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- Title
Dietary fibre and crude protein: impact on gastrointestinal microbial fermentation characteristics and host response.
- Authors
Pieper, R.; Vahjen, W.; Zentek, J.
- Abstract
The role of the gastrointestinal tract microbiota in animal health and nutrition has become the subject of intensive research. Carbohydrates and crude protein are major components of swine diets and numerous studies have been performed looking at the effect of inclusion of dietary fibre with possible functional properties. In recent years, our understanding of the diversity and functionality of the gastrointestinal tract microbiota has increased further enabling the possibility for their targeted modulation. However, favouring potential beneficial bacteria, inhibiting possible pathogens or promotion of the formation of desired metabolites, is complex and underlies many factors and uncertainties. Approaches targeting this complex ecosystem (and discussed in this review) include the utilisation of fermentable carbohydrates such as resistant starch, cereal 1-3/1-4b-glucans, arabinoxylans, inulin or other sources from legumes and industrial by-products. In addition, strategies regarding protein level and the protein : carbohydrate ratio are discussed briefly. Results are both promising and sometimes rather disillusioning considering the dietary concentrations needed to showbiologically relevant effects. Deriving recommendations for an optimal inclusion rate of dietary fibre for weaning, growing pigs and sows and maximum levels for dietary crude protein may be one of the main challenges in the near future in the swine industry.
- Subjects
ANIMAL health; GUT microbiome; NUTRITION research; SWINE physiology; PROTEIN research
- Publication
Animal Production Science, 2015, Vol 55, Issue 11, p1367
- ISSN
1836-0939
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1071/AN15278