Non-starch Polysaccharides Fractions Research Articles

Investigation of the nutritional and functional roles of a combinational use of xylanase and β-glucanase on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs

BackgroundXylanase and β-glucanase combination (XG) hydrolyzes soluble non-starch polysaccharides that are anti-nutritional compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of XG on intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs.MethodsForty pigs (6.5 ± 0.4 kg) were assigned to 5 dietary treatments and fed for 35 d in 3 phases (11, 9, and 15 d, respectively). Basal diets mainly included corn, soybean meal, and corn distiller’s dried grains with solubles, contained phytase (750 FTU/kg), and were supplemented with 5 levels of XG at (1) 0, (2) 280 TXU/kg xylanase and 125 TGU/kg β-glucanase, (3) 560 and 250, (4) 840 and 375, or (5) 1,120 and 500, respectively. Growth performance was measured. On d 35, all pigs were euthanized and jejunal mucosa, jejunal digesta, jejunal tissues, and ileal digesta were collected to determine the effects of increasing XG levels and XG intake on intestinal health.ResultsIncreasing XG intake tended to quadratically decrease (P = 0.059) viscosity of jejunal digesta (min: 1.74 mPa·s at 751/335 (TXU/TGU)/kg). Increasing levels of XG quadratically decreased (P < 0.05) Prevotellaceae (min: 0.6% at 630/281 (TXU/TGU)/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing XG intake quadratically increased (P < 0.05) Lactobacillaceae (max: 40.3% at 608/271 (TXU/TGU)/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing XG intake quadratically decreased (P < 0.05) Helicobacteraceae (min: 1.6% at 560/250 (TXU/TGU)/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing levels of XG tended to linearly decrease (P = 0.073) jejunal IgG and tended to quadratically increase (P = 0.085) jejunal villus height to crypt depth ratio (max: 2.62 at 560/250 (TXU/TGU)/kg). Increasing XG intake tended to linearly increase the apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter (P = 0.087) and ether extract (P = 0.065). Increasing XG intake linearly increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain.ConclusionsA combinational use of xylanase and β-glucanase would hydrolyze the non-starch polysaccharides fractions, positively modulating the jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota. Increased intake of these enzyme combination possibly reduced digesta viscosity and humoral immune response in the jejunum resulting in improved intestinal structure, and ileal digestibility of nutrients, and finally improving growth of nursery pigs. The beneficial effects were maximized at a combination of 550 to 800 TXU/kg xylanase and 250 to 360 TGU/kg β-glucanase.

In vitro evaluation of efficacy of nonstarch polysaccharides enzymes on wheat by simulating the avian digestive tract.

In this study, the efficacy of different nonstarch polysaccharide (NSP) enzyme sources on wheat ingredients and wheat basal diets in vitro were evaluated by simulating the avian digestive tract. In Exp. 1, pH level was increased from 2.0 to 8.0 by simulating the avian digestive tract. The relative enzyme activities of xylanase A, B, and C and β-glucanase X at pH 3.0-3.5 were higher (P < 0.05) than those at pH 2.0 or 7.0-8.0. The optimal pH levels of 3.5 and 7.0 were screened by simulating the proventriculus and small intestine, respectively to evaluate the efficacy of NSP enzyme on wheat sources. In Exp. 2, wheat 1 contained the highest content of NSP fractions and the lowest digestibility in vitro dry matter (IVDMD) and energy (IVED) in wheat samples. Therefore, wheat 1 was selected for hydrolysis research under different NSP enzyme sources and levels (1,500, 4,500, 13,500, 40,500, 121,500 U xylanase/kg and 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 4,000 U β-glucanase/kg) in vitro. The hydrolysis of wheat on the basis of the released reducing sugar content was determined by xylanase sources A > B > C (P < 0.05) and β-glucanase sources of X > Y (P < 0.05). On the basis of the hydrolysis, the optimum dose of xylanase A and β-glucanase X were 40,500 U/kg and 2,000 U/kg, respectively. Subsequently, the completely randomized designs involving 2 NSP enzymes treatments × 2 endogenous digestive enzymes treatments (Exp. 3), as well as 2 wheat basal diets × 2 NSP enzymes treatments (Exp. 4) were used to evaluate the efficacy of NSP enzymes on dietary nutrient digestibility. The addition of NSP enzymes (40,500 U xylanase A/kg and 2,000 U β-glucanase X/kg) increased the IVDMD and IVED of wheat 1 without endogenous enzymes (P < 0.05), while the IVDMD and IVED of wheat 1 with endogenous enzyme were only slightly increased (P > 0.05). The addition of NSP enzymes could increase the IVDMD and IVED of corn-wheat-soybean meal diet (P < 0.05), but had no effect on those of wheat-cottonseed meal rapeseed meal diet (P > 0.05). In conclusion, xylanase and β-glucanase additions could effectively eliminate the adverse effects on wheat and wheat basal diets at the optimal pH levels of 3.5 and 7.0 by simulating the proventriculus and small intestine parts, respectively. The efficacy of NSP enzymes was influenced by the enzyme sources, dietary type, and the interaction of endogenous enzymes.

Chlorella pyrenoidosa Polysaccharides as a Prebiotic to Modulate Gut Microbiota: Physicochemical Properties and Fermentation Characteristics In Vitro.

This study was conducted to investigate the prebiotic potential of Chlorella pyrenoidosa polysaccharides to provide useful information for developing C. pyrenoidosa as a green healthy food. C. pyrenoidosa polysaccharides were prepared and their physicochemical characteristics were determined. The digestibility and fermentation characteristics of C. pyrenoidosa polysaccharides were evaluated using in vitro models. The results revealed that C. pyrenoidosa polysaccharides were composed of five non-starch polysaccharide fractions with monosaccharide compositions of Man, Rib, Rha, GlcA, Glc, Gal, Xyl and Ara. C. pyrenoidosa polysaccharides could not be degraded under saliva and the gastrointestinal conditions. However, the molecular weight and contents of residual carbohydrates and reducing sugars of C. pyrenoidosa polysaccharides were significantly reduced after fecal fermentation at a moderate speed. Notably, C. pyrenoidosa polysaccharides could remarkably modulate gut microbiota, including the promotion of beneficial bacteria, inhibition of growth of harmful bacteria, and reduction of the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. Intriguingly, C. pyrenoidosa polysaccharides can promote growth of Parabacteroides distasonis and increase short-chain fatty acid contents, thereby probably contributing to the promotion of intestinal health and prevention of diseases. Thus, these results suggested that C. pyrenoidosa polysaccharides had prebiotic functions with different fermentation characteristics compared with conventional prebiotics such as fructooligosaccharide, and they may be a new prebiotic for improving human health.

Cascade extraction of proteins and feruloylated arabinoxylans from wheat bran

A cascade process for the sequential recovery of proteins and feruloylated arabinoxylan from wheat bran is proposed, involving a protein isolation step, enzymatic destarching and subcritical water extraction. The protein isolation step combining lactic acid fermentation and cold alkaline extraction reduced the recalcitrance of wheat bran, thus improving the total yields of the subsequent subcritical water extraction. The time evolution of subcritical water extraction of feruloylated arabinoxylan was compared at two temperatures (160 °C and 180 °C). Longer residence times enhanced the purity of target feruloylated arabinoxylans, whereas higher temperatures resulted in faster extraction at the expense of significant molar mass reduction. The radical scavenging activity of the extracted feruloylated arabinoxylans was preserved after the initial protein isolation step. This study opens new possibilities for the cascade valorization of wheat bran into enriched protein and non-starch polysaccharide fractions, which show potential to be used as functional food ingredients.

Purification, structural elucidation and in vivo immunity-enhancing activity of polysaccharides from quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) seeds.

Quinoa crude polysaccharides (QPS) were extracted from Chenopodium quinoa Willd. The soluble non-starch polysaccharide fraction (QPS1) was subsequently purified by DEAE-52 cellulose and Sephadex G-50 gel chromatography, using QPS as raw materials. Its chemical structure was identified using FT-IR, NMR, AFM, SEM and Congo red staining. High performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) was used to determine molecular weight, and composition by HPLC. QPS1, with a molecular weight of 34.0kDa, was mainly composed of mannose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, xylose and arabinose at a molar ratio of 2.63:2.40:1.64:6.28:1.95:2.48:5.01. In addition, we evaluated the ameliorative effects of QPS1 on the improvement of anti-cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression in ICR mice. The result exhibited significantly immune-enhancing activity: QPS1 successfully improved the content of IFN-γ, IL-6, IFN-ɑ, IgM and lysozyme (LYSO) in serum for three weeks, enhanced the phagocytic function of mononuclear macrophages and ameliorated delayed allergy in mice.

Xylanase and xylo- oligosaccharide prebiotic improve the growth performance and concentration of potentially prebiotic oligosaccharides in the ileum of broiler chickens

ABSTRACT1. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementing broiler diets with xylanase or xylo- oligosaccharide (XOS) on growth performance, the concentration of non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) hydrolysis products in the ileum and concentration of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the caeca of broiler chickens.2. In total, 500 male Ross 308 broilers were used in this 29-day (d) study. The treatments were organised into a 2 × 2 plus 1 factorial arrangement consisting of two additives (xylanase or XOS) at two levels (low or high) plus a control treatment with no additives. This gave five treatments with 100 birds in each treatment group. The diets were slightly deficient in protein by 20 g/kg and energy by 1 MJ/kg.3. On d 14 and 28, two birds per pen were euthanised, the caeca content collected and analysed for short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration. On d 29, six birds per pen were euthanised and ileal digesta were collected and analysed for the concentration of NSP fractions.4. On d 14, caecal acetic acid, iso-butyric acid, iso-valeric acid, n-valeric acid and total SCFA concentrations were significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) when diets were supplemented with XOS compared with xylanase.5. Ileal concentration of arabinose, galactose and glucuronic acid (GlucA2) were significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) in the insoluble NSP fraction when diets were supplemented with a high level of xylanase, compared with the control treatment. Ileal concentration of fructose was significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) in the water soluble NSP when a high level of xylanase or low level of XOS were included in the diet compared with the control.6. It was concluded that xylanase and XOS had similar effects on NSP concentration and SCFA in the caeca, although there was little effect on performance. This observation demonstrated further benefits of xylanase supplementation in wheat-based broiler diets beyond digesta viscosity reduction and the release of extra nutrients.

Effect of non‐starch polysaccharide composition and enzyme supplementation on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus )

The experiment investigated whether the effect of enzyme supplementation on performance and nutrient digestibility is dependent on type of the ingredient(s) used, by incorporating wheat bran (WB), sunflower meal (SFM) and citrus pulp (CP) to a reference diet (REF). Those ingredients are known to be rich in different types of non‐starch polysaccharides (NSP). Diets were supplemented with and without (control) an enzyme mix (phytase 1,000 FTU/kg and xylanase U/kg) according to a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. In total, 24 tanks (3 replicates/treatment) were used with 30 fish each (Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus; mean initial body weight 41 g). Fish were restrictively fed the experimental diets for 43 days (80% of expected satiation). Enzyme supplementation affected the absolute growth (g/day) and FCR (p < 0.05), improving the growth of fish fed the WB and SFM diets, while fish fed the REF and CP diets did not benefit. NSP, energy, ash, phosphorous and calcium digestibility improved with enzyme supplementation (p < 0.05). There was an interaction effect on all growth parameters, as well as the digestibility of energy and phosphorus (p < 0.05). This indicates that the effectiveness of the enzymes was dependent on the NSP‐rich ingredient used and thus the composition of the NSP fraction

Adaptation of gut microbiome to different dietary nonstarch polysaccharide fractions in a porcine model.

Dietary fibers, consisting of nonstarch polysaccharides (NSPs) were found to modulate the gut microbiota. However, little is known about the role of a separated fiber fraction. Here, we describe a response in gut microbiome to different fiber fractions using a porcine model. Ileal and cecal digesta were collected from pigs fed with fiber-free diet (FFD) or diet containing 5% cellulose (CEL), xylan (XYL) or β-glucan (GLU). We observed an elevated 16S rRNA gene copies in ileum and cecum digesta after NSP ingestion. Interestingly, we found that cecum digesta contained higher bacterial diversity than ileum digesta. Moreover, NSPs had no significant influence on overall diversity, but acutely altered the abundance of specific bacteria. Importantly, NSPs decreased the abundance of phylum Firmicutes, but increased the phylum Proteobacteria in ileal samples. Among the NSP-treated groups, pigs on CEL-containing diet had exclusively higher abundance of Lactobacillus spp. in the ileum. Whereas, the GLU-treated samples had more Clostridium spp. This study not only indicated how the gut microbiome adapts to the three major NSP fractions, but the results also contribute to our understanding of the role of dietary fibers in modulating gut microbiota and health.

Chemical composition and standardized ileal amino acid digestibility of eight genotypes of rye fed to growing pigs.

A study with growing pigs was conducted to determine the chemical composition, physical characteristics, and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and AA of 8 rye genotypes that have recently been added to the German Descriptive Variety List. Eight barrows with an initial BW of 24 ± 2 kg were fitted with T-cannulas at the distal ileum and allotted to an 8 × 8 Latin square design with 8 periods of 6 d each and 8 pigs receiving 8 different diets. The N-free method was used to determine the basal ileal endogenous CP and AA losses. The 8 assay diets contained 1 of 8 rye genotypes (Guttino, Palazzo, Visello, Bellami, Dukato, Conduct, Helltop, and Dankowski Diament) as the sole source of CP and AA. The rye genotypes were grown under identical environmental conditions on the same site. Among the 8 rye genotypes, contents of CP ranged from 9.5 to 11.2% (as-fed basis) and contents of total nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) ranged from 10.7 to 12.9% (as-fed basis). Arabinoxylan (AX) constituted the major NSP fraction, with values ranging from 6.5 to 7.6% (as-fed basis). Among the 8 rye genotypes, starch contents ranged from 55.7 to 57.5% (as-fed basis). The SID of CP in the 8 rye genotypes ranged from 70 to 74%. The SID of Cys in genotypes Visello, Bellami, Dukato, and Dankowski Diament was lower ( < 0.05) when compared with Palazzo, Conduct, and Helltop. For all other AA, SID in the 8 rye genotypes did not differ. The standardized ileal digestible content (cSID) of CP was greatest ( < 0.001) in genotype Dankowski Diament (8.1%, as-fed basis) and lowest ( < 0.001) in genotype Guttino (6.9%, as-fed basis). Genotype Guttino had the lowest ( < 0.05) cSID of AA among all rye genotypes, except for Trp, Gly, and Pro. For Thr, Ala, and Gly, there were no differences in cSID among the 8 rye genotypes. For CP and most AA, cSID decreased as contents of total and insoluble β-glucan ( < 0.05), total AX, and soluble NSP increased ( < 0.05). The results of the present study provide a comprehensive database on chemical composition, physical characteristics, and SID of CP and AA of 8 rye genotypes grown under same conditions. However, as present SID values of these recently introduced genotypes are lower compared to values in feed tables, adjustments are possibly required to minimize the risk of overestimating the actual protein value of rye for pigs.

The water-soluble non-starch polysaccharides from bananas display immunomodulatory properties on cultured macrophages

Some diet components, such as certain indigestible polysaccharides from edible plants, may interact with the gut-associated lymphoid tissue and improve the host immune response to pathogens. The non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) from bananas are non-digestible carbohydrates that resemble some immunomodulatory polysaccharides occurring in the cell wall of cereals. Based on this similarity, the effects of the water-soluble NSP from two banana cultivars (Nanicão and Thap Maeo) on the phagocytic activity, nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines produced by cultured macrophages were investigated. An investigation into the monosaccharide composition and the oligomers released by enzymatic hydrolysis of the ultra-filtered fraction above 50kDa and the heat-treated fraction of water-soluble NSP from both cultivars revealed they are mostly composed of mannan and galacturonans (homogalacturonan, xylogalacturonan and rhamnogalacturonan). The NSP tested were able to activate the macrophages, but the effects on the phagocytic activity and the release of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nitric oxide production were dependent on the polysaccharide concentration and the cultivar origin. Despite some specific differences, the NSP from Nanicão and Thap Maeo banana fruits may be considered prospective food immunomodulators, which contribute to the promotion of a more responsive immune system.

Effect of fiber source and enzyme addition on the apparent digestibility of nutrients and physicochemical properties of digesta in cannulated growing pigs

To evaluate the effect of fiber source and enzyme addition on the nutrient digestibility of cereal by-product based diets, wheat bran and soybean hull were used as sole fiber source to prepare 2 basal diets (wheat bran-based diet, WB and soybean hull-based diet, SH). After supplementing an enzyme mixture in the 2 basal diets, one of 4 test diets (WB and enzyme added WB, SH and enzyme added SH) was allotted to 2 of 8 male growing pigs that were surgically fitted with T-shape cannulas at proximal duodenum and distal ileum simultaneously, according to a 4×4 Latin square design. Duodenal and ileal digesta and feces were collected to measure the coefficient of apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), starch, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and its constituent sugar residues at proximal duodenum (CADD), distal ileum (CAID) and total digestive tract (CATTD) of pigs, and to evaluate their physicochemical properties as well. The result indicated that the digestion of most of nutrients including fiber and NSP fractions commenced with considerable extent prior to proximal duodenum in all diets. The wheat bran shown higher CAID of NDF (P<0.001) and ADF (P=0.001), and CATTD of CP (P<0.001) and EE (P=0.005) than soybean hull. Despite fiber source did not affect CATTD of NSP fractions, the total NSP (P<0.001), arabinose (P=0.030), xylose (P<0.001) and glucose (P=0.001), and insoluble NSP (P<0.001), arabinose (P<0.001) and glucose (P=0.003) of wheat bran were more digestible at terminal ileum than that of soybean hull. Enzyme addition improved the CADD of OM (P=0.002), ash (P=0.045), NDF (P=0.004) and ADF (P<0.001); and the CAID of CP (P=0.006), EE (P=0.001), OM (P=0.029), ash (P=0.003), NDF (P=0.006) and ADF (P=0.002), but did not affect the CATTD of other gross nutrients. The CADD and CAID, but not CATTD, of most of NSP fractions and their constituent sugar residues were affected by enzyme addition. The fiber source and enzyme addition also showed influence on digesta viscosity, water binding capacity (WBC) and pH value of digesta and feces. In conclusion, dietary fiber source influenced the digestion of nutrients at different segments of pig digestive tract with higher CATTD of CP and EE of wheat bran than that of soybean hull. Exogenous NSP-degrading enzyme accelerated the degradation of fiber and NSP fractions, and promoted nutrient digestion in the fore-gut of pigs. It is of high potential to improve the efficiency of energy and nutrient utilization of fibrous cereal by-products.

Effect of dietary inclusion of toasted guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) meal as a source of protein on performance of White Leghorn layers

Two experiments were conducted to study the effect of including toasted (120°C/35 min) guar meal (GM, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) in the diet on performance and egg shell quality of White Leghorn (WL) layers.Totals of 2376 and 2816 layer chickens (Babcock, BV 300) were randomly distributed into 27 and 32 replicates with 88 birds each in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Three diets in Experiment 1 (0, 50 and 100 g GM) and 4 diets in Experiment 2 (0, 50, 100 and 150 g GM/kg) were prepared having similar concentrations of energy and protein. Each diet was fed ad libitum to 9 and 8 replicates, respectively, in Experiments 1 (from 53 to 68 weeks) and 2 (35 to 46 weeks of age).Compared to soya bean meal (SBM) GM contained similar concentrations of protein, but was deficient in all essential amino acids except arginine, which was 70% higher than in SBM. Total non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) content in GM (166 g/kg) was lower than that of SBM (179 g/kg). Amongst different NSP fractions, GM contained higher levels of arabans, xylans, mannans and glucans compared to SBM. The galactomannan gum content in GM was 46 g/kg.Egg production (EP), body weight (BW), food intake (FI), food efficiency (FE) and egg quality (shell weight, shell per cent, shell thickness, Haugh unit score, egg density and egg breaking strength) parameters were not affected by incorporating GM up to 100 g/kg diet in Experiment 1. However, egg weight (EW) and egg mass (EM) were reduced significantly in groups fed on 100 g/kg diet.In Experiment 2, EP and FE were not affected by incorporating GM up to 100 g/kg, but were reduced at 150 g/kg diet. FI, EW, BW and egg quality parameters were not affected by incorporating toasted GM up to 150 g/kg diet.Based on the results of both experiments, it is concluded that toasted GM can be included in WL layer diets up to 100 g/kg without affecting EP, FE, EW, EM, Haugh unit score, BW and egg shell quality parameters.

Pattern of non-starch polysaccharide digestion along the gut of the pig: Contribution to available energy.

We investigated the pattern of non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) digestion along the gut of pigs fed two different wheats, which were offered with or without xylanase supplementation. The two wheats used were pre-characterised before the experiment on the basis of low and normal feed intake of young pigs. Wheat type significantly influenced feed intake and growth rate in the first 7 days, however, by day 14 the only significant effect of wheat type was on growth rate. Xylanase supplementation increased the growth performance of pigs fed the poor quality wheat to a level similar to those fed the normal wheat. It also increased the daily gain of pigs fed the normal wheat. Wheat type had no significant effect on the digestibility of dry matter (DM), energy, free sugars or the different fractions of NSP in the duodenum, ileum or in the faeces. The duodenal gross energy digestibility values for the low and high performance diets were −27.4 and −47.5%, respectively, and xylanase supplementation significantly increased the digestibility of energy back to positive levels. Dry matter digestibility values followed a similar pattern. In the duodenum, xylanase increased (P < 0.05) the digestibility values of both soluble and insoluble NSP, whereas in the ileum, xylanase had a significant effect only on the digestibility of the soluble NSP fraction. Xylanase did not affect free sugar digestibility. The reduction in soluble NSP level coincided with a marked reduction in the amount of fucose, a prominent component of mucosal polysaccharides. This suggests that soluble NSP substantially increase endogenous losses. The absence of differences in the digestibility of the measured NSP between the two wheat samples suggests that the structures of the NSP, rather than just their amount and solubility, are important for the anti-nutritional properties of NSP in pig diets.

Meta-analysis of effect of a mono-component xylanase on the nutritional value of wheat supplemented with exogenous phytase for broiler chickens

A total of 1600 Ross broiler chicks were used in six separate balance studies (with equivalent protocols) to investigate the effect of an exogenous xylanase on the nutritional value of wheat (supplemented with a background of exogenous phytase) sourced from Asia, North America and Europe. The mean apparent metabolisable energy of the 10 batches of wheat per se was 13.4 MJ/kg DM and the addition of xylanase increased (P &lt; 0.001) this by an average of 0.43 MJ/kg DM (~3.2%). Apparent ileal digestibility of nitrogen in the 10 batches of wheat per se was 69.8% and xylanase addition increased (P &lt; 0.001) this by 2%. The apparent ileal disappearance of soluble and insoluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) was –53% and +5%, respectively and xylanase addition increased these by 28% and 15%, respectively. The apparent ileal disappearance of total arabinose + xylose was –10% and xylanase increased this by 21%. The apparent ileal flow of fucose was 0.38 g/kg DM intake and xylanase addition reduced (P &lt; 0.05) this by 0.03 g/kg DM intake. There was a significant negative correlation between the apparent ileal flow of fucose and the digestibility of nitrogen and energy in the wheat and the wheat plus xylanase. These results demonstrate the continued effectiveness of exogenous xylanase to enhance the nutritional value of wheat for broiler chickens. Furthermore, the degradation of NSP fractions is confirmatory of both soluble and insoluble fibre hydrolysis in the intestine of the birds. Finally, although de-caging, viscosity amelioration and microbial changes are likely to be involved, the reduced flow of fucose in the intestine of birds fed wheat with supplemental xylanase is indicative of reduced endogenous (mucin) loss with net energy and enteric health implications. The effect of wheat pentosans and xylanase on intestinal secretion and endogenous protein and energy loss is an area for future study. Finally, the results presented herein suggest a reduction in soluble NSP concentrations in wheat over the past 2–3 decades, which is a trend that may explain anecdotal observations that the incidence of so-called sticky wheats is in decline. Systematic assessment of the implications of changing substrate concentrations and characteristics for new xylanase development is warranted.

Compositional profile and variation of Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles from various origins with focus on non-starch polysaccharides

Corn-, wheat- and mixed cereal Distillers’ Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) were investigated for compositional variability among DDGS origins, ethanol plants, and the relationship between corn and corresponding DDGS. A total of 138 DDGS samples were analyzed by use of Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy for common constituents, while 63 DDGS samples along with 11 corn samples were characterized for their non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) content. The results indicated that the compositional profile of DDGS reflected the nutrient content of the parent grain but with a greater content of remaining nutrients (e.g. protein, fat, fibre and minerals) after fermentation of starch to ethanol. Corn DDGS differentiated from wheat DDGS by a greater content of fat (P≤0.006), insoluble-NSP (P<0.001), uronic acids (P<0.001), cellulose (P=0.032), and arabinose/xylose (P<0.001) – and uronic acid/xylose-ratio (P<0.001). Wheat DDGS differentiated from corn DDGS by a greater content of ash (P=0.001), soluble-NSP (P<0.001), and Klason lignin (P<0.001). Among the three sources of DDGS, the greatest variation was observed for the content of soluble-NSPs, especially soluble arabinoxylan. Based on the compositional profiles of the DDGS, principal component analysis allowed for a visual differentiation of corn DDGS from five different ethanol plants, indicating the potential of each ethanol plant to produce DDGS with consistent compositional characteristics. Furthermore, investigation of corn and corresponding DDGS indicated that the NSP fraction is modified during the fermentation process, especially arabinoxylan, by an increase in soluble arabinoxylan proportion in DDGS. In addition, the arabinose/xylose (P<0.001) and uronic acid/xylose-ratio (P<0.001) were greater for corn, compared with corresponding DDGS, indicating modifications of the endosperm arabinoxylan during the fermentation and drying process.

Differences between easy- and difficult-to-mill chickpea (Cicer arietinumL.) genotypes. Part III: free sugar and non-starch polysaccharide composition

Parts I and II of this series of papers identified several associations between the ease of milling and the chemical compositions of different chickpea seed fractions. Non-starch polysaccharides were implicated; hence, this study examines the free sugars and sugar residues. Difficult milling is associated with: (1) lower glucose and xylose residues (less cellulose and xyloglucans) and more arabinose, rhamnose and uronic acid in the seed coat, suggesting a more flexible seed coat that resists cracking and decortication; (2) a higher content of soluble and insoluble non-starch polysaccharide fractions in the cotyledon periphery, supporting a pectic polysaccharide mechanism comprising arabinogalacturonan, homogalacturonan, rhamnogalalcturonan, and glucuronan backbone structures; (3) higher glucose and mannose residues in the cotyledon periphery, supporting a lectin-mediated mechanism of adhesion; and (4) higher arabinose and glucose residues in the cotyledon periphery, supporting a mechanism involving arabinogalactan-proteins. This series has shown that the chemical composition of chickpea does vary in ways that are consistent with physical explanations of how seed structure and properties relate to milling behaviour. Seed coat strength and flexibility, pectic polysaccharide binding, lectins and arabinogalactan-proteins have been implicated. Increased understanding in these mechanisms will allow breeding programmes to optimise milling performance in new cultivars.

Molecular weight distribution of soluble fiber fractions and short chain fatty acids in ileal digesta of growing pigs.

The effect of dietary fiber source on molecular weight (MW) distribution of soluble fiber fractions and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in ileal digesta of 7 post valve T-cecum (PVTC) cannulated growing pigs was studied. Pigs were fed semisynthetic diets with sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) pulp (SBP) or chicory (Cichorium intybus) forage (CFO) as fiber sources of which the soluble nonstarch polysaccharide (NSP) fraction originated mainly from pectin. Three MW intervals were selected-large MW (MWL): 10,000,000 to 1,000,000 g/mol, medium MW (MWM): 1,000,000 to 200,000 g/mol, and small MW (MWS): 200,000 to 10,000 g/mol-and the relative distribution (% of total) of molecules in each interval was calculated. The MWM fraction was higher (P < 0.05) in ileal digesta of pigs fed diet SBP and the MWS fraction was higher (P < 0.05) in ileal digesta of pigs fed diet CFO. The mole/100 mole of propionic acid (HPr) was higher (P < 0.010) in pigs fed diet SBP whereas pigs fed diet CFO had higher (P < 0.010) mole/100 mole of acetic acid (HAc). The proportion of the MWL and MWM fractions in ileal digesta were negatively correlated to HAc (r = -0.52, P = 0.05, and r = -0.62, P = 0.02, respectively). The proportion of MWM in ileal digesta was positively correlated to HPr (r = 0.83; P = 0.001) whereas MWS and HPr were negatively correlated (r = -0.76; P = 0.002). In conclusion, the bacterial degradation of the soluble NSP fraction is selective and MW distribution may explain differences in SCFA production.

Wheat-barley-rye- or corn-fed growing pigs respond differently to dietary supplementation with a carbohydrase complex

Thirty-six pigs (22 kg of BW) were used to evaluate a carbohydrase preparation, with xylanase and β-glucanase as main activities, added to either wheat-barley-rye- (WBR) or corn-based diets on performance, intestinal environment, and nutrient digestibility. Pigs were offered 1 of 4 different dietary treatments for 27 d according to a factorial arrangement of treatments (a 2 × 2) with 2 cereal types (WBR or corn) and 2 levels of supplemental carbohydrase (0 or 0.01%). Pig growth and feed intake were individually measured every week until the end of the experiment when pigs were slaughtered to obtain samples of digesta and tissues. Cereal type affected performance only during wk 1, in which WBR improved ADG (590 vs. 440 g/d; P = 0.008) and G:F (0.61 vs. 0.43; P = 0.045) compared with corn. The WBR also increased the viscosity of the digestive contents in stomach (1.95 vs. 1.23 mPa·s; P = 0.001) and ileum (6.53 vs. 2.80 mPa·s; P = 0.001) and resulted in greater cecal starch digestibility (95.7 vs. 93.9%; P = 0.012). However, trends for a reduction in digestibility were observed for glucose in the nonstarch polysaccharide (NSP) fraction in the ileum (64.4 vs. 75.8%; P = 0.074) and galactose in the NSP fraction in the cecum (1.4 vs. 1.8%; P = 0.055). The use of the enzyme preparation increased ADFI during wk 2 (1,328 vs. 1,215 g/d; P = 0.028), and increased villus height (423 vs. 390 µm; P = 0.045) and tended to reduce relative pancreas weight (0.16 vs. 0.17% BW; P = 0.079) at d 27. The enzyme also improved cecal starch digestibility (95.5 vs. 94.1%; P = 0.043) and tended to improve ileal energy digestibility (61.3 vs. 53.7%; P = 0.090) and cecal glucose digestibility in the NSP fraction (76.0 vs. 54.5%; P = 0.055). However, it reduced the cecal digestibility of mannose in the NSP fraction (27.0 vs. 50.5%; P = 0.016). Interactions (P < 0.05) between cereal type and enzyme supplementation were observed for ADG and G:F during wk 2, BW and ADG during wk 3, and BW and ADFI over the whole trial; and also for villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio and for cecal DM digestibility. In all instances, whereas the added enzyme had no effect in the case of the corn diet, improvements were observed with WBR. In conclusion, the multi-enzyme tested had different effects depending on the type of cereal present in the diet.

Growth performance, digestibility, and gut development of broiler chickens on diets with inclusion of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)

A total of 256 broiler chickens (1 d old) were used in a 32-d growth trial to study the effects of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) forage and root inclusion on growth performance, digestibility, and gut development. The chicory forage originated from 2 harvests (June and September) and was included at 60 and 120 g/kg. The chicory root was included alone at 60 g/kg or together with chicory forage, from both harvests, in equal amounts (60 g/kg). The cereal-based control diet and 7 experimental diets were fed to each of 4 pens of chickens (8 chickens/pen). A higher BW gain and lower feed conversion ratio were found at 13 d of age in chickens fed the 60 g/kg chicory forage diet (P ≤ 0.05), whereas performance did not differ between the control and 60 g/kg chicory root diets. In contrast, a lower performance and digestibility of DM, organic matter, and AME as well as a thinner cecal mucosa layer were found for the 120 g/kg chicory forage diet (P ≤ 0.05). No diet effects on organ parameters or on pH of cecum digesta were detected. The soluble nonstarch polysaccharides fractions of chicory forage did not have any major negative effects on performance and gut development, and chicory forage from the September harvest was seen to have a higher nutritional value than that from the June harvest. Thus, results from the current study suggest that chicory forage is a potentially useful fiber-rich feed ingredient with high palatability for broiler chickens.

Influence of feed enzymes on the content of mineral elements in sows milk and pigs blood plasma

The aim of this study was to analyze whether and to what extent the addition of enzymes hydrolyzing fractions of non-starch polysaccharides or degrading phytates in pigs feeding in the complete cycle (pregnant and lactating sows, piglets and fatteners) may affect the utilization of mineral elements. The study with pigs in the complete reproductive cycle was accomplished in five periods: pregnant sows, nursing sows, piglets, young fatteners, and fatteners. Four experimental groups were established in the experiment, including two controls: positive control (PC), where dicalcium phosphate additive was used as a source of phosphorus, and negative control (NC), where solely plant-based feed mixtures were the source of phosphorus. The other two groups were as follows: MP – in which pigs received the same feed mixture as in the NC group but supplemented with microbial phytase, and the EP group in which the animals were fed the same feed mixture as in the NC group but with the addition of a multi-enzyme preparation which included both microbial phytase and enzymes participating in the hydrolysis of nonstarch polysaccharide fractions (xylanase, β-glucanase, cellulase). The addition of microbial phytase either alone or with the enzymes hydrolyzing the non-starch polysaccharide fractions contributed to increased contents of phosphorus, copper and zinc in sows’ milk. In contrast, it did not evoke any significant changes in the content of calcium, magnesium, iron, or in that of protein, fat and lactose in the milk of sows. The feed enzymes contributed to a significant increase in the concentrations of minerals (except for magnesium) in blood plasma of piglets and fatteners, whereas so significant changes were observed in the blood plasma of sows.