In vitro fermentation characteristics of selected glucose-based polymers by canine and human fecal bacteria

This research evaluated fermentation characteristics (short-chain fatty acid [SCFA] production, pH, and gas production) resulting from fermentation of glucose-based carbohydrates using canine (n = 3) and human (n = 3) fecal inoculum. Substrates included lyophilized canine ileal digesta containing maltodextrin, gamma-cyclodextrin, high molecular weight (MW) pullulan (MW 100000), or low MW pullulan (MW 6300) obtained from an in vivo experiment. Fermentation for 6 and 10 h with human fecal microflora resulted in higher gas and SCFA production than did canine fecal microflora. High MW pullulan fermentation resulted in the highest (p < 0.05) gas production and lowest (p < 0.05) pH for both dogs and humans. Total SCFA production was highest (p < 0.05) for low MW pullulan fermented by canine microflora, and for gamma-cyclodextrin, high MW pullulan, and low MW pullulan fermented by human microflora. Differences were noted in fermentation characteristics of substrates present in ileal digesta.