| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3395300 | Anaerobe | 2012 | 6 Pages |
To verify if non-invasive collection of soft faeces (SF) from rabbits can be used as an index of bacterial biodiversity in caecal contents (CC), 24 weaned rabbits were given diets with low (LI) and high (HI) levels of insoluble fibre (neutral detergent fibre, NDF) and low (LS) and high (HS) levels of soluble fibre (neutral detergent soluble fibre, NDSF). After 21 days, animals were fitted with neck collars for SF collection. Two days later, animals were slaughtered and CC sampled. Total bacterial concentration quantified by real time PCR (log10 ng DNA/mg DM) was higher in SF than CC (2.615 vs. 2.383). Among diets, in CC it was (P = 0.059) lowest in LILS diet, whereas in SF it decreased (P = 0.025) with the NDF level. DGGE profiles showed that structure of bacterial communities of SF was close to that of CC; however, similarity was higher in LI than HI diets (0.82 vs. 0.74). Diversity indexes in CC decreased with NDSF (P < 0.05), whereas the effect of NDF (P < 0.05) was also appreciated in SF. Soft faeces can be an alternative to surgery or slaughter techniques to monitor changes in caecal bacterial community; however, high dietary NDF may decrease similarity between both communities.
► Representativeness of soft faeces as non-invasive samples of caecal ecosystem was studied. ► Total bacterial concentration was higher in soft faeces than caecal contents. ► Bacterial diversity was close despite the type of sample. ► Similarity between soft faeces and caecal contents decreased in high dietary insoluble level. ► Type (soluble or insoluble) and level of dietary fibre affect bacterial caecal diversity in rabbits.
