Prebiotic Products Research Articles

Arabinoxylanase from glycoside hydrolase family 5 is a selective enzyme for production of specific arabinoxylooligosaccharides

An arabinose specific xylanase from glycoside hydrolase family 5 (GH5) was used to hydrolyse wheat and rye arabinoxylan, and the product profile showed that it produced arabinose substituted oligosaccharides (AXOS) having 2–10 xylose residues in the main chain but no unsubstituted xylooligosaccharides (XOS). Molecular modelling showed that the active site has an open structure and that the hydroxyl groups of all xylose residues in the active site are solvent exposed, indicating that arabinose substituents can be accommodated in the glycone as well as the aglycone subsites. The arabinoxylan hydrolysates obtained with the GH5 enzyme stimulated growth of Bifidobacterium adolescentis but not of Lactobacillus brevis. This arabinoxylanase is thus a good tool for the production of selective prebiotics.

Hypolipidemic Effect of Red Gram (Cajanus cajan L.) Prebiotic Oligosaccharides in Wistar NIN Rats

ABSTRACTThe hypolipidemic effect of red gram prebiotics of raffinose family oligosaccharides was studied in Wistar National Institute of Nutrition male rat strain. The study consisted of 36 rats randomly divided into three groups of 12 rats each. For 16 weeks, Group I was fed with the control diet; Group II was fed with a diet containing 3% standard raffinose as the reference group; Group III received the diet containing 3% red gram prebiotics. The results showed that the gain in body weight was low in the red gram prebiotics–supplemented group followed by the control group; highest increase of body weight was seen in the raffinose standard–fed group. Serum glucose levels of the red gram prebiotic–fed group decreased 14.92% compared to the control group and increased 2.07% compared to the reference group. The decrease in serum triglycerides (TG) levels of the red gram prebiotic-fed groups was 32.76% compared to the control group and 33.64% compared to the reference group. Decrease in the serum TC of the red gram-fed animals was 18.51% and 4.63% compared to the control group and the reference group, respectively. Increase in the level of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the red gram-fed animals was 18.51% compared to the control group and 4.63% compared to the reference group. The present study can be a proof for the use of prebiotics as a preventive measure for overweight and obesity in humans, and legume prebiotics can be explored as a novel prebiotic product in the consumer market.

Prebiotic green tea beverage added inclusion complexes of catechin and β-cyclodextrin: Physicochemical characteristics during storage

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of β-cyclodextrin, catechin or inclusion complexes (catechin: β-CD) (physical mixture or with supercritical carbon dioxide) on prebiotic green tea beverage characteristics during storage at ambient temperature (90 days/25 °C). The prebiotic (oligofructose) stability was also evaluated. The addition of cyclodextrin and/orcatechin resulted in products with higher acidity. The physical process of complexation, which is simple and cheap, gave the best results in relation to the stability of the phenolic compounds content in the product. The supercritical carbon dioxide did not improve the protection of the phenolic compounds. A portion of 200 mL of the green tea had sufficient oligofructose content to be considered a prebiotic product during 90 days of storage. It was possible to formulate green tea beverages with high total phenolic compounds (2525–3307 mg CE/L) and oligofructose content (3.1 g/200 mL) sufficient to consider them prebiotic products, being recommended the physical process of complexation (catechin: β-CD). The green teas would maintain the beneficial effects for 90 days at ambient temperature (25 °C).

Potential use of Agave salmiana as a prebiotic that stimulates the growth of probiotic bacteria

Inulin and other fructans that provide health benefits are accumulated in Agave salmiana. Currently, Agave species are only exploited for the production of alcoholic beverages. Few reports of beneficial effects of fructans obtained from A. salmiana have been presented and therefore the goal of this study was to examine the specific stimulation of probiotic bacteria by A. salmiana powder in comparison to commercial prebiotic products with different bacteria.The composition of A. salmiana that includes fructooligosaccharides (FOS) supports the growth of probiotic bacteria. Inulin Orafti GR showed almost the same stimulation to probiotic bacteria in comparison to A. salmiana. Lactobacillus acidophilus showed the best growth with A. salmiana, decreased the final pH-value to the lowest level and produced the highest concentration of lactate.The structural heterogeneity of fructans from A. salmiana is useful as prebiotic and to maintain persistence of probiotic strains in vivo. The variation of gut microbiota composition that might be caused by microbiota-targeted therapies might also be influenced. Future research should work towards optimizing the FOS content and profile in the plants by selection of plant varieties or changing agronomic and postharvest practice to develop their innovative applications for the food industry and the health promotion.

A combination of the probiotic and prebiotic product can prevent the germination of Clostridium difficile spores and infection

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most prevalent healthcare associated infections in hospitals and nursing homes. Different approaches are used for prevention of CDI. Absence of intestinal lactobacilli and bifidobacteria has been associated with C. difficile colonization in hospitalized patients.Our aim was to test a) the susceptibility of C. difficile strains of different origin and the intestinal probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum Inducia (DSM 21379) to various antimicrobial preparations incl. metronidazole, vancomycin; b) the susceptibility of C. difficile strains to antagonistic effects of the probiotic L. plantarum Inducia, prebiotic xylitol (Xyl) and their combination as a synbiotic (Syn) product; c) the suppression of germination of C. difficile spores in vitro and in vivo in animal model of C. difficile infection with Inducia, Xyl and Syn treatment. The VPI strain 10463 (ATCC 43255), epidemic strain (M 13042) and clinical isolates (n = 12) of C. difficile from Norway and Estonia were susceptible and contrarily L. plantarum Inducia resistant to vancomycin, metronidazole and ciprofloxacin. The intact cells of Inducia, natural and neutralized cell free supernatant inhibited in vitro the growth of tested C. difficile reference strain VPI and Estonian and Norwegian clinical isolates of C. difficile after co-cultivation. This effect against C. difficile sustained in liquid media under ampicillin (0.75 μg/ml) and Xyl (5%) application. Further, incubation of Inducia in the media with 5% Xyl fully stopped germination of spores of C. difficile VPI strain after 48 h. In infection model the 48 hamsters were administered ampicillin (30 mg/kg) and 10–30 spores of C. difficile VPI strain. They also received five days before and after the challenge a pretreatment with a synbiotic (single daily dose of L. plantarum Inducia 1 ml of 1010 CFU/ml and 20% xylitol in 1 ml by orogastric gavage). The survival rate of hamsters was increased to 78% compared to 13% (p = 0.003) survival rate of hamsters who received no treatment. When administered Xyl the survival rate of hamsters reached 56% vs.13% (p = 0.06). In both Syn (6/9, p = 0.003) and Xyl (3/9, p = 0.042) groups the number of animals not colonized with C. difficile significantly increased.In conclusion, the combination of xylitol with L. plantarum Inducia suppresses the germination of spores and outgrowth into vegetative toxin producing cells of C. difficile and reduces the colonization of gut with the pathogen. Putative therapeutical approach includes usage of the synbiotic during antimicrobial therapy for prevention of CDI and its potential to reduce recurrences of CDI.

Immobilization and stabilization of commercial β-1,4-endoxylanase Depol™ 333MDP by multipoint covalent attachment for xylan hydrolysis: Production of prebiotics (xylo-oligosaccharides)

The commercial enzyme Depol™ 333MDP (D333MDP) was immobilized by multipoint covalent attachment onto 10% cross-linked agarose beads support highly activated with aldehyde groups. The enzyme immobilization process was very efficient, retaining 86% of its initial catalytic activity. Thermal stability of the immobilized D333MDP biocatalysts varied according to the incubation time of the enzyme-support. The optimal immobilized biocatalyst was produced after 24 h of incubation under alkaline conditions and longer incubation times resulted in a loss of stability. The optimal immobilized biocatalyst was 60- and 50-fold more stable at pH 5.5 and pH 7 at 50 °C than the soluble enzyme, respectively. Activity and stability at pH 5.5 were enhanced when the optimal immobilized biocatalyst was modified by chemical amination of the enzyme surface. The chemical amination of the immobilized enzyme surface was 5-fold more stable at pH 5.5 and 50 °C compared with the unmodified immobilized biocatalyst. The best immobilized biocatalysts (containing 100 UI/g of support) were evaluated in the beechwood xylan hydrolysis reaction at 50 °C and pH 5.5. 80% of the reducing sugars were released after 6 h of hydrolysis with the aminated biocatalyst. Xylan hydrolysis reaction with the aminated biocatalyst was 80% faster than with the non-aminated one. The final composition of the xylooligosaccharides (XOS) obtained was identified and quantified by HPAEC-PAD which showed it was composed of 90% of xylobiose and 5% of xylotriose and xylose. The aminated immobilized-stabilized biocatalyst was used for four cycles of hydrolysis with no loss of catalytic activity, resulting in highly active and stable derivative suitable for industrial processes.

Current Status of the Preharvest Application of Pro- and Prebiotics to Farm Animals to Enhance the Microbial Safety of Animal Products.

The selection of microorganisms that act as probiotics and feed additives that act as prebiotics is an ongoing research effort, but a sizable range of commercial pro-, pre- and synbiotic (combining pro- and prebiotics) products are already available and being used on farms. A survey of the composition of commercial products available in the United States revealed that Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium, and Bacillus subtilis were the three most common species in probiotic products. Of the nearly 130 probiotic products (also called direct-fed microbials) for which information was available, about 50 also contained yeasts or molds. The focus on these particular bacteria and eukaryotes is due to long-standing ideas about the benefits of such strains, research data on effectiveness primarily in laboratory or research farm settings, and regulations that dictate which microorganisms or feed additives can be administered to farm animals. Of the direct-fed microbials, only six made a claim relating to food safety or competitive exclusion of pathogens. None of the approximately 50 prebiotic products mentioned food safety in their descriptions. The remainder emphasized enhancement of animal performance such as weight gain or overall animal health. The reason why so few products carry food safety-related claims is the difficulties in establishing unambiguous cause and effect relationships between the application of such products in varied and constantly changing farm environments and improved food safety of the end product.

The effect of using pro and prebiotics on the aromatic compounds, textural and sensorial properties of symbiotic goat cheese

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of probiotics as an adjunct culture, and the use of inulin and oligofructose as a prebiotic product, on symbiotic goat cheeses during their ripening period. The control group had the lowest value in terms of aromatic compounds, and the probiotics used in the production of cheese increased the aromatic substances. The control group was found to have the highest hardness values and that the use of prebiotics and probiotic cultures in cheese production significantly changed the textural profile depending on the probiotic and prebiotic type. The most favoured cheeses were found to contain E. faecium and oligofructose.

Reconsidered Concept of «Prebiotics» and Their Impact on the Child’s Organism

Detection of a large number of oligosaccharides in breast milk predetermined their use in the composition of infant formula. The most studied prebiotic simulating the unique properties of breast milk oligosaccharides is the scGOS/lcFOS mixture. Its efficacy is confirmed in clinical studies. In 2017, the experts of the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) adopted a new definition for «prebiotics», which greatly expanded the concept of their application. The World Allergy Organization (WAO) recommends the use of prebiotics in allergy- prone children. The guidelines are based on the results of studies of the influence of prebiotics on the intestinal microbi, a violation of the composition and functions of which predisposes to the development of allergy. Currently, the search for more promising technologies for the production of prebiotics continues.

INNOVATION MANAGEMENT BIOTECHNOLOGY OF STARTER CULTURES

According to experts, one of the innovative directions of the development of food biotechnology is the development of biotechnological approaches to the production of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, ferments and food ingredients, new strains of lactic acid and other technological microorganisms, microbial consortia with predetermined biological properties and optimized processing characteristics. The inclusion of polycomponent probiotic consortia bacterial preparations from cultures of lactic acid bacteria into foods can be the basis for the prevention of various diseases. Experts predict the start of production of probiotic products with proven efficiency in Russia by 2017 and their mass production by 2020. The use of lactic acid bacteria as starter cultures of direct application and having necessary range of features will improve the functional-and-technological and consumer properties of dairy products. The paper deals with the study of physiological-and -biochemical and commercially valuable properties of strains of lactic acid bacteria when creating combined starter cultures of direct inoculation with high proteolytic activity. It has been found that the lactic acid bacteria of Lactococcus lactis subspecies cremoris B 2276, Lactobacillus plantarum B 3242, Lactococcus lactis B 5946 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides subspecies mesenteroides B 8404 have high proteolytic activity contributing to the formation of low molecular weight peptides and free amino acids in milk and show high antagonistic activity against sanitary significant intestinal microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli). The results on the study of biocompatibility show the lack of inhibitory effect which allows their use in preparing the combined starter of direct inoculation.

THE EFFECTS OF SOME PREBIOTIC PRODUCTS (ACTIGEN, BIOTRONIC TOP3) ADMINISTRATED IN THE FOOD OF BROILER CHICKENS ON THE MEAT QUALITY

Following the 2006 EU ban of antibiotic-based growth promoters, the use of alternative products, such as prebiotics, became a necessity. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of prebiotic products (Actigen şi Biotronic Top3) on meat quality in broiler chickens. The research has been conducted on a number of 75 Ross-308 hybrid broilers, assigned in three groups (25 individuals/group), over a period of 42 days. Group 1(E) was fed with the base diet supplemented with the Actigen prebiotic in a proportion of 0.08% in the first growth phase (days 1-14), 0.04% in the second phase (days 14-35) and 0.02% in the third phase (days 35-42). Group 2(E) received the base feed supplemented with the Biotronic Top3 prebiotic (0.1%) throughout the whole growth period. At the end of the study period, five broilers from every group have been sacrificed to determine meat quality and meat chemical composition. The usage of prebiotics led to an increase of the carcass weight gain of 16.29% in group 1(E) receiving Actigen and 13.49% in group 2(E), fed with Biotronic Top3, compared to the control group. The percentage of superior quality meat (quality I and II) in the carcass was higher by 4.4% in group 2(E) Biotronic Top3 and by 1.67% in group 1(E) Actigen compared to the control group. Following the administration of Actigen and Biotronic Top3 prebiotics, in groups 1(E) and 2(E) the meat quality was improved in groups 1(E) and 2(E), due to an increase in the protein content and a reduction of the fat content. These results confirm that prebiotics administered in the feeds for broiler chickens have favourable effects on the meat production and meat quality.

THE EFFECTS OF SOME PREBIOTIC PRODUCTS (ACTIGEN, BIOTRONIC TOP3) ON THE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION INDICES IN BROILER CHICKENS

The prebiotics are natural or synthetic organic substances that favour the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the gastro-intestinal tract, thus maintaining the animals healthy and productive and subsequently increasing the production performances. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of prebiotic products (Actigen and Biotronic Top3) on the main production and consumption indices of broilers. The study was conducted on a 75 broiler chicken Ross-308 hybrids divided in three groups, over a period of 42 days. Group 1(E) received combined feeds with the Actigen prebiotic for 42 days as follows: 0.08% in the starter phase (1-14 days), 0.04% in the grower phase (14-35 days) and 0.02% in the finisher phase (35-42 days). The broilers in group 2(E) were administered feeds containing prebiotic Biotronic Top3 (0.1%) for the whole duration of the study. The broilers in the control group were fed the base feed only. The broilers from all groups were weighed at the beginning and every following week; their average body weight, daily weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined. The use of the Actigen in experimental group 1(E) led to a body mass increase of 11.26%, to an 11.54% higher daily weight gain and to the reduction of the FCR by 2.31% compared to the control group. In Group 2(E) receiving Biotronic Top3, an increase was recorded for the body mass (9.25%) and daily weight gain (9.49%), the FCR being the same as the one recorded in the control group. These results confirm the favourable influence of prebiotics on the production performances of broiler chickens.

Viability of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Escherichia coli in Versus Prebiotic Effects of Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)

Background: In this study, in vitro prebiotic effects of Jerusalem artichoke poly-fructans on the survivability and activity of Bifidobacterium bifidum, Escherichia coli were investigated and compared with HP-Inulin (a high molecular-weight fraction of chicory-derived inulin). Objectives: The prebiotic potential of poly-fructans extracted from native Jerusalem artichoke tubers on the survivability of B. bifidum and E. coli was evaluated in this study. Methods: In this experimental study, 24 treatments divided to 2 groups (Extracted poly-fructose from Jerusalem artichoke tubers and standard inulin) randomly. The turbidity and pH variations during 48 hours incubation were determined using final concentrations of each group (0.5%, 1%, 2% and 3% (w/v)). The data were analyzed by MINITAB 14 and MSTATC statistical software, one way ANOVA and Duncan’s test. Results: This study suggests that Jerusalem artichoke tuber fructooligosaccharides (JA-Fr) had the potential to be used as a prebiotic component. The growth of B. bifidum improved significantly in the presence of Jerusalem artichoke fructans compared to the control. There was no significant differences (P < 0.05) in Bifidobacterium population in different concentrations of Jerusalem artichoke poly-fructans, but the population was significantly higher than the count in the presence of HP-inulin. The pH decreased in both media during 48 hours incubation time. Specific rate of growth and doubling time determined for E. coli demonstrated that the efficacy of various carbon sources in stimulating bacterial growth were influenced by the concentration and DP (degree of polymerization) of fructan chains in the media. Conclusions: Jerusalem artichoke fructooligosaccharides can provide the greater stability of probiotics and acid production, so it can be considered as a potential source of high-yielding oligosaccharide for commercial prebiotic production to develop food industry and improve host health.

Changes in the arabinoxylan fraction of wheat grain during alcohol production.

Laboratory produced DDGS samples were compared with commercial samples from a distillery and a biofuel plant. Changes in structure, solubility and content of arabinoxylan (AX) was determined. The distillation process results in a relative increase of AX content compared to the starting material. The heating and drying processes involved in the production of DDGS lead to an increased solubility and viscosity of water-extractable AX. Production of DDGS results in structural changes to the AX. There is a decrease in 2- and 3-linked arabinose oligosaccharides, that contributes to around a 50% reduction in arabinosylation in DDGS compared with the starting grains. The current study shows that laboratory-scale DDGS provide an accurate representation of the commercial scale and that the AX composition of DDGS is consistently uniform irrespective of starting material. The uniformity of DDGS and thin stillage makes them a good potential source of AX for production of prebiotics or other novel products.

The potential of prebiotic production from wild yam as lactobacillus casei growth promoter

The infant intestinal tract is essentially sterile part and experiences a period of steady colonization over the following weeks and months as it is exposed to microorganisms from the environment. It is generally accepted that these microorganisms have a major impact on the overall development and function of the gastrointestinal mucosa and immune system. This research aims at prebiotic extraction from wild yam which is a plant in the local area. The study found that prebiotic extracted from wild yam soaked for 24 hours and 3 days gave the prebiotic concentration of 1,437 μg/ml and 1,141 μg/ml, respectively. The optimum conditions for prebiotic extraction consisted of the extraction ratio, temperature and soaking time of 1:30 (w/v), 85°C and 30 minutes, respectively. The growth of Lactobacillus casei subsp. rhamnosus in fermented milk supplemented with wild yam extract was investigated. Result showed that the fermented milk with prebiotic extract (3 days soaking wild yam) was able to promote growth of L. casei subsp. rhamnosus.

Prebiotic synthesis from rice using Aspergillus oryzae with solid state fermentation

Prebiotic synthesis from economical substrates (glutinous rice and rice bran) using Aspergillus oryzae TISTR 3102 and TISTR 3222 with solid state fermentation (SSF) was explored. The pH value, alpha-glucosidase activity and total reducing sugar (TRS) concentration were monitored during incubation with different substrate ratios of 1:1 and 1:2 weight per weight (w/w). After 7 d incubation under SSF in glutinous rice and rice bran at 1:2 w/w, the highest alpha-glucosidase activity (4.49 Unit/mL) and TRS concentration (16.84 g/L) were detected. The product mixtures consisted of several reducing sugars as prebiotic compounds, especially panose and isomaltotriose. The prebiotic properties were investigated for their growth stimulation on two probiotic strains (Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus) and the inhibition of two pathogens (Escherichia coli and Salmonella paratyphi). These product mixtures under solid state fermentation (SSF) using A. oryzae in variable rice ratios displayed high efficiency with regard to prebiotic properties and were deemed appropriate for prebiotic production.

Effect of a Prebiotic Formulation on Frailty Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

Aging can result in major changes in the composition and metabolic activities of bacterial populations in the gastrointestinal system and result in impaired function of the immune system. We assessed the efficacy of prebiotic Darmocare Pre® (Bonusan Besloten Vennootschap (BV), Numansdorp, The Netherlands) to evaluate whether the regular intake of this product can improve frailty criteria, functional status and response of the immune system in elderly people affected by the frailty syndrome. The study was a placebo-controlled, randomized, double blind design in sixty older participants aged 65 and over. The prebiotic product was composed of a mixture of inulin plus fructooligosaccharides and was compared with placebo (maltodextrin). Participants were randomized to a parallel group intervention of 13 weeks’ duration with a daily intake of Darmocare Pre® or placebo. Either prebiotic or placebo were administered after breakfast (between 9–10 a.m.) dissolved in a glass of water carefully stirred just before drinking. The primary outcome was to study the effect on frailty syndrome. The secondary outcomes were effect on functional and cognitive behavior and sleep quality. Moreover, we evaluated whether prebiotic administration alters blood parameters (haemogram and biochemical analysis). The overall rate of frailty was not significantly modified by Darmocare Pre® administration. Nevertheless, prebiotic administration compared with placebo significantly improved two frailty criteria, e.g., exhaustion and handgrip strength (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). No significant effects were observed in functional and cognitive behavior or sleep quality. The use of novel therapeutic approaches influencing the gut microbiota–muscle–brain axis could be considered for treatment of the frailty syndrome.

Toward a better understanding of mechanisms of probiotics and prebiotics action in poultry species

SUMMARY For many decades, the poultry industry has benefitted from improved health and performance of birds due to inclusion of sub-therapeutic levels of antibiotics in feeds. However, several countries have prohibited, or are in the process of prohibiting, non-therapeutic uses of antibiotics in poultry. This is necessitated by the need to prevent development of antibiotic resistant strains (superbugs) of bacteria that may pose a threat to human health. The industry has responded with development of probiotic (direct-fed microbials)/prebiotic products that are claimed to have similar benefits as antibiotics. However, although many of these products have reasonable levels of field efficacy, significant variability still exists in their effectiveness in comparison with antibiotics. To complicate the issue further, many commercial vendors “oversell” their products with unsubstantiated claims of efficacy. A “systems” approach involving a better understanding of the microbiome, microbe-microbe and microbe-host interaction is being proposed for a better understanding of physiological mechanisms of probiotic/prebiotic action. This may require the use of advanced molecular, analytical and computational techniques. Although these techniques are expansive, the pay-off for the poultry industry in terms of better predictability of prebiotics/probiotic effects is enormous.

Effects of prebiotics, probiotics, and their combination on growth performance, small intestine morphology, and resident Lactobacillus of male broilers

Effects of commercial antimicrobials and the individual and combinational use of commercial prebiotics and probiotics in feed from d zero to 41 on the growth performance, small intestine size, jejunal morphology, and ileal resident bacteria population of broiler chickens were determined. A total of 1,040 one-day-old male Ross × Ross 708 broilers were randomly distributed to 80 floor pens (5 treatments, 16 replications per treatment, 13 chicks per pen). Five dietary treatments were employed: 1) a corn soybean-meal basal diet (served as a negative control diet, NC); 2) a basal diet supplemented with a commercial prebiotic product (Pre); 3) a basal diet supplemented with a probiotic product containing Bacillus subtilis spores (Pro); 4) a basal diet supplemented with both prebiotic and probiotic products (Pre + Pro); and 5) a basal diet supplemented with commercial antimicrobials (served as a positive control diet, PC). At d 14, Pre diets improved the relative level of Lactobacillus in ileal mucosa as compared to NC, Pro, or PC diets (P = 0.045) without improving broiler BW. Broilers fed PC diets exhibited the highest BW gain from d 15 to 27, the lowest duodenum, jejunum, and ileum relative weights as percentage of BW at d 27, and the highest breast weight at d 42 (P = 0.026, 0.035, 0.002, 0.025, and 0.035, respectively). Broilers fed Pro or Pre + Pro diets exhibited higher BW gain from d 28 to 41 (P = 0.005) and higher overall BW gain from d zero to 41 (P = 0.039) than those fed other diets. Dietary treatments did not affect jejunal morphology or ileal resident Escherichia coli level at any age. From our results, including spores of Bacillus subtilis in feed may stimulate growth at a later age and may facilitate broilers in reaching their target weight sooner. Therefore, probiotics are recommended as potential alternatives to antimicrobials in chicken diets, especially in grower and finisher feed.

Prebiotic effect of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) fructans on the growth performance of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Escherichia coli

ObjectiveTo investigate and compare in vitro prebiotic effects of Jerusalem artichoke poly-fructans on the survivability and activity of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Escherichia coli with high performance-inulin (a high molecular weight fraction of chicory-derived inulin). MethodsExtracted polyfructose from Jerusalem artichoke tubers and standard inulin were added to the appropriated culture to achieve final concentrations [0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0% (w/v)] to determine the turbidity and pH variations during 48 h incubation. ResultsThis study suggested that Jerusalem artichoke tuber fructooligosaccharides had the potential to be used as a prebiotic component. The growth of Bifidobacterium bifidum improved significantly in the presence of Jerusalem artichoke fructans compared to the control. There was no significant differences (P < 0.05) in Bifidobacterium population in different concentrations of Jerusalem artichoke poly-fructans, but the population was significantly higher than the count in the presence of high performance-inulin. The pH decreased in both media during 48 h incubation time. The specific rate of growth and doubling time determined for Escherichia coli demonstrated that the efficacy of various carbon sources in stimulating bacterial growth was influenced by the concentration and degree of polymerization of fructan chains in the media. ConclusionsJerusalem artichoke fructooligosaccharides can provide the greater stability of probiotics and acid production, so it can be considered as a potential source of high yielding oligosaccharide for commercial prebiotic production to develop food industry and improve host health.