Effects of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides on the microbial and biochemical profile of different segments of the gastro-intestinal tract in horses

Abstract

The gastro-intestinal tract of horses is inhabited by a significant amount of bacteria; the aim of this study was to assess the effect of shortchain fructo-oligosaccharides on these populations. Six gelding ponies were fed the same standard diet after being randomly allocated into two groups, of which one had its concentrate pelleted feed supplemented with 1% scFOS. Digesta from each part of the gastro-intestinal tract was collected and analysed for its microbial population, pH, lactate and volatile fatty acid concentrations. No Bifidobacteria was enumerated whatever diet was fed, or whatever part of the digestive tract was considered. In scFOS supplemented ponies, concentrations in total anaerobes, Streptococci and lactate-utilizers differed significantly, particularly in the stomach, where they were increased. On the other hand, concentrations in Lactobacilli and cellulolytic bacteria remained unchanged. The intra gastric pH in the scFOS group was higher than in the control group (5.0 vs 4.5; p<0.05). The concentration in lactate was the same in both groups. The scFOS had no effect on the concentration in VFA, nor on their proportion. The dietary supplementation with scFOS induced significant modifications in the microbial populations. Thus it may help to prevent some digestive disturbances associated with the management of performance horses.