Effects of a lactobacillus fermentation product on the fecal characteristics, fecal microbial populations, immune function, and stress markers of adult dogs

Koziol, Samantha Anne

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/120275 Copy

Description

Title

Effects of a lactobacillus fermentation product on the fecal characteristics, fecal microbial populations, immune function, and stress markers of adult dogs

Author(s)

Koziol, Samantha Anne

Issue Date

2023-04-18

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Swanson, Kelly S.

Committee Member(s)

• Fahey, George C.
• de Godoy, Maria R.C.

Department of Study

Animal Sciences

Discipline

Animal Sciences

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• canine nutrition
• gastrointestinal health
• postbiotic

Abstract

The objective of this study was to measure the effects of a Lactobacillus fermentation product (LBFP) on fecal characteristics and microbiota, blood biomarkers, immune function, and serum oxidative stress markers of adult dogs. Thirty adult beagle dogs [23 M, 7 F; mean age = 8.47±2.65 y old; mean BW = 15.43±4.17 kg] were used in a completely randomized design study. All dogs were fed a basal diet to maintain BW for 5 wk, followed by baseline blood and fecal sample collections. Dogs remained on the same diet, but then were randomly assigned to a placebo (dextrose) or LBFP supplement (Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus delbrueckii). Treatments were both dosed at 4 mg/kg BW via gelatin capsule for 5 wk (n=15/treatment). Fecal and blood samples were collected at that time. Change from baseline data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS 9.4, with P<0.05 being significant and P<0.10 being trends. Most circulating metabolites and immunoglobulins (Ig) were unaltered by treatment, but LBFP-supplemented dogs had lower changes in serum corticosteroid isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (P<0.05), alanine aminotransferase (P<0.10), and IgM (P<0.10) than controls. The change in fecal scores tended to be lower (P=0.068) in LBFP-supplemented dogs than controls, signifying firmer feces in LBFP-supplemented dogs. Regarding the fecal microbiota, alpha diversity indicators tended to be higher (P=0.087) in LBFP-supplemented dogs than controls. One fecal bacterial phylum (Actinobacteriota) was altered by treatments, with its relative abundance tending to have a greater (P<0.10) increase in controls than LBFP-supplemented dogs. Fifteen bacterial genera were altered (P<0.05 or P<0.10) by treatments, including relative abundances of fecal Peptoclostridium, Sarcina, and Faecalitalea that had a greater (P<0.05) increase in controls than LBFP-supplemented dogs. In contrast, relative abundances of fecal Faecalibaculum, Bifidobacterium, and uncultured Butyricicoccaceae had a greater (P≤0.05) increase in LBFP-supplemented dogs than controls. After wk 5, dogs underwent transport stress (45 min vehicle ride) to assess oxidative stress markers. The change in serum superoxide dismutase after transport had a greater (P<0.0001) increase in LBFP-supplemented dogs than controls. Our data suggest that LBFP may provide benefits to dogs by stabilizing stool quality, beneficially shifting fecal microbiota, and protecting against oxidative damage when subjected to stress.

Graduation Semester

2023-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2023 Samantha Koziol

Owning Collections