Fecal Volatile Fatty Acids Research Articles

Microbiome Diversity and Differential Abundances Associated with Gastrointestinal Symptoms, BMI, Immune Markers, and Fecal Short Chain Volatile Fatty Acid Profiles

Abstract Objectives The gut microbiota and its metabolites – namely short chain volatile fatty acids (SCVFAs) – interact with the digestive, immune, and nervous systems. States of microbiome dysbiosis are highly associated with obesity and GI symptoms, and profiles of SCVFAs, which serve functions as fuel sources and signaling molecules, mimic this dysbiotic state. This study aimed to further our understanding of associations between bacterial diversity and GI symptoms, BMI, immune markers, and SCVFAs and to identify bacteria differentially abundant with changes to the previously mentioned variables. Methods Data (measures of GI distress, BMI, immunoglobulins, fecal proximate analysis, SCVFAs, and 16s RNA sequences) was extracted from a study containing non-celiac gluten-sensitive and control participants. QIIME2 was used to process 16s RNA data, analyze quantitative, qualitative, phylogenetic quantitative, and phylogenetic qualitative measures of alpha and beta diversity and to perform an analysis of composition of microbes (ANCOM) for differential abundances data. Results Many significant differences were seen, namely in multiple measures of alpha diversity for IgG4 (P < 0.018), propionate (P < 0.014), caproate (P < 0.003), heartburn (P < 0.004), urgent need to defecate (P < 0.027), and feelings of incomplete evacuation (P < 0.024). Statistical significance was seen in multiple measures of beta diversity between normal and overweight (P < 0.01), normal and obese (P < 0.005), and overweight and obese BMI (P < 0.016), IgG4 (P < 0.033), propionate (P < 0.001), increased gas (P < 0.024), and urgent need for defecation (P < 0.026). The ANCOM identified multiple species of bacteria differentially abundant with changes to variables. Conclusions Findings suggest differences in both alpha and beta diversity with various GI symptoms, SCVFAs, and BMI. This research supports plans to apply analysis to larger sample sizes to train machine learning classifiers to identify important features of microbial profiles associated with certain SCVFA and markers of health. Funding Sources ETSU (CCRHS, Deans's Research Enhancement Award and CPH, Health Sciences Funding, Honors College Summer Research Fellowship) and Shield Nutraceuticals, LLC.

Relationship between Dietary Fiber Fermentation and Volatile Fatty Acids' Concentration in Growing Pigs.

Simple SummaryThe study suggests differences in fermentable capacity of fibrous feed ingredients are associated with fiber composition in pig. Results demonstrate that the fiber digestibility of oat bran, sugar beet pulp and soybean hulls is greater than for corn bran, wheat bran and rice bran in the pig intestine. Furthermore, results indicate that volatile fatty acids’ concentration (VFA) is positively correlated primarily with insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) fermentation, and the digestibility of IDF is the best single variable to predict fecal VFA concentrations. The contribution of this study is to provide instructions on how to implement fiber-rich ingredients effectively in the feed formulation for swine.This study was conducted to determine whether differences in fiber fermentation in fiber-rich feed ingredients exist and to assess relationship between fiber fermentation and concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in pig. Castrated males (barrows) were allotted randomly to six diets formulated with different amounts of wheat bran (WB), corn bran (CB), sugar beet pulp (SBP), oat bran (OB), soybean hulls (SH) or rice bran (RB). The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) for OB and SH diets was greater (P < 0.05) than for the other diets. The fermentation of total dietary fiber (TDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) in the hindgut were greater (P < 0.05) for SBP and SH diets than for WB, CB, OB and RB diets. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) values of all fiber components in SBP, SH and OB diets were greater (P < 0.05) than for WB, CB and RB diets. The concentration of VFA in feces was positively correlated with the ATTD of IDF and cellulose, and ATTD of IDF is the best factor for predicting fecal VFA concentration. Overall, dietary fiber source affected fermentable characteristics of fiber components in the different digestive segments of pig intestine.

Effects of Clostridium butyricum and corn bran supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal volatile fatty acids and microbiota in weaned pigs

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to evaluate effects of Clostridium butyricum and corn bran supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal volatile fatty acids, and microbiota in weaned pigs. Hundred and forty-four weaned pigs (7.01 ± 0.62 kg BW) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments, including the basal diet and 5% corn bran diet with or without Clostridium butyricum supplementation. The results showed the supplementation of 0.1% Clostridium butyricum in diets increased average daily gain (p < 0.05) and tended to increase gain to feed ratio (G/F; p = 0.07) in weaned pigs during 15–28 d. Dietary Clostridium butyricum supplementation improved (p < 0.05) the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of organic matter (OM) and the SOD and T-AOC levels in serum in weaned pigs. The inclusion of 5% corn bran in diets had no significant effect on growth performance in weaned pigs. Moreover, dietary Clostridium butyricum supplementation decreased (p < 0.05) faecal Escherichia coli count, and increased faecal Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts in weaned pigs. In conclusion, inclusion of 0.1% Clostridium butyricum in diets could benefit the growth performance and gut health of weaned pigs. Meanwhile, 5% corn bran supplementation in diets had no negative effect on weaned pigs.

Effect of increasing inclusion rates of tofu by-product in diets of growing pigs on nitrogen balance and ammonia emission from manure

To reduce competition with human-edible feed resources, it is of interest to incorporate by-products from the food industry in animal feeds. The current research investigated the effect of including increasing amounts of tofu by-product (TF) in practical pig diets on animal performance, nitrogen balance and ammonia emissions from manure. Two experiments were conducted including a control diet without TF, containing 160 g/kg dietary non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) and three diets including 122, 246 and 360 g TF/kg DM (TF122, TF246 and TF360, respectively) to reach 220, 280 and 360 g/kg NSP. All diets had the same level of CP and protein digestible in the small intestine which particularly was realized by replacing rice bran with TF. Animal performance was assessed in a first experiment with 40 growing barrows with initial BW of 26.6 ± 1.80 kg (M ± SD) being allocated to the 4 treatments, during 2 growth phases (i.e. until 50 kg BW and from 50 to 80 kg BW). In the growth phase until 50 kg, feed intake and average daily gain (ADG) were linearly reduced by dietary TF inclusion, while this negative impact disappeared during the second growth phase (50 to 80 kg BW). Tofu by-product inclusion even positively affected the feed conversion ratio during this second growth phase (3.4 to 2.7 kg feed/kg ADG for 0 to 360 g/kg dietary TF). Over the entire growth period, performance and feed intake were negatively affected at the highest dietary TF level. Experiment 2 was conducted to assess digestibility, nitrogen balance and ammonia emission from manure. For this purpose, 16 pigs with BW of 62.8 ± 3.6 kg (M ± SD) were assigned to either 1 of the 4 treatments. There was no difference in total tract apparent digestibility of dietary organic matter or CP, while NDF digestibility increased with increasing TF level, suggesting increasing importance of the hindgut fermentation when digesting diets with increasing TF levels. Nevertheless, this was not reflected in increasing levels of faecal volatile fatty acids or purines, nor in reduced manure pH. As a result, ammonia emission from slurry was not reduced through dietary TF inclusion, despite the linear decrease in urinary nitrogen. In conclusion, TF can be included in pigs’ diets up to an inclusion rate of 25% without risk of impaired animal performance; however, this dietary strategy fails to mitigate ammonia emission from slurry.

Effects of copper hydroxychloride and distillers dried grains with solubles on intestinal microbial concentration and apparent ileal and total tract digestibility of energy and nutrients by growing pigs1.

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that Cu hydroxychloride improves nutrient digestibility and alters the concentration of microbial protein in the small intestine or large intestine by pigs fed a corn-soybean meal diet or a diet based on corn, soybean meal, and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Twenty-four barrows (33.3 ± 3.4 kg) that had a T-cannula installed in the distal ileum were allotted to a 2 × 2 factorial design with 2 levels of DDGS (0% or 45%) and 2 levels of supplemental Cu from Cu hydroxychloride (0 or 150 mg/kg). A 2-period switch back design with the 4 diets and 6 replicate pigs per diet in each period was used resulting in 12 replicate pigs per diet for the 2 periods. The initial 9 d of each period was considered an adaptation period to the experimental diets. For each period, feces were collected on days 10, 11, and 12, and ileal digesta were collected for 8 h on days 13 and 14. Results indicated that inclusion of 45% DDGS to diets reduced (P < 0.05) the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of AA and the AID and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, gross energy, and crude protein. In contrast, inclusion of DDGS to diets increased (P < 0.05) the AID and the ATTD of acid hydrolyzed ether extract and the concentration of microbial protein in the hindgut (P < 0.05). However, the total concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in ileal digesta and in feces from pigs fed the DDGS diets were not different from concentrations in pigs fed diets without DDGS. The AID and ATTD of dry matter, gross energy, and crude protein were not affected by dietary Cu concentrations, but the AID and ATTD of acid hydrolyzed ether extract were greater (P < 0.05) in diets supplemented with Cu hydroxychloride compared with diets without Cu hydroxychloride. There was also a reduction (P < 0.05) in the concentration of microbial protein and a tendency for a reduction (P < 0.10) in the total concentration of VFA in feces when diets were supplemented with Cu hydroxychloride. In conclusion, supplementation of Cu hydroxychloride to diets improved AID and ATTD of acid hydrolyzed ether extract and reduced the concentration of microbial protein in the large intestine and this effect was observed in diets containing DDGS as well as in diets without DDGS.

PSIV-12 A fortified protein blend as a replacement for animal and fish proteins in nursery pig diets: Effects on growth performance, immune status, microbial metabolites, and fecal scoring

Abstract This experiment observed the effects of replacing animal and fish proteins with a fortified protein blend (PROPLEX MVP) on growth performance, immune status, microbial metabolites, and fecal scoring of nursery pigs. A total of 244 barrows and gilts [Duroc x (Landrace x Yorkshire), avg. 19 d age and BW 5.88 ± 1.38 kg] were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design (2 dietary treatments × 2 feeding programs). The dietary treatments were: 1) Control diet (CONT) with animal and fish proteins and 2) PROPLEX MVP (MVP100): CONT with MVP replacing 100% of the animal and fish proteins. The feeding programs for each feeding phase were: high budget (H): Phase 1: 2.3 kg/pig; Phase 2: 4.5 kg/pig; Phase 3: 6.8 kg/pig and low budget (L): Phase 1: 1.1 kg/pig; Phase 2: 2.3 kg/pig; Phase 3: 3.4 kg/pig). For d 0-7, pigs fed CONT had greater ADG, ADFI, and G:F (P &lt; 0.001) compared to MVP100. From d 7 to 14, ADG and G:F were greater (P &lt; 0.05) for pigs fed MVP100 compared to CONT pigs and greater for pigs fed the H budget compared to the L budget (P &lt; 0.05). Overall, d 0 to 35, there were no differences (P &gt; 0.05) in pig final BW, overall ADG, and G:F. For week two and most of the experimental period, pigs fed CONT had greater (P &lt; 0.05) fecal scores, more soft and watery feces, and increased diarrhea incidence compared to MVP100 pigs. The total concentration of fecal volatile fatty acids was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in CONT compared to MVP100 fed pigs. In conclusion, the MVP protein blend can be used as a cost effective alternative to animal and fish proteins in nursery pig diets without compromising overall growth performance, immune status, and post-weaning diarrhea.

Effect of Prebiotic, Probiotic, and Enzyme Supplementation on Gut Fermentation, Markers of Inflammation and Immune Response in Individuals with GI Symptoms (P20-024-19)

ObjectivesChronic gastrointestinal distress (GID) effects up to 33.8% of people and results in over 15 million outpatient visits in the US annually. Currently, probiotic and prebiotic supplements are recommended by physicians, dietitians, and other healthcare providers to normalize GI function and to mitigate symptoms associated with certain disease states. GlutenShield (GS) is a commercially available nutritional supplement designed to contain an appropriate balance of pre- and probiotics as well as digestive enzymes to improve symptoms associated with GID. The aim of this study was to determine the tolerance to and/or benefits of GS supplementation on adults with GID. MethodsThis was a partially blinded pilot study in which all subjects completed a 2-week washout and were then randomized to receive GS or the placebo 3 times/day with meals. Participants completed a pre-treatment FFQ as well as a pre- and post-treatment GID questionnaire, POMS questionnaire, blood draw, and stool sample. ResultsNo differences between placebo and treatment groups were found for serum inflammatory cytokines or fecal volatile fatty acids (area % or concentration) (P > 0.05). A significant reduction in IgG2 was observed in the GS group (7110.4 vs 4185.56; P = 0.008) as well as a significant reduction in self-reported bloating (P = 0.038) and approaching significant reduction in total GID (P = 0.083). Fecal insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) percentage significantly increased in the placebo group (P = 0.012), with no change in the GS group (P > 0.05). ConclusionsResearch findings suggest that GS was well tolerated and perceived to be beneficial compared to placebo; however, further research is needed to identify the specific patient population of GID patients who could most benefit from GS supplementation. Future analysis of microbiome data of subjects could provide additional insight. Clinical trial ID: NCT03403387. Funding SourcesETSU (CCRHS, Dean’s Research Enhancement Award and CPH, Health Sciences Funding) and Shield Nutraceuticals, LLC.

Corrigendum to: Effects of dietary supplementation with essential oils and organic acids on the growth performance, immune system, fecal volatile fatty acids, and microflora community in weaned piglets

Corrigendum to: Effects of dietary supplementation with essential oils and organic acids on the growth performance, immune system, fecal volatile fatty acids, and microflora community in weaned piglets

Postruminal infusion of calcium gluconate increases milk fat production and alters fecal volatile fatty acid profile in lactating dairy cows

Gluconic acid is a carboxylic acid naturally occurring in plants and honey. In nonruminant animals, gluconic acid has been shown to increase gastrointestinal butyrate concentrations and improve growth performance, but a ruminant application remains undescribed. This experiment examined the effects of postruminal calcium gluconate (CaG) on milk production, fecal volatile fatty acid concentrations, and plasma metabolite concentrations in lactating dairy cows. Six rumen cannulated multiparous Holstein cows (60 ± 6 d in milk) were randomly assigned to 6 treatment sequences within a 6 × 6 Latin square design in which each experimental period consisted of 5 d of continuous postruminal infusion followed by a 2 d wash-out period. Test treatments included a negative control (CON; 0.90% NaCl wt/vol), positive control (Na-butyrate, 135 g/d), and 4 doses of CaG (44, 93, 140, and 187 g/d). Cows received a total mixed ration (31% corn silage, 28% alfalfa silage, 5% hay, 36% concentrate) with dry matter intake fixed (25.3 ± 1.7 kg/d) throughout the experiment. On d 5 of each infusion period, samples of milk, feces, and blood were collected from each animal. Calcium gluconate treatments increased milk fat concentration, and a tendency was observed for increased milk fat yield and energy-corrected milk yield above levels achieved by CON, with maximal treatment responses of 4.43% (CON 3.81%), 2.089 kg/d (CON 1.760 kg/d), and 51.8 kg/d (CON 47.1 kg/d), respectively. Concentrations of iso-butyric acid in feces were greater in cows infused with CaG (13.3 µmol/g) treatments compared with CON (9.7 µmol/g). Arterial concentrations of glucose and nonesterified fatty acids were lower (glucose: CaG 2.98 mmol/L, CON 3.29 mmol/L and nonesterified fatty acids: CaG 0.130 mmol/L vs. 0.148 mmol/L) and β-hydroxybutyrate higher (CaG 1.703 vs. CON 0.812) in cows infused with CaG than CON. Together, these results suggest that postruminal infusion of CaG may alter metabolic mechanisms to support a milk fat production response.

The Equine Gastrointestinal Microbiome: Impacts of Age and Obesity.

Gastrointestinal microbial communities are increasingly being implicated in host susceptibilities to nutritional/metabolic diseases; such conditions are more prevalent in obese and/or older horses. This controlled study evaluated associations between host-phenotype and the fecal microbiome / metabolome. Thirty-five, Welsh Mountain pony mares were studied across 2 years (Controls, n = 6/year, 5–15 years, Body Condition Score (BCS) 4.5–6/9; Obese, n = 6/year, 5–15 years, BCS > 7/9; Aged, n = 6 Year 1; n = 5 Year 2, ≥19 years old). Animals were individually fed the same hay to maintenance (2% body mass as daily dry matter intake) for 2 (aged / obese) or 4 (control), 4-week periods in a randomized study. Outset phenotype was determined (body fat%, markers of insulin sensitivity). Feces were sampled on the final 3 days of hay feeding-periods and communities determined using Next Generation Sequencing of amplified V1–V2 hypervariable regions of bacterial 16S rRNA. Copy numbers for fecal bacteria, protozoa and fungi were similar across groups, whilst bacterial diversity was increased in the obese group. Dominant bacterial phyla in all groups were Bacteroidetes > Firmicutes > Fibrobacter. Significant differences in the bacterial communities of feces were detected between host-phenotype groups. Relative to controls, abundances of Proteobacteria were increased for aged animals and Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria were increased for obese animals. Over 500 bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) differed significantly between host-phenotype groups. No consistent pattern of changes in discriminant OTUs between groups were maintained across groups and between years. The core bacterial populations contained 21 OTUs, 6.7% of recovered sequences. Distance-based Redundancy Analyses separated fecal bacterial communities with respect to markers of obesity and insulin dysregulation, as opposed to age. Host-phenotype had no impact on the apparent digestibility of dietary GE or DM, fecal volatile fatty acid concentrations or the fecal metabolome (FT-IR). The current study demonstrates that host-phenotype has major effects on equine fecal microbial population structure. Changes were predominantly associated with the obese state, confirming an obesity-associated impact in the absence of nutritional differences. Clear biomarkers of animal-phenotype were not identified within either the fecal microbiome or metabolome, suggesting functional redundancy within the gut microbiome and/or metabolome.

Effects of dietary supplementation with essential oils and organic acids on the growth performance, immune system, fecal volatile fatty acids, and microflora community in weaned piglets.

The present study was conducted to assess the effects of a mixture of essential oils and organic acids on the growth performance, immune system, major fecal volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and microflora community in the weaned piglets. We also evaluated the antibacterial activity of the essential oil mixture on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Three hundred weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly divided into the following 3 treatment groups: basal diet (C), basal diet supplemented with the mixture of essential oils and organic acids (T1), and basal diet supplemented with antibiotics (T2). The mixture of essential oils and organic acids comprised of cinnamaldehyde (15%), thymol (5%), citric acid (10%), sorbic acid (10%), malic acid (6.5%), and fumaric acid (13.5%). In vitro studies showed that the mixture of essential oils extremely damaged the cell structure of pathogenic bacteria by deforming the membranes and disorganizing the intracellular components. In vivo studies revealed that diet supplementation with a mixture of essential oils and organic acids improved the final body weight and ADG of piglets (P < 0.05), increased the concentration of serum complement 4 (P < 0.05), and enhanced the fecal level of isovaleric acid (P < 0.05) compared with controls on day 28. Result of high-throughput sequencing revealed that: 1) a total of 1,177 and 1,162 observed taxonomic units (OTUs) were shared between all treatment groups on day 14 and 28, respectively; 2) the T1 exhibited higher (P < 0.05) beta diversity (unweighted UniFrac distance) than control and antibiotics treatment on day 28; 3) the samples in principle component analysis plot and tree of relative abundance were separated from each other based on dietary treatments and age; 4) Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most 2 dominate phyla; Lactobacillus and Streptococcus were the 2 top species among the recognized microbiota; 5) T1 had higher (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Lactobacillus mucosae than control and antibiotics treatment on day 28. To conclude, the mixture of cinnamaldehyde and citric acids damaged the structure of pathogens in vitro; the mixture of essential oils and organic acids improved the growth performance, increased the fecal concentration of isovaleric acid, and modulated the microflora community in weaned piglets.

Potential to mitigate ammonia emission from slurry by increasing dietary fermentable fiber through inclusion of tropical byproducts in practical diets for growing pigs

ObjectiveResearch was conducted to test the effect of including fiber-rich feedstuffs in practical pig diets on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and ammonia emissions from slurry.MethodsThree Vietnamese fiber sources were screened, namely cassava leaf meal (CL), cassava root residue (CR), and tofu by-product (TF). Accordingly, a control diet (Con) with 10% of dietary non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and three test diets including one of the three fiber-rich feedstuffs to reach 15% of NSP were formulated. All formulated diets had the same level of crude protein (CP), in vitro ileal protein digestible and metabolisable energy, whereas the in vitro hindgut volatile fatty acid (VFA) production of the test diets was 12% to 20% higher than the control diet. Forty growing barrows with initial body weight at 28.6±1.93 kg (mean±standard deviation) were allocated to the four treatments. When pigs reached about 50 kg of body weight, four pigs from each treatment were used for a nitrogen balance trial and ammonia emission assessment, the remaining six pigs continued the second period of the feeding trial.ResultsThe TF treatment increased fecal VFA by 33% as compared with the control treatment (p = 0.07), suggesting stimulation of the hindgut fermentation. However, urinary N was not significantly reduced or shifted to fecal N, nor was slurry pH decreased. Accordingly, ammonia emissions were not mitigated. CR and CL treatments failed to enhance in vivo hindgut fermentation, as assessed by fecal VFA and purine bases. On the contrary, the reduction of CP digestibility in the CL treatment enhanced ammonia emissions from slurry.ConclusionDietary inclusion of cassava and tofu byproducts through an increase of dietary NSP from 10% to 15% might stimulate fecal VFA excretion but this does not guarantee a reduction in ammonia emissions from slurry, while its interaction with protein digestibility even might enhance enhanced ammonia emission.

A Comparative Study of Serum Biochemistry, Metabolome and Microbiome Parameters of Clinically Healthy, Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obese Companion Dogs

The aim of this study was to compare fecal microbiome, plasma, fecal and urine metabolomes, and serum biochemistry of adult companion dogs according to body condition scores. Blood, serum/plasma, urine, and fecal samples were collected from 66 clinically healthy, adult companion dogs of either normal weight (NW), overweight (OW), or obese dogs (OB). analyses included fecal microbiome analyses via 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon; sequencing, nontargeted plasma, fecal, and urine metabolomics using liquid chromatography/gas chromatography-mass; spectrometry, and serum biochemistry for each dog. Few significant differences in serum biochemistry and fecal microbiome Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTU) were found between weight groups and there was high OTU variation between individual dogs. NW dogs had higher relative abundance of the genus Eubacterium (log-fold change 4.3, adjusted P value = .003) and lower relative abundance of the family Bifidobacteriaceae (log-fold change −3.6, adjusted P value = .02) compared to OB dogs. The microbiome of NW dogs had higher OTU richness compared with OB dogs. Metabolome analysis showed 185 plasma, 37 fecal, and 45 urine metabolites that significantly differed between NW and OW or OB dogs. There were notable significant differences in relative abundance of several plasma phospholipid moieties and fecal volatile fatty acids between weight phenotypes. The combinations of host and gut microbiota and metabolic shifts suggest a pattern that could help detection of early metabolic changes in overweight dogs before the development of obesity related disease. The results of this study support the need for continued investigation into sensitive measures of metabolic aberrancies in overweight dogs.

Effects of mannan-oligosaccharides and Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation on growth performance, nutrient utilization and faecal characteristics in Murrah buffalo calves.

A study of 120days was undertaken to ascertain the effect of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) and Lactobacillusacidophilus supplementation on growth performance, nutrient utilization and faecal characteristics in Murrah buffalo calves. Twenty Murrah buffalo calves of 5-7 days old and 31±2.0kg of body weight (BW) were randomly assigned into four groups. Group I served as the control (CON) in which only basal diet (concentrate mixture and green fodder) was provided, without any supplementation. Mannan-oligosaccharides at 4g/calf/day were supplemented as prebiotic to Group II (PRE), whereas Group III (PRO) received Lactobacillusacidophilus in the form of fermented milk as probiotic at 200ml/calf/day having 108 CFU/ml and Group IV (SYN) was supplemented with both MOS and Lactobacillusacidophilus as synbiotic at similar dose. Final BW (kg), dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed conversion efficiency and structural growth measurements were improved (p<.05) in the treatment groups compared to control. Digestibility of neutral detergent fibre was higher (p<.05) in SYN followed by PRE and PRO than control. The faecal lactobacilli and bifidobacterium population was higher (p<.05) in all the supplemented groups with a concomitant reduction in faecal coliform count as compared to control. Faecal ammonia, lactate and pH were also altered favourably (p<.05) in all the supplemented groups as compared to CON. The faecal volatile fatty acids were higher (p<.05) in PRE, PRO and SYN group than CON. The incorporation of MOS and Lactobacillusacidophilus in diet either individually or in combination as synbiotic has the potential to improve the performance and faecal characteristics in Murrah buffalo calves; however, the observed responses among the treatment groups were more evident in the synbiotic fed group compared to individual supplementation of MOS and Lactobacillusacidophilus.

Interaction between the sequence of feeding of hay and concentrate, and boiling of barley on feed intake, the activity of hydrolytic enzymes and fermentation in the hindgut of Arabian mares.

The interaction between the sequence of feeding of hay and concentrate and the hydrothermal processing of barley in alleviating concentrate effects on intake, and hindgut fermentation in horses was tested. Six Arabian mares (4-10years of age, 410±35kg body weight) were used to evaluate the effects of feeding sequence (FS) and type of barley (TB) on intake, and faecal volatile fatty acids (VFA), activities of α-amylase (AA: EC 3.2.1.1), carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase: EC 3.2.1.4), microcrystalline cellulase (MCCase: EC 3.2.1.91) and general filter paper degrading activity (FPD). Mares were offered a ration of air-dried alfalfa and concentrate (70:30 as-fed) in four subsequent periods of 14days including 8days of adaptation and 6days of sampling. In each period and each meal, mares received concentrate either 30min after (HC) or 30min before (CH) alfalfa hay. Barley was either milled or boiled in water. Rectal samples were grabbed directly from rectum once per period. Mares subjected to CH had higher dry matter intakes than mares under HC regime. The acetate:propionate ratio (A:P ratio) in rectal content was higher with CH than HC. The AA activity was higher under CH than under HC. Mares fed boiled barley had lower rectal concentrations of VFA and propionate and a higher A:P ratio than mares fed milled barley. Furthermore, the rectal content showed a higher MCCase activity but a lower AA activity when mares were fed boiled compared with milled barley. Interactions between FS and TB were observed with respect to CMCase activity, and concentrations of propionate and valerate. In conclusion, the present results suggest that both, feeding concentrate before hay and boiling the barley, might improve the hindgut environment in Arabian mares, and that the two measures were mostly additive and sometimes even synergistic.

Fecal volatile fatty acids and blood metabolites in the Turkmen horse associated with type and source of cereal grains

ABSTRACTIn this experiment, corn – oat, barley – wheat and barley – oats were used as a source of starch in 1, 2 and 3 rations respectively. The ratio of concentrate to forage in all treatments were 35:65. The results showed the concentration of total protein and cholesterol were not affected by the type and source of cereal grains (P > 0.05). Serum glucose and triglyceride concentration significantly increased in corn – oats treatment (P < 0.05). Also, in this experiment total volatile fatty acids (VFA), acetate (A), propionate (P) and A/P concentrations were not affected by the type of cereal grains (P > 0.05), but valerate and butyrate concentrations significantly increased in barley – wheat treatment (P < 0.05). On the other hand, concentrations of isobutyrate and isovalerate significantly increased in corn – oats treatment (P < 0.05). Fecal pH, were not significantly different between corn – oats and barley – oats treatments (P > 0.05), although the lowest pH was observed in barley – wheat treatment (6.02). According to the results, treatment 1 (corn – oats) improved fecal VFA and blood metabolites in the comparison of the other treatments.

Microbial Mechanistic Insight into the Role of Inulin in Improving Maternal Health in a Pregnant Sow Model.

General consumption of “western diet” characterized by high refined carbohydrates, fat and energy intake has resulted in a global obesity epidemics and related metabolic disturbance even for pregnant women. Pregnancy process is accompanied by substantial hormonal, metabolic and immunological changes during which gut microbiota is also remarkably remodeled. Dietary fiber has been demonstrated to have a striking role in shifting the microbial composition so as to improve host metabolism and health in non-pregnant individuals. The present study was conducted to investigate effects of adding a soluble dietary fiber inulin (0 or 1.5%) to low- or high- fat (0 or 5% fat addition) gestational diet on maternal and neonatal health and fecal microbial composition in a sow model. Results showed that inulin addition decreased the gestational body weight gain and fat accumulation induced by fat addition. Circulating concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6, adipokine leptin and chemerin were decreased by inulin supplementation. Inulin addition remarkably reduced the average BMI of newborn piglets and the within litter BMI distributions (%) ranging between 17 and 20 kg/m2, and increased the BMI distribution ranging between 14 and 17 kg/m2. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V3-V4 region showed that fecal microbial changes at different taxonomic levels triggered by inulin addition predisposed the pregnant sow to be thinner and lower inflammatory. Meanwhile, fecal microbial composition was also profoundly altered by gestation stage with distinct changes occurring at perinatal period. Most representative volatile fatty acid (VFA) producing-related genera changed dramatically when reaching the perinatal period and varied degrees of increases were detected with inulin addition. Fecal VFA concentrations failed to show any significant effect with dietary intervention, however, were markedly increased at perinatal period. Our findings indicate that positive microbial changes resulted by 1.5% soluble fiber inulin addition would possibly be the potential mechanisms under which maternal body weight, metabolic and inflammatory status and neonatal BMI were improved. Besides, distinct changes of microbial community at perinatal period indicated the mother sow is undergoing a catabolic state with increased energy loss and inflammation response at that period compared with other stages of gestation.

Evaluation of fermented whole crop wheat and barley feeding on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal volatile fatty acid emission, blood constituents, and faecal microbiota in growing pigs

This study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding diets with fermented whole crop wheat (FWW) and fermented whole crop barley (FWB) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood constituents, faecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) emission and faecal microbiota in growing pigs. A total of 200 growing pigs were randomly allotted to five treatments with eight replicates per treatment and five pigs per replicate. Dietary treatments consisted of i) CON (basal diet), ii) 0.5% FWW (CON + 0.5% fermented whole crop wheat), iii) 1.0% FWW (CON + 1.0% fermented whole crop wheat), iv) 0.5% FWB (CON + 0.5% fermented whole crop barley), and v) 1.0% FWB (CON + 1.0% fermented whole crop barley). The digestibility of total dietary fibre was significantly higher in pigs fed FWW diets. The faecal emissions of VFA of pigs fed the fermented treatments was increased significantly compared with CON. Concentrations of cortisol and triglyceride in blood of pigs fed 1.0% FWW were significantly lower than pigs fed CON diets. The pigs fed 1.0% FWB diets had a significantly decreased level of total cholesterol in blood compared with CON. In conclusion, the current results indicated that diets supplemented with FWW and FWB could increase faecal VFA emission and reduce concentration of triglyceride and cortisol, while 0.5% and 1.0% FWW had no negative effects on growth performance, and could increase digestibility of dietary fibre in growing pigs. Keywords: Dietary fibre, faecal short-chain fatty acid emissions, fermented feed, serum parameter, swine

Effect of concentrate feeding sequence on equine hindgut fermentation parameters

Feeding a diet with a small amount of hay and a high proportion of concentrate given in large meals entails a risk of colic to horses as this can impact the hindgut microbial ecosystem. To counteract this potential negative effect, one feeding strategy is to modify the distribution sequence of concentrate and hay. The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of feeding the concentrate meal before or with the hay meal on fermentative parameters postprandial variations in caecum and right ventral colon contents and faeces. We focused on the comparison of pH value and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations between the three compartments. Four horses fitted with two cannulas in the caecum and right ventral colon were fed a 100% hay diet (H) for a 3-week period, and then a 40% concentrate–60% hay diet for two consecutive periods of 3 weeks each. Concentrate and hay were offered simultaneously in two equal meals at 0800 and 1700 h (HC1) during one period, or separately in two equal meals at 0800 and 1600 h for the concentrate and at 1000 and 1730 h for hay (HC2) during the second one. During the 2nd week of each diet period (H, HC1, HC2), caecal, right ventral colonic and faecal samples were collected before (0) and at 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after the morning meal. pH values and VFA concentrations were measured. Adding concentrate to the hay was associated with a decrease of pH value in the caecum, right ventral colon and faeces and an increase of faecal VFA concentrations (P<0.01). An impact of the concentrate feeding sequence was observed on caecal pH and faecal propionate concentration (P<0.001) but none on the other parameters investigated. In the caecum and right ventral colon, pH values decreased and VFA concentrations increased within the range of 4 to 8 h after the morning meal. Our data suggested that the variation of faecal pH could be an indicator of those of the caecal and right ventral colonic pH with a delay of 2 h. The present study showed that hay and commercial pelleted could be safely distributed simultaneously, thus making easier every day horse feeding.

Effect of Replacing Corn Meal with Barely on Fecal Microbial, Gas Emission, and Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA) Concentration in Growing Pig

Effect of Replacing Corn Meal with Barely on Fecal Microbial, Gas Emission, and Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA) Concentration in Growing Pig