Distinct Fecal Proteolytic Activity in Zoo Animals with Different Feeding Strategies

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Animal Physiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Intestinal proteolytic activity is crucial for nutrient absorption and gut barrier function.
• Impaired protease activity is linked to increased intestinal permeability.
• Dietary protein intake is a potential modulator of digestive enzyme function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of diet on intestinal proteolytic activity.
• To compare proteolytic activity across different dietary groups (carnivore, herbivore, omnivore).
• To identify the primary enzyme classes responsible for proteolytic activity in feces.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of fecal samples from representative species of carnivore, herbivore, and omnivore groups.
• Quantification of enzyme activity using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) peptide substrates.
• Identification of protease classes using specific enzyme inhibitors.

Main Results:

• Total proteolytic activity was significantly higher in carnivores and omnivores compared to herbivores.
• Serine proteases were identified as the major contributors to the observed proteolytic activity.
• Fecal proteolytic activity demonstrated a clear correlation with dietary protein intake.

Conclusions:

• Dietary habits significantly impact proteolytic activity in the digestive system.
• Serine proteases play a dominant role in fecal proteolytic activity across different diets.
• Feeding behavior and nutritional needs likely influence the regulation of digestive proteases.