Viscosity Of Intestinal Contents Research Articles

Xylanase supplementation of pelleted wheat-based diets increases growth efficiency and apparent metabolizable energy and decreases viscosity of intestinal contents in broilers

This study was designed to test graded supplementation of a thermostable xylanase in pelleted, wheat-based diets fed to broiler chickens over a 28-d period. A total of 600 Ross 708 male broilers were allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments: positive control (PC), negative control (NC; 125 kcal of AME/kg diet reduction relative to PC), and NC supplemented with 10, 15, or 30 g/ton of xylanase. Wheat-soybean meal-based diets were pelleted and fed in 2 feeding phases (14-d each). Study outcomes included growth performance, AME, and ileal digesta viscosity with 20 battery cages of 6 birds per treatment. Data were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA along with estimation of Pearson correlation coefficients. Whereas no difference between NC and PC was observed for BW gain, NC birds exhibited increased (P < 0.05) feed intake during each feeding phase and overall, which caused improvements (P < 0.05) in feed conversion ratio (FCR) for PC vs. NC birds. The analyzed AME of PC birds was 112 kcal/kg of diet greater (P < 0.05) than for NC birds, though no differences in digesta viscosity were observed. Xylanase supplementation of the NC diet at 15 or 30 g/ton elicited overall improvements (P < 0.05) in BW gain beyond the PC, while the 30 g/ton level equalized feed intake with the PC. Regardless of level, xylanase supplementation improved (P < 0.05) the FCR relative to the NC, thereby equalizing the response with the PC. Similarly, supplementation with any xylanase level increased (P < 0.05) AME over the NC, making all treatments synonymous with the PC. Digesta viscosity of all xylanase-supplemented treatments was decreased relative to both the NC and PC treatments. Overall, this study provided clear evidence that addition of a thermostable xylanase to pelleted wheat-based diets elicited improvements in growth performance of broilers concomitant with a reduction in digesta viscosity and elevation of analyzed dietary AME content.

Effect of Olive Leaves or Marigold Petal Extract on Oxidative Stress, Gut Fermentative Activity, and Mucosa Morphology in Broiler Chickens Fed a Diet Rich in n-3 Polyunsaturated Fats.

An experiment in broilers was conducted to investigate the effect of olive (Olea europea) leaves and marigold (Calendula officinalis) petal extract supplementation on oxidative stress, characteristics of intestinal contents, and on the morphology of the small intestine. Oxidative stress was induced by a n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids rich diet. 1-day-old male broiler chickens, Ross 308, were housed in a deep litter system. After the first 21 days, animals were randomly divided into three groups of 16 animals in two replicates and fed, until slaughter on day 39, a diet that contained 7% linseed oil. Control diet (Cont) remained unsupplemented, while both experimental diets were supplemented with olive leaves (OliveEx) or marigold petal (MarigEx) extracts. Oxidative stress was evaluated in blood and liver by measuring markers of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde (MDA), isoprostanes), rate of DNA damage in lymphocytes and in blood (comet assay, 8-hydroxy-2′deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)), and activity of antioxidant and liver enzymes in blood. In different parts of the intestine, levels of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), and viscosity of intestinal contents were measured, and the health of the gastrointestinal tract was assessed using histological measurements. OliveEx significantly (p<0.05) decreased the MDA and 8-OHdG concentration in plasma, and the level of ethanoic acid in small intestinal contents and total SCFA in caecum, indicating improved oxidative status and increased microbial activity in the intestine. MarigEx significantly (p<0.05) decreased the rate of lymphocyte DNA damage and the crypt depth in duodenum, indicating potentially beneficial effects on the immune system and the health of the small intestine. In conclusion, dietary OliveEx and MarigEx supplementation improved some markers of oxidative stress and intestinal health. However, positive effects could be more pronounced in more unfavorable environmental conditions or in cases of diseases, but further studies are needed.

Comparing two techniques for viscosity measurements in poultry feedstuffs: does it render similar conclusions?

Viscosity of intestinal contents is known to affect digestion and absorption of nutrients. In most poultry studies, intestinal viscosity has been measured only after complete removal of solid particles by centrifugation. Centrifugation may however remove particles that contribute to viscosity, hence giving rise to an underestimation of viscosity. Two viscosity measurement techniques, one including a centrifugation step (Brookfield) and the other without (Haake), were compared in-vitro to assess whether both techniques result in similar conclusions regarding viscosity in feedstuffs. Two sets of feedstuff preparations were used. The first set was prepared with different combinations of milled feedstuffs in order to have a wide range of viscosity: 100% corn, 25% corn + 75% wheat, 100% wheat, 90% wheat + 10% rye, all mixed with distilled water. In the second set, barley was incubated with different beta-glucanases, and soybean and sunflower meal were incubated with different pectinases, again all mixed with distilled water. Viscosity was assessed using both techniques (Haake and Brookfield equipments) at six different time points. To evaluate the extent of agreement between the two methods, the Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) was assessed using the percentage of increase in viscosity within each method, based on pairwise feedstuffs comparison (first set), or relative to the feedstuff without enzyme (second set). The rate of the agreement between the two methods was substantial for the first set of feedstuffs (66%) and for the barley diets incubated with beta-glucanases (69%), whereas the CCC score for the soybean meal diets was very poor (2%) and fair for the sunflower meal diets, incubated with pectinases (32%). The lack of agreement for the latter can be explained by the limited variation in viscosity in these low-viscous mixtures. Although the two techniques are considerably different (e.g., with or without preceding particle removal), they seem to render similar conclusions when applied to poultry feedstuffs to identify distinct differences under the tested circumstances.

Effect of dietary tannic acid supplementation in corn- or barley-based diets on growth performance, intestinal viscosity, litter quality, and incidence and severity of footpad dermatitis in broiler chickens

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary tannic acid and barley supplementation on growth performance, intestinal viscosity, litter quality, and footpad dermatitis (FPD) in broiler chickens. Five hundred forty-four 1-d-old male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to dietary treatments with 8 replicated pens per treatment and 17 broiler chickens pen as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of 2 diets (a corn-soybean meal diet or a diet with 30% barley) and tannic acid (0 and 2g/kg) in a completely randomized design. Growth performance, intestinal viscosity, litter quality, and FPD incidence and severity were recorded. The results showed that there was no interaction between diets and tannic acid levels. Barley-based diets reduced (P < 0.05) the body weight (BW) gain at 0–42 d, and feed intake at 21–42 d and 0–42 d. At 28 d of experiment, the viscosity of intestinal contents of anterior and posterior segments was greater (P < 0.05) in broiler chickens fed diets with barley. Similarly, the viscosity of intestinal contents of posterior segment was greater (P < 0.05) at 42 d, in broiler chickens fed barley-based diets. Litter pH, moisture, and NH3 volatilization were increased (P < 0.05) in response to barley-based diets. Barley-based diets increased (P < 0.05) the incidence and severity of FPD lesions in broiler chickens at 14, 28, and 42 d of experiment. Although dietary tannic acid had no effect on performance, intestinal viscosity, and litter quality compared to those fed diets without tannic acid (P > 0.05), it tended to reduce body weight gain (P = 0.05) and increase feed conversion ratio (FCR; P = 0.09) at 0–21 d and NH3 volatilization on 28 (P = 0.08) and 42 d (P = 0.07). Dietary tannic acid supplementation prevented the FPD lesion development and reduced (P < 0.05) the total FPD lesions at d 42. Moreover, the severe lesions decreased (P = 0.08) on d 42 in broiler chickens fed tannic acid. In conclusion, barley-based diets may worsen the growth performance and litter quality, and increase the intestinal viscosity that increases the incidence and severity of FPD in broiler chickens. Dietary tannic acid supplementation may not affect the growth performance, intestinal viscosity, and litter quality. However, it may reduce the incidence and severity of FPD in broiler chickens.

Dietary fibres in the regulation of appetite and food intake. Importance of viscosity

Dietary fibres have many functions in the diet, one of which may be to promote control of energy intake and reduce the risk of developing obesity. This is linked to the unique physico-chemical properties of dietary fibres which aid early signalling of satiation and prolonged or enhanced sensation of satiety. Particularly the ability of some dietary fibres to increase viscosity of intestinal contents offers numerous opportunities to affect appetite regulation. Few papers on the satiating effect of dietary fibres include information on the physico-chemical characteristics of the dietary fibres being tested, including molecular weight and viscosity. For viscosity to serve as a proxy for soluble dietary fibres it is essential to have an understanding of individual dietary fibre viscosity characteristics. The goal of this paper is to provide a brief overview on the role of dietary fibres in appetite regulation highlighting the importance of viscosity.

산란 후기 사료 내 거미(Nephila clavata) 유래 단백질 분해효소제(Arazyme®)의 첨가 급여가 난 생산성에 미치는 영향

본 실험은 산란 후기 사료 내 거미 유래 단백질 분해효소 제 AZ의 첨가 급여가 산란계의 생산성, 계란의 품질, 혈액 특성, 장 내용물의 점도, 맹장 미생물 변화 및 맹장 내 암모니아 농도에 미치는 영향을 조사하기 위한 목적으로 수행하였다. 59주령의 Hy-Line Brown 실용계 200수를 공시하여 총 4개 처리에 각 처리구별 반복당 10수씩 5반복으로 완전 임의 배치하였고, 각각의 실험 사료에 AZ을 각각 0.05%, 0.075% 및 0.1% 혼합하여 총 5주간 급여하였다. 총 실험 기간 중 AZ 첨가에 따라 난중에서 유의한 차가 나타났으며, AZ 0.05%를 첨가한 처리구에서 가장 높은 증가가 나타났다(P<0.05). AZ 첨가는 난각 두께, 난각 강도, 난각색, 난황색 및 Haugh Unit는 처리구간 통계적 유의성은 없는 것으로 나타났다. 혈액 내 총 콜레스테롤 함량과 GOT 및 GPT 활성에 있어서는 처리구간 통계적 차이가 없는 것으로 나타났다. 맹장 내 미생물 균총을 조사해 본 결과 총 균수, 유산균수 및 대장균군수는 처리구간 차이를 보이지 않았다. 장 내용물의 점도 및 장내 암모니아 농도는 대조구에 비해 AZ을 첨가한 처리구에서 유의하게 감소하는 것으로 나타났다(P<0.05). 본 실험 결과, 식물성 및 동물성 단백질을 포함한 산란 후기 사료에 AZ의 첨가 급여는 난중 및 장 내 점도를 개선하고 암모니아 농도를 저감하는데 효과적이라는 것을 시사한다. 따라서 산란 후기 사료에 거미 유래 단백질 분해효소제 AZ의 첨가 급여는 산란 후기의 생산성, 장내 점도를 개선하여 사료 효소제로서 가치가 있는 것으로 판단된다. 또한 본 실험 결과 산란 후기 사료에서의 AZ의 첨가 수준은 0.05%와 0.075%에서 개선되는 결과가 나타났으나, 첨가 비용을 고려 할 때, 0.05% 첨가 수준이 가장 높은 효과가 있는 것으로 판단된다. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of spider-derived protease [Arazyme (AZ)] supplementation on egg production, egg quality, cecal microflora and viscosity of intestinal contents in laying hens at the late production. A total of two hundred, 59-wks-old, Hy-Line Brown layers were divided into four groups, placed into 5 replicates per group (50 birds per group) and fed one of four diets containing 0.05, 0.075 or 0.1% AZ or control for 5 wks. The results showed that egg weight in group fed the diet containing 0.05% AZ was significantly higher than those of other groups (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in egg interior and eggshell qualities among the groups. The serum parameters such as total cholesterol, the levels of GOT and GPT were not influenced by AZ feeding. There were no significant differences in the cecal number of total microbes, Coliforms and lactic acid bacteria among the groups. The viscosity and ammonia concentration of intestinal contents in the groups fed AZ were significantly reduced compared to those of the control (P<0.05). In conclusion, laying hens fed AZ supplemented diet improved egg weight as compared with that of control. In addition, the AZ supplemented diet reduced the viscosity and ammonia concentration of intestinal contents, reflecting a significant feed enzyme effect.

Large Particles Increase Viscosity and Yield Stress of Pig Cecal Contents without Changing Basic Viscoelastic Properties

The viscosity of gut contents should influence digestion and absorption. Earlier investigators measured the viscosity of intestinal contents after the removal of solid particles. However, we previously found that removal of solid particles from pig cecal contents dramatically lowered the viscosity of the contents. Accordingly, we examined the contribution of large solid particles to viscoelastic parameters of gut contents in the present study. We removed large particles from pig cecal contents by filtration through surgical gauze. Then, we reconstructed the cecal contents by returning all, one half or none of the original amount of the large particles to the filtrate. We measured the viscosity, shear stress and shear rate of these reconstructed cecal contents using a tube-flow viscometer. The coefficient of viscosity was larger when the large-particle content was higher (P < 0.01). Cecal contents behaved as a non-Newtonian fluid and showed an apparent Bingham plastic nature irrespective of large-particle content. We calculated the yield stress of these fluids assuming that the fluids behave as Bingham plastic. The yield stress of the cecal contents was greater (P < 0.05) when the large-particle content was higher. The above results indicated that large particles elevated the viscosity and yield stress of gut contents without changing their basic viscoelastic character. Integrating the present and our previous results, we conclude that it is likely that finer particles such as bacteria should provide non-Newtonian and apparent Bingham plastic characteristics to pig cecal contents.

The water-soluble extract of chicory reduces cholesterol uptake in gut-perfused rats

The direct action of soluble fiber analogs (chicory water-soluble extract and inulin) on the intestinal absorption of cholesterol was investigated in gut-perfused rats. After equilibrium, both jejunal and ileal segments were simultaneously perfused with an isotonic electrolyte solution (pH 7.4) containing cholesterol (2 mmol/L) and chicory water-soluble extract (chicory extract) or inulin (10 g/L). Each test or control solution was perfused in random sequence, with perfusion times of 30 min. Chicory extract significantly decreased cholesterol absorption by 30% (P < 0.05) in the jejunum and by 41% (P < 0.05) in the ileum, compared with control. Addition of inulin resulted in a significant reduction of cholesterol absorption from jejunum by 39% (P < 0.05) and from ileum by 51% (P < 0.05). The observed changes in cholesterol absorptions caused by chicory extract or inulin were reversible by switching to a fiber-free (control) perfusate. The reduction in intestinal absorption of cholesterol observed after perfusion of chicory extract or inulin may be due to its increased viscosity of intestinal contents.

Effects of age and diet on the viscosity of intestinal contents in broiler chicks

1. A standard methodology was developed for the determination of the viscosity of digesta in broiler chickens. 2. The best variables considered for use (those which gave the most consistent results) were: digesta obtained from the foregut area (defined as the region from the pancreas to Meckel's diverticulum) using a minimum of 6 replicates and offering experimental diets for 5 d before slaughter at 25 d of age. 3. There was evidence that the viscosity of digesta obtained from the hindgut (defined as the region between Meckel's diverticulum and the ileo-caecal junction) was reduced the longer the birds were fed on one diet, suggesting possible dietary acclimatisation. Hindgut digesta viscosity from birds fed on a barleybased diet over a longer period was 10% to 30% less than that of birds fed for 5 d. 4. There was an apparent reduction in viscosity with age of bird up to 45 d of age, with hindgut digesta viscosity from birds fed on barley-based diets falling from 20.6 cps at 25 d to 9.8 cps at 45 d. 5. In an assessment of the procedure developed, the following digesta viscosities were obtained at 25 d: 3.1 cps (wheat-based diet, foregut), 19 8 cps (barley-based diet, foregut), 5.7 cps (wheat-based diet, hindgut), 22.8 cps (barley-based diet, hindgut).

Lipid levels and digesta viscosity of rats fed a high-fiber barley milling fraction

Forty adult rats were used in an experiment to evaluate the effect of feeding a high viscosity barley milling fraction on plasma and liver lipids and intestinal content viscosity. Shonkin barley was milled into 14 fractions utilizing an 8-roller dry mill. The fraction selected for this experiment was classified as break shorts containing 8.4% β-glucan. Rats were randomly allotted to diets containing 0.5% cholesterol and barley shorts at either 0% (control), 30, 60, or 90% of the diet. Experimental duration was 21 d at which time rats were sacrificed, small intestine contents removed and viscosities determined. The animals were not fasted prior to sacrifice. Response criteria measured were plasma lipids and glucose, liver lipids, wet digesta weight and viscosity of intestinal contents. Plasma lipids and glucose were not different (P > .05) for rats fed any of the diets. There were no differences in liver weights among groups. Rats fed different levels of shorts had significantly lower (P<0.05) liver cholesterol than those fed the control diet. Liver triacylglycerol was higher (P<0.05) in rats fed the control diet compared to rats fed other diets. Wet digesta weight was higher in rats fed different levels of shorts compared to those fed the control diet, and increased with increasing levels of shorts in the diet. Viscosity of intestinal contents increased (P < .05) when rats were fed increasing levels of break shorts. These data indicate that consumption of a high viscous barley milling fraction by rats may contribute to increased viscosity in the small intestine contents and is associated with lower liver lipid levels.

The influence of diet on the mucin carbohydrates in the chick intestinal tract.

The presence of nutrients in the intestinal lumen is a major factor influencing bacterial colonization in poultry. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of poultry feed on viscosity of intestinal contents and on mucin carbohydrates by comparing jejunal supernatants and the histochemical composition of goblet cells in chicks reared to 5 weeks of age on either a conventional maize-based diet or a wheat-based diet or a wheat diet supplemented with 0.1% xylanase. Regional differences in the distribution of the neutral, carboxylated and sulphated mucins were demonstrated using conventional histochemical techniques, while a panel of lectins was used to study alterations in glycoconjugate synthesis of mucins in chicks fed different diets. 1) Feeding a diet supplemented with xylanase lowered the viscosity but increased the amount of neutral, carboxylated and sulphated mucins in the jejunum. 2) In chicks fed a maize-based diet, neutral mucins increased in the surface and upper crypt goblet cells of the small and large intestines but decreased in the caecum. 3) Feeding a diet supplemented with xylanase modified crypt-surface glycosylation of N-acetylglucosamine residues and resulted in loss of sialic acid residues in the small and large intestines. These results indicate that the constituents of poultry feed, in particular the consumption of a diet supplemented with xylanase, lead to changes in intestinal viscosity and mucin composition which are associated with alterations in the goblet cell glycoconjugates of the chick intestinal tract.

The effect of increasing inclusion levels of β-glucanase on the feeding of hulled and hulless barley fractions to chickens

Non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) in cereals which have been linked to antinutritional activity through elevated viscosity of intestinal contents, vary in concentration in different regions of the grain, but are particularly rich in the endosperm cell wall (Forrest &amp; Wainwright 1977; Mulder, Hotten et al 1991). The current trial investigated the degree to which increasing inclusion levels of an exogenous β-glucanase with different barley fractions, from either a hulled or known high viscosity producing hulless variety, would influence the viscosity of broiler digesta and if, as in rye (Bedford &amp; Classen 1991), reductions in carbohydrate molecular weight were obtained.

The effect of increasing inclusion levels of β-glucanase on the feeding of hulled and hulless barley fractions to chickens

Non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) in cereals which have been linked to antinutritional activity through elevated viscosity of intestinal contents, vary in concentration in different regions of the grain, but are particularly rich in the endosperm cell wall (Forrest &amp; Wainwright 1977; Mulder, Hotten et al 1991). The current trial investigated the degree to which increasing inclusion levels of an exogenous β-glucanase with different barley fractions, from either a hulled or known high viscosity producing hulless variety, would influence the viscosity of broiler digesta and if, as in rye (Bedford &amp; Classen 1991), reductions in carbohydrate molecular weight were obtained.

The Effect of Feeding Barley Fractions on Viscosity and Non-Starch Polysaccharide Levels in Broiler Chickens

Non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) which have been linked to antinutritional activity through elevated viscosity of intestinal contents may be found in greater amounts in certain regions of the cereal grain specifically the endosperm cell wall (Forrest &amp; Wainwright 1977; Mulder, Hotten et al 1991).The current series of experiments was designed to investigate whether different levels of barley fractions contained within standard diets would influence the viscosity of broiler digesta and to examine the NSP content of the fractions and digesta supernatants.

Relationships between Viscosity of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose and Plasma Cholesterol in Hamsters

Dietary high viscosity hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) lowered plasma and liver cholesterol concentrations in cholesterol-fed hamsters. To determine the level of viscosity needed to effect a significant reduction in total plasma cholesterol, hamsters were fed for 3 wk diets containing 0.12% cholesterol and either 4% cellulose or one of four preparations of HPMC that varied in viscosity between 14 and 1698 centipoise (cP), as estimated in vitro. Blood was collected for plasma cholesterol determination, and intestinal contents were obtained by finger-stripping of the excised small intestine. Contents were centrifuged and the supernatant (ex vivo) viscosity determined. In vitro and ex vivo viscosities were correlated (R2 = 0.96). Plasma cholesterol concentrations declined as in vitro or ex vivo viscosity increased. Maximal plasma cholesterol reduction occurred at an ex vivo viscosity of approximately 150 cP. There was a linear relationship between plasma cholesterol and the logarithm of ex vivo viscosity (R2 = 0.98). Our results suggest that materials that increase the viscosity of intestinal contents can be effective in reducing plasma cholesterol and that only moderate increases in viscosity are necessary to achieve this effect.

The effect of age and diet on the viscosity of intestinal contents in broiler chicks

It is generally considered that increased digesta viscosity is one mode of action by which antinutritional factors such as β-glucans in barley and arabinoxylans in wheat reduce digestibility of nutrients in broilers. The increased viscosity interferes, possibly, with the activity of digestive enzymes and subsequent movement of nutrients prior to absorption, therefore ultimately depressing growth rate and feed conversion. Experimental diets are usually fed for approximately three weeks prior to evaluation of gut viscosity. However viscosity may change considerably during and after this time to a degree which may be influenced by the feeding regime employed. Accordingly, the current series of experiments was designed to identify the pattern of change of gut viscosity as influenced by age of bird (15 to 45 days) and feeding regime when diets based on wheat and barley were offered.

Viscosity and fermentability as attributes of dietary fiber responsible for the hypocholesterolemic effect in hamsters.

The attribute(s) of soluble dietary fibers responsible for cholesterol lowering is currently uncertain. A series of experiments were conducted in which viscosity and fermentability was assessed independently for their effect on plasma and liver cholesterol concentration. Hamsters were divided into four dietary groups and fed diets containing 0.12% cholesterol and 5% fiber as high viscosity hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HV-HPMC group), low viscosity hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (LV-HPMC group), high viscosity guar gum (HV-GG group) or low viscosity guar gum (LV-GG group). Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is essentially nonfermentable, whereas guar gum is highly fermentable. Plasma cholesterol concentrations at 3, 6 and 11 wk and liver cholesterol concentrations at 6 and 11 wk were significantly lower in the HV-HPMC group relative to the LV-HPMC group (P < 0.05). Intestinal content viscosities of the LV-HPMC and HV-GG groups were similar; consequently, these two groups were compared to examine the independent effect of fermentation. Plasma and liver cholesterol were significantly lower in the HV-GG group compared with the LV-HPMC group at 6 wk (P < 0.05), but not at 3 or 11 wk. Hepatic sterol synthesis rates were not affected by any of the diets. This study shows that greater viscosity of intestinal contents is strongly associated with cholesterol reduction, but that the contribution of fiber fermentation remains uncertain.

The Effect of Pelleting, Salt, and Pentosanase on the Viscosity of Intestinal Contents and the Performance of Broilers Fed Rye

An experiment was conducted to determine the impact of pelleting of rye, dietary salt (.39 and .57%), and crude pentosanase supplementation (0 and .2%) on the viscosity of intestinal contents and the concomitant performance of broiler chicks fed rye-based diets. Each treatment was replicated six times with six birds per replicate. Test diets were fed from 1 day to 3 wk of age, at which time body weight, feed intake, intestinal viscosity, and molecular weight distribution of carbohydrate complexes were determined in fore and hind gut sections. Enzyme supplementation in all treatment combinations significantly increased weight gains and feed conversion efficiency (FCE). Pelleting and salt did not influence weight gain or FCE, although feed intake was increased through the addition of salt The viscosity of fore and hind gut contents was significantly reduced with pentosanase supplementation, whereas the effects of salt or pelleting were not as clearly defined. Weight gain and FCE correlated with fore but not hind gut viscosity. The viscosity of gut samples was found to be best described by the concentration of carbohydrate complexes with an average molecular weight greater than 500,000 Da. Pentosanase treatment reduced lumenal concentration of these complexes, thereby reducing viscosity and stimulating improvements in growth and FCE.

Effect of a soluble bacterial carbohydrate fraction on the viscosity of intestinal contents in healthy subjects and patients with Crohn's disease

Abstract. Supernatants of faecal suspensions from patients with Crohn's disease (CD) showed much lower viscosity than those from healthy subjects. Material responsible for the viscosity could be precipitated with ethanol. Gel filtration indicated that the viscosity was not due to the glycoprotein fraction but to a fraction with higher molecular weight and relatively high contents of muramic acid suggesting a bacterial origin. The concentration and viscosity of this fraction are less in faeces from patients with CD than in that of healthy subjects.

Effect of a soluble bacterial carbohydrate fraction on the viscosity of intestinal contents in healthy subjects and patients with Crohn's disease

Supernatants of faecal suspensions from patients with Crohn's disease (CD) showed much lower viscosity than those from healthy subjects. Material responsible for the viscosity could be precipitated with ethanol. Gel filtration indicated that the viscosity was not due to the glycoprotein fraction but to a fraction with higher molecular weight and relatively high contents of muramic acid suggesting a bacterial origin. The concentration and viscosity of this fraction are less in faeces from patients with CD than in that of healthy subjects.