THE EFFECT OF LACTIC-ACID BACTERIA ON INTESTINAL METABOLISM AND METABOLIC PROFILE IN GNOTOBIOTIC PIGS

The effect of inoculation of Lactobacillus casei on selected parameter s of metabolic profile and intestinal metabolism of gnotobiotic piglet s was investigated during the first three weeks of their life. The exp eriment was carried out on 8 germ-free piglets. The experimental group was inoculated once a day with the Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei s train. The inoculum contained 1 x 10(8) microorganisms in 1 mi. The co ntrol group of piglets received no inoculum. Lactobacillus casei colon ized jejunum and ileum in the numbers from 5.63 to 6.06 log 10 cm(-2) and their numbers in the jejunal and ileal contents were in the range 8.38-9.87 log 10.ml(-1). The daily consumption of milk by the inoculat ed animals was significantly higher (p<0.001). The average weight of i noculated piglets at the end of the period investigated was higher by 29.7%. Lactobacillus casei affected several parameters investigated. P iglets inoculated with lactobacilli showed significantly lower (p<0.05 -0.01) values of pH of the jejunal content, numbers of erythrocytes, v alues of haematocrit, urea, glucose, total lipids, cholesterol and cal cium in the serum and significantly higher values (p<0.05-0.01) of lac tic acid in the jejunal content. The values of phagocytic activity and the index of phagocytic activity in the piglets of the experimental g roup were two to three-fold higher in comparison with those detected i n the control group. The application of Lactobacillus casei affected p ositively the growth of gnotobiotic piglets, their intestinal metaboli sm, the level of cholesterol in the serum and phagocytic activity.