Effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus Supplementation on Growth Performance, Immune Function, and Antioxidant Capacity of Newborn Foals.

The research paper investigates the impact of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) supplements on the growth, immune function, and antioxidant capacity in newborn foals. The study found that the LGG intake improved growth, boosted immunity, and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the foals.

Experiment Design and Groups

• The study was conducted on fifteen newborn foals with approximately the same birth weight and good health.
• The foals were divided into three groups: a control group and two test groups. The test groups were given different amounts of LGG every day for 150 days.

Growth Performance

• The study recorded an increase in the daily body height and weight gain of the foals between 120 to 150 days with LGG intake.

Immune Function

• Improvement in immune function was assessed by the increase in the foals’ IgA and IgG plasma levels at 30 and 150 days, respectively.
• Additionally, the IL-6 plasma level, which has a crucial role in inflammation and immune response, increased at 90 days.

Antioxidant Capacity

• The study observed a significant higher level of total antioxidant capacity in test group I compared to the control group and test group II at 30 days.
• Conversely, the glutathione peroxidase level, an essential antioxidant enzyme, was significantly higher in test group II than in control group and test group I at 30 days.
• Both test groups had noticeably higher superoxide dismutase levels, another vital antioxidant enzyme, than the control group.
• A significant decrease in malondialdehyde plasma level, a marker of oxidative stress, was observed at 90 and 150 days in both test groups.

Conclusion

• In conclusion, the study suggests that dietary supplementation of LGG could enhance the growth performance, immunity, and antioxidant capacity in newborn foals.