Fermentation in vitro of a mixture of dietary fibers and cane molasses by the cecal microbiota: application on mineral absorption through the laying hens colonic epithelium

GULTEMIRIAN M. DE L.; CORTI H. R.; PEREZ CHAIA A.; APELLA M. C.

ANIMAL FEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2014 vol. 191 p. 76 - 82

0377-8401

Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production from a mixture of dietary fibers and cane molasses fermentation by laying hens´ cecal microbiota and calcium and iron absorption through the colonic mucosa driven by these acids were in vitro studied. Oligofructose, polydextrose or arabic gum at concentrations of 10 g/L of cecal suspension, alone or combined with molasses in a 1:1 (w/v) relation were assayed. Fermentation of molasses and oligofructose by hens? cecal microbiota significantly increased SCFA production, a similar effect also observed with polydextrose and arabic gum, but to a lower extent. The highest level was attained by cecal fermentation of combined molasses-oligofructose, suggesting a complementary effect of these fibers in the mixture. SCFA mixtures with acid levels similar to that derived from the fermentation of molasses, oligofructose or a combination of both had a positive influence on mineral absorption by the colonic mucosa when assayed in an Ussing chamber. The best result was achieved with a SCFA concentration that simulated that of the molasses-oligofructose mix fermentation as the amount of calcium and iron absorbed grew approximately eightfold when compared to the one in absence of SCFA. Different SCFA, in a range of concentrations similar to those derived from the colonic fermentation without fiber addition, increased ionic absorption which was dependent on acid type and concentration used, being more remarkable for butyric acid. The effectiveness in mineral absorption was lesser than the one obtained with SCFA mixtures derived from the fiber fermentations as a consequence of acids lower amounts. The results of this study suggest that molasses-oligofructose as a layers? diet supplement could improve mineral absorption in the intestinal lumen.