The effect of the administration of cellulose and fructans with different degree of polymerization to rats on caecal fermentation and biochemical indicators in the serum

Abstract

Research was conducted to determine the physiological effect of substituting 5% of maize starch with cellulose, inulin and oligofructose in the diet of rats. The feeding of cellulose and fructans did not influence the food intake and weight gains of animals. The addition of oligofructose and inulin induced an enlargement of the caecum (wall and digesta). Dry matter and pH of caecal digesta were significantly decreased in rats receiving fructan preparations compared to the cellulose and starch groups. Inulin and oligofructose caused a significant increase in the SCFA content produced in the whole caecum (calculated per 100 g BW). Cellulose as well as fructans decreased the ammonia concentration in the caecal digesta compared to control rats. The diet composition did not have a significant influence on the concentration of glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol in the serum of rats. Compared to the control and cellulose, the investigated fructans were very efficient by inducing beneficial changes in the functioning of the caecal ecosystem.