In the heart of Peru, researchers are uncovering new insights into the world of probiotics and their impact on animal growth and intestinal health. A recent study led by Jose Goicochea-Vargas from the University Nacional Hermilio Valdizan has shed light on how indigenous probiotics can influence the growth and intestinal histomorphology of guinea pigs. The findings, published in the Open Veterinary Journal (which translates to the Open Veterinary Journal in English), offer promising avenues for the agricultural sector, particularly in animal husbandry and feed optimization.
Probiotics, often referred to as “good bacteria,” have long been recognized for their role in improving animal health and growth. However, the effectiveness of these beneficial microbes can vary greatly depending on the strain and method of administration. Goicochea-Vargas and his team set out to investigate the impact of probiotics derived from native bacterial strains—Enterococcus gallinarum, Exiguobacterium sp., and Lactococcus lactis—on the growth and intestinal morphology of guinea pigs.
The study involved 72 weaned guinea pigs, which were divided into six groups and received different treatments. Some groups were given specific probiotics, while others received a mixture of all three bacteria, an antibiotic (Zinc bacitracin), or no treatment at all. After 63 days, the researchers measured weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and various intestinal parameters, including villus height and width, crypt depth, and the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) in different sections of the small intestine.
The results were intriguing. While the probiotics did not significantly affect the weekly feed conversion ratio, they did influence weight gain. “We observed differences in weight gain between the groups treated with Enterococcus gallinarum and Lactococcus lactis,” noted Goicochea-Vargas. This suggests that certain probiotic strains may have a more pronounced effect on animal growth than others.
The study also revealed significant differences in intestinal histometry. In the jejunum, the group receiving a mixture of all three probiotics showed greater villus height compared to the control group. However, the probiotics did not consistently increase villus height or width across all treatments. Crypt depth, on the other hand, was increased in all sections of the small intestine compared to the control, indicating a potential impact on intestinal development.
The villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) also varied, with values similar or lower in probiotic treatments compared to the control. This ratio is crucial for understanding the absorptive capacity of the intestine, and its alteration suggests that probiotics may influence nutrient absorption and overall intestinal health.
While the study did not find a significant impact on productive parameters like feed conversion ratio, the effects on intestinal histomorphology are noteworthy. “Our findings indicate that probiotics based on these indigenous strains can influence intestinal development, which could have implications for animal health and productivity,” explained Goicochea-Vargas.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. In an industry where efficiency and productivity are paramount, understanding the role of probiotics in animal health can lead to more sustainable and cost-effective farming practices. By optimizing feed formulations and incorporating specific probiotic strains, farmers may be able to enhance animal growth and intestinal health, ultimately improving overall productivity.
This study also opens the door for further research into the mechanisms by which probiotics influence intestinal morphology and function. As Goicochea-Vargas and his team continue to explore these interactions, the agricultural sector can look forward to more targeted and effective probiotic applications.
In conclusion, the research led by Jose Goicochea-Vargas from the University Nacional Hermilio Valdizan provides valuable insights into the potential of indigenous probiotics to influence animal growth and intestinal health. Published in the Open Veterinary Journal, this study highlights the importance of understanding the specific effects of different probiotic strains and their applications in animal husbandry. As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, these findings offer a promising path toward more sustainable and productive farming practices.