Roughage Research Articles

Dietary Fiber Intake and Chronic Diseases Outcome During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can cause many complications and chronic diseases. Dietary intervention has been impressed on the prevention and treatment of diseases during pregnancy. Reasonable dietary intake and nutritional fortification can contribute to decrease the risk diseases during pregnancy. Common pregnant diseases are postpartum depression, obesity, and diabetes. This paper is to review the maternal nutrition and the effect of fiber diet in patients with gestational diseases. It is well known that pregnant women require additional nutrition due to a series of alterations in the body's regular metabolic processes following fertilization. In addition to that, nutrition is regarded to be related to weight gain and gestational diabetes, which in turn affects the mental health of pregnant women negatively, hence improving nutritional intake may reduce these complications and their related short- and long-term morbidity. It has synthesized that pregnancy physiological changes may reveal the risk of chronic diseases, including insulin resistance and dyslipidemia as manifestations of diabetes and obesity. Although the direct influence of dietary soluble fiber on intestinal microbiota has been extensively researched, the impact of a high-fiber diet on pregnancy illnesses has yet to be properly investigated. Qualitative analysis shows that dietary fiber benefits to alleviate the impacts where pregnant diseases bring. High fiber dietary can control the calories intake and improve insulin resistant. Furthermore, dietary fiber is thought to be one of the dietary components that might help avoid the development of unfavorable mental health. Therefore, emphasize that the intake of dietary fiber is significantly vital to help improve maternal and child health.

Gut Microbiome Modification through Dietary Intervention in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: Protocol for a Prospective, Interventional, Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial in Patients with Scheduled Surgical Intervention for CRC.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second cause of cancer death worldwide. Several factors have been postulated to be involved in CRC pathophysiology, including heritable and environmental factors, which are the latest to be closely associated with nutritional habits, physical activity, obesity, and the gut microbiota. The latter may also play a key role in CRC prognosis and derived complications in patients undergoing surgery. This is a single-center, open, controlled, randomized clinical trial, in patients with scheduled surgical intervention for CRC. The primary objective is to assess whether a pre-surgical nutritional intervention, based on a high-fiber diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), can reduce disturbances of the gut microbiota composition and, consequently, the rate of post-surgical complications in patients with CRC. Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio after receiving a diagnosis of CRC. In the control arm, patients will receive standard nutritional recommendations, while patients in the intervention arm will be advised to follow a high-fiber diet rich in PUFAs before surgery. Participants will be followed up for one year to evaluate the overall rate of postsurgical complications, recurrences of CRC, response to adjuvant therapy, and overall/disease-free survival.

Abstract 6060: Can the gut microbiota both radiosensitize tumors and spare normal tissue toxicity

Abstract Background: New non-toxic radiosensitizers are needed in the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer because elderly patients are vulnerable to chemotherapy-related toxicity of currently available radiosensitizers. Our previous study showed that high fiber diets sensitized RT112 xenografts to ionizing radiation (IR) by modifying the gut microbiome and this phenotype was positively correlated with B.acidifaciens (BA) abundance. It is noted that gut microbiota can enhance anti-tumoral responses, so we hypothesise that gut microbiota including BA may radiosensitize tumors via secretion of metabolites and immunomodulation. Methods: UPPL1591 mouse bladder cancer cell line flank xenografts were implanted into C57BL/6 mice (an immune-competent setting) at the same time as starting low (0.2% cellulose) and high fiber (5% psyllium, 5% psyllium plus 10% resistant starch/10% inulin) diets for their lifetime (N=30). 16S rRNA sequencing, IC-MS, IHC and the Nanostring platform were used for gut microbiota, untargeted metabolomics, and local tumor immunity analyses. For normal tissue toxicity studies, mice received 10-14 Gy IR (N=84). We used an intestinal crypt assay and FACS analysis of spleen to assess acute normal effects in small intestine and systemic immunity. Cell viability, clonogenic assay and Western blotting were used to validate the cytotoxic and radiosensitizing effects of bacterial supernatants on RT112 human bladder cancer cells (N=3). Results: Psyllium plus either resistant starch (RS, p=0.007) or inulin (p<0.001) significantly decreased tumors size. Psyllium plus inulin raised inosine-producing bacteria (p<0.001) and faecal inosine levels (p<0.001) which has been shown to enhance immunotherapy efficacy. Increased systemic (p=0.189) and local (p=0.024) anti-tumoral T cell responses were observed in the psyllium plus inulin group. Furthermore, the two diets mitigated the radiation injury from 14 Gy in intestinal crypt assays (p=0.011) and increased systemic immunity, with higher populations of B (p=0.024), cytotoxic T (p=0.019) and helper T (p<0.001) cells. Psyllium plus RS or inulin significantly increased caecal size (p<0.001), implying higher fermentation levels. We previously found inulin can enhance the relative abundance of BA. The supernatants of co-cultures of BA and F.praunitzii (FP, butyrate-producer) conferred greater cytotoxity than BA alone (p<0.001) or co-cultures of Bifidobacterium and FP (p<0.001), and also increased histone acetylation levels. Bacterial supernatants of BA increased DNA damage with 5Gy IR (p<0.05) and radiosensitivity of bladder tumour cells (p=0.008 at 8Gy). Conclusions: B.acidifaciens is a potential radiosensitiser with enhanced efficacy in combination with butyrate-producing bacteria. Our in vivo experiments suggest a role for inosine and cytotoxic T cells generated by the gut microbiota in radiosensitisation of bladder tumors. Citation Format: Chee Kin Then, Salome Paillas, Xuedan Wang, Mariya Misheva, James McCullagh, Kevin R. Foster, Anne E. Kiltie. Can the gut microbiota both radiosensitize tumors and spare normal tissue toxicity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 6060.

Dietary Fiber to Starch Ratio Affects Bovine Milk Oligosaccharide Profiles

ABSTRACTBackgroundBovine milk oligosaccharides (BMOs) have several demonstrated and hypothesized benefits including roles in cognitive development and antipathogenic activities, making them promising ingredients for infant formulas and nutraceutical applications. BMO extraction from bovine milk is challenged by low concentrations relative to nonbioactive simple sugars like lactose. BMO abundances are known to vary with a cow's lactation stage, breed, and parity, but these characteristics are difficult to modify in existing dairy herds. In contrast, diet modification is an accessible target, and is already known to influence milk yield, lipid content, protein levels, and monosaccharide compositions.ObjectivesTo determine the impact of a low starch high fiber versus a high starch low fiber diet on overall BMO profiles and individual BMO abundances in Holstein dairy cattle.MethodsMilk samples were collected from 59 midlactation Holsteins in a crossover study featuring dietary modification with either a low starch high fiber or high starch low fiber feed. BMO profiles were evaluated by nano-LC quadrupole time-of-flight tandem MS, and differences in BMO abundances between diets were evaluated using linear mixed effects modeling.ResultsA total of 19 BMOs were identified across the sample set, including 4 large fucosylated compounds. Seven BMOs were found to have significantly more positive percent changes in yield-adjusted abundance from the pre-experiment baseline period for milk samples collected during feeding with the low starch high fiber diet compared with the high starch low fiber diet.ConclusionsConsuming the low starch high fiber diet promoted greater overall BMO production than the high starch low fiber diet in a population of midlactation Holsteins. Additionally, this study afforded the opportunity to investigate the impact of other factors potentially influencing BMO abundances, furthering understanding of how dairy herd management practices can positively impact milk composition and support the potential use of BMOs as functional ingredients.

Effect of Replacing Cellulose With Primarily Insoluble Fiber on the Microbiome and Short Chain Fatty Acids, and Fecal Calprotectin in Mice Fed a High Fat Diet

ObjectivesMost semi-purified rodent diets contain only cellulose as the fiber source, and do not provide diverse fermentable substrates for the gut microbiota. The focus of this work was to determine how replacing cellulose with a mix of cereal fiber, pectin and beta-glucan affected the gut microbiota, short chain fatty acids, and fecal calprotectin in C57BL/6 mice.MethodsUsing a suggested, one day, adequate fiber human diet from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), the relative proportions of cellulose (57%), hemicellulose (20%), lignin (4%), pectin (15%) and beta-glucan (4%) were estimated using a food composition database. A combination of oat hull fiber, pectin and beta-glucan was added to a 45% kcal from fat rodent diet to provide these fiber sources at the typical US nutrient density (9g/1000 kcal), or at the IOM recommended level (14 g/1000 kcal). Mice were fed the experimental diets for 16 weeks. Cecal and fecal samples were collected at the end of the study and the microbiome was determined by 16S rRNA sequencing, short chain fatty acids by GC-FID, and fecal calprotectin by ELISA.ResultsThere were no differences in weight gain, final weight, and lean mass, but for mice fed the low fiber diet there was a trend for lower % fat mass (p = 0.08). There were no differences in either alpha or beta diversity in the cecal or fecal microbiome samples. According to the Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe), at the genus level, the DIO diet was characterized by Lactococcus, the high fiber diet by Allobaculum, and the low fiber diet by Enterococcus. There were no significant differences in cecal SCFAs, but there was a trend for mice fed the high fiber diet to have more acetate (p = 0.053) and less isobutyrate (p = 0.06) and isovalerate (p = 0.07). There were no differences in empty cecum weight nor colon length. However, mice fed the low fiber diet had significantly more fecal calprotectin than mice fed the DIO or high fiber diets (p < 0.01).ConclusionsAdding a blend of purified fibers to the DIO diet resulted in few effects on the microbiome composition or metabolism. However, there was a trend for mice fed the higher fiber to have less body fat. In addition, increasing the fiber intake from typical US levels to those recommended by the IOM was associated with less gut inflammation, as measured by calprotectin.Funding SourcesFunded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Fruit and Vegetable Intake Differences between Body Mass Index (BMI) Classes Among College-Aged Young Adults

ObjectivesObesity continues to be a concern in the United States. A high-fiber diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, can reduce the risk of obesity and many chronic conditions. However, most Americans consume fewer than the 5–9 servings of fruits and vegetables recommended per day by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Health interventions in young adults are likely to produce healthful habits that last a lifetime. This study examined whether fruit and vegetable intake differed between healthy weight and overweight participants in a sample of college-aged young adults.MethodsA survey, including a food frequency questionnaire and self-reported height and weight, measured average daily fruit and vegetable intake in a sample of college-aged young adults (N = 274). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and independent t-test was used to measure differences in fruit and vegetable intake based on BMI classification (healthy weight: BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2 [n = 152] vs overweight: BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 [n = 109]). Underweight participants (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 [n = 13]) were excluded from analysis.ResultsFruit intake differed based on BMI classification (p = 0.01). Participants with a healthy weight reported consuming slightly more fruit than overweight participants (1.44 ± 1.66 < vs 1.01 ± 1.04 servings/day). However, there was no significant difference in vegetable intake between healthy weight and overweight participants (p = 0.60, 1.85 ± 1.52 vs 1.76 ± 1.27 servings/day).ConclusionsFiber and water in fruits may contribute to feelings of fullness, decreased overeating, and a healthier weight. While fruit and vegetable consumption can contribute to a healthy weight and other benefits, this study shows that fruit and vegetable consumption are not the sole drivers of a healthy weight. It also suggests the need for education about caloric balance, portion control, and physical activity, which are contributors to weight and BMI status.Funding SourcesNot applicable.

A Low-Starch and High-Fiber Diet Intervention Impacts the Microbial Community of Raw Bovine Milk

A more sustainable dairy cow diet was designed that minimizes use of feed components digestible by monogastric animals by increasing the quantity of forages. This study determined if feeding lactating cows the more sustainable, low-starch and high-fiber (LSHF) diet was associated with changes in raw milk microbiota composition and somatic cell count (SCC). In a crossover design, 76 lactating Holstein cows were assigned to an LSHF diet or a high-starch and low-fiber (HSLF) diet, similar to common dairy cow diets in the United States, for 10 wk then placed on the opposite diet for 10 wk. The LSHF diet contained greater quantities of forages, beet pulp, and corn distillers' grain, but contained less canola meal and no high-moisture corn compared with the HSLF diet. Raw milk samples were collected from each cow 4-5 d before intervention and 5 wk into each diet treatment. Within 4 d, additional milk samples were collected for measurement of SCC using Fossmatic 7. The microbial community was determined by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene V4-V5 region and analyzing sequences with QIIME2. After quality filtering, 53 cows remained. Raw milk microbial communities differed by diet and time. Taxa associated with fiber consumption, such as Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Methanobrevibacter, were enriched with the LSHF diet. Meanwhile, taxa associated with mastitis, such as Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, and Enterobacteriaceae, were enriched with the HSLF diet. Relatedly, an interaction of diet and time was found to impact SCC. In raw milk, consumption of an LSHF diet compared with an HSLF diet was associated with changes in abundance of microbes previously associated with fiber consumption, udder health, and milk spoilage. Further research is needed to determine if an LSHF diet indeed leads to lower rates of mastitis and milk spoilage, which could benefit the dairy industry.

Diet-Associated Variability in the Elderly Gut Microbiome

ObjectivesThe gut microbiome adapts to diet variations, which contribute to interindividual variability in human host metabolism and environmental factors. Microbe-diet studies have largely focused on specific diets (e.g., high-fat Western, Mediterranean-style) in American and European populations, with limited studies on compositionally-different diets in Asian populations. This study aimed to understand how diet composition modulates the gut microbiome in a Singapore multi-ethnic population.MethodsWe performed metagenomic sequencing of faecal samples from 118 healthy individuals (66 ± 5 years old), and estimated their food and nutrient intakes from 3-day food records (IRB-2018–01-011). Multivariate associations between microbial composition (species) and functional potentials (pathways, enzymes) with diet variables were analysed using linear mixed models with Benjamin-Hochberg correction, and adjusted for age, sex, BMI, physical activity, energy intake and medications. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance, based on Bray-Curtis dissimilarity metric, was applied to quantify variance within the microbiome that is explained by diet variables.ResultsWe found gut microbes (5 phyla, >100 species) significantly associated with one of four observed dietary patterns (P < 0.05), various food groups and nutrients (q < 0.1). The microbiome was driven by intake and diversity of plant-based foods. Parabacteroides and Blautia species, and microbial metabolism of energy, carbohydrate and glycan were associated with increased intakes of white rice and noodles. Prevotella species were associated with increased intakes of legumes, wholegrains and plant protein. Lachnospira, Clostridiumand Fournierella species, and microbial lipid metabolism were associated with energy-dense diet. Lastly, Firmicutes, Eubacterium, Ruminococcus and Roseburia species as well as microbial regulation of amino acid metabolism were associated with high-fibre diet.ConclusionsThis study provides new insights into gut microbial variations by distinct Asian dietary composition, supporting the feasibility of intervening habitual diets to reshape the gut microbiome for better health.Funding SourcesThis project was funded by LKC, CONIC and ARISE, NTU, and NTU-CSIRO Precision Health and Technologies Seed Fund.

Gut Microbiome Responses to a 4-Week High-Fiber Feeding: Preliminary Findings

ObjectivesDietary components high in fiber have been shown to uniquely influence the gut microbiome through growth of beneficial bacteria. To determine if fiber from a pulse source (pea fiber) improves microbiome profiles, we tested the hypothesis that a high-fiber (HiFi) diet will result in improvements in microbial composition and diversity compared to a low-fiber (LowFi) diet.MethodsIn a parallel arm, repeated-measures design, overweight or obese adult males and females with at least one characteristic of the metabolic syndrome, were randomly assigned to consume a standard diet consisting of 25g/d (HiFi) or 5g/d (LowFi) of added pea fiber for 4 weeks (HiFi: n = 5, mean ± SD, BMI 30.1 ± 2.4 kg/m2, 30.6 ± 9.9 y; LowFi: n = 5, BMI 28.6 ± 3.4 kg/m2, 32.2 ± 11.7 y). The intervention meals were matched for palatability, energy, and macronutrient composition. Fecal sampling was performed on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 of the intervention for a total of 50 samples. Gut microbiome composition was assessed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing.ResultsAlpha diversity as assessed by the Shannon index remained unchanged in both the HiFi and LowFi groups after 4 weeks. Beta diversity analysis (by Principal Coordinates) demonstrated that there was a statistically significant difference in microbial composition between the HiFi and LowFi group (p = 0.0001, F = 4.04) but no significant effect of time (p = 1, F = 0.28). There were differences seen in the microbial taxa in both groups at day 0 in comparison to the days after. For example, members of the genus Blautia, and Subdoligranulum (belonging to the phylum Firmicutes, known producers of short chain fatty acids (SCFA)) were low at day 0 in the HiFi group but increased from day 7 through day 28. These genera were unchanged in the LowFi group.ConclusionsThese preliminary results provide evidence of differential effects of HiFi compared to LowFi diets on the gut microbiome, particularly an increase in SCFA producers with HiFi.Funding SourcesUniversity of Missouri and NIH-K01- NHLBI.

Four Dietary Patterns Observed Within an Elderly Asian Cohort

ObjectivesDietary indices are largely established in American and European populations to measure diet quality based on the predominant food type and quantity consumed in those countries. However, applying these dietary indices to Asian or South Asian populations is complicated by diverse region-specific eating patterns, cultures and food availability. A challenge exists to identify a more relevant dietary index that agrees with distinct dietary patterns within the multi-ethnic Singapore context and what measures of dietary quality are appropriate for the unique food availability. This study aimed to characterise dietary patterns and quality in older Singapore individuals.MethodsDaily energy, food and nutrient intakes were estimated from 2 sets of 3-day food records (IRB-2018–01-011)using an in-house and public databases (Singapore Food and Nutrient Composition database, and Phenol-Explorer). Diet composition was categorised into 33 food groups and hierarchical clustering (Ward's method) was performed to characterise habitual dietary patterns based on energy intake. Adherence to Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and MEDI-LITE score were assessed. Differences in energy, food groups and nutrients were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis test and permutational multivariate analysis of variance.ResultsWe observed four distinct dietary patterns- i) noodle/rice-based diet, ii) highly refined diet, iii) energy-dense diet and iv) high-fibre diet consumed by 21%, 27%, 36% and 16% of the cohort, respectively (66 ± 5 years old, 1640–1874 kcal/day). Two patterns comprised high intakes of refined foods (i.e., white rice, bread, noodles), differed substantially from Western or Mediterranean diets and were characterised by higher visceral trunk fat. In contrast, the high-fibre pattern had favourable cardiometabolic risk markers and reduced body fat. These dietary patterns did not fit with HEI and MEDI-LITE score, considering the preference for rice, noodles and spices in Asian diets, and reduced preference for cereals, olive oil and red wine (emphasised in MEDI-LITE score).ConclusionsStudying populations exposed to regionally diverse food components challenge the relevance of applying previously established diet indices.Funding SourcesThis project was funded by LKC, CONIC and ARISE, NTU, and NTU-CSIRO Precision Health and Technologies Seed Fund.

From the President and IFST News

From the President and <scp>IFST</scp> News

Effectiveness of early mobilisation versus laxative use in reducing constipation in post-operative orthopaedic patients: an integrative review

Objective: To explore which nursing intervention: early mobilisation versus laxative use, is more effective in reducing constipation in post-operative orthopaedic patients who require strong analgesia. Background: The use of opioids to manage pain in orthopaedic patients causes post-operative constipation. Nursing interventions used to relieve constipation in patients post-operatively include encouraging patients to eat a high fibre diet, to increase their hydration, to mobilise and to use laxatives. However, varying results have been demonstrated on the effects of early mobilisation and laxative use, specifically in managing opioid-induced constipation. Study design and methods: An integrative literature review was used to identify articles from online databases between January 2000 and June 2020. Grey literature was also utilised. Data were quality appraised, extracted, and thematic analysis was used to synthesise the results. Results: The use of laxatives was effective in some studies, while some studies found laxatives to be either ineffective or partially effective. Most of the studies and grey literature recommended early mobilisation, however not in isolation, but in conjunction with other interventions including increased fibre, fluid intake and laxative use. Discussion: Although the benefits of early mobilisation have been identified, it is not advocated for independently and is usually advocated for in conjunction with other interventions such as a diet high in fibre, increased water intake along with laxative use. Laxatives used as the first line of constipation treatment are not always effective. Multiple doses are often required as they may not deal with the underlying cause of opioid-induced constipation. Conclusion: This study determined there is no clear evidence to support a singular course of action; early mobilisation or laxative use. Each intervention potentially contributes to preventing constipation therefore both interventions should be utilised concurrently. Implications for research, policy, and practice: Post-operative constipation is an ongoing problem in this subset of patients. However, there is always a need for reviewing current practices and re-educating and reminding patients and staff of the benefits of a multipronged approach. Practices recommended include discouraging bedpans, following protocols, documentation and having an open dialogue with patients. Further research is needed to examine the effectiveness of early mobilisation only in relieving constipation in post-operative orthopaedic patients and orthopaedic patients in general who require strong analgesia. What is already known about the topic? The continuous use of opioids to manage pain post-operatively in orthopaedic patients results in opioid-induced constipation. The advice given currently advocates a mix of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to relieve constipation. What this paper adds: There is no evidence that either early mobilisation or laxatives are effective in preventing post-operative constipation. Both interventions should be utilised concurrently. Research addressing whether early mobilisation only can relieve constipation is needed.

P85. Xylanase supplementation improves performance and alters the microbiome of lactating sows fed low or high fibre diets

P85. Xylanase supplementation improves performance and alters the microbiome of lactating sows fed low or high fibre diets

P157. Role of the cecum on faecal microbial community structure in finisher pigs using a caecectomized pig model

The cecum is a major site of fermentation of dietary nutrients. In the pig, there is a knowledge gap pertaining to the role of the cecum in nutrient metabolism and health. The objective of this preliminary work was to develop a caecectomized pig model and to evaluate cecum microbial community structure in cecectomized finisher pigs fed a high fibre diet. Caecectomies were performed at the nursery to grower phase transition (∼ 63 d of age) prior to the experiment. A total of 10 barrows (initial BW = 83 kg; ∼112 d of age) were allotted to 1 of 2 treatments (5 replicates/treatment) in a 4 wk experiment. Treatments consisted of caecectomized (CEC-) or cecum intact (CTRL) pigs. All pigs were fed a moderately complex, high fibre (soy hulls included at 25%) finisher diet (3,006 ME kcal/kg) during the entirety of the trial. Data was analysed using PROC MIXED procedures of SAS with treatment as fixed effect and initial BW block as random effect. No differences were observed in BW on d 0 (82.92 vs 83.92 kg) or d 28 (110.78 vs 114.36 kg) between treatments (CEC- vs CTRL, respectively). During wk 4 CTRL pigs tended to have greater (P<0.09) ADFI compared to CEC- pigs (4.39 vs. 3.45 kg/d). Faecal samples (obtained on d 0, 14, and 28) were used to evaluate phylum-level bacterial community structure by sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. No significant differences were observed in microbial community structure between treatments over the time course of the experiment. Preliminary data suggests there may be utility in development of a caecectomized pig model to evaluate the role of the caecum in pig nutrient metabolism and health. Additional analyses are in process to investigate fibre digestion kinetics and bacterial community structure at the genus/species levels.

P158. The evaluation of caecal and faecal microbial community structure in caecum-cannulated grower pigs fed a high fibre diet

P158. The evaluation of caecal and faecal microbial community structure in caecum-cannulated grower pigs fed a high fibre diet

Chewing dynamics of Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) maintained under semi-intensive and intensive management systems in Ladakh, India

The present study was conducted in mid October 2019 to compare the chewing dynamics and nutritional analysis of feed, fodder and concentrate fed to Bactrian camel raised under semi-intensive and intensive management systems in Leh and Nubra valley, Ladakh. Number of chews per bolus was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in camels reared for tourist activities under semi-intensive managementsystem, consuming high fiber diet in comparison to animals raised under intensive management system and fed diet with lower fiber content. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), the major browse species available for camel in Ladakh appeared to have high nutritional value in terms of organic matter, crude fiber and crude protein than Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) hay. From the present study, it can be concluded that management system and fiber content of the diet have significant effect on chewing dynamics inBactrian camel.

Effects of Oat Complex High-Fiber Formula Powder on the Composition of Intestinal Microbiota and Enzyme Activities in Mice Induced by a High-Fat Diet.

Using oat-corn-konjac extruded mixed powder, oat bran micro powder, skim milk powder, Pueraria whole powder, and pumpkin powder as raw materials, a formula powder with high dietary fiber was prepared, and its effect on obesity in mice with a high-fat diet was investigated. After 7 days of adaptive feeding, the mice were divided into blank group, high-fat diet group, formula powder + high-fat diet group, and weight-loss drug + high-fat diet group. After 8 weeks of treatment, the body weight of mice were observed and measured to determine the composition of tract flora, liver leptin content, insulin content, and activities of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), fatty acid synthetase (FAS), sterol-regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs), and acetyl CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1). The results indicated that treatment with the formula powder could reduce the body weight of mice and increase the abundance of Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia, and Romboutsia compared to the group given a high-fat diet. Moreover, the leptin and insulin contents of the experimental group decreased from 5.67 μg/L to 0.12 μg/L and from 12.71 μg/L to 7.13 μg/L, respectively, compared to the control group, which was not significantly different from the blank group (P > 0.05). Also, the activities of AMPK and LPL increased, and the activities of FAS, SREBPs, and ACC1 were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Some pathogenic bacteria were significantly positively correlated with leptin and FAS and significantly negatively correlated with LPL. Some beneficial bacteria were positively correlated with LPL. Therefore, the formula powder used in this study could reduce the body weight of mice, increase the abundance of some beneficial bacteria in the colonic intestinal microbiota, and improve the activities of enzymes related to lipid metabolism in the liver. This study provides a theoretical reference for the pathway by which high-fiber diet improves liver and intestinal metabolic abnormalities.

Effects of País grape marc inclusion in high and low forage diets: ruminal fermentation, methane production and volatile fatty acids

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of País grape marc (GM) in high (HF) and low forage (LF) ruminant diets on rumen methane (CH4) production and fermentation parameters in an in vitro (batch) culture. Experimental treatments replaced forage for GM at increasing concentrations (0, 10%, 20% dry matter [DM]) in the incubation substrates. Gas production (GP) and CH4 production were measured at 6, 12 and 24 h of incubation and in vitro DM disappearance, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) were determined at 24 h. The inclusion of 10% and 20% of GM reduced NH3-N concentrations (p < 0.001) by 48% and 58% respectively, and GM20 inclusion reduced BCVFA concentrations (p = 0.049) by 21% for HF and by 11% LF. Inclusion of 20% GM reduced the percentage of CH4 in gas (p = 0.038), CH4 production (p = 0.004) and CH4 yield (p = 0.027), but leads to a reduction of in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) (p < 0.001), gas production (p < 0.001) and total VFA (p = 0.001). In conclusion, in batch culture conditions, partial substitution of fibre sources by País GM in high and low fibre diets has the potential to reduce NH3-N concentrations and CH4 production and yield with a reduction of IVDMD. HIGHLIGHTS País GM reduces up to 58% in vitro NH3-N rumen concentrations regardless of forage level in the diet. Partial substitution of fibre sources with País GM reduces methane production by up to 15%. Partial substitution of forage sources with País grape marc has the potential to improve livestock systems sustainability.

A high-starch vs. high-fibre diet: effects on the gut environment of the different intestinal compartments of the horse digestive tract

BackgroundHorses are often fed high amounts of starch in their diets despite the well-established benefits of a fibre-based diet to promote gut health and animal welfare. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of two different diets – one based on high amounts of starch (HS) vs. one base on high amounts of fibre (HF) – on specific parameters of the gut environment across different intestinal compartments of the horse digestive tract. To this end differences in the gastrointestinal environment between HS vs. HF fed horses were assessed in terms of dry matter, organic matter and ash content; the particle size distribution and volatile fatty acid composition were also investigated.ResultsNineteen Bardigiano horses of 14.3 ± 0.7 months of age and destined to slaughter were divided into two group pens – one fed with high amounts of starch (HS; n = 9; 43% hay plus 57% starch-rich pelleted feed); vs. fed with high amounts of fibre (HF; n = 10; 70% hay plus 30% fibre-rich pelleted feed). Horses fed HS diet presented a higher dry matter content in the right dorsal colon. Moreover, they showed a higher organic matter and ash content in the sternal flexure, pelvic flexure, right dorsal colon and rectum. In these latter intestinal compartments, horses fed a HS diet also showed a higher proportion of particles retained on an 8 mm sieve and a higher proportion of particles that washed through the finest sieve (< 1 mm). Moreover, the total amounts of volatile fatty acids as well as valeric acid were found to be significantly higher in horses fed the HS vs. HF diet.ConclusionsA high-starch diet causes significant changes in the horse gut environment. We observed an increase in the dry matter content in the right dorsal colon, as well as reduced particle sizes and an increase in the production of valeric acid in all the gut compartments studied. High-starch diets should be avoided in favour of fibre-based diets with the goal of safeguarding gut health in horses.

Genetic relationships between efficiency traits and gut microbiota traits in growing pigs being fed with a conventional or a high-fiber diet.

In pigs, the gut microbiota composition plays a major role in the process of digestion, but is influenced by many external factors, especially diet. To be used in breeding applications, genotype by diet interactions on microbiota composition have to be quantified, as well as their impact on genetic covariances with feed efficiency (FE) and digestive efficiency (DE) traits. This study aimed at determining the impact of an alternative diet on variance components of microbiota traits (genera and alpha diversity indices) and estimating genetic correlations between microbiota and efficiency traits for pigs fed a conventional (CO) or a high-fiber (HF) diet. Fecal microbes of 812 full-siblings fed a CO diet and 752 pigs fed the HF diet were characterized at 16 weeks of age by sequencing the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. A total of 231 genera were identified. Digestibility coefficients of nitrogen, organic matter, and energy were predicted analyzing the same fecal samples with near infrared spectrometry. Daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, residual feed intake and average daily gain (ADG) were also recorded. The 71 genera present in more than 20% of individuals were retained for genetic analyses. Heritability (h²) of microbiota traits were similar between diets (from null to 0.38 ± 0.12 in the CO diet and to 0.39 ± 0.12 in the HF diet). Only three out of the 24 genera and two alpha diversity indices with significant h² in both diets had genetic correlations across diets significantly different from 0.99 (P < 0.05), indicating limited genetic by diet interactions for these traits. When both diets were analyzed jointly, 59 genera had h² significantly different from zero. Based on the genetic correlations between these genera and ADG, FE, and DE traits, three groups of genera could be identified. A group of 29 genera had abundances favorably correlated with DE and FE traits, 14 genera were unfavorably correlated with DE traits, and the last group of 16 genera had abundances with correlations close to zero with production traits. However, genera abundances favorably correlated with DE and FE traits were unfavorably correlated with ADG, and vice versa. Alpha diversity indices had correlation patterns similar to the first group. In the end, genetic by diet interactions on gut microbiota composition of growing pigs were limited in this study. Based on this study, microbiota-based traits could be used as proxies to improve FE and DE in growing pigs.