The Effects of fructooligosaccharide supplementation on gut microflora, nutrient digestibility, plasma cholesterol and phagocyte activity in adult dogs

Abstract

The objectives of this experiment were to investigate the effects of FOS supplementation on gut microflora, nutrient digestibility, plasma cholesterol, and phagocyte activity in adult dogs and to determine the appropriate level of FOS supplementation in commercial dog foods. Eight healthy mixed breed female dogs, age between 3.5-7 years and average body weight between 14.3 ± 0.4 kg were used in this study. An experimental design was a replicated 4×4 Latin-square (LSD). Dogs had free access to water and were fed twice daily. Treatments composed of none (the control group), 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% FOS (Beghim Meiji, France) supplementation. There were four experimental periods, each period last 35-d and composed of a 10-d adaptation period (no supplemental FOS) followed by a 15-d test period (supplemental FOS) and a 10-d post test period (no supplemental FOS). Results of this experiment showed no effects of FOS supplementation on body weight and feed intake. The control dogs had lower (P < 0.05) fecal DM, but greater fecal DM digestibility than the dogs supplemented with FOS at 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0%. No differences (P > 0.05) in fecal digestibility of CP, crude fat and OM were observed. The dogs supplemented with FOS at 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% had greater (P < 0.05) populations of fecal lactic acid bacteria than those of the control group. The fecal E.coli population decreased (P < 0.05) in all FOS supplement groups when compared to the control group. No differences (P>0.05) in plasma cholesterol concentration was observed between the treatments. The dog supplemented with 2.0% FOS had the greatest (P < 0.05) percentages of phagocyte activity, followed by 1.0 and 0.5% FOS supplement, and the control groups, respectively. In conclusion, supplementation of FOS at 2% which is the level used in commercial pet food could demonstrate some effects on gut microflora by increase the population of beneficial lactic acid bacteria and decrease the population of fecal E.coli. These supplement also showed positive effect on immune system regarding increase the phagocyte activity.