Feed & Additive Magazine Issue 3 April 2021

NEWS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE April 2021 27 otic improves rumen functions and oxidative status of gestating ewes.” She explained: “This study aimed at investigat- ing the modifications of gastrointestinal microbiota and ruminal function during the highly challenging peripartum period in ruminants, as well as the par- turition impact on the animal’s metabolic and oxi- dative status. We also looked at the preventive ef- fects of live yeast probiotic daily supplementation.” The study confirms how parturition represents a stress for the ruminants’ digestive microbiota and oxidative status. SHAPING THE PIGLET MICROBIOTA THROUGH ITS MOTHER Dr. Caroline Achard from the Monogastric Cen- ter of Excellence, was the leading author of a poster: “Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii supplementation in sow diet on sow and piglet mi- crobiota, health and performance.” Early exposure to environmental microbiota from birth (from the mother’s vagina, skin, gut and also through the milk) shape the digestive microbiota of newborn mammals. In piglets, weaning constitutes an important source of stress. The objective of this new study was to evaluate whether sow probiotic supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii CNCM I-1079 could help improve mi- crobiota balance in both the sows and its offspring. The goal is to help the neonatal piglets prepare to face the stress of weaning. BENEFICIAL MICROBES: AROUND THE ANIMALS TOO! Dr. Ana Rodiles from the Monogastric Center of Excellence presented a poster reporting a new study on positive biofilm results in broiler farms: “Assess- ment of a microbial external inoculation in a broiler chicken production building post disinfection and prior to animal entrance on environmental biofilm using 16S rRNA analysis.” The study aimed to evaluate the effect on the en- vironmental microbiota (biofilm composition on surfaces around the animals) after the application of a positive biofilm formula following the cleaning and disinfection cycle, four days before the entrance of the animals in the barn. THE GUT, THE BRAIN AND THE BUG: APPLICATION TO PET WELL-BEING Dr. Francesca Susca gave a presentation titled: “Gut-brain axis: a two-way connection for pet well-being.” This presentation reviewed the implications of the gut and its microbiota to pet well-being, based on the central role of the microbiota and the current under- standing of the brain-gut communication axis. She demonstrated how the brain-gut axis rep- resents one of the newest and most promising areas of research in microbiota and probiotics. LaToya Jones Burrell joins Anderson Foundation as Executive Director Z inpro Corporation an- nounced that LaToya Jones Burrell, J.D. will join the company as Executive Director of the Anderson Foundation. Zinpro Corporation, the industry leader in performance trace min- eral nutrition for livestock, poul- try, aquaculture and companion animals, announced that LaToya Jones Burrell, J.D. will join the company as Executive Director of the Anderson Foundation. In this role, Burrell will manage activities of the Foundation with continued involvement and support from the Anderson family. Additionally, she will serve as Zinpro’s global diver- sity, equity and inclusion (DEI) champion, providing experiences and resources to advance Zinpro on its DEI journey.