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Feed Postbiotics-Short Chain Fatty Acids
Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) play a vital role as metabolites produced by intestinal bacteria through the fermentation of plant polysaccharides. BioVenic offers advanced technologies such as SCFAs detection and microbial analysis, enabling the study of SCFAs and microbiota composition in animal models, both in vivo and in vitro. These technologies assist animal nutrition researchers in developing nutritional strategies to regulate SCFAs, the postbiotics of microbial origin, ultimately promoting animal health and productivity.
Key Types of Short Chain Fatty Acids
The main SCFAs include acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid. They possess high solubility and are easily absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream.
Table. 1 Major types of short chain fatty acids
| SCFAs | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Acetate (C2) |
|
| Propionate (C3) |
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| Butyrate (C4) |
|
Approaches to Manipulate Short Chain Fatty Acids Production
There are few approaches to manipulate SCFA production precisely. Modifying the ingredient composition of the diet, such as replacing forage with concentrate ingredients, is a straightforward method. Alternatively, changing the chemical composition of the diet, like substituting cellulose with starch, can increase propionate production. Another promising approach is the use of feed additives. BioVenic's solutions enable researchers to evaluate the efficacy of their nutritional approaches for SCFA manipulation in different animal species.
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Short Chain Fatty Acids Analysis
Our SCFAs analysis solution can detect a wide range of SCFAs (including acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid) in various sample types, such as animal feces, digesta, and serum. We employ gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), enzymatic detection, and capillary electrophoresis (CE) as our primary analysis techniques. Our methods are optimized to ensure simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and robustness.
Table. 2 Common methods used for SCFA analysis
| Methods | Principle | Pros and Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Chromatography (GC) | Separates and detects volatile SCFAs based on retention time and detector response. |
Pros: High sensitivity and accuracy, widely available. Cons: Complex sample pretreatment, potential analyte loss, high operating costs. |
| High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) | Separates and detects SCFAs based on polarity and column interaction. |
Pros: Simpler sample preparation, can directly analyze non-derivatized samples. Cons: Lower sensitivity compared to GC, more complex instrumentation. |
| Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) | Separates SCFAs based on charge and size. |
Pros: Minimal sample preparation, fast analysis. Cons: Lower repeatability and sensitivity compared to other techniques. |
| Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy | Analyzes unique NMR signals of SCFAs to determine concentration. |
Pros: Non-destructive, provides comprehensive metabolite profiling. Cons: Lower sensitivity, high instrument cost, complex sample preparation. |
| Enzymatic detection | Relies on spectrophotometric measurement of enzymatic products from SCFAs. |
Pros: Fast and simple analysis. Cons: Potential cross-reactivity, inhibition by sample components. |
Gut Microbiome Analysis
Given that the composition and structure of microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract influence SCFAs production, our microbiome analysis techniques help customize dietary interventions to enhance SCFAs production based on individual gut bacterial composition.
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Mechanism Study of Short Chain Fatty Acids
Although SCFAs provide several advantageous effects on various aspects of animal energy metabolism, our understanding of the underlying molecular pathways remains incomplete. SCFAs exhibit direct inhibitory effects on cell growth and also directly impact immune cells through modifications in cell signaling, epigenetic regulation, and metabolism. BioVenic's in vitro and in vivo animal study platforms offers multiple solutions for the mechanism study of SCFAs. By utilizing our solutions, researchers can investigate the production pathways and action mechanisms of SCFAs on animals and microbiota.
Fig. 1 Previously unrecognized pathways or steps for forming short-chain fatty acids in bacteria1,2
Feed Short Chain Fatty Acids Postbiotics Development
SCFAs can be employed as feed additives themselves. Sodium butyrate, calcium butyrate, potassium butyrate, sodium propionate, calcium propionate, and acetate esters are some examples of SCFA animal supplements. The efficacy of different SCFA supplements, including coated and uncoated forms, varies. Our solutions assist researchers in exploring and developing SCFA supplements that are better suited for the animal's digestive tract.
Applications of Short Chain Fatty Acids Postbiotics in Animals
Apart from SCFAs produced by the animal's gastrointestinal microbiota, exogenous supplementation of SCFAs through dietary sources leads to diverse effects in different animals. Table. 3 highlights the effects of dietary SCFA products on various animals.
Table. 3 Effects of dietary SCFAs products on livestock and companion animals
| Animal Types | SCFA Supplements | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Pigs | Sodium butyrate | Improved growth performance and carcass traits, enhanced intestinal health. |
| Pigs | Calcium butyrate | Reduced diarrhea incidence and inflammation in piglets when combined with tannin extract. |
| Turbot | Sodium propionate (NaP) | Enhanced growth and health when supplemented in a high soybean meal diet. |
| Chickens | Sodium butyrate | Improved gastrointestinal development, increased immune response. |
| Dogs | Coated sodium butyrate | Safe for German shepherd dogs, improved gut health, overall well-being. |
| Cows | Sodium acetate | Increased milk fat yield and concentration. |
| Heifers | Sodium butyrate | Positive growth performance and feed efficiency in post-weaned heifers. |
Why Choose Us?
We offer a wide range of analysis platforms and can develop tailored assays for accurate and rapid SCFA quantification in different sample types.
Our expertise encompasses the mechanism of action and effects of SCFAs in various animal species. We provide in vivo and in vitro animal models.
With a deep understanding of animal nutrition, microbiology, testing, and analyzing technology, our researchers stay updated with cutting-edge information.
We can develop suitable SCFA postbiotic products based on the specific SCFA types and animal digestive characteristics.
Our solutions enable the analysis of SCFAs and microbiota, facilitating the development of SCFA-based feed additives, specific prebiotics, probiotics, and the promotion of SCFA production. If you are interested in BioVenic's short-chain fatty acid feed postbiotic solutions, please contact us for further discussion on your research program.
References
- Image retrieved from Figure 3 "Previously unrecognized pathways or steps for forming short-chain fatty acids in bacteria.", Hackmann, 2023, used under [CC BY 4.0]. Without modification.
- Hackmann, Timothy J. "New biochemical pathways for forming short-chain fatty acids during fermentation in rumen bacteria." JDS Communications (2023).