Abstract
Fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) was used in the diet of American mink (Neovison vison). An advantage of this product is its prebiotic and functional properties, which can modify the bacterial microbiota of the GIT. A control group and three experimental groups were formed, with 60 animals in each group. The control group received a basal diet and the experimental groups received a diet with a 2%, 4% or 6% of FRSM as a replacement of extruded wheat. Bacillus subtilis strain 87Y was used to ferment the rapeseed meal (RSM). The study was conducted on mink from the age of 16-17 weeks until slaughter. Changes in the microbiota were analysed in samples of the animals' faeces and intestinal contents. The analyses included determination of the total number of bacteria and fungi, the number of coliforms and Escherichia coli, the total number of anaerobic Clostridium perfringens, and the presence of Salmonella spp. In animals receiving 4% and 6% FRSM (groups II and III), the content of microscopic fungi and the number of C. perfringens bacteria was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower than in the animals from the control group (group 0). A decrease in E. coli was observed in all experimental groups (I, II and III), although these differences were not statistically significant. The inclusion of FRSM in the feed ration did not affect the number of lactic acid intestinal bacteria. Analysis of the results obtained from the stool samples showed that the inclusion of FRSM in the ration did not significantly affect the number of microorganisms in each group. However, as in the case of the intestinal contents, in these samples there was a decrease in the total number of C. perfringens in the experimental groups (I, II and III), with a simultaneous increase in the number of mesophilic bacteria in relation to the control. There was no detection of Salmonella bacteria in any of the analysed material.
Highlights
The dynamic growth of animal production, especially in rapidly developing countries, has increased demand for high-quality, protein-rich fodder, which may include rapeseed meal (RSM)
No mesophilic aerobic bacteria or fungi were found in the tested batch of Fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM)
The results indicate that a 6% share of FRSM in the feed reduced the total count of mesophilic bacteria in the intestinal contents, but the differences were not statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05), see Table 4
Summary
The dynamic growth of animal production, especially in rapidly developing countries, has increased demand for high-quality, protein-rich fodder, which may include rapeseed meal (RSM). Its use is significantly limited by its high fibre content and the presence of anti-nutritional compounds, including glucosinolates, tannins, phytates, and many others [1]. Livestock farmers often use feed supplements such as probiotics, prebiotics or organic acids to prevent GIT bacterial infections and improve GIT function and the microbial ecosystem in ruminants and monogastric animals [6,7]. Fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) is a bioproduct which due to its high content of lactic acid can act as an effective stimulator of the GIT microbiota
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