Ileal and faecal digestibility of Jerusalem artichokes (<i>Helianthus tuberosus</i> L.) in pigs

Abstract

Ileal and faecal digestibility of nutrients was studied on 8 intact and 4 ileorectostomized 45 kg pigs assigned at random according to a replicated 2x2 Latin square design to one of two diets containing either refined sucrose or Jerusalem artichoke tubers (fresh, whole) as the only source of energy. The diets were formulated with soyabean meal to be isonitrogenous. Ileal organic mather (OM) digestibility of Jerusalem artichoke diet was significantly lower (P< 0.001) than of the sucrose diet (48.5 vs 89.1%, respectively). This phenomenon was less pronounced (P<0.05) in faecal OM digestibility in both sources of energy (86.0 vs 95.2%, respectively) indicating decisive participation of the large intestine in the digestion of nutrients of Jerusalem artichoke tubers. The sucrose diet led to higher and lower SCFA concentrations in the ileal and faecal sites (117.5 and 41.3 mmol/100 g DM), while the reverse occurred with the Jerusalem artichoke tubers (21.0 and 117.8 mmol/100 g DM).There was a certain dietary influence in the lactate level in the precaecal part of the alimentary tract of the animals. The experimental data indicate a different site of digestion for both sources of fructose studied and, at the same time, a different extent of digestion of nutrients by the pig.

The influence of graded levels of Jerusalem artichokes and body weight on the digestibility of dietary components in a sugar cane molasses-based pig diet

“…However, the introduction of Jerusalem artichokes into a sugar cane molasses diet led to a considerable increase in faecal bulk, in agreement with previous observations by Ly et al (1995). In this connection, microbial digestion of fructans rather than that of cell wall or non-starch polysaccharides contained in Jerusalem artichokes could be responsible for this phenomenon.…”

“…This hypothesis arises from results of Graham andÁman (1986) who found that precaecal and faecal DM digestibility in Jerusalem artichokes was 40 and 90%, respectively. Comparable values have been obtained for artichoke tubers (Ly et al, 1995). Therefore, fructans from Jerusalem artichokes degraded in the large intestine may largely increase faecal bulk and produce softer faeces, similarly as is the case with soluble dietary fibre in humans (Stephen and Cumming, 1980), rats (Nyman and Asp, 1982) and pigs (Graham and Aman, 1987;.…”

“…The pH value was measured potentiometrically in fresh faeces. The SCFA and ammonia were determined in fresh faeces as described by Ly et al (1995). Faeces from each pig were dried in a forced-air oven at 65 °C for 48 h. The oven-dried faeces were allowed to come to equilibrium with AO AC methods (1984).…”

“…Although hydrolysis of inulin does not appear to be efficient in the pig, faecal digestibility of organic matter is rather high (Ly et al, 1995). In contrast, Jerusalem artichokes may be responsible for a depression in N digestibility of the diet (Ly et al, 1995).…”

Alternative for improving gut microbiota: use of Jerusalem artichoke and probiotics in diet of weaned piglets

“…The most signifficant reduction of enteric bacteria was observed in T3 group piglets, that indicated the synergistic effect of probiotics. Other scientists (Ly et al 1995, Nemcová et al 1999 observed that 3g FOS/day and 2g Lactobacillus paracasei not only significantly reduced Enterobacteriaceae, but also essentially increased total aerobes, anaerobes and lactobacilli. Commonly, reduction of pathogenic microorganisms in gut of animals can be explained by the fact that LAB reduces pH in the luminal contents, which can inhibit the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria.…”