Fecal Odor Research Articles

P0970 Associations between diet, faecal and flatulence odour perception and disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and healthy controls

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects gastrointestinal function and may alter faecal odour due to changes in the gut microbiome and metabolism. Given the relationship between diet, gut health and microbiome diversity, exploring the link between dietary habits and faecal odour in IBD seems crucial. This study investigates the associations between dietary behaviour, flatulence and faecal odour perception and disease activity in IBD patients compared to healthy controls (HC). Methods From October 2023 to October 2024, a total of 238 IBD (women: 51.3%; CD: 59.7%; remission: 33.5%) patients and 97 HC (women:70.1%) were enrolled at the IBD outpatient clinic of the Hannover Medical School. In addition to a short screening questionnaire for highly processed foods (sQ-HPF), dietary behaviour (Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ)), clinical (HBI, PMS) and biochemical (CRP, faecal calprotectin) parameters of disease activity were assessed as well as adherence to a mediterranean diet and changes in bowel movement odour (faecal and flatulence) were collected. Results Significant differences in flatulence (p<0.001) and faecal odour perception (p<0.001) were found between IBD patients and HC. Further associations with dietary habits revealed differences between HC and IBD individuals exhibiting strong flatulence odour demonstrating significant associations with the daily intake of carbohydrates (p = 0.007), sugar (p = 0.049), vegetables (p = 0.033), legumes (p = 0.010), and the daily energy intake (kJ) from highly- and ultra-processed foods (p = 0.002 and p = 0.007, respectively). However, the differences between HC and IBD individuals with strong faecal odour were only significant for the daily intake of legumes (p = 0.002). Further analyses revealed significant associations between flatulence and faecal odour perception and IBD activity (p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed significant differences between Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients with and without strong faecal odour, particularly in those with moderate disease activity (p = 0.006 and p = 0.017). Additionally, significant differences in flatulence odour were found between CD and UC patients with moderate (p = 0.008) and severe disease activity (p = 0.041). Conclusion In conclusion, significant differences in flatulence and faecal odour perception were found between IBD patients and healthy controls, with dietary associations noted for strong flatulence and faecal odour. Disease activity was strongly associated with both flatulence and faecal odour perception, with notable differences between CD and UC, particularly in moderate and severe disease activity.

Effects of Chenpi (Citrus reticulata cv. Chachiensis) on serum antioxidant enzymes, inflammatory factors, and intestinal health in Beagle dogs.

Ensuring companion animal welfare is a top priority for the pet industry and owners alike. The health of the pets can be directly and effectively improved through diet. Chenpi includes beneficial ingredients with proven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. The present investigation involved feeding snacks infused with Chenpi powder (CPP) to dogs for 42 days to examine the potential health benefits of CPP. The research evidenced a notable increase in serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in dogs, accompanied by a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) level. Additionally, CPP increased fecal scores and significantly reduced fecal odors due to inhibition of 3-methylindole, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and ammonia nitrogen (NH4 +-N), and also raised the levels of fecal secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA). Analysis of the microbial composition via 16S rRNA sequencing showed that CPP increased Bacteroidota and decreased Firmicutes in the gut flora at the phylum level. Functional prediction study of microbial communities also showed that the CPP group enriched metabolic and genetic information processing pathways. In addition, there were significant correlations between serum indicators and several significantly altered microorganisms. These findings suggest that CPP can potentially enhance the overall health of dogs by reducing fecal odorants, enhancing antioxidant and immunological capabilities, and modulating intestinal flora. This study establishes a solid scientific foundation regarding the application of CPP in functional pet foods.

Exploring Dietary- and Disease-Related Influences on Flatulence and Fecal Odor Perception in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Background/Objectives: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects gastrointestinal function and may alter fecal and flatulence odor (intestinal odor) due to changes in inflammation, the gut microbiome, and metabolism. Investigating the relationship between dietary habits and intestinal odor in IBD is critical given the relationship between diet, gut health, and microbiome diversity. Methods: We performed a cohort analysis of a monocentric, cross-sectional study at a tertiary referral center and compared the perception of fecal and flatulence odor in 233 IBD patients (n = 117 women) with that of 96 healthy controls (HCs) (n = 67 women). In addition to a short screening questionnaire on highly processed foods (sQ-HPF), dietary behavior (Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ)), clinical (HBI, PMS) and biochemical (CRP, fecal calprotectin) parameters of disease activity, and adherence to a Mediterranean diet were assessed. Results: A notable predisposition towards elevated levels of intestinal malodor was identified in the IBD cohort when compared to the HC group. The analysis of dietary behavior in conjunction with intestinal malodor revealed more pronounced associations in the HC collective than in the IBD collective. The data further indicated that, in comparison to those in remission, IBD individuals with an active disease status exhibited a higher prevalence of intestinal malodor. In an adjusted logistic regression analysis of the influence of disease- and diet-specific factors on flatulence and fecal malodor in IBD, male sex was identified as a significant risk factor. Conclusions: This study highlights the significance of dietary factors in the management of IBD symptoms, with a particular focus on flatulence and fecal odor. Individuals with IBD demonstrated a higher propensity for intestinal malodor compared to HC, with active disease status further amplifying this prevalence. Dietary behavior showed stronger associations with malodor in the HC group than in IBD individuals, suggesting distinct interaction patterns between diet and gut health in these populations.

32 Biotics: Are there differences?

Abstract In companion animals, the search for dietary ingredients and supplements that may promote health and longevity continues. Because stool quality issues and gastrointestinal diseases are common, substances addressing gastrointestinal health are of interest and some of the most heavily studied. Given the importance that microbiota have on host health and disease, many strategies function by directly or indirectly influencing the microbial species that inhabit the gut. Dietary fibers may impact gut health by maintaining stool quality, providing laxation, reducing fecal odor, and modulating fermentative end-products. A variety of biotic substances may also be used to promote gastrointestinal health. Four primary biotic substances exist, namely probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics. Over the past decade, the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) has sponsored expert consensus panels to update the biotic definitions, offer criteria for qualification, outline guiding principles for research and development, and provide implications for a variety of stakeholders (scientists; media; regulators; industry). In 2014, Hill et al. defined probiotics as “live microorganisms that when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit”. Gibson et al. (2017) defined prebiotics as “substrates that are selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit.” Probiotics and prebiotics have been widely used in pet products over the past few decades. Swanson et al. (2020) updated the synbiotic definition to be a “mixture comprising live microorganisms and substrate(s) selectively utilized by host microorganisms that confer a health benefit”. Synbiotics may contain components that operate independently (complementary synbiotic) or in together (synergistic synbiotic) to promote host health. In 2021, Salminen et al. defined postbiotics as “preparations of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confer a health benefit.” Yeast and bacteria-based mixtures falling under this definition have become more popular in pet nutrition as of late, but the postbiotic definition is often misused. This presentation will discuss each biotic substance category in regard to their use in dogs and cats. Mechanisms of action, potential benefits of consumption, evidence of successful use in companion animals, and ideas for the future of biotics will be presented.

Application of Highly Digestible Fermented Corn Protein Powder in Fecal Low-Odor Adult Dog Feed

This study aimed to develop fecal low-odor adult dog feed using processed corn protein powder as the primary raw material and evaluate its effectiveness through feeding experiments. The objectives included analyzing the fundamental nutritional indicators, comparing the quality of fecal low-odor adult dog feed with commercially available dog feed, and assessing the changes in the eating behavior, physical condition, and physiological and biochemical indicators before and after feeding on the fecal low-odor adult dog feed. This study involved formulating dog feed using processed fermented corn protein powder and conducting nutritional analyses to compare moisture, crude protein, ash, crude fat, and starch contents. Physical properties such as hardness and cohesion were also evaluated. Feeding experiments were conducted with adult dogs to monitor the changes in the eating behavior and physical condition. Physiological and biochemical indicators, including ammoniacal nitrogen and putrefactive odor in feces, were measured both before and after feeding to assess the impact of the fecal low-odor adult dog feed. The analysis showed no significant difference in moisture (p > 0.05), crude protein (p > 0.05), ash (p > 0.05), crude fat (p > 0.05), and starch (p > 0.05) contents between the fecal low-odor adult dog feed and commercially available dog feed. Similarly, no significant difference was noted in the hardness (p > 0.05) and cohesion (p > 0.05) between the two types of dog feed. Both types of dog feed contained rich volatile compounds with varying compositions. The commercially available dog feed had a sour odor, whereas the fecal low-odor adult dog feed had a barbecue and resin-like smell. After feeding with the fecal low-odor adult dog feed, the liquid nitrogen content significantly decreased (p < 0.01). Also, the indole content, a major contributor to fecal odor, based on the data, decreased after feeding.

Effectiveness of Malodor-Reducing Ostomy Pouch Additives: An Assessment of Odor Intensity, Hedonic Tone, and Odor Character.

Background Ostomy pouch odor can have a negative impact on the quality of life of people living with a stoma. This study assessed the effectiveness of malodor-reducing ostomy pouch additives under simulated conditions. Methodology The following six commercially available products with different odor control technologies plus a control were assessed: soyethyl morpholinium ethosulphate, zinc ricinoleate (ZnR), ZnR with orange terpenes (ZnR-Orange), a proprietary copper-based deodorant, a proprietary ion mix deodorant, and a terpene blend (TB). Each was added to an ostomy pouch with skatole (a substitute for human fecal odor). Professional olfactometrists rated odors according to intensity, hedonic tone (pleasantness), and character. Results The TB and ZnR-Orange had very weak (<1.0) malodor intensity, with mean (standard deviation [SD]) ratings of 0.6 (1.1) and 0.9 (0.9), respectively. All other products (2.7-3.0) and control (3.7) were statistically higher (stronger intensity) compared with the TB(p < 0.001). The mean (SD) hedonic tone for the TB was 0.8 (1.7) (considered slightly pleasant); all other products (-0.8 to 0.1) and control (-0.9) were statistically lower (p < 0.001). Odor character profiles were broadly comparable, but products with scent additives (TB and ZnR-Orange) were predominantly associated with fragrances. Conclusions This information may help nurses and other healthcare providers when educating ostomates about their options. Other factors such as application mode and recommended dosage may also influence the choice of product. Future research on real-world populations (i.e., ostomates), as well as assessment of lubrication properties, is warranted.

Inadequate sanitation in healthcare facilities: A comprehensive evaluation of toilets in major hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Lack of access to functional and hygienic toilets in healthcare facilities (HCFs) is a significant public health issue in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), leading to the transmission of infectious diseases. Globally, there is a lack of studies characterising toilet conditions and estimating user-to-toilet ratios in large urban hospitals in LMICs. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 10-government and two-private hospitals to explore the availability, functionality, cleanliness, and user-to-toilet ratio in Dhaka, Bangladesh. From Aug-Dec 2022, we undertook infrastructure assessments of toilets in selected hospitals. We observed all toilets and recorded attributes of intended users, including sex, disability status, patient status (in-patient/out-patient/caregiver) and/or staff (doctor/nurse/cleaner/mixed-gender/shared). Toilet functionality was defined according to criteria used by the WHO/UNICEF Joint-Monitoring Programme in HCFs. Toilet cleanliness was assessed, considering visible feces on any surface, strong fecal odor, presence of flies, sputum, insects, and rodents, and solid waste. Amongst 2875 toilets, 2459 (86%) were observed. Sixty-eight-percent of government hospital toilets and 92% of private hospital toilets were functional. Only 33% of toilets in government hospitals and 56% in private hospitals were clean. A high user-to-toilet ratio was observed in government hospitals' outpatients service (214:1) compared to inpatients service (17:1). User-to-toilet ratio was also high in private hospitals' outpatients service (94:1) compared to inpatients wards (19:1). Only 3% of toilets had bins for menstrual-pad disposal and <1% of toilets had facilities for disabled people. A high percentage of unclean toilets coupled with high user-to-toilet ratio hinders the achievement of SDG by 2030 and risks poor infection-control. Increasing the number of usable, clean toilets in proportion to users is crucial. The findings suggest an urgent call for attention to ensure basic sanitation facilities in Dhaka's HCFs. The policy makers should allocate resources for adequate toilets, maintenance staff, cleanliness, along with strong leadership of the hospital administrators.

Chemical characterization and response of house rats towards faecal odour of conspecifics

Repeated use of rodenticides for rodent pest management leads to the development of bait shyness and resistance in rodents. Therefore, using pheromones for rodent management could be a significant step forward. The present study was conducted to determine the response of house rats towards odour of faecal extracts of conspecifics of different age groups and sexes. Rats of different maturity groups and sexes were exposed to 20% faecal extract of mature and immature male and female rats. Results indicated that faecal extract of estrous stage mature females has a significant attractant/repellent effect on mature rats of opposite/same sex, respectively. Gas chromatography-linked mass spectrometry of the faecal extract of estrous female rats identified 62 compounds, of which 16 were already reported in other animals as pheromonal compounds and might be used in communication by house rats. In the future, these identified compounds can be used in a fixed proportion after testing their efficacy to develop a stable lureto increase the trappability and acceptability of antifertility agents and rodenticide-based baits for the management of house rats.

Effects of Italian ryegrass with multi-enzymes supplementation on growth performance, gut microbial, and manure odor emission in finisher pig.

This study investigated the effects of addition of Italian ryegrass with multi-enzyme on growth performance, fecal odor, and microbiome. The experiment had a two-factor factorial design, using three levels of Italian ryegrass (0%, 2.5%, and 5%) and two levels of multi-enzymes (no enzyme and commercially recommended level) to formulate experimental diets. In total, 60 crossbred Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc (LYD) pigs (88.35 ± 2.57 kg) were allocated into six dietary treatments with five replicates. After four weeks, fecal samples were collected via rectal massage for microbiome and odorous compound analysis. Results showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in growth performance, except for feed intake (p < 0.05), which was higher in enzyme-added diets. Fecal microbiome exhibited no differences (p > 0.05) between treatments, with Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes being the major phyla, similar to the general pig population. Alpha and beta diversity analyses showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). Odorous compounds displayed no significant differences (p > 0.05), except for indoles (p < 0.05) influenced by the enzyme. In conclusion, 5% Italian ryegrass with multi-enzymes can be used as an alternative feed ingredient, having no negative effects on the growth performance, microbiome, and odorous compounds of growing pigs.

Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in dogs and cats: Age-related predisposition, symptomatic, and asymptomatic cyst shedding

Background and Aim: Giardiasis is a protozoal disease that is globally prevalent in dogs and cats. The clinical manifestations vary, but asymptomatic cases have also been reported. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in domestic dogs and cats, characterize the age susceptibility to this disease, and determine the frequency of cases in which cysts are combined with stool changes. Materials and Methods: After centrifugation in a zinc sulfate solution (specific gravity = 1.32 g/cm3), feces of dogs (2761) and cats (1579) were examined microscopically. The age of the animals and the presence of coprological stool characteristics such as fecal odor, consistency, presence of mucus, and other pathological impurities were taken into account. Results: G. duodenalis infection rates were 18.2% (215/1182) in dogs aged 1–12 months and 3.8% (60/1579) in dogs older than 12 months. The infection rate was 7.8% (48/615) in cats aged 1–12 months and 3.35% (33/994) in cats aged &gt;12 months. The most frequently observed coprological abnormalities in cyst-positive animals were soft and/or mushy stool and pungent odor. In dogs, the frequency of these symptoms was 24.4% (67/275), 27.6% (76/275), and 36.4% (100/275) for soft stools, mushy stools, and pungent fecal odor, and 37.8% (31/82), 25.6% (21/82), and 19.5% (16/82), respectively. No stool changes were found when G. duodenalis cysts were detected in dogs in 24.7% (68/275) of cases and in cats in 24.4% (20/82). Conclusion: G. duodenalis cysts are reported more frequently in domestic cats and dogs under 12 months of age than in dogs under 12 months of age. The presence of Giardia cysts is usually accompanied by a strong odor of feces and changes in their consistency. It can be concluded that it is necessary to conduct periodic surveillance for apparently healthy dogs and cats to rule out G. duodenalis infection. Keywords: age of animals, cat feces, consistency of dog feces, coprological parameters, cysts, feces, Giardia duodenalis.

Continuous intake of galacto-oligosaccharides containing syrup contributes to maintaining the health of household dogs by modulating their gut microbiota.

Interest is growing in the relationship of the microbiota and intestinal environment with health in companion animals. Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), typical prebiotics, are expected to provide benefits in dogs. Previous studies of GOS in dogs have involved dogs with similar rearing conditions and diets, which may have biased the results. We conducted an open study of 26 healthy dogs kept in households with diverse rearing environments in order to evaluate how the intake of a GOS-containing syrup affects the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites. Each dog was fed 1.2-4.8 g of the GOS-containing syrup (GOS 0.5-2.0 g equivalent) for 8 weeks. Fecal microbiota, fecal concentrations of organic acids and putrefactive products, fecal odor, and serum uremic toxin concentrations were evaluated before intake (0 weeks), during the 8-week intake period (4 and 8 weeks), and 4 weeks after intake (12 weeks). The activity of N-benzoyl-DL-arginine peptidase in dental plaque, which may be associated with periodontal disease, was evaluated at 0 and 8 weeks. Continuous intake of GOS resulted in changes in fecal microbiota, with a particularly marked increase in the abundance of Megamonas, which produces propionic acid. Other findings included a significant increase in the fecal acetic, propionic, and n-butyric acid concentrations. Additionally, significant decreases in fecal odor, fecal phenol concentration, and serum indoxyl sulfate concentration. Intake of GOS was also associated with a significant decrease in N-benzoyl-DL-arginine peptidase activity in dental plaques. These results suggest that continuous intake of GOS may contribute to canine health.

Non-Invasive Blood Pressure Tracking of Spontaneous Hypertension Rats Using an Electronic Nose.

Traditional noninvasive blood pressure measurement methods in experimental animals are time consuming and difficult to operate, particularly for large numbers of animals. In this study, the possibility of sensing fecal odor to estimate the blood pressure status of spontaneous hypertension rats (SHRs) was explored with the aim of establishing a new method for non-invasive monitoring of blood pressure. The body weight and blood pressure of SHRs kept increasing with growth, and the odor information monitored using an E-nose varied with the blood pressure status, particularly for sensors S6 and S7. The fecal information was analyzed using principal component analysis, canonical discriminant analysis and multilayer perception neural networks (MLP) to discriminate SHRs from normal ones, with a 100% correct classification rate. For better prediction of blood pressure, the model built using multiple linear regression analysis, partial least squares regression analysis and multilayer perceptron neural network analysis were used, with coefficients of determination (R2) ranging from 0.8036 to 0.9926. Moreover, the best prediction model for blood pressure was established using MLP analysis with an R2&not; higher than 0.91. Thus, changes in blood pressure levels can be tracked non-invasively, and normotension can be distinguished from hypertension or even at different hypertension levels based on the odor information of rat feces, providing a foundation for non-invasive health monitoring. This work might provide potential instructions for functional food research aimed at lowering blood pressure.

Effects of defatting and cooking methods on pig large intestines volatile compounds by flavor omics and fatty acids

Pig large intestines (PLIs) are a food with a selective preference globally because of characteristic odors. To investigate the effect of defatting and different cooking methods on the volatile compounds of PLIs, defatted and nondefatted samples were cooked using steaming, water boiling, and frying. A total of 63 volatiles were identified, including 22 compounds detected in all samples. Using odor activity value (OAV) and sensory evaluation, 3-methyl indole and p-cresol, with animal and fecal odors, respectively, were identified as the key off-odors of PLIs. The three cooking methods increased the concentration of aldehydes and endowed samples with fatty and green odors derived from lipid oxidation, especially C18:1n9c and C18:2n6c. Frying significantly increased the content of (E)-2-heptenal and (E,E)-2,4-decadienal (P < 0.05) due to higher contents of C18:2n6c. Compared with steaming and frying, water boiling could significantly reduce the occurrence of off-odors and had the best result combined with defatting. Using orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and variable importance for the projection (VIP), p-cresol could act as a marker to discriminate samples with different treatments.

The multi-faceted food odorant 4-methylphenol selectively activates evolutionary conserved receptor OR9Q2.

4-Methylphenol is a food-related odor-active volatile with a high recognition factor, due to its horse stable-like, fecal odor quality. Its ambivalent hedonic impact as key aroma compound, malodor, and semiochemical has spurred the search for its cognate, chemosensory odorant receptors across species. A human odorant receptor for the highly characteristic 4-methylphenol has been elusive. Here, we identified and characterized human receptor OR9Q2 to be tuned to purified 4-methylphenol, but not to its contaminant isomer 3-methylphenol. This highly selective function of OR9Q2 complements an exclusive phenol detection gap in the ancient, most broadly tuned human odorant receptor OR2W1. Moreover, a 4-methylphenol function is evolutionary conserved in phylogenetically related OR9Q2 orthologs from chimpanzee, mouse, and cow. Notably, the cow receptor outperformed human OR9Q2 10-fold in signal strength, consonant with previous reports of 4-methylphenol as a bovine pheromone. Our results suggest OR9Q2 as best sensor for the key food odorant, malodor, and semiochemical 4-methylphenol.

PSVI-8 Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Pediococcus Pentosaceus Strains Isolated from White Kimchi in Weaned Piglet Challenged with Escherichia Coli and Salmonella Typhimurium

Abstract Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium infections in pigs are major source associated with enteric disease such as post-weaning diarrhea. Lactic acid bacteria, one of the most essential probiotics, can colonize the digestive tract and increase nutritional digestion and maintain the stability of the intestinal flora. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Pediococcus pentosaceus in weaned piglets challenged with pathogen bacteria. In exp.1, 90 weaned piglets with initial body weights of 8.53 ± 0. 34 kg were assigned to 15 treatments for 2 weeks. The experiments were conducted two trials in a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement of treatments consisting of two levels of challenge (challenge and non-challenge) with E.coli and Salmonella typhimurium, respectively and five levels of probiotics (Control, Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus pentosaceus SMFM2016-WK1, Pediococcus acidilactici K, Lactobacillus reuteri PF30). In exp.2 a total of 30 weaned pigs (initial body weight of 9.84 ± 0. 85kg) were used in 4 weeks experiment. Pigs were allocated to 5 groups in a randomized complete way with 2 pens per group and 3 pigs per pen. Supplementation of Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus SMFM2016-WK1 improved (P &amp;lt; 0.05) growth performance, intestinal pathogen bacteria counts compared with control group in exp.1. Also, Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus SMFM2016-WK1 improved (P &amp;lt; 0.05) fecal noxious odor, diarrhea incidence and digestibility of crude protein and gross energy compared with control group in exp.2. In conclusion, supplementation of 38W strains isolated from white kimchi can act as probiotics by inhibiting E.coli and Salmonella typhimurium.

Mulberry leaf supplementation inhibits skatole deposition by regulating gut microbiota and upregulating liver cytochrome P450 1A1 expression in finishing pigs

Skatole, a strong fecal odor substance, is generated through microbial degradation of tryptophan in the animal hindgut. It easily accumulates in adipose tissue and affects meat quality. In this study, the effect of mulberry leaf supplementation on skatole in finishing pigs was studied. In a 35-day trial, 20 finishing pigs (barrows and gilts) were fed with a basal diet or basal diet with 6% mulberry leaves. Growth performance of the pigs (n = 10) was automatically recorded by a performance-testing feeder system and 8 pigs in each treatment were slaughtered and sampled for the remaining tests. Skatole and short-chain fatty acids were detected using HPLC and gas chromatography, respectively. Fecal microbiota were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The metabolomics analysis of feces and serum was performed with UHPLC-MS/MS. The major cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes that catalyze skatole degradation in the liver were tested by using RT-PCR and Western blot. Effects of major bioactive compounds in mulberry leaves on the CYP genes were verified in the hepatic cell line HepG2 in an in vitro test (n = 3). In finishing pigs, mulberry leaf supplementation had no significant effect on the average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (P > 0.05), but reduced skatole levels in feces, serum, and backfat (P < 0.05), and increased acetic acid levels in feces (P = 0.027). Mulberry leaf supplementation decreased the relative abundance of the skatole-producing bacteria Megasphaera and Olsenella (P < 0.05). Indole-3-acetic acid, the intermediate that is essential for skatole production, was significantly reduced in feces by mulberry leaf supplementation (P < 0.05) and was positively correlated with skatole content in feces (P = 0.004). In pigs treated with mulberry leaves, liver CYP1A1 expression was increased (P < 0.05) and was negatively correlated with skatole content in backfat (P = 0.045). The in vitro test demonstrated that mulberry leaf polyphenols and polysaccharides could directly stimulate CYP1A1 expression in hepatic cells. These findings suggest that mulberry leaf supplementation reduces skatole production and deposition in finishing pigs by regulating the gut microbiota and promoting skatole degradation in liver.

Digestibility and Palatability of the Diet and Intestinal Functionality of Dogs Fed a Blend of Yeast Cell Wall and Oregano Essential Oil.

Feed additives, such as prebiotics and essential oils, are used in pet foods and can affect digestibility, palatability, and intestinal functionality of dogs. The combined effects of yeast cell wall and oregano essential oil on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and palatability of diet, intestinal fermentation products, and fecal microbiota in dogs were analyzed. Eighteen adult dogs were fed for 20 days with three dry extruded diets for adult dogs: control (without the additive), a diet containing 1.5 kg/ton of yeast cell wall and oregano essential oil (1.5YCO), and a diet containing 3.0 kg/ton of yeast cell wall and oregano essential oil (3.0YCO). The inclusion of both levels of YCO reduced the intake ratio. The addition of 3.0YCO reduced the ATTD of dry matter, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There were greater putrescine and cadaverine concentrations and lower histamine and ammonia (p < 0.05) in the feces of dogs fed 3.0YCO. In addition, fecal odor of dogs fed YCO was less fetid than the control group (p < 0.05). There was greater fecal bacterial diversity in dogs fed with both dietary concentrations of YCO evaluated (p < 0.05). Dogs fed 1.5YCO and 3.0YCO showed higher relative abundance of Blautia and Faecalibacterium and lower abundance of Streptococcus (p < 0.05) in the feces, in comparison to the control group. Given the modulation of microorganisms considered beneficial and the lower fecal concentrations of histamine, phenols, and ammonia, the YCO blend resulted in indicators of improvement of intestinal functionality in dogs.

Screening of skatole-degrading bacteria and control of human fecal odor by compound bacteria

PurposeThe biodegradation of skatole was used as a starting point in this study, and existing strains of degrading NH3 and H2S in the laboratory were combined to create a composite deodorant. The deodorization effect of the composite deodorant on human feces was investigated in order to provide a foundation for fecal odor gas treatment.MethodsSkatole-degrading bacteria were identified, degradation conditions were optimized, and skatole metabolites were identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The skatole-degrading bacteria were combined with the existing strains of degrading NH3 and H2S in the laboratory to make a compound deodorizer, and the deodorizing effect of the compound deodorizer on fresh human feces and old human feces was compared. Liquid chromatography, specific sensors, and gas chromatography were used to determine the contents of skatole, NH3, H2S, and volatile organic compounds, and the microbial diversity was examined.ResultsMicrobial agents H and Y capable of utilizing skatole were screened out under aerobic and facultative anaerobic conditions, respectively. Within 48 h, the degradation rate of skatole by microbial agent Y was 88.52%. Following condition optimization, the optimum temperature for skatole degradation by microbial agent Y was 33 °C, and the optimum pH was 7. The main functional bacteria were Acinetobacter xiamenensis. The metabolites of skatole were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS), and six possible metabolites were found, including 3-aldehyde indole, 3-carboxyl indole, 1H-indole-2,3-dione, and 3-methyl indole pyruvate. The skatole-degrading bacteria Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were then combined in proportion to form a composite deodorant. The 5-day degradation rate of skatole in the old manure group was 88.11%, while the 5-day degradation rate in the fresh manure group was 47.56%.ConclusionsThe compound microbial agent developed in this study has a solid deodorizing effect, particularly in the control of the odor of obsolete feces. The use of composite microbial agents can efficiently degrade skatole in human feces, providing a theoretical foundation for the use of microbial remediation in the actual world.Graphical

Effects of dietary supplementation of Pediococcus pentosaceus strains from kimchi in weaned piglet challenged with Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella enterica (SE) infections in pigs are major source associated with enteric disease such as post weaning diarrhea. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Pediococcus pentosaceus in weaned piglets challenged with pathogen bacteria. In Experiment.1 90 weaned piglets with initial body weights of 8.53 ± 0.34 kg were assigned to 15 treatments for 2 weeks. The experiments were conducted two trials in a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement of treatments consisting of two levels of challenge (challenge and non-challenge) with E. coli and SE, respectively and five levels of probiotics (Control, Lactobacillus plantarum [LA], Pediococcus pentosaceus SMFM2016-WK1 [38W], Pediococcus acidilactici K [PK], Lactobacillus reuteri PF30 [PF30]). In Experiment.2 a total of 30 weaned pigs (initial body weight of 9.84 ± 0.85 kg) were used in 4 weeks experiment. Pigs were allocated to 5 groups in a randomized complete way with 2 pens per group and 3 pigs per pen. Supplementation of LA and 38W improved (p < 0.05) growth performance, intestinal pathogen bacteria count, fecal noxious odor and diarrhea incidence. In conclusion, supplementation of 38W strains isolated from white kimchi can act as probiotics by inhibiting E. coli and SE.

Diet supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae from different fermentation media modulates the faecal microbiota and the intestinal fermentative products in dogs.

This study aimed at evaluating the coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients, metabolisable energy (ME), diet palatability, faecal fermentative products and microbiota of dogs fed yeasts from different fermentation media and its fractions. Four diets were evaluated: control, without yeast (CO); diet with 10 g/kg brewer's yeast (BY); diet with 10 g/kg brewer's yeast + corn yeast (BCY); and diet with 10 g/kg BCY + cell wall fractions (BCYF). Twelve adult dogs were distributed in a randomized block design (periods). Each of the four diets was fed to a group of three dogs per period of 20 days, totalling two periods and six repetitions per treatment. Sixteen adult dogs were used for the palatability test, which compared the CO diet versus each one of the yeast diets. Data with normal distribution were subjected to analysis of variance (p < 0.05). Means were compared by orthogonal contrasts (p < 0.05): (A) CO diet versus BY, BCYand BCYF diets; (B) BY diet versus BCY and BCYF diets; (C) BCY diet versus BCYF diet. There was no difference in the CTTAD and ME of the diets (p > 0.05). Yeast diets reduced faecal odour and indole peak area (p < 0.05). Faecal short-chain fatty acids concentration was greater in dogs fed yeast diets compared to those fed the CO (p < 0.05). Yeast diets showed a higher intake ratio compared to the CO (p < 0.05). The BCY and BCYF diets resulted in a greater abundance of Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Coprococcus, and Phascolarctobacterium in relation to the CO (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that dietary yeast supplementation results in beneficial changes in intestinal functionality indicators, mainly with the combination of yeasts from brewers and corn fermentation media. In addition, yeast supplementation improves diet palatability without compromising nutrient digestibility.