Impact of Yeast-Derived β-Glucans on the Porcine Gut Microbiota and Immune System in Early Life

Piglets are susceptible to infections in early life and around weaning due to rapid environmental and dietary changes. A compelling target to improve pig health in early life is diet, as it constitutes a pivotal determinant of gut microbial colonization and maturation of the host’s immune system. In...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Microorganisms (Basel) 2020-10, Vol.8 (10), p.1573
Main Authors: de Vries, Hugo, Geervliet, Mirelle, Jansen, Christine A., Rutten, Victor P. M. G., van Hees, Hubèrt, Groothuis, Natalie, Wells, Jerry M., Savelkoul, Huub F. J., Tijhaar, Edwin, Smidt, Hauke
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Antibiotics
Birth weight
Colonization
Complex systems
Composition
Diet
Dietary supplements
early life
Experiments
Feeds
gastro-intestinal tract
Glucans
gut microbiota
Hogs
Immune response
Immune system
Intervention
Intestinal microflora
Microbiota
Microorganisms
Molecular weight
Nutrition research
porcine
Salmonella
Swine
Vaccination
Vaccines
Weaning
Yeast
Yeasts
β-Glucan
β-glucans
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Summary:Piglets are susceptible to infections in early life and around weaning due to rapid environmental and dietary changes. A compelling target to improve pig health in early life is diet, as it constitutes a pivotal determinant of gut microbial colonization and maturation of the host’s immune system. In the present study, we investigated how supplementation of yeast-derived β-glucans affects the gut microbiota and immune function pre- and post-weaning, and how these complex systems develop over time. From day two after birth until two weeks after weaning, piglets received yeast-derived β-glucans or a control treatment orally and were subsequently vaccinated against Salmonella Typhimurium. Faeces, digesta, blood, and tissue samples were collected to study gut microbiota composition and immune function. Overall, yeast-derived β-glucans did not affect the vaccination response, and only modest effects on faecal microbiota composition and immune parameters were observed, primarily before weaning. This study demonstrates that the pre-weaning period offers a ‘window of opportunity’ to alter the gut microbiota and immune system through diet. However, the observed changes were modest, and any long-lasting effects of yeast-derived β-glucans remain to be elucidated.
ISSN:2076-2607
2076-2607
DOI:10.3390/microorganisms8101573