Pre-weaning Probiotic Composition for ETEC Resilience in Piglets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preventing post-weaning diarrhea in piglets, particularly due to Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infections, rely heavily on antibiotics and zinc oxide, which contribute to antibiotic resistance and environmental pollution, and existing probiotic interventions are inconsistent in effectiveness when administered post-weaning.

Innovation Solution

A composition of probiotic bacteria, including strains like Enterococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium breve, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, administered pre-weaning to enhance the piglet's resilience to ETEC infections by establishing a robust gut microbiome and immune system, reducing the need for antibiotics and zinc oxide post-weaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If antibiotics and zinc oxide are administered to prevent post-weaning diarrhea, then the effectiveness against ETEC infection is improved, but antibiotic resistance and environmental pollution worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness against ETEC infectionVSAvoidantibiotic resistance and environmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The probiotic composition is administered pre-weaning to establish a protective gut microbiome before the piglet is exposed to ETEC infection post-weaning. This preliminary colonization of beneficial bacteria creates resistance to pathogenic bacteria, eliminating the need for antibiotics and zinc oxide during the critical post-weaning period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Probiotic bacteria serve as an intermediary that competes with ETEC for colonization sites and nutrients in the gut. The probiotics modulate the immune system and create an unfavorable environment for pathogenic bacteria, providing protection without using antibiotics or zinc oxide, thus avoiding antibiotic resistance and environmental pollution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If probiotics are administered post-weaning, then the simplicity of administration is improved, but the effectiveness in preventing severe infections worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of administrationVSAvoideffectiveness in preventing severe infections

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention shifts the timing of probiotic administration to pre-weaning, when the piglet's gut is still developing and more receptive to colonization. This preliminary establishment of probiotic bacteria creates a protective barrier before the stress of weaning and potential ETEC exposure, making the intervention more effective than post-weaning administration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If probiotics are administered continuously, then the consistency of protection is improved, but the cost and complexity of the regimen worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistency of protectionVSAvoidcomplexity of administration regimen

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single or limited number of probiotic administrations pre-weaning establish long-lasting protection that persists through the post-weaning period. This preliminary colonization creates a stable, self-sustaining gut microbiome that provides consistent protection without requiring continuous supplementation, simplifying the administration regimen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The pre-weaning administration of probiotic bacteria significantly reduces the incidence and duration of diarrhea and fecal shedding of ETEC F18 and its toxin in piglets, demonstrating increased resilience to infections and potentially lowering the reliance on antibiotics and zinc oxide post-weaning.

Implementation Method 1

establishing a robust gut microbiome

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectColonization:

Implementation Method 2

competes with pathogenic bacteria for resources and attachment sites

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompetition for resources:

Implementation Method 3

modulate the immune system to enhance resistance against infections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImmune stimulation:

Implementation Method 4

produces substances that inhibit the growth and toxin production of pathogenic bacteria

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial production:

Data Source

PatentUS20240277788A1Compositions for increasing resilience towards bacterial infections

Publication Date: 2024.08.22 CHR HANSEN AS

AI summary

The present invention provides evidence that administration of a probiotic product to newborn piglets and during suckling makes the piglets more resilient towards an ETEC challenge post-weaning and after cessation of the probiotic administration. The pigs administered with probiotics pre-weaning were faster at overcoming the ETEC infection by which ETEC counts in feces were significantly faster reduced compared with non-probiotic supplemented pigs. Keywords: Pig, ETEC F18, Probiotic, post-weaning diarrhea, microbiome, immunity