FIG 5.

Culture-based enumeration of lactobacilli and coliforms in the fecal and intestinal microbiota. Fresh fecal samples from animals of the indicated groups were collected on days 1, 4, 7, 9, and 12 after weaning, and the contents of the midjejunum, distal ileum, cecum, and midcolon were collected on day 15 after weaning (1 week after F4⁺ ETEC challenge). The numbers of lactobacilli (A and C) and coliforms (B and D) in the fecal and intestinal contents were monitored using culture-based methods. Results are presented as log₁₀ CFU/g feces or contents. All counts were performed in triplicate. Data are presented as means ± SEM for each time point and contents of each intestinal segment (n = 6 per group). Mean values at the same time point without a common superscript letter differ significantly (P < 0.05). *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01, ***, P < 0.001.