Effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus Supplementation on Growth Performance, Immune Function, and Antioxidant Capacity of Newborn Foals.
Authors: Shi Jian, Zhao Guodong, Huang Xinxin, Li Xiaobin, Ma Yuhui, Yang Kailun
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Lactobacillus rhamnosus Supplementation in Newborn Foals Researchers administered Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) to fifteen healthy newborn foals over 150 days at two different doses (5.0 × 10⁹ and 1.0 × 10¹⁰ CFU/day) to evaluate impacts on growth, immunity, and oxidative stress markers. Both supplemented groups demonstrated significantly improved daily weight and height gains during the final month of the study period, whilst plasma immunoglobulin levels (IgA and IgG) and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 increased at specific timepoints, suggesting enhanced immune priming. Antioxidant responses were dose-dependent: the lower dose showed superior total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity at day 30, whilst the higher dose produced greater glutathione peroxidase elevation; critically, both groups reduced lipid peroxidation markers (malondialdehyde) at 90 and 150 days. These findings suggest that probiotic supplementation may offer practical benefits for supporting foal resilience during the vulnerable neonatal period, though practitioners should note the dose-dependent nature of some responses and consider individual foal requirements when implementing supplementation protocols.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supplementation at 5.0–10.0 × 10⁹ CFU/day can enhance growth rates and body development in newborn foals during the first 5 months of life
- •LGG supplementation strengthens foal immunity by elevating key immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG) and improving antioxidant defenses, potentially reducing disease susceptibility in early life
- •Consider probiotic supplementation during the neonatal period as a cost-effective management tool to optimize foal health outcomes, particularly for growth performance and stress resilience
Key Findings
- •LGG supplementation increased daily body height and weight gain in foals aged 120–150 days (P < 0.01)
- •IgA plasma levels increased at 30 days and IgG at 150 days with LGG supplementation (P < 0.05–0.01)
- •Superoxide dismutase levels were significantly higher in both LGG-supplemented groups compared to control, with reduced malondialdehyde at 90 and 150 days (P < 0.01–0.05)
- •Test group I showed higher total antioxidant capacity at 30 days, while test group II showed higher glutathione peroxidase activity at 30 days (P < 0.01)