Effect of dietary fat, fiber, and monensin on cecal activity in turkeys

Two experiments were conducted to determine the physical, chemical, and microbial properties of turkey cecal droppings and relate them to intake of common dietary components, namely fat, fiber, and the anticoccidial, monensin. Experiment 1 involved collection and analysis of physical and chemical properties of cecal and regular droppings from commercial turkey flocks. Experiment 2 tested the effect of dietary fat, fiber, and monensin on growth performance and cecal activity in male turkeys. Compared to regular excreta, cecal droppings analyzed in Experiment 1 were higher in viscosity and fat content, and lower in dry matter, nitrogen, and fiber content (P < 0.05). High dietary fiber and fat significantly (P < 0.05) improved growth performance in Experiment 2. Prolonged feeding of monensin significantly (P < 0.05) reduced cecal evacuation. Results of chemical composition showed that higher dietary fat and fiber significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the fat percentage of cecal contents, whereas prolonged feeding of monensin increased the fat in both cecal contents and droppings. There was no significant effect of any of the treatments on pH, viscosity, and microbial counts of cecal contents. There is the need to identify and characterize the compound responsible for the high viscosity of cecal droppings.