Effects of Lactoferrin and <i>Lactobacillus</i> Supplementation on Immune Function, Oxidative Stress, and Gut Microbiota in Kittens

oleh: Hao Dong, Weiwei Wang, Qianqian Chen, Xiaohan Chang, Longjiao Wang, Shuxing Chen, Lishui Chen, Ran Wang, Shaoyang Ge, Wei Xiong

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2024-07-01

Deskripsi

Immune deficiency is a prevalent issue among kittens, severely threatening their health and development by increasing susceptibility to infections and diseases. This study investigates the effects of dietary supplements containing lactoferrin and <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i> (<i>L. plantarum</i>) on the immune function, intestinal health, and microbiota composition of kittens. The results demonstrate that these supplements significantly enhance immune responses, with immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels increasing by 14.9% and IgG levels by 14.2%. Additionally, there was a notable 28.7% increase in catalase activity, indicating a reduction in oxidative stress. Gastrointestinal (GI) health improved markedly, evidenced by increased populations of beneficial bacteria such as <i>Lactobacillus</i>, which rose from 4.13% to 79.03% over the study period. The DNC group also showed significant reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines, including decreases of 13.94% in IL-2, 26.46% in TNF-α, and 19.45% in IFN-γ levels. Furthermore, improvements in physical conditions were observed, including enhanced coat condition and mental status. These findings underline the potential of lactoferrin and <i>L. plantarum</i> as effective dietary interventions to improve kitten health, thereby reducing dependency on antibiotics and mitigating associated risks. This research provides a scientific foundation for optimizing nutritional management practices to enhance the overall vitality of kittens during their critical growth phases.