The effects of dietary mannaoligosaccharides on cecal parameters and the concentrations of enteric bacteria in the ceca of salmonella-challenged broiler chicks

Certain indigestible oligosaccharides may benefit gastrointestinal tract health via fermentation and proliferation of desirable bacterial species. The purpose of this study was to elucidate effects of selected oligosaccharides on cecal and fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration, pH, total large bowel wet weight and wall weight, and gut microbiota levels in rats. Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of five treatments: 1) control diet; 2) control diet + 5% microcrystalline cellulose (5% CC); 3) control diet + 5% CC + 6% fructooligosaccharides; 4) control diet + 5% CC + 6% oligofructose; or 5) control diet + 5% CC + 6% xylooligosaccharides. The control diet consisted of (dry matter basis) 20% protein, 65% carbohydrate, 10.5% fat, vitamin and mineral mixes. The duration of the study was 14 d. The oligofructose- and fructooligosaccharide-containing diets resulted in higher cecal butyrate concentrations compared with the control, cellulose and xylooligosaccharide diets. Generally, total cecal SCFA pools were higher while pH was lower from ingesting oligosaccharide-containing diets compared with control or cellulose diets. Cecal total weight and wall weight were higher from oligosaccharide consumption, whereas colonic total wet weight was higher for rats consuming xylooligosaccharides compared with other treatments; colon wall weight was unaffected by treatments. Cecal bifidobacteria and total anaerobes were higher whereas total aerobes were lower in rats fed oligosaccharide diets compared with those fed the control diet. Cecal lactobacilli levels were unaffected by treatment. Dietary incorporation of fermentable, indigestible oligosaccharides, by providing SCFA, lowering pH, and increasing bifidobacteria, may be beneficial in improving gastrointestinal health.

Selected Indigestible Oligosaccharides Affect Large Bowel Mass, Cecal and Fecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids, pH and Microflora in Rats

Effects of source of protein and carbohydrate on ruminal fermentation and passage of nutrients to the small intestine of lactating cows.

Effect of Monensin on Rumen Fermentation in Vitro and in Vivo

Five trials investigated the feeding value of wet and dried corn distillers byproducts as a source of protein and energy for growing and finishing cattle and investigated the effect of heat damage on the feeding value of dried distillers byproducts. In a calf growth trial, no differences in rate of gain or protein efficiency were observed among calves fed wet distillers byproducts (wet distillers grains + thin stillage; WDB) or one of three composites of dried distillers grains + solubles (DDGS) having a low, medium, or high concentration of ADIN. A finishing trial compared the energy value of dry-rolled corn (DRC) with WDB or the three DDGS composites, fed at 40% of the diet DM replacing DRC. Cattle consuming WDB or DDGS gained faster ( P .lo). In a lamb finishing trial, the addition of 5 or 10% ethanol did not affect (P > .lo) daily gain, DMI, or feed efficiency. In two metabolism trials with steers, grain byproducts (wet distillers grains, dry distillers grains plus solubles, wet corn gluten feed, dry corn gluten feed, hominy feed) and DRC had similar effects on ruminal pH and total VFA. Feeding thin stillage or condensed solubles reduced (P < .lo) ruminal pH and tended to reduce acetate:propionate. Wet corn distillers byproducts, fed at 40% of the diet DM, contain more NE, than did DRC and drying WDB reduces its NE, content. Acid detergent insoluble N is a poor indicator of protein and energy value in distillers grains.

http://www.ddgs.umn.edu/sites/biodieselfeeds.cfans.umn.edu/files/cfans_asset_416532.pdf

G.J. Marco

Papers

Volatile Fatty Acid Analyses of Blood and Rumen Fluid by Gas Chromatography