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Wang Z, He H, Chen M, Ni M, Yuan D, Cai H, Chen Z, Li M, Xu H. Impact of coprophagy prevention on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, and intestinal microbiome of rabbits. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:125. [PMID: 37165350 PMCID: PMC10170819 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02869-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coprophagy plays a vital role in maintaining growth and development in many small herbivores. Here, we constructed a coprophagy model by dividing rabbits into three groups, namely, control group (CON), sham-coprophagy prevention group (SCP), and coprophagy prevention group (CP), to explore the effects of coprophagy prevention on growth performance and cecal microecology in rabbits. RESULTS Results showed that CP treatment decreased the feed utilization and growth performance of rabbits. Serum total cholesterol and total triglyceride in the CP group were remarkably lower than those in the other two groups. Furthermore, CP treatment destroyed cecum villi and reduced the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in cecum contents. Gut microbiota profiling showed significant differences in the phylum and genus composition of cecal microorganisms among the three groups. At the genus level, the abundance of Oscillospira and Ruminococcus decreased significantly in the CP group. Enrichment analysis of metabolic pathways showed a significantly up-regulated differential metabolic pathway (PWY-7315, dTDP-N-acetylthomosamine biosynthesis) in the CP group compared with that in the CON group. Correlation analysis showed that the serum biochemical parameters were positively correlated with the abundance of Oscillospira, Sutterella, and Butyricimonas but negatively correlated with the abundance of Oxalobacte and Desulfovibrio. Meanwhile, the abundance of Butyricimonas and Parabacteroidesde was positively correlated with the concentration of butyric acid in the cecum. CONCLUSIONS In summary, coprophagy prevention had negative effects on serum biochemistry and gut microbiota, ultimately decreasing the growth performance of rabbits. The findings provide evidence for further revealing the biological significance of coprophagy in small herbivorous mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhitong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Hui He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Mengjuan Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Mengke Ni
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Dongdong Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Hanfang Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Zhi Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225000, China
| | - Ming Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Huifen Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
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Effect of Dietary Insoluble and Soluble Fibre on Growth Performance, Digestibility, and Nitrogen, Energy, and Mineral Retention Efficiency in Growing Rabbits. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10081346. [PMID: 32759761 PMCID: PMC7460196 DOI: 10.3390/ani10081346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Rabbits, like other herbivores, require a minimal level of insoluble fibre in the diet to warrant an adequate digestive function. Epizootic rabbit enteropathy (ERE) is the main digestive trouble in growing rabbits that increases the use of antibiotics. The increase of soluble fibre (once met insoluble fibre requirements) limits the incidence of ERE and improves nitrogen and energy balance, while high levels of insoluble fibre seem to favour ERE. This study evaluated whether the increase of soluble and insoluble fibre above the current requirements of insoluble fibre had a positive impact on mortality, growth performance, diet digestibility, and energy, nitrogen, and mineral balance. Treatments had no effect on mortality, which was low (1%). The increase of insoluble fibre reduced the dietary digestible energy, while soluble fibre only increased it when combined with a low insoluble fibre level. The group fed with the lowest insoluble and soluble fibre levels showed the best energy and mineral balance, while the increase of insoluble or soluble fibre did not improve any growth trait. We conclude that in healthy rabbits, and once the minimal insoluble fibre requirements are met, no increase of insoluble or soluble fibre is recommended. Abstract Dietary soluble fibre limits the incidence of epizootic rabbit enteropathy (ERE) and improves the energy and nitrogen balance in low-insoluble fibre diets, while high-insoluble fibre diets seem to favour ERE. This study assessed whether the positive effects of soluble fibre are influenced by the level of insoluble fibre. Four diets (2 × 2 factorial arrangement) were used with two levels of insoluble fibre (314 vs. 393 g/kg DM) and soluble fibre (87 vs. 128 g/kg DM), resulting in four diets with increasing total dietary fibre levels. Growth performance and chemical composition (body and carcass) (28–62 days of age), faecal digestibility (54–57 days of age), and jejunal morphometry functionality (39 days of age) were determined. Mortality was low (<1%) and treatments did not influence it. Insoluble and soluble fibre tended to reduce the growth rate (p ≤ 0.109), body protein, and fat accretion (p = 0.049 to 0.120), but only insoluble fibre impaired feed efficiency (p < 0.001). The efficiency of digestible energy used for growth was impaired with the increase of total dietary fibre (p = 0.027), while that of nitrogen remained majorly unaffected. In conclusion, in healthy rabbits, the increase of either insoluble or soluble fibre had no benefit.
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Shen XM, Cui HX, Xu XR. Orally administered Lactobacillus casei exhibited several probiotic properties in artificially suckling rabbits. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2019; 33:1352-1359. [PMID: 31010962 PMCID: PMC7322641 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.18.0973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Objective Lactobacilli in rabbit intestine is rare and its function in rabbit gut health is not fully understood. The present study aimed to evaluate in vivo the probiotic potential of Lactobacillus casei for suckling rabbits. Methods Two healthy 5-day-old suckling rabbits with similar weights from each of 12 New Zealand White litters were selected and disturbed to control group and treatment group. All rabbits were artificially fed. The treatment group had been supplemented with live Lactobacillus casei in the milk from the beginning of the trial to 13 days of age. At 15 days of age, healthy paired rabbits were slaughtered to collect intestinal samples. Results i) Oral administration of Lactobacillus casei significantly increased the proportion of Lactobacilli in the total intestinal bacteria (p<0.01) and obviously reduced that of Escherichia-Shigella (p<0.01); ii) treatment increased the length of vermiform appendix (p<0.05); iii) a higher percentage of degranulated paneth cells was observed in the duodenum and jejunum when rabbits administered with Lactobacillus casei (p<0.01); and iv) the expression of toll-like receptor 9, lysozyme (LYZ), and defensin-7-like (DEFEN) in the duodenum and jejunum was stimulated by supplemented Lactobacillus casei (p<0.05). Conclusion Orally administered Lactobacillus casei could increase the abundance of intestinal Lactobacilli, decrease the relative abundance of intestinal Escherichia-Shigella, promote the growth of appendix vermiform, stimulate the degranulation of paneth cells and induce the expression of DEFEN and LYS. The results of the present study implied that Lactobacillus casei exhibited probiotic potential for suckling rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Mei Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Hong Xiao Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xiu Rong Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
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Ocasio-Vega C, Delgado R, Abad-Guamán R, Carabaño R, Carro M, García J. Effect of cellobiose supplementation on growth performance and health in rabbits. Livest Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Ocasio-Vega C, Abad-Guamán R, Delgado R, Carabaño R, Carro MD, García J. Effect of cellobiose supplementation and dietary soluble fibre content on in vitro caecal fermentation of carbohydrate-rich substrates in rabbits. Arch Anim Nutr 2018; 72:221-238. [PMID: 29701493 DOI: 10.1080/1745039x.2018.1458459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The in vitro caecal fermentation of five substrates low in starch and protein content [d-(+)-glucose (GLU), d-cellobiose (CEL), sugar beet pectin (PEC), sugar beet pulp (SBP) and wheat straw (WS)] was investigated using soft faeces from rabbits receiving different levels of cellobiose and soluble fibre as inoculum. A total of 24 rabbits were supplemented 3 levels of cellobiose in the drinking water (0.0, 7.5, 15.0 g/l) and fed two experimental diets containing either low soluble fibre (LSF) or high soluble fibre (HSF) levels (84.0 and 130 g/kg dry matter). All substrates were subjected to a two-step pepsin/pancreatin in vitro pre-digestion, and the whole residue was used as substrate for the in vitro incubations. Gas production was measured until 144 h, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production was determined at 24 h incubation. Experimental treatments did not affect SBP fermentation and had only a subtle influence on fermentation of WS and GLU. In contrast, cellobiose supplementation × donors' diet interactions were detected for most gas production parameters for CEL. Both the fractional gas production (k) and maximal gas production rates were linearly increased (p ≤ 0.042) and the initial delay in the onset of gas production (Lag) linearly decreased (p < 0.001) by cellobiose supplementation with the HSF inoculum, with no differences between the 7.5 and 15.0 doses. In contrast, with the LSF inoculum cellobiose supplementation only affected k values, which were quadratically increased (p = 0.043) and had maximal values for the 7.5 dose. A quadratic effect (p ≤ 0.018) of cellobiose supplementation was observed for total VFA production at 24 h when CEL and PEC were fermented, obtaining the maximal VFA production for the 7.5 dose of cellobiose. Total VFA production for CEL was greater with LSF than with HSF inoculum (20.7 vs. 12.9 mmol/l; p = 0.014), but the opposite was found for WS (3.97 vs. 6.21 mmol/l; p = 0.005). The use of LSF inoculum for CEL fermentation sharply reduced acetate (p = 0.001) and increased butyrate proportions (p ≤ 0.001) compared with the HSF inoculum. A positive relationship between total VFA caecal concentrations in rabbits receiving the same experimental treatments and in vitro values was only observed when WS was used as substrate (r = 0.90; p = 0.015; n = 6). The results suggest that experimental factors influenced the fermentative activity of caecal digesta, but the observed response differed with the incubated substrate, being the CEL the most affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Ocasio-Vega
- a Departamento de Producción Agraria , E.T.S.I. Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria , Madrid , Spain
| | - Rodrigo Abad-Guamán
- a Departamento de Producción Agraria , E.T.S.I. Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria , Madrid , Spain.,b Carrera de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia , Universidad Nacional de Loja, Ciudad Universitaria La Argelia , Loja , Ecuador
| | - Rebeca Delgado
- a Departamento de Producción Agraria , E.T.S.I. Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria , Madrid , Spain
| | - Rosa Carabaño
- a Departamento de Producción Agraria , E.T.S.I. Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria , Madrid , Spain
| | - María Dolores Carro
- a Departamento de Producción Agraria , E.T.S.I. Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria , Madrid , Spain
| | - Javier García
- a Departamento de Producción Agraria , E.T.S.I. Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria , Madrid , Spain
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Potential application of genetically identical somatic cell nuclear transfer-cloned dogs for gastrointestinal microbiota analysis. BIOTECHNOL BIOPROC E 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s12257-016-0630-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Bäuerl C, Collado MC, Zúñiga M, Blas E, Pérez Martínez G. Changes in cecal microbiota and mucosal gene expression revealed new aspects of epizootic rabbit enteropathy. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105707. [PMID: 25147938 PMCID: PMC4141808 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Epizootic Rabbit Enteropathy (ERE) is a severe disease of unknown aetiology that mainly affects post-weaning animals. Its incidence can be prevented by antibiotic treatment suggesting that bacterial elements are crucial for the development of the disease. Microbial dynamics and host responses during the disease were studied. Cecal microbiota was characterized in three rabbit groups (ERE-affected, healthy and healthy pretreated with antibiotics), followed by transcriptional analysis of cytokines and mucins in the cecal mucosa and vermix by q-rtPCR. In healthy animals, cecal microbiota with or without antibiotic pretreatment was very similar and dominated by Alistipes and Ruminococcus. Proportions of both genera decreased in ERE rabbits whereas Bacteroides, Akkermansia and Rikenella increased, as well as Clostridium, γ-Proteobacteria and other opportunistic and pathogenic species. The ERE group displayed remarkable dysbiosis and reduced taxonomic diversity. Transcription rate of mucins and inflammatory cytokines was very high in ERE rabbits, except IL-2, and its analysis revealed the existence of two clearly different gene expression patterns corresponding to Inflammatory and (mucin) Secretory Profiles. Furthermore, these profiles were associated to different bacterial species, suggesting that they may correspond to different stages of the disease. Other data obtained in this work reinforced the notion that ERE morbidity and mortality is possibly caused by an overgrowth of different pathogens in the gut of animals whose immune defence mechanisms seem not to be adequately responding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Bäuerl
- Laboratorio de Bacterias Lácticas y Probióticos, Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (Spanish National Research Council) (CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - M. Carmen Collado
- Laboratorio de Bacterias Lácticas y Probióticos, Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (Spanish National Research Council) (CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Zúñiga
- Laboratorio de Bacterias Lácticas y Probióticos, Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (Spanish National Research Council) (CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - Enrique Blas
- Animal Nutrition Research Group, Institute of Animal Science and Technology, Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), Valencia, Spain
| | - Gaspar Pérez Martínez
- Laboratorio de Bacterias Lácticas y Probióticos, Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (Spanish National Research Council) (CSIC), Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Rodríguez-Romero N, Abecia L, Martínez-Vallespín B, Fondevila M. Characterisation of caecal microbial diversity of lactating does and their offspring given diets with different neutral detergent soluble to insoluble fibre ratios. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2013; 103:1057-68. [DOI: 10.1007/s10482-013-9885-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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