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Effect of D-mannitol on feed digestion and cecotrophic system in rabbits
1Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.
Animal Science Journal = Nihon Chikusan Gakkaiho
|February 19, 2010
Summary
D-mannitol supplementation improved rabbit performance by enhancing nutrient digestibility and cecotrophy. This sugar alcohol stimulated cecal microbial growth, leading to better weight gain and feed efficiency in rabbits.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Microbiology
- Digestive Physiology
Background:
- Rabbits rely on cecotrophy for nutrient recycling.
- Understanding factors influencing cecal microbial function is crucial for rabbit nutrition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate D-mannitol as an energy source for cecal microbes.
- To evaluate its impact on rabbit digestibility, cecotrophy, and overall performance.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits were fed a diet containing 5% D-mannitol.
- Analysis of hard feces and cecotrophs for nutrient content (CP, ADF, EE, CA, DM).
- Observation of cecotrophic behavior and calculation of nutrient recycling proportions.
Main Results:
- D-mannitol increased acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility and altered crude protein (CP) digestibility.
- It positively modulated nutrient concentrations in feces and cecotrophs.
- Proportion of recycled nutrients (PR) for CP increased, while for ADF it decreased.
- Daily weight gain and feed efficiency improved; feed intake decreased.
Conclusions:
- D-mannitol can stimulate cecal microbial growth and cellulolytic activity.
- It offers a potential strategy to improve nutrient utilization and rabbit performance.
