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4th International Technical Meeting S.C. Boulardii (Part 1 of 2)

Published: December 19, 2012
Source : Lallemand

“S.c. boulardii in swine feeding - Improving feed efficiency and functional traits in sows and piglets”
October 12th 2012, Lallemand Animal Nutrition was gathering international class speakers in Noordwijk aan Zee (The Netherlands) to update the attendees of the 4th International Technical Meeting S.c. boulardii with current issues in swine feeding: improving the feed efficiency and functional traits in sows and piglets. The first aim of this meeting was to summarize and share the up-to-date research results and fundamental knowledge, which are a pre-requisite to the usage of the probiotic yeast S.c. boulardii I-1079 in swine feed design. Most of the speakers have not realized any research project with Lallemand Animal Nutrition, so they didn’t have any personal experience to share regarding the use of S.c. boulardii in swine feeding. The objective of this summary is to link portion of their messages with Lallemand’s experience and research.
Modeling, as a tool for assessing the feed efficiency of sows
Unlike the situation of the growing finishing pig, where feed conversion ratio is a valuable indicator of the feed and economical efficiency, the sequence of phases and the duration of the sow productive life puts challenge on determining accurately the feed efficiency. Mathematical modeling thus constitutes an alternative approach to “real world” measurements to evaluate the potential of feed additives. Dr. Jean-Yves Dourmad from INRA (Saint-Gilles, France) describes the tool INRAPorc®, more precisely the section concerning sow nutrition, and its application to evaluate and optimize feeding strategies. Examples given of sensitivity analysis of the response of sows to varying energy intake or to the physical activity (energy expenses) are very informative. Indeed, a 4% difference in Net Energy intake leads to 1 mm difference in backfat depth in gestating sows. This is almost undetectable in feeding trials, but has a huge consequence on feeding cost. A similar difference would be obtained by changing the physical activity of the sow by 30 minutes. In lactating sows, 4% net energy would convert into 0.8 mm of backfat difference.
To watch Dr. Jean-Yves Dourmad´s video, click here.
These simulated data reinforce the approach developed by Lallemand Animal Nutrition with Levucell SB (Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM-I 1079, ). The mechanism by which the live yeast favors the hydrolysis of cellulose by fibrolytic bacteria and stimulates hindgut fermentations has been described. Data obtained from field trials show the improvement of body condition in gestation and lactation both, new research aims at quantifying the effect of the live yeast on behavior. Allocating a 1 to 3% net energy value to the additive in gestation feed formulation makes sense!
Role of bacterial endotoxins of intestinal origin
Dealing with pathogenic bacteria was often limited to the control of populations using antibiotics or alternative substances (organic acids with bactericidal activity, essential oils, etc…). However, components from dead bacterial cells can be harmful as well. Dr. Nick Gabler (Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA) realizes a comprehensive review of the structure and absorption mechanism of Gram negative bacteria endotoxins in pigs. Latest information related to diet design and stress in piglets is shown, and the role of endotoxin in the mastitis-metritis-agalactia syndrome (MMA) is reminded.
To watch Dr. Nicolas Gabler´s video, click here
Prevention of mastitis-metritis-agalactia syndrome
MMA is found widely in all pig production areas, under its acute form or with less severe symptoms, under the name of PDS (post-partum dysgalactia syndrome). Dr. Leif Göransson (retired from the Swedish Agricultural University, Uppsala, Sweden) realizes a synthesis on the management factors associated with the incidence of the syndrome. Especially, the role of feeding program and feed composition has been evaluated in deep by the Swedish researchers.
To watch Dr. Leif Göransson´s video, click here.
 
Lallemand Animal Nutrition has published results from a trial held in 2011, regarding the effect of S.c. boulardii I-1079 on the reduction of endotoxin transfer from the sow to the piglets. The review of Dr. Gabler is necessary to fully appreciate the interest and consequences of the fore-mentioned trial results. Additionally, the synthesis of Dr. Göransson emphasizes the close relationship between feeding practices and failure of some animals to achieve production goals. Because of its mode of action on gut permeability, S.c. boulardii I-1079 should be regarded as a tool to improve the sow adaptation to lactational onset. The ongoing evolution of molecular techniques used to study the microbes and their influence on the host put challenge on the communication of research results, as most actors of the animal nutrition business need to be updated. Dr. Ken Mellits (University of Nottingham, United Kingdom) classifies and summarizes the state of the art methods developed and used in the research projects ongoing in his group, to study the influence of weaning and probiotics on the piglet performance and health.
State of the art methods to study the intestinal microflora
The ongoing evolution of molecular techniques used to study the microbes and their influence on the host put challenge on the communication of research results, as most actors of the animal nutrition business need to be updated. Dr. Ken Mellits (University of Nottingham, United Kingdom) classifies and summarizes the state of the art methods developed and used in the research projects ongoing in his group, to study the influence of weaning and probiotics on the piglet performance and health.
New methods are changing the way scientists approach questions to be answered. They also generate new type of information we are not used to manipulate yet. It is mandatory to update our knowledge so we can understand the results produced in the most recent studies and implement them. Preliminary data on how probiotics improve within-litter consistency among piglets and the metabolism of fecal microbiota illustrate the interest of these techniques.
A healthy look at piglet nutrition beyond antibiotics
Weaning has always been a challenge in pig farming. Recent constraint of reducting antibiotics usage puts further pressure on feed designer. Dr. Theo van Kempen (Nutreco, Boxmeer, The Netherlands) explains and illustrates the physiological consequences of weaning the piglet, with application to safe and sound feed design and selection of relevant feed additives.
Any feed additive is just one tool in the box of the feed designer. This very comprehensive lecture gives insight on the process of selecting the right ingredients to formulate a diet for weanling piglets, especially relating health and nutrition. 
Effects of S.C.Boulardii on piglets challenged with LPS or Salmonella
Previous research on S.c. boulardii I-1079 have demonstrated trophic effects on the gut and modulation of the immune system, however how beneficial were these effects remained to be described. Dr. Jeff Carroll (USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Lubbock, Texas, USA) shares his experience of quantifying the interest of improving the immunocompetence of piglets through challenge models. Adverse consequences of challenging piglets with LPS (purified endotoxin of E.coli) or Salmonella could be heavily limited feeding S.c. boulardii I-1079.
A series of trials clearly showing the benefit of including S.c. boulardii I-1079 (Levucell® SB) in piglet feed to alleviate the consequences of microbial challenge often faced in the “real world” farms.
 
  
 
More video interviews of the rest of the speakers are coming soon. Stay tuned.
Source
Lallemand
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Mentioned in this news release:
Vericat Michel
Lallemand
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