Isolation of bacteria from fermented food and grass carp intestine and their efficiencies in improving nutrient value of soybean meal in solid state fermentation.

Background: Soybean meal is an excellent and cost-effective protein source; however, its usage is limited in the piglet due to the presence of anti-nutritional factors and the antigens glycinin and β-conglycinin. The objective of the current study was to screen and select for bacteria that can be efficiently adopted to ferment soybean meal in order to solve this problem.

Results: Bacteria were isolated from fermented soy foods and the grass carp intestine, and strains selected for high protease, cellulase and amylase activities.

Generation of epidermal growth factor-expressing Lactococcus lactis and its enhancement on intestinal development and growth of early-weaned mice.

Background: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays an important role in intestinal proliferation and differentiation. Previous studies by others have shown that administration of EGF into the ileum lumen enhances intestinal development.

Objective: The objective was to examine the feasibility of expressing and delivering EGF via Lactococcus lactis to early-weaned mice to enhance intestinal development at this critical transition stage.