Gut Health Strategies for Monogastric Nutritional Efficiency

Dysbiosis, along with other stress factors such as environmental changes and technical procedures, trigger inflammation and compromise the integrity of epithelial cell junctions. This, in turn, results in increased intestinal permeability (Dukatelle R. et al, 2023).

Understanding the interactions between these various characteristics highlights the wide range of aspects related to digestive health and its impact on animal production.

The gut microbiota refers to the collection of microbial communities that inhabit an animal’s gastrointestinal tract mucosal surfaces (Guarner F, 2003). It is primarily composed of anaerobic bacteria and performs crucial functions, including:

Feed digestibility: They convert complex carbohydrates into short-chain fatty acids such as butyric acid (an essential nutrient for enterocytes), contributing to improvements in average daily gain and feed conversion ratio.

Protection against invasion by enteric pathogens.

Immunomodulation. 

Assists in the breakdown of harmful compounds or metabolites present in the diet.

Synthesis of various substances, including B vitamins, vitamin K, amino acids, short-chain fatty acids, and lactic acid, which acidifies the intestinal lumen.

(Yadav and Jha 2019; Aggeletopoulou et al. 2019; Rinttilä and Apajalahti 2013)

Impact of gut microbiota on animal performance and health:

The gastrointestinal tract is crucial for animal digestion and immunity. Its proper functioning depends on the intestinal microbiota, which must be balanced and constantly changing.

The microbial populations composing the gut microbiome vary depending on its location within intestinal tract, the animal’s age, and the pathophysiological condition. The gut microbiota has a significant impact on metabolic processes, such as the ability of certain bacteria to break down dietary components like cellulose and resistant starch (Adedokun, 2019).

Bacterial fermentation plays a crucial role in producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) that serve as food for enterocytes, regulate intestinal blood flow, mucin production (protective agent against mucosal damage), and intestinal immune responses. 

Some strains of Lactobacillus spp. produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bacteriocins that have bacteriostatic or bactericidal properties. These compounds work by either lowering the pH or modifying receptors against pathogenic microbes. It is important to note that this information is based on objective research findings and not subjective evaluations. 

Several factors influence the maintenance of gut health (Linden, J. 2013):

• Dietary changes
•  Feed and water quality
•  Presence of mycotoxins or other harmful agents
•  Environmental conditions (temperature, ventilation, or stocking density, etc.)
•  Production system
•  Viral, bacterial or parasitic infections (coccidiosis)

Among these factors, the diet has been identified as the most influential in shaping the composition of the gut microbiota and maintaining its balance.

Global concerns regarding the use of antibiotics for growth promotion in livestock farming have resulted in a ban on antibiotics in the European Union. The United States and other countries are also reconsidering their use, following this strategy (World Health Organization, 2017).

Organic acids 

Organic acids are compounds commonly found in plant and animal tissues. They were previously used as preservatives to prevent spoilage and increase the shelf life of food due to their ability to control microbial contamination.

This group includes acids such as lactic, acetic, propionic, and butyric acids, among others. Additionally, they play a beneficial role in gut health (Suiryanrayna et al., 2015).

Organic acids have sparing effect to some enzymes, for example by lowering the pH of the chyme, may be increased the activity of pepsin.

They also have the ability to reduce the presence of pathogens such as enterobacteria or Salmonella spp. (Saki AA et al, 2012). Supplementation with organic acids can affect the balance of bacterial cell membranes, macromolecules, and nutrient transport, leading to their destruction. 

The efficacy of organic acids depends on their dissociation capacity and hydrophobicity, so it is important to supplement with adequate amounts to avoid detrimental effects against the organism’s own cells.

Botanicals  

The most innovative trend among animal nutrition companies has been to incorporate plant-derived ingredients with historically studied and well-known properties, as reported in scientific literature, for the control of intestinal dysbiosis or the improvement of zootechnical parameters.

Botanicals contain various types of compounds, including polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, organic sulphur compounds, and nitrogenous compounds. These compounds are classified based on their polycyclic aromatic rings.

Polyphenols are the largest group and have been extensively studied for their ability to reduce inflammation.This is due to their capacity to scavenge oxygen free radicals that arise in cellular oxidation processes. Additionally, they have growth-stimulating properties for saprophytic microbial growth.

For example, in a study conducted on 7-day-old chicks, an increase in the population of acid lactic acid bacteria was demonstrated, as well as a reduction of pathogenic microbiota (Viveros A, et al. 2020).

How is this achieved? 

This is achieved through the hydrophobicity of plant derivatives, which allows them to penetrate the bacterial wall, causing a disruption that increases permeability and releases intracellular bacterial material. Bacterial cytoplasmic membranes consist of phospholipids and proteins. 

When exposed to botanical agents, some of these proteins are denatured, including those involved in energy generation. Additionally, other compounds cause oxidative stress to the bacteria by oxidizing the outer membrane, ultimately leading to their destruction. 

Probiotics & prebiotics  

Finally, some premixes and complementary feeds include probiotics and prebiotics in their compositions. Probiotics are non-pathogenic microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, benefit intestinal and general health.

The microorganisms used include lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, fungi, and live yeasts. Probiotics promote competitive exclusion, intestinal maturation, regulate the immune system, and improve metabolism and growth.

However, it should be noted that the effect of strains and their administered amount may vary. Several studies have found that a combination of multiple strains may be more effective than a single strain. Furthermore, they can influence the diversity of the gut microbiota and enhance the immune response.

On the other hand, prebiotics are non-digestible ingredients that selectively affect the composition and metabolism of the gut microbiota. They promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and reduce harmful ones.

The implementation of these strategies enhances nutritional efficiency, which refers to the digestion and absorption of nutrients from the raw materials, resulting in improved zootechnical performance.This, in turn, leads to greater economic benefits in production scenarios.
 

CONCLUSIONS

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