Effect of tea polyphenols on fecal flora metabolic products of pigs

Abstract

The effects of tea polyphenols on fecal flora and fecal metabolic activities were studied in eight 30-day-old pigs fed a basal diet (control) or the diet supplemented with 0.2% of tea polyphenols for 2 weeks. During tea polyphenol administration compared to before administration, the levels of lactobacilli were increased significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.01 on days 7 and 14 of administration, respectively), whereas the levels of total bacteria (P<0.01) and bacteroidaceae (P<0.01 and P<0.001 on days 7 and 14 of administration, respectively) were decreased significantly. The detection rate of lecithinase positive clostridia including Clostridium perfrigens showed a tendency to decrease during administration. No detectable change occurred in the levels of other organisms throughout the experimental period. Fecal concentrations of ammonia were decreased significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.01 on days 7 and 14 of administration, respectively). Fecal phenol (P<0.001), p-cresol (P<0.05), and skatol (P<0.01) were reduced significantly on day 14 of administration compared to before administration. The amounts of fecal short chain fatty acids, acetic acid (P<0.05) and lactic acid (P<0.05) were increased significantly on day 14 of administration. The pH values were decreased slightly during administration. The odour of the feces was reduced remarkably during tea polyphenol administration. © 1995, JAPANESE SOCIETY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE. All rights reserved.