The applicability of the Migratest® kit for evaluating the chemotactic activity of peripheral blood granulocytes in lambs supplemented with a multi-strain probiotic formulation (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium).

2025-12-18
BMC veterinary research 22(1)

PubMed: 41413579
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-025-05202-z

Study Design

Population: lambs supplemented with a multi-strain probiotic formulation
Methods: The chemotactic activity of peripheral blood granulocytes in lambs supplemented with a multi-strain probiotic formulation ... was evaluated with the use of the Migratest® kit.

Animal Study

Background

The chemotactic activity of peripheral blood granulocytes in lambs supplemented with a multi-strain probiotic formulation (containing three Lactobacillus strains: Lactobacillus plantarum AMT14, Lactobacillus plantarum AMT4, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus AMT15, and one Bifidobacterium animalis AMT30 strain) was evaluated with the use of the Migratest^® kit.

Results

The study found that lambs fed a probiotic supplement had significantly enhanced white blood cell migration to areas of infection. This was measured using the Migratest® kit, which assesses L-selectin expression. Lower L-selectin levels were linked to improved chemotactic activity. Probiotic supplementation resulted in decreased L-selectin expression in lambs compared to the control group, suggesting a potential mechanism for the observed immune benefits.

Conclusion

The study found that dietary probiotics can boost the immune system of lambs by increasing the ability of their white blood cells to migrate to sites of infection. Using the Migratest® kit, researchers were able to accurately measure this improvement. This discovery suggests that tested a multi-strain probiotic formulation may have positive effects on the immune systems of other animals as well and warrants further investigation into the underlying mechanisms.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Bifidobacterium plantarum	—	Improved Immune Cell Chemotactic Activity	Beneficial	Moderate	View source lambs fed a probiotic supplement had significantly enhanced white blood cell migration to areas of infection... Probiotic supplementation resulted in decreased L-selectin expression in lambs compared to the control group, suggesting a potential mechanism for the observed immune benefits.