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Rowe JC, Winston JA, Parker VJ, McCool KE, Suchodolski JS, Lopes R, Steiner JM, Gilor C, Rudinsky AJ. Gut microbiota promoting propionic acid production accompanies caloric restriction-induced intentional weight loss in cats. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11901. [PMID: 38789518 PMCID: PMC11126632 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62243-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Rodent models and human clinical studies have shown gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) play roles in obesity and insulin resistance. These roles have been minimally explored in cats, where in the USA an estimated 60% of cats are overweight or obese. Overweight/obese research cats (n = 7) were transitioned from a maintenance diet to a reduced calorie diet fed ad libitum for 7 days, then calories were restricted to achieve 1-2% weight loss per week for an additional 77 days. Cats then received their original maintenance diet again for 14 days. Significant intentional weight loss was noted after calorie restriction (adjusted p < 0.0001). 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and targeted SCFA metabolomics were performed on fecal samples. Fecal microbial community structure significantly differed between the four study phases (PERMANOVA p = 0.011). Fecal propionic acid was significantly higher during caloric restriction-induced weight loss (adjusted p < 0.05). Repeated measures correlation revealed the relative abundances of Prevotella 9 copri (correlation coefficient = 0.532, 95% CI (0.275, 0.717), p = 0.0002) significantly correlated with propionic acid composition. Like humans, obese cats experienced an altered microbial community structure and function, favoring propionic acid production, during caloric restriction-induced weight loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Rowe
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Comparative Hepatobiliary Intestinal Research Program (CHIRP), The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - J A Winston
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Comparative Hepatobiliary Intestinal Research Program (CHIRP), The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - V J Parker
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Comparative Hepatobiliary Intestinal Research Program (CHIRP), The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - K E McCool
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - J S Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - R Lopes
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - J M Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - C Gilor
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - A J Rudinsky
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Comparative Hepatobiliary Intestinal Research Program (CHIRP), The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
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2
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Drut A, Mkaouar H, Kriaa A, Mariaule V, Akermi N, Méric T, Sénécat O, Maguin E, Hernandez J, Rhimi M. Gut microbiota in cats with inflammatory bowel disease and low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1346639. [PMID: 38812688 PMCID: PMC11133722 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1346639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
In cats and humans, several physiological and environmental factors have been shown to alter the gut microbiota of healthy individuals. Cats share several diseases with humans such as inflammatory bowel diseases and low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma. The physiopathology of these chronic enteropathies is poorly understood but may involve disequilibrium of the gut microbiota composition and disruption of normal microbiome activity profiles. These disorders are increasingly diagnosed in the feline species due to improved medicalization and easier access to endoscopy in veterinary practice. This review addresses the current data on the gut microbiota of cats in health and in chronic enteropathies. Such functional analysis will help the advancement of innovative diagnostic tools and targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Drut
- MIHA Team, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Oniris VetAgroBio Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Héla Mkaouar
- MIHA Team, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Aicha Kriaa
- MIHA Team, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Vincent Mariaule
- MIHA Team, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Nizar Akermi
- MIHA Team, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Tristan Méric
- MIHA Team, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Oniris VetAgroBio Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Odile Sénécat
- Oniris VetAgroBio Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Emmanuelle Maguin
- MIHA Team, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Juan Hernandez
- MIHA Team, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Oniris VetAgroBio Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Moez Rhimi
- MIHA Team, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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3
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D'Hooghe SMTJ, Bosch G, Sun M, Cools A, Hendriks WH, Becker AAMJ, Janssens GPJ. How important is food structure when cats eat mice? Br J Nutr 2024; 131:369-383. [PMID: 37694489 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114523002039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Feeding whole prey to felids has shown to benefit their gastrointestinal health. Whether this effect is caused by the chemical or physical nature of whole prey is unknown. Fifteen domestic cats, as a model for strict carnivores, were either fed minced mice (MM) or whole mice (WM), to determine the effect of food structure on digestibility, mean urinary excretion time (MUET) of 15N, intestinal microbial activity and fermentation products. Faeces samples were collected after feeding all cats a commercially available extruded diet (EXT) for 10 d before feeding for 19 d the MM and WM diets with faeces and urine collected from day 11 to 15. Samples for microbiota composition and determination of MUET were obtained from day 16 to 19. The physical structure of the mice diet (minced or not) did not affect large intestinal fermentation as total SCFA and branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA), and most biogenic amine (BA) concentrations were not different (P > 0·10). When changing from EXT to the mice diets, the microbial community composition shifted from a carbolytic (Prevotellaceae) to proteolytic (Fusobacteriaceae) profile and led to a reduced faecal acetic to propionic acid ratio, SCFA, total BCFA (P < 0·001), NH3 (P = 0·04), total BA (P < 0·001) and para-cresol (P = 0·08). The results of this study indicate that food structure within a whole-prey diet is less important than the overall diet type, with major shifts in microbiome and decrease in potentially harmful fermentation products when diet changes from extruded to mice. This urges for careful consideration of the consequences of prey-based diets for gut health in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie M-T J D'Hooghe
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Guido Bosch
- Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mengmeng Sun
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - An Cools
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Wouter H Hendriks
- Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anne A M J Becker
- Department of Biomedical sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Geert P J Janssens
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Godfrey H, Morrow S, Abood SK, Verbrugghe A. Identifying the target population and preventive strategies to combat feline obesity. J Feline Med Surg 2024; 26:1098612X241228042. [PMID: 38415669 PMCID: PMC10911305 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x241228042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Feline obesity continues to be a priority health and welfare issue. Most research surrounding obesity currently focuses on obesity treatment. However, treatment for feline obesity is slow, often unsuccessful and not without consequences. Identifying high-risk populations for obesity onset is crucial for developing and implementing preventive strategies. This review identifies post-gonadectomy kittens aged 5-12 months as the primary target population for obesity prevention in domestic cats and highlights dietary and feeding management strategies to be implemented for obesity prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Godfrey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Shawna Morrow
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah K Abood
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Adronie Verbrugghe
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Rojas CA, Entrolezo Z, Jarett JK, Jospin G, Kingsbury DD, Martin A, Eisen JA, Ganz HH. Microbiome Responses to Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Cats with Chronic Digestive Issues. Vet Sci 2023; 10:561. [PMID: 37756083 PMCID: PMC10537086 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10090561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing interest in the application of fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs) in small animal medicine, but there are few published studies that have tested their effects in the domestic cat (Felis catus). Here we use 16S rRNA gene sequencing to examine fecal microbiome changes in 46 domestic cats with chronic digestive issues that received FMTs using lyophilized stool that was delivered in oral capsules. Fecal samples were collected from FMT recipients before and two weeks after the end of the full course of 50 capsules, as well as from their stool donors (N = 10), and other healthy cats (N = 113). The fecal microbiomes of FMT recipients varied with host clinical signs and dry kibble consumption, and shifts in the relative abundances of Clostridium, Collinsella, Megamonas, Desulfovibrio and Escherichia were observed after FMT. Overall, donors shared 13% of their bacterial amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) with FMT recipients and the most commonly shared ASVs were classified as Prevotella 9, Peptoclostridium, Bacteroides, and Collinsella. Lastly, the fecal microbiomes of cats with diarrhea became more similar to the microbiomes of age-matched and diet-matched healthy cats compared to cats with constipation. Overall, our results suggest that microbiome responses to FMT may be modulated by the FMT recipient's initial presenting clinical signs, diet, and their donor's microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie A. Rojas
- Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (C.A.R.); (J.A.E.)
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Zhandra Entrolezo
- AnimalBiome, Oakland, CA 94609, USA; (Z.E.); (J.K.J.); (G.J.); (A.M.)
| | - Jessica K. Jarett
- AnimalBiome, Oakland, CA 94609, USA; (Z.E.); (J.K.J.); (G.J.); (A.M.)
| | - Guillaume Jospin
- AnimalBiome, Oakland, CA 94609, USA; (Z.E.); (J.K.J.); (G.J.); (A.M.)
| | - Dawn D. Kingsbury
- AnimalBiome, Oakland, CA 94609, USA; (Z.E.); (J.K.J.); (G.J.); (A.M.)
| | - Alex Martin
- AnimalBiome, Oakland, CA 94609, USA; (Z.E.); (J.K.J.); (G.J.); (A.M.)
| | - Jonathan A. Eisen
- Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (C.A.R.); (J.A.E.)
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Holly H. Ganz
- AnimalBiome, Oakland, CA 94609, USA; (Z.E.); (J.K.J.); (G.J.); (A.M.)
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Rowe JC, Winston JA, Parker VJ, McCool KE, Suchodolski JS, Lopes R, Steiner JM, Gilor C, Rudinsky AJ. Gut microbiota promoting propionic acid production accompanies diet-induced intentional weight loss in cats. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3273531. [PMID: 37693421 PMCID: PMC10491335 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3273531/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Rodent models and human clinical studies have shown gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) play roles in obesity and insulin resistance. These roles have been minimally explored in cats, where in the USA an estimated 60% of cats are overweight or obese. Overweight/obese research cats (n = 7) were transitioned from a maintenance diet to a reduced calorie diet fed ad libitum for seven days, then calories were restricted to achieve 1-2% weight loss per week for an additional 77 days. Cats then received their original maintenance diet again for 14 days. Significant intentional weight loss was noted after calorie restriction (adjusted p < 0.0001). 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and targeted SCFA metabolomics were performed on fecal samples. Fecal microbial community structure significantly differed between the four study phases (PERMANOVA p = 0.011). Fecal propionic acid was significantly higher during diet-induced weight loss (adjusted p < 0.05). Spearman correlation revealed the relative abundances of Prevotella 9 copri (ρ = 0.6385, p = 0.0006) and Blautia caecimuris (ρ = 0.5269, p = 0.0068) were significantly correlated with propionic acid composition. Like humans, obese cats experienced an altered microbial community structure and function, favoring propionic acid production, during diet-induced weight loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Rowe
- The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
| | - J A Winston
- The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
| | - V J Parker
- The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
| | - K E McCool
- North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine
| | | | - R Lopes
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine
| | - J M Steiner
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine
| | - C Gilor
- University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine
| | - A J Rudinsky
- The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
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Zoelzer F, Schneider S, Dierkes PW. Time series cluster analysis reveals individual assignment of microbiota in captive tiger ( Panthera tigris) and wildebeest ( Connochaetes taurinus). Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10066. [PMID: 37168984 PMCID: PMC10166651 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Fecal microbiota variability and individuality are well studied in humans and also in farm animals (related to diet- or disease-specific influences), but very little is known for exotic zoo-housed animals. This includes a wide range of species that differ greatly in microbiota composition and variation. For example, herbivorous species show a very similar and constant fecal microbiota over time, whereas carnivorous species appear to be highly variable in fecal microbial diversity and composition. Our objective was to determine whether species-specific and individual-specific clustering patterns were observed in the fecal microbiota of wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) and tigers (Panthera tigris). We collected 95 fecal samples of 11 animal individuals that were each sampled over eight consecutive days and analyzed those with Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16SrRNA gene. In order to identify species or individual clusters, we applied two different agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithms - a community detection algorithm and Ward's linkage. Our results showed that both, species-specific and individual-specific clustering is possible, but more reliable results were achieved when applying dynamic time warping which finds the optimal alignment between different time series. Furthermore, the bacterial families that distinguish individuals from each other in both species included daily occurring core bacteria (e.g., Acidaminococcaceae in wildebeests or Clostridiaceae in tigers) as well as individual dependent and more fluctuating bacterial families. Our results suggest that while it is necessary to consider multiple consecutive samples per individual, it is then possible to characterize individual abundance patterns in fecal microbiota in both herbivorous and carnivorous species. This would allow establishing individual microbiota profiles of animals housed in zoos, which is a basic prerequisite to quickly detect deviations and use microbiome analysis as a non-invasive and cost-effective tool in animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Zoelzer
- Bioscience Education and Zoo BiologyGoethe University FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Sebastian Schneider
- Bioscience Education and Zoo BiologyGoethe University FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Paul Wilhelm Dierkes
- Bioscience Education and Zoo BiologyGoethe University FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
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González F, Carelli A, Komarcheuski A, Uana M, do Prado RM, Rossoni D, Gomes M, Vasconcellos R. Yeast Cell Wall Compounds on The Formation of Fermentation Products and Fecal Microbiota in Cats: An In Vivo and In Vitro Approach. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:637. [PMID: 36830424 PMCID: PMC9951743 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of yeast cell wall compounds (YCWs) being added to cat food on hindgut fermentation metabolites and fecal microbiota were assessed in in vivo Experiment 1 (Exp. 1) and in vitro Experiments 2 and 3 (Exp. 2 and 3). In Exp. 1, the cats' diets were supplemented with two dietary concentrations (46.2 and 92.4 ppm) of YCWs (YCW-15 and YCW-30, respectively), and a negative control diet with no compound in three groups (six cats per group) was used to assess the fecal score, pH, digestibility, fermentation products, and microbiota. In Exp. 2, feces from the cats that were not supplemented with YCWs (control) were used as an inoculum. A blend of pectin, amino acids, and cellulose was used as a substrate, and the YCW compound was added at two levels (5 and 10 mg). In Exp. 3, feces from cats fed YCWs were used as an inoculum to test three different substrates (pectin, amino acids, and cellulose). In Exp. 2 and 3, the gas production, pH, and fermentation products (ammonia, SCFAs, and BCFAs) were assessed. YCW-30 resulted in a higher digestibility coefficient of the crude protein, organic matter (OM) (p < 0.05), and energy of the diet (p < 0.10). Regarding the fermentation products, YCW-15 showed a trend toward higher concentrations of propionate, acetate, lactate, ammonia, isobutyrate, and valerate, while YCW-30 showed a trend (p < 0.10) toward higher levels of butyrate and pH values. The bacteroidia class and the genus Prevotella were increased by using YCW-30 and the control. At the gender level, decreased (p < 0.01) Megasphaera was observed with YCW inclusion. The microbiota differed (p < 0.01) among the groups in their Shannon indexes. For beta diversity, YCW-30 showed higher indexes (p = 0.008) than the control. The microbiota metabolic profile differed in the pathway CENTFERM-PWY; it was more expressed in YCW-30 compared to the control. In Exp. 2, the YCWs showed a higher ratio (p = 0.006) of the fermentation products in the treatments with additives with a trend towards a high dose of the additive (10 mg). In Exp. 3, the effects of the substrates (p < 0.001), but not of the YCWs, on the fermentation products were observed, perhaps due to the low dietary concentrations we used. However, the marked responses of the fermentation products to the substrates validated the methodology. We could conclude that the YCWs, even at low dietary concentrations, affected fecal SCFA production, reduced the fecal pH, and modulated the fecal microbiota in the cats. These responses were more pronounced under in vitro conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando González
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP)—São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo 13690-970, Brazil
| | - Amanda Carelli
- Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Alina Komarcheuski
- Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Mayara Uana
- Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Rodolpho Martin do Prado
- Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Diogo Rossoni
- Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Márcia Gomes
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP)—São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo 13690-970, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Vasconcellos
- Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
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Effect of Different Fiber Sources as Additives to Wet Food for Beagle Dogs on Diet Acceptance, Digestibility, and Fecal Quality. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10020091. [PMID: 36851395 PMCID: PMC9967778 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10020091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to enhance the health and welfare of obese dogs and to facilitate the required loss of body weight, commercial diets are produced with fibrous ingredients. Cellulose is a common dietary fiber used mainly in powdered form. However, other processing forms and fibers are available as fibrous additives. This work aimed to test the effects of different fiber sources on apparent total tract digestibility and fecal quality in dogs. Four diets were fed to eight dogs (experimental design: 4 × 4 Latin square) for a 14-day period each. In addition to a basal diet (CO), three experimental diets varying in fiber sources were used: powdered cellulose (CE), granulated cellulose (GC), and lignocellulose (LC). Dogs fed the CO had lower crude fiber digestibility than those fed the other experimental diets (p < 0.0033). Dogs fed diets supplemented with fiber sources had lower gross energy digestibility (range: 76.2-77.3%) compared with those fed the CO (84.4%). In all groups, the fecal score (consistency and shape) ranged within the optimal values; solely wet fecal output was increased for the fiber groups compared with those on the CO. This study demonstrated that various sources of fiber such as GC and LC can be used as alternatives to CE without restrictions.
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10
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Mo R, Zhang M, Wang H, Liu T, Zhang G, Wu Y. Short-term changes in dietary fat levels and starch sources affect weight management, glucose and lipid metabolism, and gut microbiota in adult cats. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad276. [PMID: 37602405 PMCID: PMC10465269 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A 2 × 2 factorial randomized design was utilized to investigate the effects of fat level (8% or 16% fat on a fed basis) and starch source (pea starch or corn starch) on body weight, glycolipid metabolism, hematology, and fecal microbiota in cats. The study lasted for 28 d and included a low fat and pea starch diet (LFPS), a high fat and pea starch diet, a low fat and corn starch diet, and a high fat and corn starch diet. In this study, hematological analysis showed that all cats were healthy. The apparent total tract digestibility of gross energy, crude protein, and crude fat was above 85% in the four diets. After 28 d, cats fed the high fat diets (HF) gained an average of 50 g more than those fed the low fat diets (LF). The hematological results showed that the HF diets increased the body inflammation in cats, while the LFPS group improved the glucolipid metabolism. The levels of glucose and insulin were lower in cats fed the LF diets than those in cats fed the HF diets (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, compared with the LF, the concentrations of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum were greater in the cats fed the HF diets (P < 0.05). Additionally, both fat level and starch source influenced the fecal microbiota, with the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Blautia being significantly greater in the LFPS group than in the other three groups (P < 0.05). Reducing energy density and using pea starch in foods are both valuable design additions to aid in the management of weight control and improve gut health in cats. This study highlights the importance of fat level and starch in weight management in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixia Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Mingrui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Haotian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Tianyi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Gang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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11
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Opetz DL, Oba PM, Kostiuk D, Kelly J, Swanson KS. Effects of weight loss and feeding specially formulated diets on the body composition, blood metabolite profiles, voluntary physical activity, and fecal metabolites and microbiota of overweight cats. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad332. [PMID: 37773637 PMCID: PMC10601921 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline obesity is a common and preventable disease, posing a myriad of health risks and detriments. Specially formulated diets and restricted feeding may serve as an intervention strategy to promote weight loss and improve feline health. In this study, our objective was to determine the effects of restricted feeding and weight loss on body composition, voluntary physical activity, blood hormones and metabolites, and fecal microbiota of overweight cats. Twenty-two overweight adult spayed female and neutered male cats [body weight (BW) = 5.70 ± 1.0 kg; body condition score (BCS) = 7.68 ± 0.6; age = 4 ± 0.4 yr] were used in a weight loss study. A control diet (OR) was fed during a 4-wk baseline to identify intake needed to maintain BW. After baseline (week 0), cats were allotted to OR or a test diet (FT) and fed to lose ~1.0% BW/wk for 24 wk. At baseline and 6, 12, 18, and 24 wk after weight loss, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans were performed and blood samples were collected. Voluntary physical activity was measured at weeks 0, 8, 16, and 24. Fecal samples were collected at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24. Change from baseline data were analyzed statistically using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS, with P < 0.05 considered significant. Restricted feeding of both diets led to weight and fat mass loss, lower BCS, and lower blood triglyceride and leptin concentrations. Cats fed the FT diet had a greater reduction in blood triglycerides and cholesterol than cats fed the OR diet. Restricted feeding and weight loss reduced fecal short-chain fatty acid, branched-chain fatty acid, phenol, and indole concentrations. Fecal valerate concentrations were affected by diet, with cats fed the OR diet having a greater reduction than those fed the FT diet. Fecal bacterial alpha diversity was not affected, but fecal bacterial beta diversity analysis showed clustering by diet. Restricted feeding and weight loss affected relative abundances of 7 fecal bacterial genera, while dietary intervention affected change from baseline relative abundances of 2 fecal bacterial phyla and 20 fecal bacterial genera. Our data demonstrate that restricted feeding promoted controlled and safe weight and fat loss, reduced blood lipids and leptin concentrations, and shifted fecal metabolites and microbiota. Some changes were also impacted by diet, highlighting the importance of ingredient and nutrient composition in weight loss diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle L Opetz
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Patricia M Oba
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Darcia Kostiuk
- Champion Petfoods Holding, Inc., Edmonton, CanadaAB T5S 2W6
| | - Janelle Kelly
- Champion Petfoods Holding, Inc., Edmonton, CanadaAB T5S 2W6
| | - Kelly S Swanson
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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12
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Blanchard G, Amato C, André A, Bleis P, Ninet S, Zentek J, Nguyen P. Beneficial effects of a prescription home-prepared diet and of zucchini on urine calcium oxalate supersaturation and urinary parameters in adult cats. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:1203-1211. [PMID: 35142590 PMCID: PMC10812357 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x211067931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES From the authors' experience, the consumption of a balanced prescription home-prepared diet that includes zucchini (courgette) benefits cats with recurrent urolithiasis, but there is no published evidence to support this. The aim was to study the effects on urinary parameters of (1) a balanced prescription home-prepared diet containing zucchini, and (2) the addition of zucchini to a dry food, compared with two commercial therapeutic diets. METHODS Eight healthy cats were included in a Latin-square designed protocol. Five diets were evaluated: two commercial diets, designed for cats with urinary disorders, one high-moisture (U-WET) and one high-sodium dry (U-DRY); one home-prepared diet (HOME); one commercial dry food for adult maintenance (DRY); and DRY given together with 10 g of zucchini per kg body weight (DRY-Zuc). After a 7-day adaptation period, urine was collected and daily food and water intakes were assessed for 12 days. Urinary parameters, and relative supersaturation (RSS) for calcium oxalate (CaOx) and struvite, were determined. Data underwent repeated measures ANOVA analysis. RESULTS The digestibility of energy, dry matter, protein and fat was highest with the HOME diet. CaOx RSS was lowest in cats eating the HOME diet, but not significantly different from the U-WET or U-DRY diets. CaOx RSS was lower in cats eating the DRY-Zuc diet than in cats eating the DRY diet. Struvite RSS did not differ significantly among groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study shows that a balanced prescription home-prepared diet was safe and allowed a very low urinary CaOx RSS. It also showed that adding zucchini to dry food lowered the urine CaOx RSS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Concetta Amato
- Nutrition, Physiopathology & Pharmacology Unit, Oniris, National College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, Nantes, France
| | - Agnès André
- Nutrition, Physiopathology & Pharmacology Unit, Oniris, National College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, Nantes, France
| | - Philippe Bleis
- Nutrition, Physiopathology & Pharmacology Unit, Oniris, National College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, Nantes, France
| | - Samuel Ninet
- Nutrition, Physiopathology & Pharmacology Unit, Oniris, National College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, Nantes, France
| | - Jürgen Zentek
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Nguyen
- Nutrition, Physiopathology & Pharmacology Unit, Oniris, National College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, Nantes, France
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13
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The Kitty Microbiome Project: Defining the Healthy Fecal "Core Microbiome" in Pet Domestic Cats. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9110635. [PMID: 36423084 PMCID: PMC9698023 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9110635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we present a taxonomically defined fecal microbiome dataset for healthy domestic cats (Felis catus) fed a range of commercial diets. We used this healthy reference dataset to explore how age, diet, and living environment correlate with fecal microbiome composition. Thirty core bacterial genera were identified. Prevotella, Bacteroides, Collinsella, Blautia, and Megasphaera were the most abundant, and Bacteroides, Blautia, Lachnoclostridium, Sutterella, and Ruminococcus gnavus were the most prevalent. While community composition remained relatively stable across different age classes, the number of core taxa present decreased significantly with age. Fecal microbiome composition varied with host diet type. Cats fed kibble had a slightly, but significantly greater number of core taxa compared to cats not fed any kibble. The core microbiomes of cats fed some raw food contained taxa not as highly prevalent or abundant as cats fed diets that included kibble. Living environment also had a large effect on fecal microbiome composition. Cats living in homes differed significantly from those in shelters and had a greater portion of their microbiomes represented by core taxa. Collectively our work reinforces the findings that age, diet, and living environment are important factors to consider when defining a core microbiome in a population.
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14
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Li Z, Di D, Sun Q, Yao X, Wei J, Li B, Liu K, Shao D, Qiu Y, Liu H, Cheng Z, Ma Z. Comparative Analyses of the Gut Microbiota in Growing Ragdoll Cats and Felinae Cats. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182467. [PMID: 36139326 PMCID: PMC9494971 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Accumulating studies have revealed that the gut microbiota had intimate relations with the animal gastrointestinal tract diseases. Through regulating the development of the host’s intestinal immune system, the gut microbiota could directly influence the host’s intestinal function. In the current study, the gut microbiota of Ragdoll cats and Felinae cats were investigated and compared. Results demonstrated the diversity and richness of the gut microbiota in the Felinae cats were much higher than in the Ragdoll cats. However, the relative abundances of beneficial microbes in the Ragdoll cats were much higher than those in the Felinae cats. In all, different genetic portraits determined the different microbial communities in the feline gut. The candidate probiotics isolated in the growing cat’s gut might be applied to treat the gastrointestinal tract diseases. Abstract Today, domestic cats are important human companion animals for their appearance and favorable personalities. During the history of their domestication, the morphological and genetic portraits of domestic cats changed significantly from their wild ancestors, and the gut microbial communities of different breeds of cats also apparently differ. In the current study, the gut microbiota of Ragdoll cats and Felinae cats were analyzed and compared. Our data indicated that the diversity and richness of the gut microbiota in the Felinae cats were much higher than in the Ragdoll cats. The taxonomic analyses revealed that the most predominant phyla of the feline gut microbiota were Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Fusobacteriota, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Campilobacterota, and others, while the most predominant genera were Anaerococcus, Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, Escherichia-Shigella, Finegoldia, Porphyromonas, Collinsella, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus_gnavus_group, Prevotella, and others. Different microbial communities between the Ragdoll group and the Felinae group were observed, and the compared results demonstrated that the relative abundances of beneficial microbes (such as Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Blautia, Roseburia, and so on) in the Ragdoll group were much higher than in the Felinae group. The co-occurrence network revealed that the number of nodes and links in the Felinae group was significantly higher than the Ragdoll group, which meant that the network of the Felinae group was larger and more complex than that of the Ragdoll group. PICRUSt function analyses indicated that the differences in microbial genes might influence the energy metabolism and immune functions of the host. In all, our data demonstrated that the richness and diversity of beneficial microbes in the Ragdoll group were much higher than the Felinae group. Therefore, it is possible to isolate and identify more candidate probiotics in the gut microbiota of growing Ragdoll cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongjie Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Di Di
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Qing Sun
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiaohui Yao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jianchao Wei
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Beibei Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Donghua Shao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yafeng Qiu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Haixia Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zhanjun Cheng
- Nanjing Policedog Insitute of the Ministry of Public Security, Nanjing 210012, China
- Correspondence: (Z.C.); (Z.M.); Tel.: +86-21-3429-3139 (Z.M.); Fax: +86-21-5408-1818 (Z.M.)
| | - Zhiyong Ma
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
- Correspondence: (Z.C.); (Z.M.); Tel.: +86-21-3429-3139 (Z.M.); Fax: +86-21-5408-1818 (Z.M.)
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Whole-Genome Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing Reveals Distinct Gut Microbiome Signatures of Obese Cats. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0083722. [PMID: 35467389 PMCID: PMC9241680 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00837-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Overweight and obesity are growing health problems in domestic cats, increasing the risks of insulin resistance, lipid dyscrasias, neoplasia, cardiovascular disease, and decreasing longevity. The signature of obesity in the feline gut microbiota has not been studied at the whole-genome metagenomic level. We performed whole-genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing in the fecal samples of eight overweight/obese and eight normal cats housed in the same research environment. We obtained 271 Gbp of sequences and generated a 961-Mbp de novo reference contig assembly, with 1.14 million annotated microbial genes. In the obese cat microbiome, we discovered a significant reduction in microbial diversity (P < 0.01) and Firmicutes abundance (P = 0.005), as well as decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratios (P = 0.02), which is the inverse of obese human/mouse microbiota. Linear discriminant analysis and quantitative PCR (qPCR) validation revealed significant increases of Bifidobacterium sp., Olsenella provencensis, Dialister sp.CAG:486, and Campylobacter upsaliensis as the hallmark of obese microbiota among 400 enriched species, whereas 1,525 bacterial species have decreased abundance in the obese microbiome. Phascolarctobacterium succinatutens and an uncharacterized Erysipelotrichaceae bacterium are highly abundant (>0.05%) in the normal gut with over 400-fold depletion in the obese microbiome. Fatty acid synthesis-related pathways are significantly overrepresented in the obese compared with the normal cat microbiome. In conclusion, we discovered dramatically decreased microbial diversity in obese cat gut microbiota, suggesting potential dysbiosis. A panel of seven significantly altered, highly abundant species can serve as a microbiome indicator of obesity. Our findings in the obese cat microbiome composition, abundance, and functional capacities provide new insights into feline obesity. IMPORTANCE Obesity affects around 45% of domestic cats, and licensed drugs for treating feline obesity are lacking. Physical exercise and calorie restrictions are commonly used for weight loss but with limited efficacy. Through comprehensive analyses of normal and obese cat gut bacteria flora, we identified dramatic shifts in the obese gut microbiome, including four bacterial species significantly enriched and two species depleted in the obese cats. The key bacterial community and functional capacity alterations discovered from this study will inform new weight management strategies for obese cats, such as evaluations of specific diet formulas that alter the microbiome composition, and the development of prebiotics and probiotics that promote the increase of beneficial species and the depletion of obesity-associated species. Interestingly, these bacteria identified in our study were also reported to affect the weight loss success in human patients, suggesting translational potential in human obesity.
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16
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Eugênio DA, Volpe LM, Ribeiro PM, Baller MA, Pacheco LG, Takahashi AV, Pacheco PDG, Putarov TC, Theodoro SDS, Carciofi AC. Effect of orange fibre on nutrient digestibility and fermentation products in faeces of cats fed kibble diets. Arch Anim Nutr 2022; 76:61-73. [PMID: 35343836 DOI: 10.1080/1745039x.2022.2040343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to compare orange fibre, beet pulp and inulin as fibre sources for cats. A control diet (CON) was formulated without inclusion of a fibre source. Further experimental diets were also based on diet CON but were supplemented with 1% orange fibre (diet 1%OF); 3% orange fibre (diet 3%OF); 3% beet pulp (diet 3%BP) or 1% inulin (diet 1%IN). Forty cats were used in a randomised block design (4 blocks of 10 cats, 2 animals per food in each block, totalling 8 animals per treatment). Each block lasted 20 d, with 10 d of adaptation, 10 d of faecal collection for digestibility as well as evaluation of pH-value and fermentation products. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, starch and gross energy did not vary between diets. In diet 1%OF, dietary fibre revealed a greater digestibility than in diet CON (p < 0.05). Faecal production was higher in cats fed diets 3%OF and 3%BP than in those fed diet 1%IN (p < 0.05). Faecal concentrations of acetate and total short-chain fatty acids were higher for cats fed diet 3%BP than for those fed diets 1%IN and CON (p < 0.05), while diets 1%OF and 3%OF showed intermediate results. Faecal propionate concentration was higher for cats fed diet 3%BP, intermediate for diets 1%OF, 3%OF and 1%IN and lower for animals fed diet CON (p < 0.05). Compared with diets CON and 1%IN, the faecal concentration of tyramine was higher for cats fed diet 3%OF (p < 0.05). Orange fibre was fermentable; up to 3% inclusion it did not interfere with the digestibility of nutrients, faecal score and faecal moisture content, and promoted the formation of short-chain fatty acids and tyramine by the intestinal microbiota, with possible effects on intestinal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Alberici Eugênio
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lara Mantovani Volpe
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila Martins Ribeiro
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mayara Aline Baller
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Letícia Graziele Pacheco
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda Vitta Takahashi
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Peterson Dante Gavasso Pacheco
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thaila Cristina Putarov
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stephanie de Souza Theodoro
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aulus Cavalieri Carciofi
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", São Paulo, Brazil
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In Vitro Assessment of Hydrolysed Collagen Fermentation Using Domestic Cat (Felis catus) Faecal Inocula. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12040498. [PMID: 35203206 PMCID: PMC8868200 DOI: 10.3390/ani12040498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal microbiome has a range of roles in the host, including the production of beneficial fermentation end products such as butyrate, which are typically associated with fermentation of plant fibres. However, domestic cats are obligate carnivores and do not require carbohydrates. It has been hypothesised that in the wild, collagenous parts of prey—the so-called animal-derived fermentable substrates (ADFS) such as tendons and cartilage—may be fermented by the cat’s gastrointestinal microbiome. However, little research has been conducted on ADFS in the domestic cat. Faecal inoculum was obtained from domestic cats either consuming a high carbohydrate (protein:fat:carbohydrate ratio of 35:20:28 (% dry matter basis)) or high protein (protein:fat:carbohydrate ratio of 75:19:1 (% dry matter basis)) diet. ADFS (hydrolysed collagen, cat hair, and cartilage) were used in a series of static in vitro digestions and fermentations. Concentrations of organic acids and ammonia were measured after 24 h of fermentation, and the culture community of microbes was characterised. The type of inoculum used affected the fermentation profile produced by the ADFS. Butyrate concentrations were highest when hydrolysed collagen was fermented with high protein inoculum (p < 0.05). In contrast, butyrate was not detectable when hydrolysed collagen was fermented in high carbohydrate inoculum (p < 0.05). The microbiome of the domestic cat may be able to ferment ADFS to provide beneficial concentrations of butyrate.
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18
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Paßlack N, Thies LV, Vahjen W, Zentek J. Effects of the Protein Concentration and Quality in a Canned Diet on the Fecal Microbiota of Healthy Adult Cats. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12020105. [PMID: 35208180 PMCID: PMC8874684 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12020105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline diets can markedly differ in their protein concentration and quality, which might also affect the intestinal microbiota of cats. In the present study, 6 canned diets, differing in their protein quality (high/low, achieved by varying amounts of meat and collagen-rich ingredients) and concentration (high quality/low quality: 36.2/36.7% in dry matter (DM), 43.3/45.0% in DM and 54.9/56.1% in DM), were fed to 10 healthy adult cats for 6 weeks each. At the end of the feeding periods, fecal samples were collected to analyze the microbiota (16S rDNA sequencing) and bacterial metabolites. Increasing dietary protein concentrations increased the relative abundance of Fusobacterium and Bacteroides as well as the concentrations of ammonium and n-valerate in the feces of the cats, independently of the dietary protein quality. A lower dietary protein quality was accompanied by a higher evenness index and a higher relative abundance of Fusobacteria and Bacteroidetes in the feces when compared to the feeding of the high protein quality diets. A promotion of bacterial proteolytic activity and, in particular, increased intestinal ammonium concentrations might be undesired effects of high protein intakes in cats. Whether the long-term feeding of those diets could be critical for feline health requires further investigation.
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Dégi J, Imre K, Herman V, Bucur I, Radulov I, Petrec OC, Cristina RT. Antimicrobial Drug-Resistant Salmonella in Urban Cats: Is There an Actual Risk to Public Health? Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10111404. [PMID: 34827342 PMCID: PMC8615022 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10111404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to investigate the presence of Salmonella spp. in the faeces of client-owned cats in urban areas and to evaluate the risk that is posed to public health. Fresh faecal samples were collected directly from the rectums from 53 diarrhoeic and 32 non-diarrhoeic cats. The samples were individually screened for the presence of Salmonella spp. using standard methods and, in the case of positive findings, the resulting typical colonies were then biochemically confirmed using the VITEK®2 automated system. Subsequently, all of the Salmonella spp. isolates were molecularly tested for the presence of the invA gene. All of the isolates were serotyped using the slide agglutination technique according to the White–Kauffmann–Le Minor scheme. The phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolated strains was obtained from the VITEK®2 system using specific cards from the Gram-negative bacteria. A total of 16 of the samples (18.82%) tested positive for Salmonella spp. according to conventional and molecular testing methods. Serotyping of the Salmonella isolates showed the presence of three serotypes, namely S. enteritidis (n = 9; 56.3%), S. typhimurium (n = 4; 25%), and S. kentucky (n = 3; 18.8%). All of the tested strains showed strong resistance towards cefazolin, cefepime, ceftazidime, and ceftriaxone. Additionally, resistance (listed in descending order of strength) was observed to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (11/16; 68.8%), ampicillin (10/16; 62.5%), ampicillin/sulbactam (9/16; 56.3%), gentamicin (9/16; 56.3%), nitrofurantoin (8/16; 50.0%), and amikacin (5/16; 31.3%). No resistance was expressed against ciprofloxacin, ertapenem, imipenem, levofloxacin, piperacillin/tazobactam, and tobramycin. The results of this study highlight a substantial public health issue and medical concern, especially in vulnerable people, such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Dégi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timișoara, Romania; (V.H.); (I.B.); (O.-C.P.); (R.T.C.)
- Correspondence: (J.D.); (K.I.); Tel.: +40-767-089-041 (J.D.); +40-742-502-626 (K.I.)
| | - Kálmán Imre
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timișoara, Romania; (V.H.); (I.B.); (O.-C.P.); (R.T.C.)
- Correspondence: (J.D.); (K.I.); Tel.: +40-767-089-041 (J.D.); +40-742-502-626 (K.I.)
| | - Viorel Herman
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timișoara, Romania; (V.H.); (I.B.); (O.-C.P.); (R.T.C.)
| | - Iulia Bucur
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timișoara, Romania; (V.H.); (I.B.); (O.-C.P.); (R.T.C.)
| | - Isidora Radulov
- Faculty of Agriculture, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Oana-Cătălina Petrec
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timișoara, Romania; (V.H.); (I.B.); (O.-C.P.); (R.T.C.)
| | - Romeo Teodor Cristina
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timișoara, Romania; (V.H.); (I.B.); (O.-C.P.); (R.T.C.)
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Zoelzer F, Burger AL, Dierkes PW. Unraveling differences in fecal microbiota stability in mammals: from high variable carnivores and consistently stable herbivores. Anim Microbiome 2021; 3:77. [PMID: 34736528 PMCID: PMC8567652 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-021-00141-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Through the rapid development in DNA sequencing methods and tools, microbiome studies on a various number of species were performed during the last decade. This advance makes it possible to analyze hundreds of samples from different species at the same time in order to obtain a general overview of the microbiota. However, there is still uncertainty on the variability of the microbiota of different animal orders and on whether certain bacteria within a species are subject to greater fluctuations than others. This is largely due to the fact that the analysis in most extensive comparative studies is based on only a few samples per species or per study site. In our study, we aim to close this knowledge gap by analyzing multiple individual samples per species including two carnivore suborders Canoidea and Feloidea as well as the orders of herbivore Perissodactyla and Artiodactyla held in different zoos. To assess microbial diversity, 621 fecal samples from 31 species were characterized by sequencing the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene using Illumina MiSeq. RESULTS We found significant differences in the consistency of microbiota composition and in fecal microbial diversity between carnivore and herbivore species. Whereas the microbiota of Carnivora is highly variable and inconsistent within and between species, Perissodactyla and Ruminantia show fewer differences across species boundaries. Furthermore, low-abundance bacterial families show higher fluctuations in the fecal microbiota than high-abundance ones. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that microbial diversity is significantly higher in herbivores than in carnivores, whereas the microbiota in carnivores, unlike in herbivores, varies widely even within species. This high variability has methodological implications and underlines the need to analyze a minimum amount of about 10 samples per species. In our study, we found considerable differences in the occurrence of different bacterial families when looking at just three and six samples. However, from a sample number of 10 onwards, these within-species fluctuations balanced out in most cases and led to constant and more reliable results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Zoelzer
- Bioscience Education and Zoo Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Anna Lena Burger
- Bioscience Education and Zoo Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Paul Wilhelm Dierkes
- Bioscience Education and Zoo Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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21
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Xu J, Becker AAMJ, Luo Y, Zhang W, Ge B, Leng C, Wang G, Ding L, Wang J, Fu X, Janssens GPJ. The Fecal Microbiota of Dogs Switching to a Raw Diet Only Partially Converges to That of Wolves. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:701439. [PMID: 34659139 PMCID: PMC8511826 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.701439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The genomic signature of dog domestication reveals adaptation to a starch-rich diet compared with their ancestor wolves. Diet is a key element to shape gut microbial populations in a direct way as well as through coevolution with the host. We investigated the dynamics in the gut microbiota of dogs when shifting from a starch-rich, processed kibble diet to a nature-like raw meat diet, using wolves as a wild reference. Six healthy wolves from a local zoo and six healthy American Staffordshire Terriers were included. Dogs were fed the same commercial kibble diet for at least 3 months before sampling at day 0 (DC), and then switched to a raw meat diet (the same diet as the wolves) for 28 days. Samples from the dogs were collected at day 1 (DR1), week 1 (DR7), 2 (DR14), 3 (DR21), and 4 (DR28). The data showed that the microbial population of dogs switched from kibble diet to raw diet shifts the gut microbiota closer to that of wolves, yet still showing distinct differences. At phylum level, raw meat consumption increased the relative abundance of Fusobacteria and Bacteroidetes at DR1, DR7, DR14, and DR21 (q < 0.05) compared with DC, whereas no differences in these two phyla were observed between DC and DR28. At genus level, Faecalibacterium, Catenibacterium, Allisonella, and Megamonas were significantly lower in dogs consuming the raw diet from the first week onward and in wolves compared with dogs on the kibble diet. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) showed a higher abundance of Stenotrophomonas, Faecalibacterium, Megamonas, and Lactobacillus in dogs fed kibble diet compared with dogs fed raw diet for 28 days and wolves. In addition, wolves had greater unidentified Lachnospiraceae compared with dogs irrespective of the diets. These results suggested that carbohydrate-fermenting bacteria give way to protein fermenters when the diet is shifted from kibble to raw diet. In conclusion, some microbial phyla, families, and genera in dogs showed only temporary change upon dietary shift, whereas some microbial groups moved toward the microbial profile of wolves. These findings open the discussion on the extent of coevolution of the core microbiota of dogs throughout domestication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Xu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua, China
| | - Anne A M J Becker
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Yu Luo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua, China
| | - Wenfu Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua, China
| | - Bingqian Ge
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua, China
| | - Chunqing Leng
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua, China
| | - Guyue Wang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua, China
| | - Limin Ding
- Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianmei Wang
- Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Geert P J Janssens
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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22
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Kodithuwakku KAHT, Owada H, Miura H, Maruyama D, Hirano K, Suzuki Y, Kobayashi Y, Koike S. Effects of oral administration of timothy hay and psyllium on the growth performance and fecal microbiota of preweaning calves. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:12472-12485. [PMID: 34538491 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral administration of fiber from the first week of life on the growth and hindgut environment of preweaning calves. Twenty newborn female Holstein calves were divided into 2 groups as control and treatment. Calves in both groups were reared under the same feeding program except for oral fiber administration. Timothy hay and psyllium were mixed at a 50-to-6 ratio as a treatment diet for oral fiber administration. Calves in the treatment group were orally administered 50 g of fiber daily from 3 to 7 d of age and 100 g of fiber from 8 d of age until weaning. Feed intake and occurrence of diarrhea were recorded daily, and body weight (BW) was recorded weekly for the individual calf. Fresh feces were collected from calves at 7, 21, 35, 49, and 56 d of age to analyze fermentation parameters and microbiota to characterize the hindgut environment. Higher fiber intake in the treatment group due to oral administration of timothy and psyllium did not affect the starter intake and achieved higher BW at 21 d of age. The fecal pH, total volatile fatty acid, lactate, and ammonia nitrogen concentrations were not affected by oral fiber administration; meanwhile, the molar proportion of propionate was higher in the treatment group at 7 d of age. The difference in fecal microbiota in the calves subjected to the oral administration of fiber was observed within 21 d of life; Lactobacillus spp. and Prevotella spp. showed higher abundance, whereas that of Clostridium perfringens was decreased. These higher abundances of beneficial bacteria and lower abundance of pathogenic bacteria during early life may partly explain the higher BW of calves in the treatment group at 21 d of age. Furthermore, no adverse effect was observed for the BW and health status in the treatment group throughout the preweaning period. Therefore, early fiber feeding via oral administration potentially contributes to improving the hindgut environment in newborn calves, which leads to better growth of calves during the early stage of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - H Owada
- Central Research Institute for Feed and Livestock, ZEN-NOH, Kasama 319-0205, Japan
| | - H Miura
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
| | - D Maruyama
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
| | - K Hirano
- Central Research Institute for Feed and Livestock, ZEN-NOH, Kasama 319-0205, Japan
| | - Y Suzuki
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
| | - Y Kobayashi
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
| | - S Koike
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan.
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23
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Butowski CF, Moon CD, Thomas DG, Young W, Bermingham EN. The effects of raw-meat diets on the gastrointestinal microbiota of the cat and dog: a review. N Z Vet J 2021; 70:1-9. [PMID: 34463606 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2021.1975586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to summarise the available literature on the effects of consuming raw, red meat diets on the gastrointestinal microbiome of the cat and dog. In recent years, feeding raw meat diets to cats and dogs has increased, in part associated with trends in human nutrition for "natural" and "species-appropriate" diets. These diets range from home-prepared unprocessed, nutritionally incomplete diets to complete and balanced diets with sterilisation steps in their manufacturing process. Feeding some formats of raw meat diets has been associated with nutritional inadequacies and zoonotic transfer of pathogens. The feeding of raw meat diets has been shown to alter the gastrointestinal microbiome of the cat and dog, increasing the relative abundances of bacteria associated with protein and fat utilisation, including members of the genera Fusobacterium and Clostridium. While in humans, these genera are more commonly known for members that are associated with disease, they are a diverse group that also contains harmless commensals that are a normal component of the gastrointestinal microbiota. Moreover, members of these genera are known to produce butyrate from protein and amino acid fermentation and contribute to intestinal homeostasis in raw meat-fed dogs and cats. Currently, only a limited number of studies have examined the impacts of raw meat diets on the cat and dog microbiota, with many of these being descriptive. Additional controlled and systems-based studies are required to functionally characterise the roles of key microbial groups in the metabolism of raw meat diets, and determine their impacts on the health and nutrition of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- C F Butowski
- Smart Foods, AgResearch Limited, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - C D Moon
- Resilient Agriculture, AgResearch Limited, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - D G Thomas
- Centre for Feline Nutrition, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - W Young
- Smart Foods, AgResearch Limited, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - E N Bermingham
- Smart Foods, AgResearch Limited, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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24
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Du G, Huang H, Zhu Q, Ying L. Effects of cat ownership on the gut microbiota of owners. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253133. [PMID: 34133453 PMCID: PMC8208556 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pet ownership is an essential environmental exposure that might influence the health of the owner. This study’s primary objectives were to explore the effects of cat ownership on the gut microbial diversity and composition of owners. Raw data from the American Gut Project were obtained from the SRA database. A total of 214 Caucasian individuals (111 female) with cats and 214 individuals (111 female) without cats were used in the following analysis. OTU number showed significant alteration in the Cat group and Female_cat group, compared with that of the no cat (NC) group and Female_ NC group, respectively. Compared with the NC group, the microbial phylum Proteobacteria was significantly decreased in the Cat group. The microbial families Alcaligenaceae and Pasteurellaceae were significantly reduced, while Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonadaceae were significantly increased in the Cat group. Fifty metabolic pathways were predicted to be significantly changed in the Cat group. Twenty-one and 13 metabolic pathways were predicted to be significantly changed in the female_cat and male_cat groups, respectively. Moreover, the microbial phylum Cyanobacteria was significantly decreased, while the families Alcaligenaceae, Pseudomonadaceae and Enterobacteriaceae were significantly changed in the normal weight cat group. In addition, 41 and 7 metabolic pathways were predicted to be significantly changed in the normal-weight cat and overweight cat groups, respectively. Therefore, this study demonstrated that cat ownership could influence owners’ gut microbiota composition and function, especially in the female group and normal-weight group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guankui Du
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- * E-mail: (GKD); (YL)
| | - Hairong Huang
- School of Public Health, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Qiwei Zhu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Li Ying
- Haikou Customs, Haikou, China
- * E-mail: (GKD); (YL)
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25
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Finet SE, Southey BR, Rodriguez-Zas SL, He F, de Godoy MRC. Miscanthus Grass as a Novel Functional Fiber Source in Extruded Feline Diets. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:668288. [PMID: 34150889 PMCID: PMC8213067 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.668288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although dietary fiber is not considered an essential nutrient in a complete and balanced diet for felines, it provides a substrate for fermentation by gut microbiota, thus promoting gastrointestinal health through the production of fermentative metabolites, as well as improving laxation. The aim of this research was to evaluate the novel fiber source, Miscanthus grass (Miscanthus giganteus), in comparison with traditional fiber sources and their effects on fecal quality, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), fecal fermentative end products, and microbiota of healthy adult cats. Four dietary treatments were evaluated, differing in dietary fiber source. The diets were formulated to meet or exceed the AAFCO (2018) nutritional profile for adult cats and contained either cellulose (CO), Miscanthus grass fiber (MF), a blend of Miscanthus fiber and tomato pomace (MF + TP), or beet pulp (BP). The study was conducted using a completely randomized design with 28 neutered adult, domesticated shorthair cats (19 females and 9 males, mean age 2.2 ± 0.03 years; mean body weight 4.6 ± 0.7 kg, mean body condition score 5.6 ± 0.6). The experimental period comprised 21 days, and a fresh fecal and a total fecal collection were performed during the last 4 days of the trial period. Daily food intake (DM basis) was similar across all groups (P > 0.05). Additionally, treatment did not affect fecal output (as-is or DM basis), fecal score, or fecal pH (P > 0.05). Cats fed BP had significantly higher total dietary fiber ATTD than all the other treatments (P < 0.05) and the highest concentrations of total short-chain fatty acid, acetate, and propionate (P < 0.05), while butyrate concentrations were similar for all treatments (P > 0.05). Inclusion of dietary fibers was effective in modulating gut microbiota. Cats fed diets containing Miscanthus grass had greater α-diversity than cats fed BP. As no adverse effects on health, fecal quality, or ATTD of macronutrients were observed with the inclusion of 9% Miscanthus grass fiber or fiber blend, the data suggest that Miscanthus grass fiber and fiber blends are viable alternatives to the traditional dietary fiber sources used in commercial extruded feline diets, being most comparable to cellulose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon E Finet
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Bruce R Southey
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
| | | | - Fei He
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Maria R C de Godoy
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
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26
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Pilla R, Suchodolski JS. The Gut Microbiome of Dogs and Cats, and the Influence of Diet. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2021; 51:605-621. [PMID: 33653538 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The gut microbiome is a functional organ, and responds metabolically to the nutrient composition within the diet. Fiber, starch, and protein content have strong effects on the microbiome composition, and changes in these nutrient profiles can induce rapid shifts. Due to functional redundancy of bacteria within microbial communities, important metabolites for health can be produced by different bacteria. Microbiome alterations associated with disease are of greater magnitude than those seen in healthy dogs on different diets. Dietary changes, addition of prebiotics, and probiotics, can be beneficial to improve microbial diversity and to normalize metabolite production in diseased dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Pilla
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4474 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4474, USA.
| | - Jan S Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4474 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4474, USA
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27
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Kilburn LR, Koester LR, Schmitz-Esser S, Serão NVL, Rossoni Serão MC. High-Fat Diets Led to OTU-Level Shifts in Fecal Samples of Healthy Adult Dogs. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:564160. [PMID: 33363518 PMCID: PMC7752866 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.564160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
High fat diets have been reported to negatively affect the microbiota in both mice and humans. However, there is a lack of studies in canine models. The variation among the gastrointestinal (GI) tract anatomy/physiology and typical diet compositions of these animal species may lead to vastly different results. Due to the large inclusion rate of dietary fat in pet food, it is critical to understand its effects in a canine model. Therefore, the study objective was to report the effects of high fat, low carbohydrate diets on the fecal microbiota in healthy adult dogs. Eight adult beagles were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments within each 15-day period of a replicated 4x4 Latin Square design. Diets contained 32% (T1), 37% (T2), 42% (T3), and 47% (T4) fat. T2, T3, and T4 were created by adding increasing levels of canola oil to T1, a commercially manufactured canned canine diet, which served as the control diet. Fresh fecal samples were collected during the last 5 days of each period for microbial analysis. DNA was extracted from fecal samples and paired-end 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was performed using the Illumina MiSeq platform. When comparing whole microbial communities using PERMANOVA, no significant differences were observed among treatments (P = 0.735). Individual OTUs were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with fixed effects of diet and room, and the random effects of period and animal. Out of the 100 most abundant individual OTUs, 36 showed significant differences in abundance based on treatment (q < 0.05). Overall, OTUs assigned to genera related to fat digestion increased while OTUs assigned to genera involved in carbohydrate digestion decreased. In conclusion, the microbial community adapted to dietary intervention without jeopardizing the health of the animals, evaluated by body condition score, fecal characteristics, and blood parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan R Kilburn
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Lucas R Koester
- Interdepartmental Microbiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States.,Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Stephan Schmitz-Esser
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States.,Interdepartmental Microbiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Nick V L Serão
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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28
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Bragg M, Freeman EW, Lim HC, Songsasen N, Muletz-Wolz CR. Gut Microbiomes Differ Among Dietary Types and Stool Consistency in the Captive Red Wolf ( Canis rufus). Front Microbiol 2020; 11:590212. [PMID: 33304337 PMCID: PMC7693430 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.590212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Captive management of many wildlife species can be challenging, with individuals displaying health disorders that are not generally described in the wild population. Retrospective studies have identified gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, in particular inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as the second leading cause of captive adult red wolf (Canis rufus) mortality. Recent molecular studies show that imbalanced gut microbial composition is tightly linked to IBD in the domestic dog. The goal of the present study was to address two main questions: (1) how do red wolf gut microbiomes differ between animals with loose stool consistency, indicative of GI issues, and those with normal stool consistency and (2) how does dietary type relate to stool consistency and red wolf gut microbiomes? Fresh fecal samples were collected from 48 captive wolves housed in eight facilities in the United States and from two wild wolves living in Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, NC, United States. For each individual, the stool consistency was categorized as loose or normal using a standardized protocol and their diet was categorized as either wild, whole meat, a mix of whole meat and kibble or kibble. We characterized gut microbiome structure using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. We found that red wolves with a loose stool consistency differed in composition than wolves with normal stool consistency, suggesting a link between GI health and microbiome composition. Diet was not related to stool consistency but did significantly impact gut microbiome composition; gut microbiome composition of wolves fed a kibble diet were significantly different than the gut microbiome composition of wolves fed a mixed, whole meat and wild diet. Findings from this study increase the understanding of the interplay between diet and GI health in the red wolf, a critical piece of information needed to maintain a healthy red wolf population ex situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Bragg
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA, United States
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Elizabeth W. Freeman
- School of Integrative Studies, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Haw Chuan Lim
- Department of Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Nucharin Songsasen
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA, United States
| | - Carly R. Muletz-Wolz
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, United States
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29
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Jackson MI, Waldy C, Jewell DE. Dietary resistant starch preserved through mild extrusion of grain alters fecal microbiome metabolism of dietary macronutrients while increasing immunoglobulin A in the cat. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241037. [PMID: 33141838 PMCID: PMC7608938 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary digestion-resistant starch (RS) provides health benefits to the host via gut microbiome-mediated metabolism. The degree to which cats manifest beneficial changes in response to RS intake was examined. Healthy cats (N = 36) were fed identically formulated foods processed under high (n = 17) or low (n = 19) shear extrusion conditions (low and high RS levels [LRS and HRS], respectively). Fecal samples collected after 3 and 6 weeks' feeding were assayed for stool firmness score, short-chain fatty acids, ammonia, and changes to the global metabolome and microbiome; fecal immunoglobulin A (IgA) was analyzed at week 6. Few differences were seen in proximate analyses of the foods; stool firmness scores did not differ. In cats consuming HRS food, concentrations of fecal butyrate and the straight chain:branched chain fatty acid ratio were significantly greater in feces at both weeks 3 and 6, while fecal ammonia was reduced at week 6 relative to feces from LRS-fed cats. Fecal IgA concentrations were significantly higher at week 6 with HRS food. RS consumption altered 47% of the fecal metabolome; RS-derived sugars and metabolites associated with greater gut health, including indoles and polyamines, increased in the cats consuming HRS food relative to those fed the LS food, while endocannabinoid N-acylethanolamines decreased. Consumption of HRS food increased concentrations of the ketone body 3-hydroxybutyrate in feces and elevated concentrations of reduced members of NADH-coupled redox congeners and NADH precursors. At the microbiome genus-level, 21% of operational taxonomic units were significantly different between food types; many involved taxa with known saccharolytic or proteolytic proclivities. Microbiome taxa richness and Shannon and Simpson alpha diversity were significantly higher in the HRS group at both weeks. These data show that feline consumption of grain-derived RS produces potentially beneficial shifts in microbiota-mediated metabolism and increases IgA production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew I. Jackson
- Pet Nutrition Center, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, KS, United States of America
| | - Christopher Waldy
- Pet Nutrition Center, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, KS, United States of America
| | - Dennis E. Jewell
- Pet Nutrition Center, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, KS, United States of America
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30
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Alessandri G, Argentini C, Milani C, Turroni F, Cristina Ossiprandi M, van Sinderen D, Ventura M. Catching a glimpse of the bacterial gut community of companion animals: a canine and feline perspective. Microb Biotechnol 2020; 13:1708-1732. [PMID: 32864871 PMCID: PMC7533323 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs and cats have gained a special position in human society by becoming our principal companion animals. In this context, efforts to ensure their health and welfare have increased exponentially, with in recent times a growing interest in assessing the impact of the gut microbiota on canine and feline health. Recent technological advances have generated new tools to not only examine the intestinal microbial composition of dogs and cats, but also to scrutinize the genetic repertoire and associated metabolic functions of this microbial community. The application of high-throughput sequencing techniques to canine and feline faecal samples revealed similarities in their bacterial composition, with Fusobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes as the most prevalent and abundant phyla, followed by Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Although key bacterial members were consistently present in their gut microbiota, the taxonomic composition and the metabolic repertoire of the intestinal microbial population may be influenced by several factors, including diet, age and anthropogenic aspects, as well as intestinal dysbiosis. The current review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the multitude of factors which play a role in the modulation of the canine and feline gut microbiota and that of their human owners with whom they share the same environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Alessandri
- Department of Veterinary Medical ScienceUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Chiara Argentini
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Christian Milani
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
- Microbiome Research HubUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Francesca Turroni
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
- Microbiome Research HubUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Maria Cristina Ossiprandi
- Department of Veterinary Medical ScienceUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
- Microbiome Research HubUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- APC Microbiome Institute and School of Microbiology, Bioscience InstituteNational University of IrelandCorkIreland
| | - Marco Ventura
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
- Microbiome Research HubUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
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Wernimont SM, Radosevich J, Jackson MI, Ephraim E, Badri DV, MacLeay JM, Jewell DE, Suchodolski JS. The Effects of Nutrition on the Gastrointestinal Microbiome of Cats and Dogs: Impact on Health and Disease. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1266. [PMID: 32670224 PMCID: PMC7329990 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome of cats and dogs is increasingly recognized as a metabolically active organ inextricably linked to pet health. Food serves as a substrate for the GI microbiome of cats and dogs and plays a significant role in defining the composition and metabolism of the GI microbiome. The microbiome, in turn, facilitates the host's nutrient digestion and the production of postbiotics, which are bacterially derived compounds that can influence pet health. Consequently, pet owners have a role in shaping the microbiome of cats and dogs through the food they choose to provide. Yet, a clear understanding of the impact these food choices have on the microbiome, and thus on the overall health of the pet, is lacking. Pet foods are formulated to contain the typical nutritional building blocks of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, but increasingly include microbiome-targeted ingredients, such as prebiotics and probiotics. Each of these categories, as well as their relative proportions in food, can affect the composition and/or function of the microbiome. Accumulating evidence suggests that dietary components may impact not only GI disease, but also allergies, oral health, weight management, diabetes, and kidney disease through changes in the GI microbiome. Until recently, the focus of microbiome research was to characterize alterations in microbiome composition in disease states, while less research effort has been devoted to understanding how changes in nutrition can influence pet health by modifying the microbiome function. This review summarizes the impact of pet food nutritional components on the composition and function of the microbiome and examines evidence for the role of nutrition in impacting host health through the microbiome in a variety of disease states. Understanding how nutrition can modulate GI microbiome composition and function may reveal new avenues for enhancing the health and resilience of cats and dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eden Ephraim
- Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, KS, United States
| | | | | | - Dennis E. Jewell
- Department of Grain Science and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, United States
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Golder C, Weemhoff JL, Jewell DE. Cats Have Increased Protein Digestibility as Compared to Dogs and Improve Their Ability to Absorb Protein as Dietary Protein Intake Shifts from Animal to Plant Sources. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E541. [PMID: 32213956 PMCID: PMC7143243 DOI: 10.3390/ani10030541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This retrospective study used 226 dogs and 296 cats to evaluate whether protein absorption was influenced by species, and within species, what influence increasing the percentage of total dietary protein, as plant protein, had on protein absorption. Each food was evaluated by at least one study with a minimum of six dogs or cats assigned to each study. Dietary inclusion of animal and plant based protein was calculated by analysis of ingredients and dietary inclusion level. Both dogs and cats were able to digest dietary plant protein, with protein digestibility in dogs unchanged as plant protein increased, while in cats, eating dry food, an increase in plant protein, was associated with increased protein digestibility. When individual plant high-concentration protein sources (excluding the protein from whole grains) were evaluated (i.e., soybean meal, soybean protein isolate, corn gluten meal, and rice protein concentrate) there was no response to increasing protein from these sources in the dog. In the cat, there was a significant positive effect on protein digestibility associated with an increasing concentration of corn gluten meal. In summary, as the dietary protein shifted from striated muscle and other animal proteins to plant based proteins, there was no effect in the dog, while in cats, increasing dietary plant protein was associated with increasing protein digestibility (5.5% increase at 50% protein from plants in dry cat food). Protein digestibility of food in dogs and cats is similar, if not enhanced, when the plant protein sources are concentrated from soybeans (soybean isolate, soybean meal), corn (corn gluten meal), or rice (rice protein concentrate).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Golder
- Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc., Topeka, KS 66603, USA; (C.G.); (J.L.W.)
| | | | - Dennis E. Jewell
- Department of Grain Science and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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Deciphering the Bifidobacterial Populations within the Canine and Feline Gut Microbiota. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.02875-19. [PMID: 32005736 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02875-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
During the course of evolution, dogs and cats have been subjected to extensive domestication, becoming the principal companion animals for humans. For this reason, their health care, including their intestinal microbiota, is considered of considerable importance. However, the canine and feline gut microbiota still represent a largely unexplored research area. In the present work, we profiled the microbiota of 23 feline fecal samples by 16S rRNA gene and bifidobacterial internally transcribed spacer (ITS) approaches and compared this information with previously reported data from 138 canine fecal samples. The obtained data allowed the reconstruction of the core gut microbiota of the above-mentioned samples coupled with their classification into distinct community state types at both genus and species levels, identifying Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, and Prevotella 9 as the main bacterial components of the canine and feline gut microbiota. At the species level, the intestinal bifidobacterial gut communities of dogs and cats differed in terms of both species number and composition, as emphasized by a covariance analysis. Together, our findings show that the intestinal populations of cats and dogs are similar in terms of genus-level taxonomical composition, while at the bifidobacterial species level, clear differences were observed, indicative of host-specific colonization behavior by particular bifidobacterial taxa.IMPORTANCE Currently, domesticated dogs and cats are the most cherished companion animals for humans, and concerns about their health and well-being are therefore important. In this context, the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining and promoting host health. However, despite the social relevance of domesticated dogs and cats, their intestinal microbial communities are still far from being completely understood. In this study, the taxonomical composition of canine and feline gut microbiota was explored at genus and bifidobacterial species levels, allowing classification of these microbial populations into distinct gut community state types at either of the two investigated taxonomic levels. Furthermore, the reconstruction of core gut microbiota coupled with covariance network analysis based on bifidobacterial internally transcribed spacer (ITS) profiling revealed differences in the bifidobacterial compositions of canine and feline gut microbiota, suggesting that particular bifidobacterial species have developed a selective ability to colonize a specific host.
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