Collins; J. F. Pérez; S. M. Martín-Orúe
• Keywords: Lactulose; Synbiotics

ABSTRACT The potential of a prebiotic oligosaccharide lactulose, probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum , or their synbiotic combination to control postweaning colibacillosis in pigs was evaluated using an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 oral challenge. Seventy-two weanlings were fed four diets: diet (CTR), that supplemented with L. (2 × 10 CFU · day −1 ) (LPN), g kg lactulose (LAC), the two treatments (SYN). After 7 days, orally challenged. Six per treatment euthanized on days 6 and postchallenge (PC). Inclusion improved average daily gain (ADG) ( P < 0.05) increased lactobacilli percentage butyric acid 0.02) colon. An increase ileum villous height reduction pig major acute-phase protein (Pig-MAP) serum 0.01) observed also. inclusion numbers bacteria colon total showed trend reduce diarrhea = 0.09). concentrations ammonia ileal colonic digesta decreased 0.05), number goblet cells increased, at PC. A decrease plasmatic tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) also seen. positive effects additives combined SYN treatment, resulting complementary be used colibacillosis.