Fecal pH Research Articles

Buffering capacity and fecal pH in healthy horses submitted to experimental enteral nutrition

This study set out to determine the impacts of a commercial equine enteral nutrition product on fecal pH, buffering capacity (BC) and physical examination variables. Eight healthy horses were randomly allocated to one of two simultaneous experimental groups in a 4×4 Latin square design. Horses were submitted to 12 hours of solid fasting, then fed increasing doses of the test product via nasogastric tube, as follows: 0% (pure water), 50%, 75% and 100% of the daily recommended dose. Test product doses were diluted in water (1:3) and delivered by bolus feeding. Fecal samples were taken directly from the rectal ampulla prior to (T0) and within 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours of product administration (T3, T6, T12, T24, T36 and T48 respectively). Within 24 to 36 hours of product administration, fecal pH was near 6 (p = 0.01). However, dose variation had no effect on pH. Product dose and sample collection time had a significant impact (p = 0.00) on buffering capacity at pH 6. The more dramatic drop in pH occurred within 24 to 36 hours of product administration, except in horses receiving the 0% dose (water). At pH 5, buffering capacity was affected by dose but not by sample collection time. Soft fecal consistency, increased intestinal motility and fat droplets in fecal samples were noted in most horses. Fecal pH and buffering capacity assessment are indirect tests. Still, results obtained from these tests were deemed useful for detection of intestinal changes, particularly when combined with physical examination. The product had an impact on faecal pH, buffering capacity and intestinal motility, therefore, it is recommended that the formulation be revised.

108 Evaluation of Graded Levels of Grain Distillers Dried Yeast (GDDY) on Apparent Nutrient Digestibility and Stool Quality in Healthy Adult Dogs

Abstract Yeast and distillers’ grains from ethanol products have been included in pet food for many years. However, their combination has not been evaluated in pet food. Grain distillers dried yeast (GDDY) is a combination of fermented grains which is rich in yeast. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of increasing levels of GDDY on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and stool quality in adult dogs. Four extruded diets were fed to twelve adult Beagle dogs in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin Square design. The control diet contained 15% soybean meal (15S) and GDDY was exchanged for soybean meal at either 5%, 10%, or 15% (5G, 10G, 15G). Dogs were fed each dietary treatment for 9-d adaption followed by 5-d total fecal collection. Feces were scored on a 1–5 scale, with 1 representing liquid diarrhea. Titanium dioxide was added to all diets (0.4%) as a marker to estimate digestibility. Data were analyzed using a mixed model in SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC) with treatment as a fixed effect and dog and period as random effects. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed in wet fecal output or fecal pH (average; 112.74g/d and 5.77). Fecal DM and defecations per day were greater (P < 0.05) at elevated levels of GDDY. Stool scores were higher (P < 0.05) when dogs consumed diets containing GDDY versus 15S (average; 3.85 vs 3.67). Organic matter ATTD was the greatest (P < 0.05) for dogs fed 15S compared to GDDY treatments (average; 87.64% vs 86.67%). Dogs fed 10G had the lowest (P < 0.05) ATTD for crude protein compared to all others (average; 87.92% vs 88.78%). These results suggest that levels of GDDY between 5 and 15% are comparable to soybean meal when fed to adult dogs.

Physicochemical, bacteriological, and correlational evaluation of water obtained from boreholes and springs in a sub-urban community

Inadequate safe and portable water supply particularly in underdeveloped and developing countries has been associated with posing serious public health implications, especially as water related diseases continue to be a major health challenge in resource limited settings worldwide. Physicochemical and bacteriological parameters of borehole and spring water sources in a sub-urban community were assessed to determine their potability and correlation index. Twenty (20) water samples, 10 from boreholes and 10 from springs were randomly collected from different locations and analysed using standard microbiological and physicochemical methods. The results were compared with NIS and WHO standards for drinking water. Physicochemical parameters including; temperature, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total hardness, total dissolved solid, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Chloride, Sodium, Nitrate, Ammonium and Potassium were determined following the procedures prescribed by American Public Health Association Standard Method. Results obtained revealed that 99.3% of the analysed physicochemical parameters were within the maximum acceptable limits of NIS and WHO guidelines for drinking water except borehole iron concentration (0.52mg/L) and Manganese concentration (0.14mg/L). The total heterotrophic bacterial count (THB), total coliform count and faecal coliform count ranged from 1.6x103cfu/100ml to 4.7x103cfu/100 ml, 8.0cfu/100ml to 25cfu/ml, 0cfu/100ml to 14cfu/100ml respectively for boreholes, and 1.7x103cfu/100ml to 4.6x103cfu/100ml, 10cfu/100ml to 21cfu/100ml, 9cfu/100ml to 17cfu/100ml respectively for samples from spring water supply. Phenotypic characterization of the samples revealed the presence of certain organisms with pathogenic potentials such as Staphylococcus aureus 27.5%, followed by E. coli 19.6%, P. aeruginosa 11.8%, Klebsiella spp. 9.8%, Enterobacter spp. 7.8%, Enterococcus spp. 7.8%, Lactobacillus spp. 5.9%, Proteus spp. 3.9%, Shigella spp. 3.9% and Vibrio cholerae 2.0%. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed significantly strong positive correlation between total heterotrophic bacteria count and total coliforms (r = 0.643) and strong negative correlation between pH and total dissolved solids (r = -0.640). Other parameters such as faecal coliform, temperature, pH, turbidity, Zinc, Ammonium and Sodium shows significant correlation among variables.

Reducing rumen starch fermentation of wheat with 3% NaOH does not reduce whole tract starch digestibility and increases energy utilization in wethers during heat stress

Previous studies have suggested that feeding slowly fermentable grains might improve heat-tolerance in ruminants, due to increased post-rumen starch digestion and a reduction in the heat increment of feeding. During heat stress gastrointestinal function may be compromised which could impact on the site and extent of digestion. To characterize the in vitro rumen starch and DM disappearance of corn, wheat, and 3% NaOH-treated wheat grains, grain samples were incubated during 0, 5, 8, and 24 h at 39 °C in buffered rumen fluid. Then faecal pH and whole tract apparent starch, DM, and organic matter (OM) digestibility were determined in wethers fed, with either corn (CD), wheat (WD) or 3% NaOH- treated wheat (TWD) based diets during heat stress in two experiments. In experiment 1, 22 wethers were fed either CD or WD (n = 11 per diet) during three different stages in climate controlled rooms: stage 1 (TNFR), 7 days of thermoneutral conditions 18–21 °C and 40–50% relative humidity) and 1.3 times maintenance feed intake; stage 2 (HSFR), 7 days of heat stress (28–38 °C and 30–50% relative humidity) and feed intake as TNFR; and stage 3 (HSFU), 7 days of heat stress as in HSFR stage and 1.5 times maintenance feed intake. In experiment 2, 31 wethers were fed either CD (n = 10), WD (n = 10) or TWD (n = 11) during three different stages with the same temperature and relative humidity regimes as experiment 1, however during TNFR and HSFR stages wethers received 1.7 times maintenance feed intake while in HSFU stage wethers received 2 times maintenance feed intake. After 24 h of incubation, untreated wheat had the fastest rate of starch and DM disappearance followed by 3% NaOH-treated wheat and corn grain (P < 0.001). Wethers fed CD had lower apparent starch (P < 0.001) and higher DM (P < 0.001) and OM (P < 0.001) digestibility than those fed WD, which was associated with lower faecal pH (P < 0.001) and higher faecal starch content (P < 0.001) than wheat diets. 3% NaOH treatment of wheat did not affect the whole tract starch digestibility of wheat being faecal pH and starch content of TWD like WD. At low feed intakes (1.3 times maintenance) there was no effect of heat stress on digestibility whereas at higher feed intakes heat stress reduced starch, OM, and DM digestibility. However, starch digestibility of TWD was similar to WD and metabolizable energy intake, DM and OM digestibility were higher. It is concluded that 3% NaOH treatment of wheat could reduce the rumen starch disappearance (in vitro condition) without reducing the whole tract starch digestibility (tested in vivo) of wheat in heat-stressed wethers. The study demonstrated the treated wheat with NaOH can be a strategy to increase OM digestibility and energy retention of wethers under heat stress.

Effects of oral administration of timothy hay and psyllium on the growth performance and fecal microbiota of preweaning calves

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral administration of fiber from the first week of life on the growth and hindgut environment of preweaning calves. Twenty newborn female Holstein calves were divided into 2 groups as control and treatment. Calves in both groups were reared under the same feeding program except for oral fiber administration. Timothy hay and psyllium were mixed at a 50-to-6 ratio as a treatment diet for oral fiber administration. Calves in the treatment group were orally administered 50 g of fiber daily from 3 to 7 d of age and 100 g of fiber from 8 d of age until weaning. Feed intake and occurrence of diarrhea were recorded daily, and body weight (BW) was recorded weekly for the individual calf. Fresh feces were collected from calves at 7, 21, 35, 49, and 56 d of age to analyze fermentation parameters and microbiota to characterize the hindgut environment. Higher fiber intake in the treatment group due to oral administration of timothy and psyllium did not affect the starter intake and achieved higher BW at 21 d of age. The fecal pH, total volatile fatty acid, lactate, and ammonia nitrogen concentrations were not affected by oral fiber administration; meanwhile, the molar proportion of propionate was higher in the treatment group at 7 d of age. The difference in fecal microbiota in the calves subjected to the oral administration of fiber was observed within 21 d of life; Lactobacillus spp. and Prevotella spp. showed higher abundance, whereas that of Clostridium perfringens was decreased. These higher abundances of beneficial bacteria and lower abundance of pathogenic bacteria during early life may partly explain the higher BW of calves in the treatment group at 21 d of age. Furthermore, no adverse effect was observed for the BW and health status in the treatment group throughout the preweaning period. Therefore, early fiber feeding via oral administration potentially contributes to improving the hindgut environment in newborn calves, which leads to better growth of calves during the early stage of life.

Abomasal infusion of corn starch and β-hydroxybutyrate in early-lactation Holstein-Friesian dairy cows to induce hindgut and metabolic acidosis

The objectives of this study were to induce hindgut and metabolic acidosis via abomasal infusion of corn starch and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), respectively, and to determine the effects of these physiological states in early-lactation dairy cows. In a 6 × 6 Latin square design, 6 rumen-fistulated Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (66 ± 18 d in milk) were subjected to 5 d of continuous abomasal infusion treatments followed by 2 d of rest. The abomasal infusion treatments followed a 3 × 2 factorial design, with 3 levels of corn starch and 2 levels of BHB. The infusions were water as control, 1.5 kg of corn starch/d, 3.0 kg of corn starch/d, 8.0 mol BHB/d, 1.5 kg of corn starch/d + 8.0 mol BHB/d, or 3.0 kg of corn starch/d + 8.0 mol BHB/d. A total mixed ration consisting of 35.0% grass silage, 37.4% corn silage, and 27.6% concentrate (on a dry matter basis) was fed at 90% of ad libitum intake of individual cows. The experiment was conducted in climate respiration chambers to facilitate determination of energy and N balance. Fecal pH decreased with each level of corn starch infused into the abomasum and was 6.49, 6.00, and 5.15 with 0.0, 1.5, and 3.0 kg of corn starch/d, respectively, suggesting that hindgut acidosis was induced with corn starch infusion. No systemic inflammatory response was observed and the permeability of the intestine or hindgut epithelium was not affected by the more acidic conditions. This induced hindgut acidosis was associated with decreased digestibility of nutrients, except for crude fat and NDF, which were not affected. Induced hindgut acidosis did not affect milk production and composition and energy balance, but increased milk N efficiency. Abomasal infusion of BHB resulted in a compensated metabolic acidosis, which was characterized by a clear disturbance of acid-base status (i.e., decreased blood total CO2, HCO3, and base excess, and a tendency for decreased urinary pH), whereas blood pH remained within a physiologically normal range. Abomasal infusion of BHB resulted in increased concentrations of BHB in milk and plasma, but both remained well below the critical threshold values for subclinical ketosis. Induced compensated metabolic acidosis, as a result of abomasally infused BHB, increased energy retained as body fat, did not affect milk production and composition or inflammatory response, but increased intestinal permeability.

Effects of seasonal changes and environmental factors on bioindicator bacteria levels in Çardak Lagoon, Çanakkale Strait, Turkey

Abstract Çardak Lagoon is one of the most important marine environments in the Turkish Strait system, which is home to a variety of organisms. The lagoon is currently under stress and faces the risk of heavy pollution. For this reason, the present state of the lagoon was monitored in this study. During sampling from October 2018 to June 2019, the levels of indicator microorganisms fluctuated up to 4.04 Log10 cfu 100 ml−1 and their presence was found to be higher in warmer seasons. The highest positive correlations were observed for total coliform levels with salinity and chemical oxygen demand, whereas the highest negative correlations were found between the levels of fecal coliforms, pH and temperature. E. coli and fecal streptococci showed moderate correlations with the environmental factors in all seasons. Although nitrite and nitrate (NO2 + NO3) were not significantly correlated with bacteria levels, they were present at elevated levels. Çardak Lagoon showed the lowest microbiological and chemical quality in the summer season, and this situation continued into the autumn season as a possible result of increased wastewater discharge and human activities. The lagoon should therefore be monitored regularly and precautions should be taken to prevent severe ecological deterioration.

Microencapsulated and Lyophilized Lactobacillus acidophilus Improved Gut Health and Immune Status of Preruminant Calves.

The present study was conducted to study the effect of microencapsulated, lyophilized, or fermented milk using Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC15 as a probiotic to improve gut health, growth, nutrient utilization, and immunity status of young crossbred calves. The viable culture of L. acidophilus was used for preparation of different probiotic forms/products. To compare the efficacy of probiotic products, twenty crossbred calves (3-day old) were divided into four groups (n = 5), control (C), fed only milk and basal diet, and treatment groups, supplemented with microencapsulated, fermented, and lyophilized probiotic at 108 colony-forming units, respectively. Probiotic-supplemented groups showed reduction in faecal score, faecal pH, and ammonia concentration as compared to control indicating decreased diarrheal incidence. There was an increase (P < 0.05) in the concentration of faecal lactate and butyrate in the probiotic-supplemented groups. The faecal count (log10 (CFU)/g of fresh faeces) of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria was higher (P < 0.05), whereas faecal coliforms and clostridia count were reduced (P < 0.001) in all the probiotic fed groups as compared to control. The cell-mediated immunity was improved (P < 0.05) in the microencapsulated and fermented probiotic groups. However, there was no effect on the nutrient utilization, average daily gain, and blood biochemical profile. Therefore, it is concluded that the fermented, microencapsulated and lyophilized probiotic products were superior in improving the gut health in terms of its microbiota and metabolites and cell-mediated immunity response in calves, irrespective of form of probiotic. The increased population of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium decreased the colonization of the gut by pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Clostridium by exclusion and production of organic acids in the intestine. This decreased the diarrhoeal incidence (1.3 vs 1.8) and days in diarrhoea (3.9 vs 5.8) in calves in probiotic fed groups as compared to control.

Effect of phytase and carbohydrases supplementation on digestibility, palatability, fecal characteristics and fecal fermentation products in dogs fed plant-protein diet

The use of exogenous enzymes in canine nutrition has been studied as a way to improve the nutritional value of plant by-products. This study conducted 2 experiments to evaluate the effects of exogenous phytase and a complex of carbohydrases supplementation on plant protein based diets for dogs. Dietary treatments consisted of an animal protein-based diet (AD; poultry offal meal and meat-and-bone meal) without enzyme inclusion; a plant protein-based (PD; soybean meal) without enzymes, considered the control diet; PD + 5000 phytase units (FTU)/g (PD + P5); PD + 10,000 FTU/g (PD + P10); PD + 15,000 FTU/g (PD + P15); PD + 50,000 units of a carbohydrase enzyme complex (U)/g (PD + C); PD + a combination of 5000 phytase units FTU/g and 50,000 units of a carbohydrase complex U/g (PD + PC). In experiment 1, 14 dogs were fed the experimental diets and distributed in a randomized block design to assess digestibility, fecal characteristics, and fecal fermentation products. In experiment 2, a palatability test was evaluated in pairs by the means of two comparisons: PD vs. PD + PC and PD + P5 vs. PD + PC, with 16 dogs. The inclusion of PD + PC did not alter the digestibility of the diet (P > 0.05). The inclusion of phytase linearly increased fecal pH, concentrations of acetic and propionic acids, and total production of short-chain fatty acids (P < 0.05) in the feces of the dogs. Dogs fed the diet with enzyme complex (PD + PC) had a greater intake ratio when compared to the PD diet (P < 0.05). There was no difference (P > 0.05) in the first choice of the dogs for a specific diet for any of the comparisons made. Enzyme supplementation did not influence nutrient digestibility, but it increased the ME content of the PD. In addition, supplementation with the carbohydrase complex increased the production of total short-chain fatty acids and reduced fecal dry matter without compromising the acceptance of the diets.

Efficacy and safety of lactase additive in preterm infants with lactose intolerance: a prospective randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE To study the efficacy and safety of lactase additive in improving lactose intolerance in preterm infants. METHODS A total of 60 preterm infants with lactose intolerance who were admitted to the Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2018 to December 2019 were randomly divided into a lactase treatment group and a control group, with 30 infants in each group. The infants in the lactase treatment group were given 4 drops of lactase additive (180 mg) added into preterm formula or breast milk, and those in the control group were given placebo, oral administration of probiotics (live combined Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Enterococcus powder) at half an hour after feeding (1 g each time, twice a day), and clockwise abdominal massage around the belly button at 1 hour after feeding for 15 minutes each time, 3 times a day. Fecal pH, fecal reducing sugar, growth indicators, symptoms of lactose intolerance, and laboratory markers were measured at the end of the first and second weeks after intervention. RESULTS Finally 29 infants in the lactase treatment group and 26 infants in the control group completed the trial. At the end of the first week after intervention, compared with the control group, the lactase treatment group had significantly lower frequency of daily milk vomiting and gastric retention amount (P 5.0 (P 5.0, or negative reducing sugar in feces (P < 0.05). No adverse reactions associated with the lactase additive or probiotics were observed during the trial. CONCLUSIONS Lactase additive can safely and effectively improve the clinical symptoms caused by lactose intolerance in preterm infants.

The Effect of Three Levels of Concentrate and Grain Processing on Feeding Behavior, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Metabolites and Fecal pH Of Turkmen Horses

The aim of this study was to investigate, the effect of different levels of concentrates and grain processing on feeding behavior, nutrient digestibility, fecal pH and blood metabolites in the horse. Sixteen 5 to 11 years old Turkmen horses with an initial body weight 433±50 kg were used in this experiment based on completely randomized design. Four treatments were studied, in three treatments were used 20, 25 and 30% of concentrate containing processed grains (A20, A25 and A30, respectively), and in one treatment was used 25% of concentrate containing whole grain (B25). The amount of feed intake, chewing and swallowing rate and total intake for forage and concentrate were not affected by experimental treatments (P> .05). By increasing the concentrate level up to 30%, the digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ash-free neutral detergent fiber, ash-free acid detergent fiber and digestible energy increased. The highest digestibility coefficients were observed in A30 treatment (P< 0.05). The digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, ash-free neutral detergent fiber and digestible energy in A25 treatment significantly increased compared to B25 (P< 0.05). The concentration of total protein, triglycerides, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein were not affected by experimental treatments (P> 0.05). The concentration of glucose increased with increasing concentrate for treatment A30 (P< 0.05). In conclusion, comparing the two levels of 25% concentrate showed that the use of processed grains compared to unprocessed grains had no effect on feeding behavior, fecal pH and blood parameters. The use of 30% concentrate containing processed grains improved digestion without adversely affecting feeding behavior and fecal pH.

Miscanthus Grass as a Novel Functional Fiber Source in Extruded Feline Diets

Although dietary fiber is not considered an essential nutrient in a complete and balanced diet for felines, it provides a substrate for fermentation by gut microbiota, thus promoting gastrointestinal health through the production of fermentative metabolites, as well as improving laxation. The aim of this research was to evaluate the novel fiber source, Miscanthus grass (Miscanthus giganteus), in comparison with traditional fiber sources and their effects on fecal quality, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), fecal fermentative end products, and microbiota of healthy adult cats. Four dietary treatments were evaluated, differing in dietary fiber source. The diets were formulated to meet or exceed the AAFCO (2018) nutritional profile for adult cats and contained either cellulose (CO), Miscanthus grass fiber (MF), a blend of Miscanthus fiber and tomato pomace (MF + TP), or beet pulp (BP). The study was conducted using a completely randomized design with 28 neutered adult, domesticated shorthair cats (19 females and 9 males, mean age 2.2 ± 0.03 years; mean body weight 4.6 ± 0.7 kg, mean body condition score 5.6 ± 0.6). The experimental period comprised 21 days, and a fresh fecal and a total fecal collection were performed during the last 4 days of the trial period. Daily food intake (DM basis) was similar across all groups (P > 0.05). Additionally, treatment did not affect fecal output (as-is or DM basis), fecal score, or fecal pH (P > 0.05). Cats fed BP had significantly higher total dietary fiber ATTD than all the other treatments (P < 0.05) and the highest concentrations of total short-chain fatty acid, acetate, and propionate (P < 0.05), while butyrate concentrations were similar for all treatments (P > 0.05). Inclusion of dietary fibers was effective in modulating gut microbiota. Cats fed diets containing Miscanthus grass had greater α-diversity than cats fed BP. As no adverse effects on health, fecal quality, or ATTD of macronutrients were observed with the inclusion of 9% Miscanthus grass fiber or fiber blend, the data suggest that Miscanthus grass fiber and fiber blends are viable alternatives to the traditional dietary fiber sources used in commercial extruded feline diets, being most comparable to cellulose.

Effect of Kefir, Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) and the Association Between Yacon and Kefir on Intestinal Physiology in Rats With Colon Cancer

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the effect of consumption of yacon flour, kefir and the association between them on colon cancer induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) in male Wistar rats, SCFA production, fecal pH and intestinal permeability. Methods The study was conducted with 60 adult Wistar rats divided into 5 groups. For 5 weeks, groups T, Y, K and YK received 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) to induce colon cancer. After 5 weeks of DMH administration, animals in groups C and T received the standard diet, group Y received a diet with yacon flour with 5% FOS, group K received 1mL /day of kefir and the YK group received a diet with yacon and kefir, for 15 weeks. After euthanasia, intestinal lesions, intraluminal pH, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and intestinal permeability were analyzed. Results An increase in macroscopic lesions was observed in groups K (58%) and YK (42%) and a reduction of 5% in group Y, compared to group T. In addition, an increase in neoplastic changes was observed in all groups compared to group T: Y (33%), K (67%) and YK (78%). There was no significant difference in the concentrations of acetate and proprionate, pH, lactulose and mannitol between groups, and butyrate was not found in the samples. Conclusions The consumption of yacon flour, kefir and their association did not influence intestinal physiology and promoted the worsening of the development of colon carcinogenesis in rats. Funding Sources FAPES - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e Inovação do Espírito Santo CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico

Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5 Improves Saturated Fat-Induced Obesity Mouse Model Through the Enhanced Intestinal Akkermansia muciniphila

ObjectivesTo investigate the correlation between a single administration of Lactobacillus acidophilus 5 (LA5)–a potent lactic acid-producing bacterium previously been shown to attenuate obesity–vs microbiota alteration. MethodsLA5 was administered daily together at 1 × 108 colonies forming unit with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks in male C57BL/6 mice. Fecal samples with bowel tissues were collected to measure Lactobacillus spp. and Akkermansia spp. Gut permeability, lipid profiles, obesity-induced liver damage, and serum cytokines were also measured. In vitro experiment was conducted by using the HepG2 hepatocyte cell-line with palmitic acid and/or endotoxin. ResultsLA5 attenuated obesity in mice as demonstrated by weight reduction, regional fat accumulation, lipidemia, liver injury, gut permeability defect, endotoxemia, and serum cytokines. Unsurprisingly, LA5 improved these parameters and acidified fecal pH leads to the attenuation of fecal dysbiosis. The fecal microbiome analysis in obese mice with or without LA5 indicated; i) decreased Bacteroideles, ii) reduced total fecal Gram-negative bacterial burdens (the sources of gut LPS), iii) enhanced Firmicutes (Gram-positive bacteria with potential benefits) and iv) increased Verrucomycobia, especially Akkermansia muciniphila, a bacterium with the anti-obesity property. With LA5 administration, A. muciniphila in the colon were more than 2,000 folds higher than the regular diet mice as determined by 16S rRNA. Besides, LA5 produced anti-inflammatory molecules with a similar molecular weight to LPS that reduced cytokine production in LPS-activated HepG2 cells. ConclusionsLA5 attenuated obesity through i) gut dysbiosis attenuation, partly through the promotion of A. muciniphila (probiotics with the difficulty in preparation processes), ii) reduced endotoxemia, and iii) possibly decreased liver injury by producing the anti-inflammatory molecules. Funding SourcesThis research was supported by Thailand Research Fund (RDG6150124), Thailand Government Fund (RSA6080023), the Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development Research and Innovation-CU [Global Partnership B16F630071 and Flagship B05F630073], and Matching fund (RA-MF-12/62). TO was funded by Second Century Fund (C2F), Chulalongkorn University.

Short- and Branched-Chain Fatty Acids as Fecal Markers for Microbiota Activity in Vegans and Omnivores.

A vegan diet could impact microbiota composition and bacterial metabolites like short-chain (SCFA) and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA). The aim of this study was to compare the concentrations of SCFA, BCFA, ammonia, and fecal pH between vegans and omnivores. In this cross-sectional study (vegans n = 36; omnivores n = 36), microbiota composition, fecal SCFA, BCFA, and ammonia concentrations and pH were analyzed in complete stool samples. A random forest regression (RFR) was used to identify bacteria predicting SCFA/BCFA concentrations in vegans and omnivores. No significant differences in SCFA and BCFA concentrations were observed between vegans and omnivores. Fecal pH (p = 0.005) and ammonia concentration (p = 0.01) were significantly lower in vegans than in omnivores, while fiber intake was higher (p < 0.0001). Shannon diversity was higher in omnivores compared to vegans on species level (p = 0.04) only. In vegans, a cluster of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Prevotella copri, Dialister spp., and Eubacterium spp. was predictive for SCFA and BCFA concentrations. In omnivores, Bacteroides spp., Clostridium spp., Ruminococcus spp., and Prevotella copri were predictive. Though SCFA and BCFA did not differ between vegans and omnivores, the results of the RFR suggest that bacterial functionality may be adapted to varying nutrient availability in these diets.

Partial Substitution of Maize for Sorghum With or Without Supplemental Hydrolysable Tannins on Digestibility and Postprandial Glycemia in Adult Dogs.

The effect of partial substitution of maize for sorghum, containing condensed tannins (CT), with or without the addition of a purified hydrolysable tannin extract (HT), on dog apparent digestibility and glycemic response were evaluated. The trial was conducted with eight adult dogs distributed in four treatments: (M) 50% maize; (MS) 25% maize + 25% sorghum; (MHT) 50% maize + 0.10% HT; (MSHT) 25% maize + 25% sorghum + 0.10% HT; in a balanced incomplete Latin square design in three periods, with two dogs per diet, per period. Data were analyzed by ANOVA procedure and glycemic response by repeated measures ANOVA over time (P < 0.05). The phenolic compounds analyzed were not detected after extrusion process, with a reduction mainly in diets containing sorghum. There were no differences in the digestibility coefficients of nutrients and energy between the dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Fecal and urinary characteristics were not changed by the addition of sorghum and HT (P > 0.05). The fecal score remained within the ideal classification as hard, dry, firm stools. A moderate increase in fecal pH was observed on dogs fed diets containing sorghum (P = 0.0948). Additionally, the partial replacement of maize for sorghum associated or not with HT do not alter the glycemic aspects evaluated among dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Availability of nutrients from maize and sorghum were similar. Tannins did not interfere in the nutritional capacity of the ingredients.

53 Relationships Between Fecal Characteristics, Ruminal Ph, Intake and Digestion in Feedlot Cattle

Abstract The objectives were to: 1) determine the relationship of fecal characteristics with ruminal pH, dry matter intake (DMI) and dry matter digestion and 2) determine the ability of fecal characteristics to predict ruminal pH, DMI, and dry matter digestion. Data were collected in two metabolism studies using eighteen ruminally cannulated steers (n = 36). Each study was a completely randomized design evaluating the effect of a direct-fed microbial during an acidosis challenge. Ruminal pH, DMI, total tract DM digestion and fecal characteristics (fecal pH, washed fecal particle size and mucin casts) were measured for 4 d after the acidosis challenge. Rumen pH was not correlated (P ≥ 0.15) with mucin cast score or mean fecal particle size but was negatively associated with fecal pH (r = -0.42; P &amp;lt; 0.01). Total tract DM digestion was correlated (r ≥ 0.53; P ≤ 0.02) to fecal pH and fecal particle sizes between 1180 and 2360 µm. Dry matter intake was correlated (r ≥ 0.41; P &amp;lt; 0.01) to mean fecal particle size and fecal particle sizes between 2360 and 4750 µm. Multiple regressions were performed with the GLMSELECT procedure of SAS 9.4 using stepwise selection. Ruminal pH was best predicted (r2 = 0.20) by fecal pH and fecal particle size between 1400 and 1700 µm. Total tract DM digestion was best predicted (r2 = 0.92) by fecal pH, mucin cast score, and fecal particle size between 3350 and 1700 µm. Dry matter intake was best predicted (r2 = 0.51) by mean fecal particle size, fecal pH and fecal particle size between 1400 and 850 µm. Overall, results indicated fecal pH was correlated to ruminal pH and total tract DM digestion. Fecal characteristics including washed particle size can also predict total tract DM digestion in feedlot cattle.

Orange fibre effects on nutrient digestibility, fermentation products in faeces and digesta mean retention time in dogs

ABSTRACT Fermentable fibres are used in commercial dog food to promote intestinal health by providing substrates for better metabolic activity of the gut microbiota. Brazil is the world’s largest producer of oranges, from which it is possible to obtain fibre with a relevant soluble fraction. The present study compared the effects of two inclusions of orange fibre (1% and 3%, on as fed basis) with a negative control (without addition of fibre source) and two positive controls, beet pulp (3%) and purified inulin (1%), totalling five extruded diets for dogs. The experiment followed a randomised block design with 4 blocks of 10 dogs, 2 dogs per food in each block, totalling 8 dogs per diet. The apparent total tract nutrient digestibility was determined by total faecal collection. Faecal pH and fermentation product content were also measured. The digesta mean retention time (DMRT) was evaluated using plastic markers. The inclusion of a 3% fibre source in diets with 3% orange fibre and beet pulp reduced DM, OM, and energy digestibility (p < 0.05). Diets with 3% orange fibre, beet pulp and 1% inulin presented lower crude protein digestibility than the control (p < 0.05). Dietary fibre digestibility was higher for orange fibre-supplemented diets than inulin (p < 0.05). Beet pulp and 3% orange fibre inclusions resulted in increased moisture content in the faeces of dogs (p < 0.05) but did not alter DMRT. Total short-chain fatty acids were higher than the control in the faeces of dogs fed both orange fibre levels and the beet pulp-supplemented diet (p < 0.05), and the inulin diet-fed dogs presented intermediate values. Butyrate was higher in the faeces of dogs fed the diets supplemented with 1% and 3% orange fibre (p < 0.05), and similar values to the control were observed for beet pulp- and inulin-fed animals. Thus, it was concluded that orange fibre presented higher apparent total tract dietary fibre digestibility than beet pulp and had a fermentation profile in the colon that promoted the generation of butyrate, an effect not observed for inulin and beet pulp.

68 Effect of a marine-sourced calcium on fecal pH in horses

Lithothamnium calcareum (LC) is a red, marine algae containing calcite in its cell walls. LC has been touted for its gastroprotective effects in horses attributed to the increased surface area of its honeycomb structure allowing greater acid-buffering capacity versus calcium carbonate. Effects on the equine hindgut have not been evaluated. This pilot study aimed to determine if LC (CalseaPowder, Nuwen, France) fed to horses at a rate of 4.6g/kg finished feed would alter fecal pH. Twelve mature horses (12.5 yrs ± 1.4, mean ± SEM, 6 mares, 6 geldings) in moderate exercise in the Ohio State ATI equine program participated in a randomized crossover study. Horses were maintained on 1.2-ha fields and brought into the barn for feeding and riding sessions. Horses transitioned onto the control feed over 2 wks (CON: SAFE ‘N EASY Performance, BUCKEYE Nutrition, Dalton, OH, 1.2% total Ca, 100% added was CaCO 3 ), formulated to meet or exceed NRC 2007 requirements for mature horses in light-moderate work. Horses were randomly assigned to receive either CON or CAL (CON + LC , 1.2% total Ca, added 74% CaCO 3 , 26% calcite) during the first test period then crossed over for the second. Horses acclimated to CON or CAL for 2 wks and were offered 0.5 kg feed per 100 kg bodyweight, divided into 2 feedings (0700 and 1600). Horses had access to mixed grass forage to supplement pasture, fresh water and salt ad libitum . At the end of the first 2-week trial period, horses were brought into stalls bedded with sawdust and observed. All fecal samples were collected immediately upon defecation (within 1–3 h post feeding) from the middle of the top of the manure pile to avoid bedding contamination and analyzed. Within 5 min, approximately 10 mL of fecal water was squeezed through cheesecloth from freshly defecated samples and stirred for 60s. Fecal water pH was then measured in duplicate with a calibrated pH meter. Diets were switched and the protocol repeated with 2 wk acclimation. Statistical analyses utilized R version 3.6.3, with significant differences declared when P ≤ 0.05. A linear mixed effect model was used with pH vs. diet and horse as a random effect. A Dunnett post-hoc comparison between the 2 diet groups was applied. There was no effect of period ( P = 0.66). There was an effect of diet ( P < 0.001). Horses consuming CAL had higher fecal water pH (6.87 ± 0.2; mean ± SD) compared with CON (6.69 ± 0.2). LC may be useful in supporting hindgut health in horses, especially when such changes in pH become clinically relevant (e.g., acidosis). Future work should examine the effects of different doses of LC on hindgut pH and its effects on the microbial population.

54 Evaluation of gastric health in cribbing horses fed a digestive support supplement

Cribbing is a stereotypic oral behavior whereby the horse places its incisors on a fixed object, arches its neck, pulls against the object, and emits an audible grunt. Cribbing behavior (CB) has been associated with gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction and gastric ulceration. This randomized crossover study tested the hypothesis that dietary inclusion of a commercially available equine GI support supplement (Legends Gastrocare, Cargill, Wayzata, MN) would alter the GI environment and gastric ulcer severity in normal and cribbing horses. Mature Quarter Horses with CB (n = 4) and sex-matched non-cribbing controls (NCB; n = 4) were randomly assigned to receive either a GI support supplement (TRT) or placebo for 21 d, followed by a 2-wk washout period. Treatment groups were then switched and horses were treated for an additional 21 d. Before and after each treatment period, gastric and fecal pH were measured, and gastric ulcer severity was evaluated via endoscopic examination using an established grading system for squamous (0–4) and glandular gastric ulceration (0–1). Horses were acclimated for 2 wk before the start of the study, and throughout the study were individually stalled 16 h/d and fed bermudagrass hay (1.2% BW, DM basis) and concentrate (0.5% BW) and turned out in pairs in paddocks 8 h/d. Data were analyzed by mixed-model ANOVA with treatment, cribbing status (CB or NCB) and period included as fixed effects, and horse as a random effect. Data are presented as means ± SD. Fecal pH (6.5 ± 0.1) and gastric pH (2.9 ± 0.5) were similar between CB and NCB horses and were unaffected by TRT. Squamous mucosa ulcer scores did not differ between CB and NCB, and were unaffected by TRT. However, within CB horses, squamous ulcer severity scores were greater (indicating more severe ulceration) ( P = 0.003) with TRT (3.9 ± 0.6) than placebo (1.4 ± 0.3). Based on this pilot study, administration of a commercial GI support supplement did not alter gastric or fecal pH in normal or CB horses. Ongoing serum cortisol, serum gastrin, and microbiome analyses may help to explain the differences in gastric ulceration severity noted in CB horses when receiving TRT versus placebo. Collectively, these findings add to the growing body of literature regarding GI environment and pathophysiology in horses exhibiting CB.