Impacts of dietary supplementation of bamboo vinegar and charcoal powder on growth performance,intestinal morphology,and gut microflora of large-scale loach Paramisgurnus dabryanus

Although accumulating data demonstrate that dietary supplementation of bamboo vinegar and charcoal powder(BVC)can significantly strengthen the immunity and boost the growth of domestic animals,its application potency still awaits verification in commercial fish species such as the large-scale loach Paramisgurnus dabryanus.The impacts of 90-day dietary supplementation of 1%and 2%BVC on survival and growth performance of the loach,and on the intestinal morphological characteristics and gut microflora were analyzed.Our data show that the large-scale loach supplied with BVC at the experimental doses had significant higher survival rates and better growth performance(indicated by greater weight gain(1.13–1.14 times),higher specific growth rate(1.04 times),and lower feed conversion ratio(0.88–0.89 times))compared to that of the control(P<0.05).Histological examination revealed significant longer villus(3.22–5.54 times),deeper crypt(1.77–1.87 times),and thicker muscle(1.59–3.17 times)in the intestines of large-scale loach fed with BVC(P<0.05).Furthermore,we found that the gut microflora consisted of significantly fewer proportions of potential pathogenic bacterial species(Aeromonas veronii and Escherichia coli),but significantly greater proportions of beneficial microbes(Lactococus raffinolactis and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii).Therefore,dietary intake of BVC can promote intestinal tract development and optimize gut microflora,by which the survival and growth of large-scale loach may be improved.

Baizhu-Baishao herb pair ameliorates functional constipation and intestinal microflora disorder in rats

Background:In China,Rhizoma atractylodis macrocephalae-Paeonia lactiflora Pall(Biazhu-Baishao,BZBS)is a classic herb pair used to treat intestinal stress syndrome,ulcerative colitis and other diseases.However,the mechanism of BZBS in the treatment of functional constipation(FC)has been little studied and remains unclear.In this study,a behavioral investigation,colon tissue morphology,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(Elisa)and intestinal microflora analysis have been used to illuminate the potential mechanism of the effects of BZBS on FC in a rat model.Methods:A FC rat model was constructed and BZBS was given as treatment.Observations and recordings were made of the fecal moisture content,the defecation time of the first black stool,and the rate of intestinal propulsion.Elisa was used to detect the expression levels of substance P(SP),vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP),5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)in the colon.To ascertain the composition of the microbial community,a high throughput 16S ribosomal RNA(16S r RNA)gene sequencing technique was employed.Results:Oral administration of BZBS significantly ameliorated several key excretion parameters,including the time to first black stool defecation,stool water content,and the propulsion rate in the small intestine in FC rats.It increased the expression of SP,VIP and 5-HT in the colon.16S r RNA gene sequencing results showed that BZBS changed the microbial community structure,decreased the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio,increased the relative abundance of Blautia and Fusicatenibacter,and decreased the relative abundance of Ruminococcus and Roseburia.Conclusions:BZBS effectively alleviates FC and improves dysbacteriosis.

Study on the interaction between β-carotene and gut microflora using an in vitro fermentation model

β-Carotene,a typical non-oxygenated carotenoid,is the most efficient source of retinol(VA).The low bio-availability ofβ-carotene lead to large accumulation in colon;however,the relationship betweenβ-carotene and gut microflora remains unclear.This study intends to explore the interaction betweenβ-carotene and gut microflora using an in vitro fermentation model.After 24 h fermentation,the degradation rate ofβ-carotene was(64.28±6.23)%,which was 1.46 times that of the group without gut microflora.Meanwhile,the production of VA was nearly 2 times that of the group without gut microflora,indicating that the gut microflora can metabolizeβ-carotene into VA.β-Carotene also influences the production of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs),the production of total SCFAs in 0.5 mg/mLβ-carotene(BCM)group was(44.00±1.16)mmol/L,which was 2.26 times that of the blank control(BLK)group.Among them,the production of acetic acid in BCM group was(19.06±0.82)mmol/L,which was 2.64 time that of the BLK group.Furthermore,β-carotene significantly affected the structure and composition of gut microflora,increasing the abundance of Roseburia,Parasutterella and Lachnospiraceae,and decreasing the abundance of Dialister,Collinsella and Enterobacter(P<0.05).This study provides a new way to understand howβ-carotene works in human body with gut microflora.

Effects of a Combination of Fu Zi and Rou Gui on Intestinal Neurotransmitters and Microflora in Rats with Slow Transit Constipation

[Objectives] This study was carried out to explore the combined effects of Fu Zi(Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata, the secondary root of perennial herbaceous plant Acontium carmichaeli Dehx. of family Ranunculaceae) and Rou Gui(Cortex Cinnamomi, the bark of Cinnamamunz cassia Presl of family Lauraceae) on intestinal neurotransmitters and microflora in rats with slow transit constipation(STC). [Methods] Experimental rats were given loperamide hydrochloride by gavage to induce STC, and then treated with Fu Zi alone, Rou Gui alone, a combination of Fu Zi and Rou Gui(2:1 w/w), and prucalopride, respectively, for 14 days. Meanwhile, the general condition, the time to first black stool and the rate of intestinal propulsion of rats in each group were observed after STC was induced and after drug treatment, and the pathological changes in rat colon were observed via hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the levels of colonic 5-hydroxytryptamine(HT), vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP) and substance P(SP) were detected by ELISA, and the changes in intestinal flora were detected by 16S rRNA Real-time PCR. [Results] Compared with healthy rats, the time to first black stool and the rate of intestinal propulsion, colonic 5-HT and SP levels significantly decreased(p<0.01), while their colonic VIP level significantly increased(p<0.01). Compared with STC rats, the time to first black stool, the rate of intestinal propulsion, colonic 5-HT and SP levels in Fu Zi-Rou Gui(2:1) treated rats and prucalopride treated rats significantly increased(p<0.01), while their colonic VIP level significantly decreased(p<0.01). There was no significant difference in alpha diversity between healthy rats and STC rats. However, analysis on beta diversity revealed that there were differences in microflora structure and composition between them. Compared with healthy rats, the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria in STC rats significantly increased, while that of Bacteroidetes decreased. Compared with STC rats, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria decreased and that of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes increased in Fu Zi-Rou Gui(2:1) treated rats;the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria decreased while that of Firmicutes increased in Fu Zi treated rats;the relative abundance of Proteobacteria decreased while that of Bacteroidetes increased in Rou Gui treated rats;the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria decreased while that of Bacteroidetes increased in prucalopride treated rats. The intestinal flora in rats of all groups was dominated by Lactobacillus spp. and other genera of anaerobic bacteria. Compared with healthy rats, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp. and Clostridium spp. in STC rats decreased, while those of Blautia spp. and Ruminococcus spp. and Allobaculum spp. increased. Compared with STC rats, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp. in all rats treated with drugs increased. [Conclusions] The combination of Fu Zi and Rou Gui(2:1) can effectively improve intestinal motility in STC rats by regulating intestinal microbial community and the levels of colonic neurotransmitters.

Research progress on adaptive modifications of the gut microflora and regulation of host glucose and lipid metabolism by cold stimulation

The gut microflora is a combination of all microbes in intestine and their microenvironment,and its change can sensitively reflect the relevant response of the body to external environment and remarkably affect body's metabolism as well.Recent studies have found that cold exposure affects the body's gut microflora,which can lead to changes in the body's metabolism of glucose and lipid.This review summarizes recent research on the effects of cold exposure on gut microbes and metabolism of glucose and lipid,aiming to provide some new ideas on the approaches and measures for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and obesity.

Effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza on intestinal microflora in rats with ischemia/reperfusion liver injury

BACKGROUND: Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury may induce intestinal microflora imbalance. Salvia miltiorrhiza is effective in promoting blood circulation and counteracting peroxidation in tissues. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza on intestinal mi- croflora, endotoxemia, and bacterial translocation in rats with hepatic I/R injury. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats in specific pathogen free grade were divided into 3 groups: group I(n =6) for sham operation: groups ( n = 7) for liver ische- mia for 20 minutes and reperfusion for 22 hours. Group was also pretreated with 4 ml/day of Salvia miltiorrhiza solu- tion (250 mg/kg) by daily gavage for 7 days. The levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate amino- transferase (AST), malondialdehyde ( MDA) and supero- xide dismutase ( SOD ) in liver tissues, serum endotoxin, intestinal bacterial counts, intestinal mucosal histology and bacterial translocation were studied. RESULTS: The levels of ALT, AST, plasma endotoxin and MDA in liver tissues were decreased more markedly in group (57.57 ± 18.08 U/L, 147.57 ±40.84 U/L, 0.42 ± 0.144 EU/ml and 0. 52 ±0.19 nmol/mg-prot respectively) in group 295.9±216.92 U/L, 0.80± 0.262 EU/ml and 0.72±0.12 nmol/mg-prot; P <0.05-0.01 respectively). Liver SOD activity was increased more sig- nificantly in group (318.47±64.62 U/mg-prot) than in group U/mg-prot, P<0.05). The counts of Bifidobacteria and Bacteroides increased more significantly in group than in group but were similar to those in group I. Bacterial translocation to the kidney in group was 50% (5/10), whereas no bacterial translocation to the kidney occurred in the other two groups (P <0. 01). Ileal mucosal structure was markedly ameliorated in group as compared with group CONCLUSIONS: Salviae miltiorrhiza could partially restore intestinal microflora balance, improve intestinal mucosal integrity, and reduce bacterial translocation and plasma en- dotoxin in rats with hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Characterizing the composition of intestinal microflora by 16S rRNA gene sequencing

BACKGROUND This study determined the composition and diversity of intestinal microflora in patients with colorectal adenoma(CRA),which may provide precedence for investigating the role of intestinal microflora in the pathogenesis of colorectal tumors,the composition of intestinal microflora closely related to CRA,and further validating the possibility of intestinal flora as a biomarker of CRA.AIM To study the relationship between intestinal microflora and CRA.METHODS This is a prospective control case study from October 2014 to June 2015 involving healthy volunteers and patients with advanced CRA.High-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were used to investigate the composition and diversity of intestinal microflora in 36 healthy subjects and 49 patients with advanced CRA.Endpoints measured were operational taxonomic units of intestinal flora,as well as their abundance and diversity(αandβtypes).RESULTS In this study,the age,gender,body mass index,as well as location between controls and patients had no significant differences.The mucosa-associated gut microbiota diversity and bacterial distribution in healthy controls and colorectal adenomas were similar.The operational taxonomic unit,abundance,andαandβdiversity were all reduced in patients with CRA compared to controls.At the phylum level,the composition of intestinal microflora was comparable between patients and controls,but the abundance of Proteobacteria was increased,and Firmicutes and Bacteroides were significantly decreased(P<0.05).The increase in Halomonadaceae and Shewanella algae,and reduction in Coprococcus and Bacteroides ovatus,could serve as biomarkers of CRA.High-throughput sequencing confirms the special characteristics and diversity of intestinal microflora in healthy controls and patients with CRA.CONCLUSION The diversity of intestinal microflora was decreased in patients with CRA.An increase in Halomonadaceae and Shewanella algae are markers of CRA.

Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Microflora as Influenced by Bispyribac Sodium 10% SC in Transplanted Kharif Rice

The effects of bispyribac sodium 10% SC and butachlor 50% SC on soil physico-chemical properties and microflora in transplanted kharifrice were investigated over two seasons （2010 and 2011 ） Effects of the herbicide on bulk density, water holding capacity, moisture content, soil pH, organic matter content, electrical conductivity, as well as total nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium contents were analyzed along with microflora population （total bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi）. No significant changes in soil physico-chemical properties were observed. Herbicide treatments resulted in decreases in microbial counts initially. With the degradation of applied herbicides within a considerable time, the microflora populations even exceeded the initial count at 60 d after application of the herbicide.

Effects of bar-transgenic rice on the intestinal microflora of the mice (<i>Mus musculus</i>)

Microbial molecular ecology approaches were used to the effects of Bar-transgenic rice on Intestinal Micro-flora of the Mice (Mus musculus). Kunming mice (Mus musculus) of 100 SPF-grade (20 g ± 2 g), half of which were male and the other half female, were randomly divided into five groups with four replications per group and five mice per replication to assess the safety of Bar-transgenic rice. Five diets meetinging or exceeding the minimum nutrient requirement were fed for 180 days. After 90 days, parental generation (P) was bred to produce the first filial generation (F1). Each generation was fed for 180 days. On the 180th day, five mice from each group were randomly sampled, and their intestinal contents were collected for DNA isolation. The V3 region of the 16S rDNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analyzed via denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The resulting PCR-DGGE band number (bacterial species) was counted, and the banding patterns were analyzed by calculating the Sorenson’s pairwise similarity coefficients (Cs), an index used to measure bacterial species found among all samples. The sequence analysis of bands was performed to identify the intestinal predominant microflora of the mice. The intergroup Cs values of the samples across all groups did not differ (P > 0.05) from each other. The effect of Bar-transgenic rice on the intestinal microflora of the mice was considered insignificant.

Effects of dietary forage to concentrate ratio and wildrye length on nutrient intake, digestibility, plasma metabolites, ruminal fermentation and fecal microflora of male Chinese Holstein calves

Twenty-eight male, weaned Chinese Holstein calves（（156.8±33.4） kg） were used to investigate the effects of dietary forage to concentrate ratio（F：C） and forage length on nutrient digestibility, plasma metabolites, ruminal fermentation, and fecal microflora. Animals were randomly allocated to four treatments in a 2×2 factorial arrangement： whole-length forage（WL） with low F：C（50：50）; WL with high F：C（65：35）; short-length forage（SL） with high F：C（65：35）; and SL with low F：C（50：50）. Chinese wildrye was used as the only forage source in this trial. The grass in the SL treatments was chopped using a chaff cutter to achieve small particle size（-50% particles 〉19 mm）. Dry matter intake（DMI） and organic matter（OM） intake was increased by increasing both F：C（P〈0.01） and forage length（FL）（P〈0.05）, while acid detergent fiber（ADF） and neutral detergent fiber（NDF） intakes were only increased by increasing the F：C（P〈0.01）. The digestibility of NDF was increased as the FL increased（P〈0.01）, and it was also affected by interaction between F：C and FL（P〈0.05）. Cholesterol（CHO）（P〈0.01）, leptin（LP）（P〈0.05）, and growth hormone（GH）（P〈0.01） concentrations in plasma were increased as dietary F：C increased. A significant increase in plasma triglyceride（TG）（P〈0.01）, insulin（INS）（P〈0.05）, and GH（P〈0.01） levels was observed with decreasing dietary FL. Ruminal p H values of calves fed with low F：C diets were significantly lower than those in high F：C treatment（P〈0.05）. Increasing the F：C enhanced ruminal acetic acid（P〈0.05） and acetic acid/propionic acid（P〈0.01）. Fecal Lactobacillus content was significantly higher, while Escherichia coli and Salmonella contents were significantly lower in WL and high F：C groups（P〈0.05）. Lower fecal scores（higher diarrhea rate） were observed in calves fed with SL hay compared to WL hay（P〈0.05）. Denatured gradient gel electrophoresis（DGGE） bands and richness index（S） were significantly affected by the interaction between F：C and FL（P〈0.05）, under high F：C, band numbers and richness index from WL group were higher than that from SL group（P〈0.05）, whereas there were no differences between WL andSL groups under low F：C（P〉0.05）. Microflora similarity was 50–73% among the different treatments. It is concluded that the WL with high F：C（65：35） diet is suitable for weaned calves.

Effects of soybean meal replacement with fermented alfalfa meal on the growth performance,serum antioxidant functions,digestive enzyme activities,and cecal microflora of geese

Fermented forages are important feedstuffs. Bacillus subtilis inoculants are often used to improve the value of forage legume fermentation. The present work was conducted to study the effects of replacing soybean meal with solid-state fermented alfalfa meal（FAM） with B. subtilis ACCC 01746 on growth performance, serum antioxidant and digestive enzyme activities, and cecal microflora in goose. 300 healthy geese with similar body weights were randomly assigned to six treatment groups with five replicates of 10 geese（five males and five females） each. Geese were fed ad libitum for 35 days. Results showed that the geese fed with 4 and 8% FAM exhibited no significant effects on their final body weights（FBW） and average day gain（ADG）（P〉0.05）, whereas 12% or higher FAM caused poor growth of the geese compared with control diet（linear（L）： P〈0.05）. The average daily feed intake（ADFI）（quadratic（Q）： P〈0.05） and feed conversion ratio（FCR）（L： P〈0.05） with 8% or higher supplementation level were higher than those of the control group. The activities of antioxidant enzyme in serum increased, and the level of malondialdehyde（MDA） significantly decreased with increasing dietary FAM level（L： P〈0.05）. However, no significant differences were observed at 8% or lower supplementation level for glutathione peroxidase（GSH-Px） and superoxide dismutase（SOD）（P〉0.05） and at 4% for catalase（CAT） supplementation level compared with the control group. All diets containing FAM increased digestive enzyme activities in geese. However, geese fed diets with 12% FAM supplementation showed the highest trypsin activities in pancreas（Q： P〈0.05）. Supplementation with 12% or higher FAM significantly increased amylase activities in pancreas（L： P〈0.05） and duodenum（L： P〈0.05） compared with the control group. Significant differences were not observed in total anaerobic bacteria between geese fed with FAM and control diets on day 35（P〉0.05）. The numbers of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the cecum of geese fed with FAM significantly increased（L： P〈0.05）, but no significant effects were found with 4 and 8% FAM supplementation levels compared with the control（P〉0.05）. By contrast, the coliform counts of cecum decreased with increasing inclusion of FAM, but these counts were significantly reduced in geese fed diets with 12% or higher FAM supplementation level（L： P〈0.05）. Collectively, our results indicated that supplementation of the basal geese diet with 8% FAM had no apparent adverse effects on growth performance, serum antioxidant enzyme activities, and digestive parameters and beneficial microbiota.

Effect of Lycopus lucidus Turcz.supplementation on gut microflora and short chain fatty acid composition in Crj:CD-1 mice

We investigated the diversity and composition of microflora in feces of Lycopus lucidus Turcz.-fed mice.In addition,we evaluated the production of major cytokines(Interleukin-6 and-10)which are related to inflammation and fatty acid composition of several tissues.16S ribosomal DNA sequencing-based microbiome taxonomic profiling analysis was performed utilizing the EzBioCloud data base.Male mice fed on L.lucidus showed a significantly reduced number of lactic acid bacteria and coliform in the feces compared with the control group(p<0.05).16S rDNA sequencing analysis of fecal samples showed that L.lucidus supplementation decreased the community of harmful microflora(Enterobacteriaceae including Escherichia coli and Bacteroides sp.)in feces compared with the control group(p<0.05).There were no significant differences in mRNA expression of cytokine IL-6 and IL-10 between the control and L.lucidus fed groups.The fecal fatty acid composition in the L.lucidus group had percentages of 4:0,6:0,8:0 and 10:0 in the intestine but those short chain fatty acids were not detected in the control group.Our results showed that L.lucidus supplementation influenced gut environment by decreasing harmful microflora and increased the percentages of several short fatty acids.

Diversity of Microflora in Colonic Mucus from Severe Ulcerative Colitis Patients Analyzed by Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism and Clone Libraries of Bacterial 16S rRNA Gene Sequences

Although the gut microflora is thought to be an essential factor in the development of ulcerative colitis (UC), the entire gut microflora occurring in UC remains unknown. Most studies use feces to represent the microflora distribution;however, here we analyzed the bacterial diversity in colonic mucus from UC patients receiving colectomy surgery and control patients. The diversity of microflora was investigated using a combination of terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) and clone library analyses of the 16S rRNA gene sequences. In the T-RFLP analysis, the number of terminal restriction fragments (T-RFs) decreased significantly in UC patients when compared to control samples. Also in the clone library analysis, the number of operational taxonomic units (OTU) and the Shannon diversity index were reduced significantly in UC patients. These molecular analyses reveal an overall dysbiosis in UC patients. No specific pathogen was found, and a strong negative correlation in relative abundance of bacterial populations was observed between the phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes in the UC patients. This is the first report showing a significant correlation between these two phyla, which may be important characteristics in the pathogenesis of UC.

Ganjiang granule regulates cecal microflora and serum biochemical components in a rat model of constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Objective:To investigate the effects of Ganjiang granule(GG)on cecal microflora and serum biochemical components in rats with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(IBSeC).Methods:Twenty-four SpragueeDawley rats were randomly divided into four groups:control,model,GG,and probiotics.Rats in the model,GG,and probiotics groups received 3℃ tap water intragastrically;rats in the GG group were treated with GG;rats in the probiotics group were treated with probiotics.For all rats,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and colorimetry were used to assess serum biochemical components related to gastrointestinal function;16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the cecal microflora.Results:The serum level of 5-hydroxytryptamine(HT)was higher in the model group than in the control group(Z=-2.082,P=.037).The model group exhibited changes in cecal microflora:the relative abundances of Lactobacillus decreased(Z=-2.882,P=.004)and Dorea increased(t=-3.030,P=.023),compared with the control group.The GG and probiotics groups exhibited normal serum levels of 5-HT.The GG and probiotics groups exhibited improved serum levels of gastrin;the probiotics group exhibited an improved serum level of vasoactive intestinal peptide.Compared with the model group,The GG group exhibited greater relative abundance of Ruminococcus(Z=-2.402,P=.016);the probiotics group exhibited greater relative abundance of SMB53(Z=-2.823,P=.005)and lower relative abundances of Desulfovibrio(Z=-2.823,P=.005)and Facklamia(Z=-2.608,P=.009).Conclusion:The effects of GG on IBS-C may be related to regulation of the serum level of 5-HT,as well as elevated relative abundance of beneficial bacteria in cecal microflora.

Application value of tongue coating microflora in integration of traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine

Observation of tongue coating is the characteristic content of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation and treatment. The microflora is the important component of tongue coating besides the desquamated epithelial cells. Tongue coating microflora might be an important linkage between the modern medical research and the classic traditional Chinese medicine theory. Therefore, the present paper summarised the application value of tongue coating microflora in health and disease to enrich the scienti fic connotation of traditional Chinese medicine tongue diagnosis and promote the development of integration of traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine.

Effects of Supplemental Histamine on Gastric Acid Secretion, Digestive Enzyme Activities, Intestinal Microfloral of Early Weaned Piglets

Two experiments were conducted to study the effect of supplemental histamine in the diet of early-weaned piglets. In experiment A, 24 cross bred piglets with an average body weight of 6.10±0. 40 kg, weaned at the age of 28 days, were divided into four groups, fed with basal diet of low dietary copper without (control) or with supplemental histamine at 60, 120, 180μg kg-1 BW. During the two weeks and the third week after weaning, ADG(average daily gain) of piglets were increased by 15.8%(P<0. 05), 9.5%(P< 0.10) by addition of 60μg kg-1 BW histamine, but decreased by addition of 180μg kg-1BW histamine, which also increased the amount of E. coli in colon and the scour incidence. The secretion of gastric acid and pepsin were improved by both dose of supplemental histamine (60, 180μg kg-1BW) and gastric digesta pH were decreased by both. Addition of 60 μg kg-1 BW histamine improved the activities of trypsin, amylase in duodelum digesta. In experiment B, 12 cross bred piglets with an average body weight of 6. 85±0.35 kg, weaned at the age of 28 days, were divided into two groups, fed with basal diet of high dietary copper without (control) or with supplemental 60 μg kg-1 BW histamine. During the two weeks and the third week after weaning, ADG of piglets were increased by 9. 8% (P<0.05), 7. 0% (P<0. 10). The secretion of gastric acid, activities of trypsin and amylase in duodelum digesta, were also improved by addition of 60 μg kg-1BW histamine. The results showed that addition of histamine (60μg kg-1BW) in early weaned piglets could increase the secretion of gastric acid and pepsin, reduce gastric digesta pH and scour incidence, improve activities of trypsin, amylase in duodelum digesta, and the growing performance of early weaned piglets.

Effects of Lactobacillus Microecologics on Production Performance, Immune Function and Intestinal Microflora of Egg Chicks

[Objective]The paper was to study the effects of lactobacillus microecologics on production performance,immune function and intestinal microflora of egg chicks.[Method]Totally 18001-day-old chicks of Hyline brown were randomly divided into three groups,four repeats each group and 150 chicks each repeat.The chicks in control group were supplied with basic diet,and those in experimental groups I and II were supplied with the basic diet added with 100 and 150 g/t microecologics,respectively.[Result]Compared with the control group,the daily gain of egg chicks in experimental group II after 7 weeks was increased by 3.67%(P<0.05),and the feed conversion ratio was significantly reduced by 0.05(P<0.05);the thymus indexes in experimental groups I and II were significantly improved by 4.95%and 5.94%(P<0.05),and the spleen indexes were significantly improved by 3.32% and 4.36% compared with the control group(P<0.05).The index of bursa of fabricius in experimental group II was extremely improved by 9.66%compared with the control group(P<0.01).Meantime,experimental group II extremely improved the number of living lactobacillus in caecum of egg chicks(P<0.01),and extremely reduced the number of Escherichia coli in caecum(P<0.01).[Conclusion]Lactobacillus microecologics are beneficial to the improvement of production performance,immune function and intestinal flora of egg chicks.The optimal addition amount in the feed of chicks is 150 g/t.

Development of an Efficient Method for Extracting Total DNA of Intestinal Microflora

[ Objective] The aim was to develop a fast and effective DNA extraction method of intestinal microflora, a modified method of chloroform extraction, and to provide the basis for quantitative and qualitative detection. [ Method] Through the improvement of conventional DNA extraction method, a rapid and efficient DNA extraction method was developed. Compared with the real-time PCR result of control sample and the result of QIAamp DNA Stool Mini kit, the developed method was verified. [ Result] The DNA yield of the developed method was 100 times as much as that of QIAamp DNA Stool Mini kit. And the real-time PCR result showed that the efficiency of DNA extraction of the developed method was higher than that of the QIAamp DNA Stool Mini kit. [ Conclusion] This modified method is inexpensive, efficient and rapid, and it is suitable for large quantities of feces samples.

Relationship of Dietary Soy Protein to Daidzein Metabolism by Cultures of Intestinal Microfloras from Monkeys

Soybeans have been shown to contain larger concentrations of isoflavones than other plant foods. The colonic micro-floras of some individuals metabolize isoflavones, including the soy phytoestrogen daidzein, to compounds with altered estrogenic activity that may affect health. Monkeys have been used as models to predict the effect of colonic microorganisms on the metabolism of phytoestrogens. We studied the effect of consumption of a diet rich in soy protein on the metabolism of added daidzein by the intestinal microfloras of monkeys. The metabolism of daidzein by cultures of the colonic microfloras from eight males and eight females of Macaca fascicularis, 6 - 12 years old, consuming diets containing either soy or casein, and two males and three females of Macaca nemestrina, 3 - 5 months old, consuming infant formula, was investigated using high-performance liquid chromatographic analyses. Cultures from ten of the 16 adult monkeys and all five infant monkeys metabolized the added daidzein within 24 h. Daidzein was metabolized within 48 h by cultures from five other monkeys, but it remained even after 72 h in a culture from one female monkey on a casein diet. Equol and dihydrodaidzein were the only metabolites found. Individual variation among monkeys in the efficiency of daidzein metabolism was observed, but there appeared to be no correlation between diet and daidzein metabolism by the intestinal microflora. The intestinal microfloras of most monkeys tested were efficient in the biotransformation of daidzein to equol, regardless of the animals’ consumption of soy protein. Differences in the metabolism of isoflavones by the colonic microfloras of humans and experimental animals should be considered when extrapolating results from animals to humans.

Effects of Shuanghuanglian Propolis Oral Liquid on Growth Performance and Intestinal Microflora of Broilers

[ Objective] The paper was to investigate the effects of adding different levels of Shuanghuanglian propelis oral liquid in drinking water on growth performance and intestinal microflora of broilers. [ Method] Ninety one-day-old broilers were randomly divided into three groups （group I, group 1I and group III）： group I was the control group, and groups II and III were added with 0.5 and 1.0 mL/L Shuanghuanglian prepolis oral liquid in drinking water, respec- tively. [ Result] Compared with broilers in group I, the average daily gains of broilers in group II and group III increased significantly （ P 〈 0.05 ） ; the feed gain ratio of broilers in group III was significandy lower than that in group I （ P 〈 0.05 ） ; the number of intestinal LactobaciUus spp. in group II and group III in- creased significantly （ P 〈 0.05 ） ; the number of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli in group lII decreased significantly （ P 〈 0.05 ） ; the number of Bgrdobacterium spp. increased significantly （ P 〈 0.05 ）. [ Conclusion] Adding 0.5 and 1.0 mL/L Shuanghuanglian propolis oral liquid in drinking water could improve growth performance and intestinal micreflora of broilers, and the dose of 1.0 mL/L is recommended in clinical application.