Wageningen Academic P u b l i s h e r s
Beneficial Microbes, March 2011; 2(1): 35-45
Lactobacillus brevis strain 1E1 administered to piglets through milk supplementation prior to weaning maintains intestinal integrity after the weaning event S. Gebert1, E. Davis1, T. Rehberger1 and C.V. Maxwell2 1Danisco USA, W227 N752 Westmound Drive, Waukesha, WI 53186, USA; 2Department of Animal Science, University of
Arkansas, AFLS B114, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA;
[email protected]
Received: 27 October 2010 / Accepted: 21 February 2011 © 2011 Wageningen Academic Publishers
Abstract Early colonisation in the gastrointestinal tract by commensal microbes influences the progressive development and maturity of digestive and immune system functionality in the neonate. Application of strategically selected direct-fed microbials to neonatal pigs may provide an opportunity to dictate a portion of the intestinal microbial community and exert a beneficial influence on these developmental processes. Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of early administration of Lactobacillus brevis strain 1E1 to neonatal piglets (n=224) via a milk supplement system on gastrointestinal microbial counts, villous architecture, and immune cell phenotypes during the lactation phase and after weaning. Pigs administered the direct-fed microbial had lower Escherichia coli counts in the jejunum and ileum (P
