Growth performance of early-weaned pigs is enhanced by feeding epidermal growth factor-expressing Lactococcus lactis fermentation product.
We have previously generated epidermal growth factor expressing Lactococcus lactis (EGF-LL) using bioengineering approach, and shown that feeding newly-weaned piglets EGF-LL improves digestive function. To address concerns over the use of genetically modified organisms (GMO), the objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of feeding the EGF-LL fermentation product, after removal of the genetically modified EGF-LL, on growth performance and intestine development of newly-weaned piglets. One hundred and twenty newly-weaned piglets were fed ad libitum according to a 2-phase feeding program. Four pens were assigned to each of three treatments: (1) complete EGF-LL fermentation product (Ferm), (2) supernatant of EGF-LL fermentation product, after removal of EGF-LL (Supern), or (3) blank M17GE media (Control). EGF-LL or its fermented supernatant was administrated to piglets in the first 3 weeks post-weaning; their growth performance was monitored throughout treatment, and for the following week. Daily body weight gain (254.8g vs. 200.5g) and Gain:Feed (0.541kg/kg vs. 0.454kg/kg) of pigs on the Supern group were significantly improved compared to that of Control, although no difference was observed between the Ferm and Control pigs. Intestinal sucrase activity was increased in Supern- compared to Control group (166.3±62.1 vs. 81.4±56.5nmol glucose released/mg protein; P<0.05). The lack of growth response with Ferm pigs may be attributed to an overload of bacteria (daily dose included 4.56×10(10)CFU/kg BW/day EGF-LL). These results suggest that GMO-free EGF-LL fermentation product is effective in increasing growth performance of early-weaned piglets.
Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Canada.
Andrea
A
Bedford
Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Canada.
Evanna
E
Huynh
Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Canada.
Molei
M
Fu
Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Canada.
Cuilan
C
Zhu
Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Canada.
Doug
D
Wey
Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Canada.
Cornelis
C
de Lange
Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Canada. Electronic address: jli@uoguelph.ca.
Julang
J
Li
D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis* / Q000382:microbiology; D000818:Animals; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary*; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000032:analysis; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005285:Fermentation; D013294:Lactococcus lactis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D019936:Probiotics / Q000378:metabolism; D013552:Swine / Q000254:growth & development*; D015430:Weight Gain
D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor
Epidermal growth factor; Intestine development; Lactococcus lactis; Weaned pig