Effects of a short-term supplementation with liquid oligofructose-enriched inulin on faecal characteristics and selected serum metabolites of healthy saanen kids

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a short-term supplementation with liquid oligofructose-enriched inulin on faecal characteristics and selected serum metabolites of healthy Saanen kids. Twenty-four kids (44 days of age) were allotted to a control (CG) or an experimental (EG) group. Each group consisted of 12 kids. Each kid in EG was supplemented with 0.8 and 1.6 g/d of oligofructose-enriched inulin from day 1 to 5 and from day 6 to 15, respectively. Liquid oligofructose-enriched inulin supplementation did not affect faecal score and pH (P > 0.05). Faecal acetate, propionate and total SCFA concentrations did not differ (P > 0.05) between CG and EG, whereas faecal butyrate concentration was higher (P< 0.05) in kids supplemented with liquid oligofructose-enriched inulin. Due to trophic and antiinflammatory effects of butyrate, we hypothesize that oligofructose-enriched inulin supplementation may be useful to help tissue repair and regeneration, particularly during an intestinal infection. Faecal Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Clostridium perfringens concentrations were not affected by oligofructose-enriched inulin supplementation (P > 0.05). Daily dose of oligofructose-enriched inulin tended to increase serum glucose concentrations (P < 0.09, P < 0.08). Serum urea and albumin concentrations were similar between groups (P > 0.05). Serum total protein and globulin levels were lower in EG compared with CG (P < 0.05). During the experimental period lasting for 15 days, there were no differences in growth performance parameters between groups (P > 0.05).