Goat-derived Lactobacillus amylovorus improved floppy kid syndrome via regulating gut microflora.

2025-08-19
BMC veterinary research 21(1)
- Cheng Cheng
- Yan Zheng
- Xin Wang
- Jianping Tao
- Darong Cheng

PubMed: 40830792
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-025-04967-7

Study Design

Type: Clinical Trial
Population: FKSaffected goats
Methods: In FKSaffected goats receiving 1 × 10^8 CFU/day for 3 days

Animal Study

Background

Floppy Kid Syndrome (FKS) severely restricts goat farming due to high mortality from metabolic disturbances and gut dysbiosis. Here, we aimed to isolate a goat-derived probiotic and evaluate its capacity to restore gut homeostasis in FKSaffected goats.

Results

Lactobacillus amylovorus isolates was obtained via selective colony morphology, Gramstain and catalase testing, and confirmed by 16 S rRNA sequencing (≥ 98% identity). The isolate survived at pH 2.0 (72%) and pH 3.0 (85%), tolerated 0.3% bile salts (survival > 10%), and retained > 40% viability after 60 s at 60 °C. In disk diffusion assays, inhibition zones averaged 16 mm against Escherichia coli and 12 mm against Staphylococcus aureus. In FKSaffected goats receiving 1 × 10⁸ CFU/day for 3 days, Shannon diversity increased by 25% (p < 0.05), Simpson index by 18% (p < 0.05), and shared species with healthy controls rose from 8 to 17. Relative abundance of EscherichiaShigella declined by 40%, while Lactobacillus and Ruminococcus increased by 30% and 22%, respectively (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Goat-derived L. amylovorus displays robust acid, bile and heat tolerance, inhibits key pathogens, and effectively regulates gut microbiota in FKSaffected goats. These findings support its promise as a novel probiotic intervention for preventing and treating Floppy Kid Syndrome.

Research Insights

Lactobacillus amylovorus→Improved Gut Microbiota Balance
In FKSaffected goats receiving 1×10^8 CFU/day for 3 days, Shannon diversity increased by 25% (p < 0.05), Simpson index by 18% (p < 0.05), and shared species with healthy controls rose from 8 to 17. Relative abundance of EscherichiaShigella declined by 40%, while Lactobacillus and Ruminococcus increased by 30% and 22%, respectively (p < 0.05).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate