Direct-Fed Microbials Positively Influence Intestine Histomorphometry, Liver Histopathology and Apoptosis Modulation in Weaned Piglets Fed with Naturally Contaminated Aflatoxin B1 Diet

Abstract

The aim was to evaluate direct-fed microbials (probiotics additive: Saccharomyces cerevisiae RC016, Kluyveromyces marxianus VM004, Pediococcus pentosaceus RC007, Saccharomyces boulardii RC009) influence on intestine histomorphometry, liver histopathology and on apoptosis modulation of weaned piglets fed with naturally contaminated aflatoxin B1 diet. Weaned piglets were allocated to five dietary treatments. Average daily weight gain was determined for each treatment and for sex at 33, 43 and 56 days of age. At the end of the feeding trial pigs from each group were slaughtered to evaluate carcass, lungs, liver, spleen and kidneys weights. Histomorphometry, histopathology and apoptosis studies were conducted. In general, all probiotic treatments showed a modulating effect on histomorphometry in response to the toxin presence, decreasing the intestinal variables values such us intestinal villus height (512.86 to 400.37 μm) and intestinal villus width (292.82 to 243.31 μm) and avoiding the translocation and subsequent absorption of aflatoxin B1. The used probiotics reduced partially or totally, the toxic effects in livers. Also, the mixture Pediococcus pentosaceus and Saccharomyces boulardii significantly decreased the apoptotic index (IAp) in livers (54.68 to 1.84) counteracting the chronic exposure of aflatoxin B1. In addition, they were able to act as growth promoters mainly the mixture Pediococcus pentosaceus and Saccharomyces boulardii becoming promising candidates to replace growth promoting antibiotics.