Cecal Fermentation Research Articles

Effect of supplementation of yeast with bacteriocin and Lactobacillus culture on growth performance, cecal fermentation, microbiota composition, and blood characteristics in broiler chickens.

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of yeast with bacteriocin and Lactobacillus cultures (mixture of Lactobacillus agilis BCRC 10436 and Lactobacillus reuteri BCRC 17476) supplements, alone or in combination, on broiler chicken performance.MethodsA total of 300, 1-d-old healthy broiler chickens were randomly divided into five treatment groups: i) basal diet (control), ii) basal diet+0.25% yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (YC), iii) basal diet+0.25% yeast with bacteriocin (BA), iv) basal diet+Lactobacillus cultures (LAB), and v) basal diet +0.25% yeast with bacteriocin+Lactobacillus cultures (BA+LAB). Growth performance, cecal microbiota, cecal fermentation products, and blood biochemistry parameters were determined when chickens were 21 and 35 d old.ResultsThe supplementation of YC, BA, and BA+LAB resulted in a significantly better feed conversion rate (FCR) than that of the control group during 1 to 21 d (p<0.05). The LAB supplementation had a significant effect on the presence of Lactobacillus in the ceca at 35 d. None of the supplements had an effect on relative numbers of L. agilis and L. reuter at 21 d, but the BA supplementation resulted in the decrease of both Lactobacillus strains at 35 d. The BA+LAB supplementation resulted in higher short chain fatty acid (SCFA) in the ceca, but LAB supplementation significantly decreased the SCFA at 35 d (p<0.05). All treatments tended to decrease ammonia concentration in the ceca at 21 d, especially in the LAB treatment group. The BA supplementation alone decreased the triacylglycerol (TG) concentration significantly at 21 d (p<0.05), but the synergistic effect of BA and LAB supplementation was required to reduce the TG concentration at 35 d. The YC supplementation tended to increase the plasma cholesterol at 21 d and 35 d. However, the BA supplementation significantly decreased the cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol level at 35 d. In conclusion, the BA+LAB supplementation was beneficial to body weight gain and FCR of broiler chickens.ConclusionThe effect of BA and LAB supplementation may be a result of the growth of lactic acid bacteria enhancement and physiological characterization of bacteriocin, and it suggests that the BA and LAB supplementation level or Lactobacillus strain selection should be integrated in future supplementation designs.

Effects of pectin supplementation on the fermentation patterns of different structural carbohydrates in rats

We aimed to investigate and compare the effects of four types of pectins on dietary fiber (DF) fermentation, microbiota composition, and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production throughout the large intestine in rats. Male Wistar rats were given diets supplemented with or without 3% structurally different pectins for 7 weeks. Different fermentation patterns of pectins and different location of fermentation of pectin and diet arabinoxylans (AXs) in the large intestine were observed. During cecal fermentation, sugar beet pectin significantly stimulated Lactobacillus (p < 0.01) and Lachnospiraceae (p < 0.05). The stimulating effects of sugar beet pectin on these two groups of microbes are stronger than both other pectins. In the cecum, low-methyl esterified citrus pectin and complex soy pectin increased (p < 0.05) the production of total SCFAs, propionate and butyrate, whereas high-methyl esterified pectin and sugar beet pectin did not. The fermentation patterns of cereal AXs in the cecum were significantly different upon supplementation of different pectins. These differences, however, became smaller in the colon due to an enhanced fermentation of the remaining DFs. Dietary supplementation of pectin is a potential strategy to modulate the location of fermentation of DFs, and consequently microbiota composition and SCFA production for health-promoting effects.

Water-soluble fractions obtained by enzymatic treatment of wheat grains promote short chain fatty acids production by broiler cecal microbiota

The use of exogenous cell wall degrading enzymes to improve the nutritional values of cereal grains has increased during the last decades. In this study, products from enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat grain were isolated and their ability to induce short-chain fatty acids was investigated using in vitro fermentation with cecal microbiota. Water-soluble fractions were obtained following incubation without and with a multicomponent enzyme preparation (MEP) (2mL/kg) containing essentially endoxylanase and endoglucanase activities. These were further fractionated by size exclusion chromatography into high molecular weight (HMw) and low molecular weight (LMw) sub-fractions. The MEP treatment increased the content in water-soluble arabinoxylan (AX) and decreased the degree of polymerization (DP) of the xylan-backbone. In vitro fermentation assays using broiler cecal content as inoculum demonstrated that low substituted AX with reduced molecular weight isolated after MEP treatment yielded higher concentrations of acetate and butyrate. This result indicates that cecal fermentation of enzymatic degradation products into short-chain fatty acids, particularly butyrate, is one of the important mechanisms of MEP action on wheat-based diets that can contribute to the improvement of intestinal health and animal performance.

Effects of probiotic supplement (Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus acidophilus) on feed efficiency, growth performance, and microbial population of weaning rabbits.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of single or/and double strains of probiotic supplement on feed efficiency, growth performance, and microbial population in distal gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of weaning rabbits.MethodsSixty-four weaning (28 days old) New Zealand White rabbits were randomly distributed into four groups with treatments including: basal diet without probiotic supplement (control) or supplemented as follows: 1×106 cfu/g B. subtilis (BS group), 1×107 cfu/g L. acidophilus (LA group), or 0.5×106 cfu/g B. subtilis plus 0.5×107 cfu/g L. acidophilus (BL group). During the research, the male and female rabbits were fed separately. Body weight of the rabbits was recorded at 28, 42, and 70 d of age.ResultsThere was an increase (p<0.05) in body weight gain for the LA group at 42 d. Rabbits fed BL responsed with a greater growth (p<0.05) and better feed conversion ratio (p<0.05) than those fed with no probiotic. Digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and gross energy were higher (p<0.05) in LA and BL groups than those in the control group. Male rabbits had higher (p<0.05) Bacilli spp. and Coliformis spp. in the ileum than female rabbits. Rabbits supplemented with BS had greater (p<0.05) numbers of bacilli in all intestinal segments than those receiving no probiotic, whereas intestinal Lactobacilli populations were greater (p<0.001) in the LA and BL diets compared to control. Average intestinal coliform populations were lowest (p<0.05) in the rabbits supplemented with LA as compared to those fed the control and BS.ConclusionSupplementation of L. acidophilus alone or in combination with B. subtilis at a half of dose could enhance number of gut beneficial bacteria populations, nutrient digestibility, cecal fermentation, feed efficiency, and growth performance, but rabbits receiving only B. subtilis alone were not different from the controls without probiotic.

1080 Type 1 Diabetic Patients With Peripheral Neuropathy Have Pan-Enteric Prolongation of Transit Times and Heightened Cecal Fermentation

1080 Type 1 Diabetic Patients With Peripheral Neuropathy Have Pan-Enteric Prolongation of Transit Times and Heightened Cecal Fermentation

Disparate Metabolic Responses in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet Supplemented with Maize-Derived Non-Digestible Feruloylated Oligo- and Polysaccharides Are Linked to Changes in the Gut Microbiota.

Studies have suggested links between colonic fermentation of dietary fibers and improved metabolic health. The objectives of this study were to determine if non-digestible feruloylated oligo- and polysaccharides (FOPS), a maize-derived dietary fiber, could counteract the deleterious effects of high-fat (HF) feeding in mice and explore if metabolic benefits were linked to the gut microbiota. C57BL/6J mice (n = 8/group) were fed a low-fat (LF; 10 kcal% fat), HF (62 kcal% fat), or HF diet supplemented with FOPS (5%, w/w). Pronounced differences in FOPS responsiveness were observed: four mice experienced cecal enlargement and enhanced short chain fatty acid production, indicating increased cecal fermentation (F-FOPS). Only these mice displayed improvements in glucose metabolism compared with HF-fed mice. Blooms in the gut microbial genera Blautia and Akkermansia were observed in three of the F-FOPS mice; these shifts were associated with reductions in body and adipose tissue weights compared with the HF-fed control mice. No improvements in metabolic markers or weights were detected in the four mice whose gut microbiota did not respond to FOPS. These findings demonstrate that FOPS-induced improvements in weight gain and metabolic health in mice depended on the ability of an individual’s microbiota to ferment FOPS.

Gut Function-Enhancing Properties and Metabolic Effects of Dietary Indigestible Sugars in Rodents and Rabbits.

Indigestible sugars (iS) have received particular interest in food and nutrition research due to their prebiotic properties and other health benefits in humans and animals. The main aim of this review article is to summarize the current knowledge regarding digestive and health-enhancing properties of iS such as sugar alcohols, oligosacharides, and polysaccharides, in rodents and rabbits. Besides ameliorating gut health, iS ingestion also elicits laxative effects and stimulate intestinal permeability and fluid secretions, thereby shortening digesta transit time and increasing stool mass and quality. In rodents and rabbits, as hindgut fermenters, consumption of iS leads to an improved nutrient digestibility, too. Cecal fermentation of iS reduces luminal pH and extends wall tissue facilitating absorption of key dietary minerals across hindgut. The microbial fermentation of iS also enhances excessive blood nitrogen (N) flowing into the cecum to be used as N source for bacterial growth, enhancing N retention in cecotrophic animals. This review also highlights the impact of iS on improving lipid metabolism, mainly by lowering cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the blood. The paper serves as an index of the current knowledge of iS effects in rodents and rabbits and also identifies gaps of knowledge that need to be addressed by future research.

Diet structure, butyric acid, and fermentable carbohydrates influence growth performance, gut morphology, and cecal fermentation characteristics in broilers

An experiment with 288 male (Ross 308) 1-d-old broilers was conducted to test the hypothesis that a coarse diet supplemented with butyric acid (BA) and fermentable carbohydrates (FC) improves performance of broilers with a poorly digestible protein source. The interaction effects of diet structure (fine or coarse), FC supplementation (with or without), and BA supplementation (with or without) in a poorly digestible diet based on rapeseed meal (RSM) were tested in a factorial arrangement of 8 (2 × 2 × 2) dietary treatments. The coarseness of the diet affected feed intake (FI) (P < 0.001), BW gain (P = 0.001), and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P = 0.001) positively. Broilers fed the coarse diets had, on average, 14% heavier gizzards and 11, 7, 5, and 6% lower relative empty weights of the crop, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, respectively, compared with those fed the fine diets. Dietary coarseness resulted in, on average, 6% greater ileal protein digestibility, 20% lower gizzard pH, 19% greater villus height, 18% lower crypt depth, and 23% reduced cecal branched chain fatty acids (BCFA) compared with chickens fed the fine diets. Broilers fed BA-supplemented diets had an improved FCR (P = 0.004) and decreased crypt depth (P < 0.001) compared with those fed diets without BA. Fermentable carbohydrate supplementation did not influence growth performance, gut development, or contents of total BCFA and total biogenic amines in the cecal digesta (P > 0.05). Supplementation with FC, however, decreased the cecal concentration of spermine by approximately 31% compared with broilers fed diets without FC (P = 0.002). In conclusion, feeding a coarse diet supplemented with BA improved performance of broilers fed a diet containing a poorly digestible protein source. The negative effects of a poorly digestible protein source can thus be partly counterbalanced by coarse grinding and BA supplementation in the diet.

The Effect of Feeding Horses a High Fiber Diet With or Without Exogenous Fibrolytic Enzymes Supplementation on Nutrient Digestion, Blood Chemistry, Fecal Coliform Count, and In Vitro Fecal Fermentation

Sixteen Quarter Horse mares (450 to 500-kg body weight) were used in a complete randomized design to determine the effects of feeding a high fiber diet with or without exogenous fibrolytic enzymes on nutrient digestion, blood chemistry, fecal coliform count, and in vitro fecal fermentation. The treatments comprised feeding the horses (1) a basal diet without enzyme addition (control); (2) control diet plus cellulase at 10 mL/mare/d (CELL); (3) control diet plus xylanase at 10 mL/mare/d (XYL); or (4) control diet plus a mixture of 5 mL cellulase and 5 mL xylanase/mare/d (CX). The basal concentrate diet consisted of a mixture of 50% commercial concentrate and 50% wheat bran fed at 4 kg/horse, offered twice daily at 04:00 and 16:00 hours, and oat straw offered ad libitum at 05:00 and 17:00 hours. The enzyme allocation for each day was mixed with 1 kg of concentrate diet at 04:00 hours, and the experiment lasted for 15 days comprising 10 days of adaptation and 5 days for sample collection. The in vitro cecal fermentation with addition of 2 μL/g dry matter (DM) of each enzyme (CELL, XYL, and CX) to a basal diet of oat straw and concentrates mixture (1:1 DM) as a substrate was carried out. The mares fed enzyme-supplemented diets had greater (P < .01) oat straw and total nutrients intakes compared with the control diet. Feeding enzyme-supplemented diets increased total nutrients digestibility (P < .05) and blood total protein (P = .0277) compared with the control. Feeding XYL-supplemented diet increased blood alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase concentrations (P < .05) compared with control treatment. Lower fecal coliform count was obtained (P = .0114) with mares fed CX diet compared with control mares. The XYL and CX treatments had decreased asymptotic gas production (GP) (P = .0173) with lower rate of GP (P = .0412) compared with CELL treatment. CELL and XYL treatments had decreased (P = .0394) lag times compared with control and CX treatments. At 24 hours of incubation, CELL and XYL treatments decreased methane production (P = .0131), whereas CX treatment increased its production at 48 hours (P = .0202) compared with control treatment. No effect was observed (P > .05) with enzymes addition on carbon dioxide production at different hours of incubation compared with control treatment. Higher in vitro DM degradability values (P = .0092) were obtained with the enzyme treatments compared with control treatment. Fermentation pH was lower (P = .0396) with CX treatment and increased with CELL treatment compared with the control and XYL, showing a greater pH with CELL than the other treatments. It can be concluded that addition of fibrolytic enzymes at 10 mL/mare/d improved feed intake and nutrients digestibility without affecting mare's health.

The importance of GLP-1 and PYY in resistant starch's effect on body fat in mice.

Resistant starch (RS) is a dietary fermentable fiber that decreases body fat accumulation, and stimulates the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY) in rodents. GLP-1 and PYY are gut-secreted hormones with antiobesity effect. Thus, blocking the signals of increased GLP-1 and PYY may also block the effect of dietary RS on body fat. In a 10-week study, C57BL/6J and GLP-1 receptor null (GLP-1R KO) mice were fed control or 30% RS diet, and received daily intraperitoneal injection of either saline or PYY receptor antagonist (BIIE0246, 20 μg/kg body weight). Dietary RS significantly decreased body fat accumulation only in wild-type mice that has saline injection, but not in GLP-1R KO mice. PYY receptor antagonist diminished RS action on body fat in wild-type mice, but did not interfere with GLP-1R KO mice response to RS. Regardless of genotype and injection received, all RS-fed mice had increased cumulative food intake, cecal fermentation, and mRNA expression of proglucagon and PYY. Thus, our results suggest that increased GLP-1 and PYY is important in RS effects on body fat accumulation.

Effects of polymannuronate on performance, antioxidant capacity, immune status, cecal microflora, and volatile fatty acids in broiler chickens

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of purified polymannuronate (PM) obtained from marine brown algae on the performance, antioxidant capacity, immune status, and cecal fermentation profile of broiler chickens. In a 42 d experiment, 540 (average BW 43.77 ± 1.29 g) 1-d-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly divided into 5 treatments with 6 replicates of 18 chicks and fed a corn and soybean meal (SBM)–based diet supplemented with 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 g/kg polymannuronate. Adding polymannuronate to the broiler chickens’ diets resulted in a significantly increased ADG and improved feed conversion compared with the control treatment. From d 1 to 42, the ADG of broilers fed 1, 2, 3, or 4 g/kg of polymannuronate was increased by 2.58, 4.33, 4.20, and 3.47%, respectively. Furthermore, parameters related to immune status, antioxidant capacity, and composition of the cecal microflora in broiler chickens fed the polymannuronate-containing diets were altered compared with broiler chickens fed a diet without polymannuronate. Supplementation with polymannuronate significantly increased the concentrations of lactic acid and acetic acid in the cecum compared with the control group. The results indicate that polymannuronate has the potential to improve broiler chicken immune status, antioxidant capacity, and performance.

Dietary lactosucrose suppresses influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in mice.

This study examined the effects of lactosucrose (4G-β-D-galactosylsucrose) on influenza A virus infections in mice. First, the effects of lactosucrose on fermentation in the cecum and on immune function were investigated. In female BALB/c mice, lactosucrose supplementation for 6 weeks promoted cecal fermentation and increased both secretory IgA (SIgA) levels in feces and total IgA and IgG2a concentrations in serum. Both the percentage of CD4+ T cells in Peyer’s patches and the cytotoxic activity of splenic natural killer (NK) cells increased significantly in response to lactosucrose. Next, we examined the effects of lactosucrose on low-dose influenza A virus infection in mice. After 2 weeks of dietary supplementation with lactosucrose, the mice were infected with low-dose influenza A virus. At 7 days post infection, a comparison with control mice showed that weight loss was suppressed, as were viral titers in the lungs. In the spleens of lactosucrose-fed mice, there was an increase in the percentage of NK cells. Lastly, mice fed lactosucrose were challenged with a lethal dose of influenza A virus. The survival rate of these mice was significantly higher than that of mice fed a control diet. These results suggested that lactosucrose supplementation suppresses influenza A virus infection by augmenting innate immune responses and enhancing cellular and mucosal immunity.

Wholegrain barley β-glucan fermentation does not improve glucose tolerance in rats fed a high-fat diet

Fermentation of oat and barley β-glucans is believed to mediate in part their metabolic health benefits, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we sought to test the hypothesis that barley β-glucan fermentation raises circulating incretin hormone levels and improves glucose control, independent of other grain components. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 30) were fed a high-fat diet for 6 weeks and then randomly allocated to 1 of 3 dietary treatments for 2 weeks. The low– (LBG, 0% β-glucan) and high– (HBG, 3% β-glucan) β-glucan diets contained 25% wholegrain barley and similar levels of insoluble dietary fiber, available carbohydrate, and energy. A low-fiber diet (basal) was included for comparison. Immediately prior to the dietary intervention, gastric emptying rate (using the 13C-octanoic breath test) and postprandial glycemic response of each diet were determined. At the end of the study, circulating gut hormone levels were determined; and a glucose tolerance test was performed. The rats were then killed, and indices of cecal fermentation were assessed. Diet did not affect live weight; however, the HBG diet, compared to basal and LBG, reduced food intake, tended to slow gastric emptying, increased cecal digesta mass and individual and total short-chain fatty acid pools, and lowered digesta pH. In contrast, circulating levels of glucose, insulin, gastric-inhibitory peptide, and glucagon-like peptide-1, and glucose tolerance were unaffected by diet. In conclusion, wholegrain barley β-glucan suppressed feed intake and increased cecal fermentation but did not improve postprandial glucose control or insulin sensitivity.

The influence of the addition of thymol, tannic acid or gallic acid to broiler diet on growth performance, serum malondialdehyde value and cecal fermentation

Summary An experiment was conducted to test the effects of different phenolic compounds on growth performance and cecal fermentation patterns in growing broiler chicken. Sixty Ross 308 chicken broilers were randomly divided into 4 dietary treatments. Each treatment had 3 replicates with 5 birds per replicate pen. Treatments differed in the supplement added to the feed: control (CON), 200Â mg/kg of thymol (THY), 5Â g/kg of tannic acid (TAN) and 5Â g/kg of gallic acid (GAL). The inclusion of tannic acid improved final body weight. Feed utilization was improved in all experimental groups. The dietary inclusion of tannic acid and gallic acid significantly increased the concentrations of total SCFA concentration and acetic acid. Tannic acid decreased propionic acid molar ratio and cecal pH value. It was concluded that tannic acid and gallic acid supplementation around 5Â g/kg could be beneficial for the fermentation processes in the caecum of broilers. Thymol addition at 200Â mg/kg increases antioxidant capacity and does not negatively influence cecal fermentation.

Fermentation in vitro of a mixture of dietary fibers and cane molasses by the cecal microbiota: Application on mineral absorption through the laying hen's colonic epithelium

Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production from a mixture of dietary fibers and cane molasses fermentation by laying hens’ cecal microbiota and calcium and iron absorption through the colonic mucosa driven by these acids were studied in vitro. Oligofructose, polydextrose or arabic gum at concentrations of 10g/L of cecal suspension, alone or combined with molasses in a 1:1 (w/v) relation were assayed. Fermentation of molasses and oligofructose by hens’ cecal microbiota significantly increased SCFA production; a similar effect was also observed with polydextrose and arabic gum, but to a lower extent. The highest level was attained by cecal fermentation of combined molasses–oligofructose, suggesting a complementary effect of these fibers in the mixture. SCFA mixtures with acid levels similar to that derived from the fermentation of molasses, oligofructose or a combination of both had a positive influence on mineral absorption by the colonic mucosa when assayed in an Ussing chamber. The best result was achieved with a SCFA concentration that simulated that of the molasses–oligofructose mix fermentation as the amount of calcium and iron absorbed grew approximately eightfold when compared to the one in the absence of SCFA. Different SCFA, in a range of concentrations similar to those derived from colonic fermentation without fiber addition, increased ionic absorption which was dependent on acid type and concentration used, being more remarkable for butyric acid. The effectiveness in mineral absorption was lesser than the one obtained with SCFA mixtures derived from fiber fermentations as a consequence of lower amounts of acids. The results of this study suggest that molasses–oligofructose as a layers’ diet supplement could improve mineral absorption in the intestinal lumen.

Multicarbohydrase Enzymes for Non-ruminants.

The first purpose of this review is to outline some of the background information necessary to understand the mechanisms of action of fibre-degrading enzymes in non-ruminants. Secondly, the well-known and understood mechanisms are described, i) eliminating the nutrient encapsulating effect of the cell wall and ii) ameliorating viscosity problems associated with certain Non Starch Polysaccharides, particularly arabinoxylans and β-glucans. A third, indirect mechanism is then discussed: the activity of such enzymes in producing prebiotic oligosaccharides and promoting beneficial cecal fermentation. The literature contains a wealth of information on various non starch polysaccharide degrading enzyme (NSPase) preparations and this review aims to conclude by discussing this body of work, with reference to the above mechanisms. It is suggested that the way in which multi- versus single-component products are compared is often flawed and that some continuity should be employed in methods and terminology.

Contribution of Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV to the Severity of Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in the Early Phase

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) degrades some peptide hormones and cytokines, resulting in homeostatic modulation. However, the role of DPPIV in inflammatory bowel diseases remains controversial. To determine the role of DPPIV in colitis, we used F344/DuCrlCrlj (F344/Du) rats as a DPPIV-deficient model. The serum DPPIV activity was much lower in the F344/Du rats than in F344/Jcl rats which were used as a DPPIV-positive model. Interestingly, the disease activity index (DAI) was different in the early phase of 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, as judged by the mucosal myeloperoxidase activity, colonic weight, and cecal fermentation. Similarly, retarded DAI was apparent in the DPPIV-deficient rats with 1% DSS-induced colitis. These findings suggest that a low level of DPPIV activity contributed to maintaining intestinal homeostasis by suppressing the cleavage of cytokines and growth hormones in DSS-induced colitis, especially in the early phase of colitis and with moderate inflammation.

EFFECT OF DIET SUPPLEMENTED WITH PUMPKIN (Cucurbita moschata) AND BLACK SEED (Nigella sativa) OILS ON PERFORMANCE OF RABBITS: 1- GROWTH PERFORMANCE, BLOOD HEMATOLOGY AND CARCASS TRAITS OF GROWING RABBITS.

Eighty NZW weaned rabbits (40 males and 40 females at 5 weeks of age and 535.19±14.73 g LBW) were used in a complete randomized design of four treatments during feeding period from 5 to 12 weeks of age. Rabbits in the 1st group were fed commercial pelleted diet without additive (control, G1). Rabbits in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups were fed the control diet supplemented with 5 g pumpkin seed (PS) oil/kg diet (G2), 5 g nigella sativa seed (NS) oil/kg diet (G3) and 2.5 g PS oil plus 2.5 g NS oil/kg diet (G4), respectively. Results showed that dietary supplementation did not affect nutrients digestibility coefficients and nutritive values. Cecal pH value and NH3-N concentration of were higher (P<0.05) in G1 than in supplemented groups (G2-G4). Concentration of TVFAs was lower in G1 and the highest concentration was in G4 (P<0.05). Hemoglobin concentration, PCV%, counts of red and white blood cells, percentage of differential white blood cells, concentrations of total proteins, albumin and globulin in blood serum were nearly similar in all groups. In blood serum, concentration of glucose increased (P<0.05), total lipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL as well as activity of AST and ALT decreased (P<0.05) by supplementation of PS , NS or their combination. Mortality rate decreased (P<0.05) in supplemented groups. Final body weight was higher (P<0.05) in G4 as compared to G1, G2 and G3. Total and daily weight gain were higher (P<0.05) for G4 compared with the other groups. Rabbits in G2 and G3 showed the highest (P<0.05) feed intake, followed by G1, while G4 had the lowest intake (P<0.05). Rabbits in G4 recorded the best (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio and performance index compared with other groups. Group 4 recorded the highest net revenue (P<0.05), followed by G1, while G2 and G3 had the lowest revenue (P<0.05). Groups 3 showed the highest (P<0.05) slaughter and carcass weights as well as dressing percentage. Groups 3 and 4 had (P<0.05) the highest abdominal and shoulder fat weight. Weight of liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, spleen, head and bile were nearly similar in all groups. Physical characteristics, moisture and ash contents in meat of all groups. Group 4 showed the highest (P<0.05) protein content in meat. G1 showed the highest (P<0.05) fat content in meat. In conclusion, rabbits fed diets supplemented with combination of pumpkin and black seeds oils (2.5 and 2.5 g/kg diet) showed the best results concerning digestibility coefficients, cecal fermentation, blood parameters, growth performance, carcass quality and economic efficiency.

Compost Derived Substances Decrease Feed Protein N Mineralization in Swine Cecal Fermentation

Objectives of this study were to investigate urban biowastes as sustainable source of soluble biobased products (SBO) for use in animal diet and, possibly, to assess product chemical nature-performance relationships. Thus, five different materials sourced from biowastes processed by anaerobic and/or aerobic fermentation were treated to yield five different SBO. The products were first characterized for their chemical nature. Afterwards, they were tested as diet supplements to modulate pig’s cecal fermentation of a protein feed. In vitro fermentation of the protein feed was performed using the cecal content collected from slaughtered pigs as incubation liquor. The experimental plan comprised 29 treatments distributed over the 5 SBO used at 5-6 doses each in the 0.1-1.4% concentration range, compared to a SBO free control. During the 24 h in vitro fermentation, gas and liquor samples were analyzed for total gas volume vs. time production, and for ammonia and volatile fatty acids concentration. The results showed the investigated SBO to be significantly different for both their chemical composition and in their effects on the measured fermentation indicators. All materials showed significant effects already at the lowest 0.1% concentration. However the SBO isolated from composted residues decreased ammonia production, whereas the SBO isolated from the digestate of the food residues’ anaerobic treatment had the opposite effect. Ammonia production was found to be directly correlated with isobutyric and isovaleric production. The results clearly pointed out reduced proteolysis and N mineralization by 7-17% caused by compost sourced SBO. These findings have relevant implications for the economics and environmental impact of the animal production industry.

Slower Fermentation Rate of Potato Starch Relative to High-amylose Cornstarch Contributes to the Higher Proportion of Cecal Butyrate in Rats.

This study aimed to examine the mechanism for differential effects of low- (LPPS) and high-phosphorus (HPPS) potato starches and high-amylose cornstarch (HACS) on rat cecal fermentation, the n-butyrate proportion in particular. In ileorectostomized rats, the in vivo resistant starch (RS) contents were determined to be 66% (LPPS), 66% (HPPS) and 36% (HACS), but the carbohydrate/nitrogen (C/N) ratios of the ileal digesta were comparable among the respective starch diets. In intact rats fed diets including similar amounts of RS, the cecal n-butyrate proportions in the LPPS- and HPPS-fed rats were equally higher than in the HACS-fed rats. The cecal starch contents were fivefold greater in the LPPS- and HPPS-fed rats than in the HACS-fed rats. The results suggest that potato starches and HACS are not equivalent n-butyrate producers in the rat cecum and that the slower fermentation rate of potato starches relative to HACS might be responsible for the higher n-butyrate proportion.