Dietary supplementation with Acanthopanax senticosus extract enhances gut health in weanling piglets

Effect of Siberian Ginseng Water Extract as a Dietary Additive on Growth Performance, Blood Biochemical Indexes, Lipid Metabolism, and Expression of PPARs Pathway-Related Genes in Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Overnutrition in high-density aquaculture can negatively affect the health of farmed fish. The Chinese herbal medicine Siberian ginseng (Acanthopanax senticosus, AS) can promote animal growth and immunity, and regulate lipid metabolism. Therefore, we conducted an 8-week experiment, in which Oreochromis niloticus was fed with a diet supplemented with different concentrations of AS water extract (ASW) (0‰, 0.1‰, 0.2‰, 0.4‰, 0.8‰, and 1.6‰). The ASW improved the growth performance and increased the specific growth rate (SGR). Linear regression analysis based on the SGR estimated that the optimal ASW amount was 0.74‰. Dietary supplementation with 0.4–0.8‰ ASW reduced the triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in the serum and liver, and regulated lipid transport by increasing the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration and lowering the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration. Dietary supplementation with ASW increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the liver, thereby improving the antioxidant capacity. Moreover, ASW modulated the transcription of genes in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway in the liver (upregulation of PPARα, APOA1b, and FABP10a and downregulation of PPARγ), thereby regulating fatty acid synthesis and metabolism and slowing fat deposition. These results showed that 0.4–0.8‰ ASW can slow fat deposition and protected the liver from cell damage and abnormal lipid metabolism.

Dietary turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) supplementation improves growth performance, short-chain fatty acid production, and modulates bacterial composition of weaned piglets

In livestock nutrition, natural feed additives are gaining increased attention as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters to improve animal performance. This study investigated the effects of dietary turmeric supplementation on the growth performance and gut health of weaned piglets. A total of 48 weaned piglets (Duroc × [Landrace × Yorkshire]) were used in a 6-week feeding trial. All piglets were allotted to two dietary treatments: corn-soybean meal basal diet without turmeric (control) and with 1% weight per weight (w/w) turmeric powder (turmeric). The results showed that dietary inclusion of turmeric with the basal diet improved final body weight and total average daily gain (p < 0.05). The concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in the fecal samples, including acetic, butyric, and propionic acids, were higher in the turmeric group (p < 0.05). The villus height-to-crypt depth ratio was higher in the ileum of turmeric-fed piglets (p = 0.04). The 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal microbiota indicated that, at the phylum level, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most predominant taxa in all fecal samples. Bacteroidetes were significantly decreased in the turmeric group compared to the control group (p = 0.021). At the genus level, turmeric showed a decreased abundance of Prevotella (p = 0.021) and an increasing trend of Lactobacillus (p = 0.083). Among the total detected species, nine bacterial species showed significant differences between the two groups. The results of this study indicated that turmeric altered the gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid production. This suggests that turmeric could be used as a potential alternative growth promoter for piglets.

Influence of Different Herbal-Mix Feed Additives on Serological Parameters, Tibia Bone Characteristics and Gut Morphology of Growing Pigs

A sixteen-week study was carried out in order to investigate the effects of different herbal-mix feed additives (Moringa, Basil and Neem) on serological parameters, tibia bone characteristics and gut morphology of growing pigs. Eighty-one Large White breed of pigs with a mean weight of 15.35 ± 1.07 were grouped on weight equalization basis into three treatments with 9 replicates per treatment and 3 pigs per replicate in a completely randomized design. Pigs on treatment 1 were fed a ration without integration of herbal-mix feed additives, those in treatments 2 and 3 were offered a diet that contained moringa-basil leaf meal and neem-basil leaf meal respectively. Blood samples were collected from the experimental pigs on the 12th week of the study for the determination of serum levels, while 1 pig from each replicate group whose weight was close to the mean replicate weight was chosen at the end of the study, fasted for 12 hours, sacrificed and the small intestine and left tibia bone were harvested and used for gut and bone morphology evaluation. These data generated from the study were subjected to a 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results indicated that herbal-mix feed additives influenced some of the serological parameters, i.e., globulin, glucose, total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoproteins, and aspartate aminotransferase. These parameters decreased with integration of different herbal-mix in the pigs’ diets except high density lipoprotein that increased statistically. The tibia characteristics such as tibia breaking strength, medial thickness and lateral thickness were also positively impacted by the dietary inclusion of the herbal-mix. Likewise, the villus height of the jejunum was positively enhanced by dietary inclusion of the herbal-mix feed additives. This study concluded that herbal-mix feed additives can be utilized in pigs’ nutrition in enhancing some serological parameters, tibia bone and gut characteristics of growing pigs.

Growth performance, physiological parameters, and transcript levels of lipid metabolism-related genes in hybrid yellow catfish (Tachysurus fulvidraco ♀ × Pseudobagrus vachellii ♂) fed diets containing Siberian ginseng

In high-density aquaculture, fish health can suffer because of excessive feeding, which causes fatty liver disease. Siberian ginseng (Acanthopanax senticosus) has been used as a feed additive to promote animal growth, immunity, and lipid metabolism. In this study, we explored the effects of A. senticosus on the physiology of hybrid yellow catfish (Tachysurus fulvidraco ♀ × Pseudobagrus vachellii ♂). A control group and five groups fed diets containing A. senticosus (0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 g A. senticosus/kg feed) were established and maintained for 8 weeks. Dietary supplementation with A. senticosus at 4 g/kg promoted growth of the hybrid yellow catfish. Serum total cholesterol (TC) and triacylglycerol (TG) levels at 2 g/kg A. senticosus (TC: 1.31 mmol/L; TG: 1.08 mmol/L) were significantly lower than in the control group (TC: 1.51 mmol/L; TG: 1.41 mmol/L), and 4 g/kg A. senticosus (17.20 μmol/g tissue) reduced the liver TG level compared with the control group (21.36 μmol/g tissue) (P <0.05). Comparative transcriptomic analysis of liver tissue between the control group and the group showing optimum growth (4 g/kg A. senticosus) revealed 820 differentially expressed genes and 44 significantly enriched pathways, especially lipid metabolism pathways such as unsaturated fatty acid and fatty acid metabolism. The transcript levels of five lipid metabolism-related genes were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that 2–4 g/kg A. senticosus supplementation reduced the FADS2, ELOVL2, CYP24a, and PLPP3 transcript levels and 4 g/kg A. senticosus increased the DIO2 transcript level (P <0.05), leading to altered synthesis of TG and thyroxine and reduced fat deposition in the liver. Our results show that dietary A. senticosus affects the regulation of fat metabolism and promotes the growth of hybrid yellow catfish. A. senticosus is a healthy feed additive, and the appropriate dietary supplementation rate is 2–4 g/kg.

Research Note: Effects of polysaccharide-enriched Acanthopanax senticosus extract on growth performance, immune function, antioxidation, and ileal microbial populations in broiler chickens

Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) is a well-known, highly effective traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Polysaccharides extracted from AS (ASPS) have multiple pharmacologic and biological activities with potential use as additives in broiler chicken feed. This trial evaluated the effects of dietary ASPS on growth performance, immune function, antioxidation, and ileal microbial populations in broiler chickens. A total of 240 1-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chicks were randomly divided into 4 groups, with 10 replicates of 6 chicks and fed a corn- and soybean-based diet supplemented with 0, 1, 2, or 4 g/kg ASPS. Compared with the control group, supplementation with 1 g/kg ASPS increased ADG and ADFI in the finisher and overall periods and decreased the feed conversion ratio in the finisher period (both P < 0.05). Serum IgA and IgM were significantly increased by supplementation with 1 and 2 g/kg of ASPS (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were increased and malondialdehyde concentration was decreased in birds fed ASPS-supplemented diets compared with those in the control group (P < 0.05). Polysaccharides extracted from AS supplementation increased Lactobacillus and decreased Escherichia coli and Salmonella counts in the ileal contents compared with the control diet (both P < 0.05). The results show that dietary ASPS improved growth performance, immune status, and antioxidant capacity and stimulated the growth of beneficial gut bacteria in broiler chickens. In conclusion, ASPS was effective as a natural additive in broiler chicken feed; 1 g/kg can be considered as the optimum dosage.

Eleutheroside B increase tight junction proteins and anti-inflammatory cytokines expression in intestinal porcine jejunum epithelial cells (IPEC-J2)

Eleutheroside B (EB) is a phenylpropanoid glycoside with anti-inflammatory properties, neuroprotective abilities, immunomodulatory effects, antinociceptive effects, and regulation of blood glucose. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of EB on the barrier function in the intestinal porcine epithelial cells J2 (IPEC-J2). The IPEC-J2 cells were inoculated into 96-well plates at a density of 5 × 10³ cells per well for 100% confluence. The cells were cultured in the presence of EB at concentrations of 0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20 mg/ml for 48 hr. Then, 0.10 mg/ml was selected as the suitable concentration for the estimation of transepithelial electric resistance (TEER) value, alkaline phosphatase activity, proinflammatory cytokines mRNA expression, tight junction mRNA and protein expression. The results of this study indicated that the supplementation of EB in IPEC-J2 cells decreased cellular membrane permeability and mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-γ (INF-γ), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The supplementation of EB in IPEC-J2 cells increased tight junction protein expression and anti-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). In addition, the western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results indicated that EB significantly (p < 0.05) increased the mRNA and protein expression of intestinal tight junction proteins, Claudin-3, Occludin, and Zonula Occludins protein-1 (ZO-1). Therefore, dietary supplementation of EB may increase intestinal barrier function, tight junction protein expression, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and decrease proinflammatory cytokines synthesis in IPEC-J2 cells.

Dietary Verbascoside Influences Gut Morphology and the Expression of α-Transducin and α-Gustducin in the Small Intestine of Weaned Piglets Exposed to n-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids-Induced Oxidative Stress

Simple Summary

In recent years, feed interventions with natural antioxidants have grown because oxidative stress is linked to the development of several diseases in pigs. Weaning is one of the most stressful events in pig breeding, inducing physiological, environmental, and social changes. These cause intestinal disorder, inflammation and oxidative stress that result in reduced pig health and growth. Previous data reported that dietary supplementation with a natural extract containing verbascoside positively affects piglets’ health and welfare by reducing oxidative stress parameters. This study shows that verbascoside protects the gastrointestinal tract from oxidative stress and may have an appetite-stimulatory effect by modulating gastrointestinal taste receptors’ related protein expression.

Abstract

Reducing oxidative stress is an important goal in post-weaning piglets; previous studies have reported that verbascoside decreases oxidative stress in piglets. The effect of verbascoside on gut morphology and α-transducin and α-gustducin expression in weaned piglets fed high dosages of sunflower oil, inducing oxidative stress, was evaluated. A diet with 9% sunflower oil (T1), the same diet supplemented with 5 mg of verbascoside/kg feed (T2) and a diet containing starch (control—CTR) were employed. Histology, histometry, histochemistry, immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses were performed on the piglets’ small intestine. In the T1 group, apical erosion was observed and villi height was lower than in other groups. The mucin profile was acidic in goblet cells of both the T1 and T2 groups. However, it was both neutral and acidic in the CTR group. Dietary treatments did not affect α-gustducin expression. Otherwise, the expression of α-transducin in the duodenum was lower (p < 0.01) in the T1 groups than in the other groups. The colocalization of α-transducin with chromogranin A and ghrelin revealed that the endocrine cells were immunopositive for both ghrelin and α-transducin. Overall, these results provide new insights into gut sensory perception in piglets and contribute to understanding how feed ingredients such as fat and polyphenols may be involved in gustatory signal transduction.

Short-term supplementation of isocaloric meals with L-tryptophan affects pig growth

L-Tryptophan (Trp) and some of its metabolites regulate the circadian rhythm in mammals. We aimed to investigate the effects of short-term supplementation of Trp in isocaloric meals on growth performance using the parameters of multiple blood biomarkers and free amino acids in growing pigs. A total of 32 Landrace × Yorkshire barrows with a mean body weight of 8.64 (±1.13) kg were randomly assigned to four groups and then fed with various concentrations of Trp diets daily. Our results showed that sequential supplementation of different concentrations of Trp in isocaloric meals decreased the feed:gain (F:G) ratio (P = 0.079) and plasma urea and albumin (P = 0.019), whereas the level of total protein did not. Among the essential and conditionally essential amino acids, the concentrations of histidine, isoleucine, proline, threonine, arginine, and valine in the plasma decreased (P < 0.05), whereas the concentrations of Trp, glycine, serine, and methionine increased (P < 0.01). In addition, concentrations of branched chain amino acids also significantly decreased (P = 0.004), while the rate of conversion of Trp to branched chain amino acids increased (P < 0.001). Taken together, we show that administration of a high concentration of Trp in breakfast with decreasing concentrations of Trp in lunch and dinner positively affected feed utilization and improved feed efficiency, at least in part, through the optimization of amino acid interconversions and nitrogen utilization.

Dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cell Wall Extract Supplementation Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Modulates Serum Amino Acids Profiles in Weaned Piglets

This research aims to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall extract (SCCWE) on growth performance, oxidative stress, intestinal morphology, and serum amino acid concentration in weaned piglets. Utilizing a completely randomized design, 40 healthy piglets weaned at 21 d were grouped into 4 experimental treatments with 10 pigs per treatment group. Treatments consisted of a basal diet (T0), a basal diet with a 0.05% SCCWE (T1), a basal diet with a 0.10% SCCWE (T2), and a basal diet with a 0.15% SCCWE (T3). SCCWE supplementation increased the average daily gain and final body weight compared with T0 (P < 0.05). SCCWE in T2 and T3 improved the average daily feed intake and decreased the feed/gain ratio compared with T1 and T2 (P < 0.05). SCCWE decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) significantly compared to T0 (P < 0.05). SCCWE increased the concentration of Ile compared to T0 (P < 0.05). Moreover, the concentrations of Leu, Phe, and Arg were higher in T2 and T3 (P < 0.05). These findings indicate beneficial effects of SCCWE supplementation on growth performance, the concentration of some essential amino acids, and alleviation of oxidative stress in weaned piglets.

Effects of dietary supplementation of Acanthopanax senticosus on gastrointestinal tract development in calves

Twenty-four newborn Holstein dairy male calves (with initial body weight of 38 ± 3.0 kg) were used in a randomized block design experiment to determine effects of dietary supplementation of Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) on gastrointestinal tract development. Calves were fed milk (10%/body weight) three times at 06.00, 12.00 and 18.00 hours daily with one to four treatments during the experimental periods (4 to 28 days): no supplementation of AS (control group, CG); 1.0 g/L•time of micro-powder AS (MP); 1.0 g/L•time of superfine powder AS (SP); or 1.0 g/L•time of coarse powder AS (CP). On days 7, 14, 21 and 28, 20 mL blood samples were collected at 06.00 hours before the morning feeding. At the end of the trial (28 days), all calves were euthanized, and tissue samples were taken and placed in 4% buffered formaldehyde for analyses. In the rumen of MP treatment, compared with the CG treatment, wall thickness and papillae diameter was both significantly lower (P<0.05), while crypt depth was significantly greater (P<0.05). In the duodenum, villi diameter of AS supplemented treatments was significantly lower than that of CG treatment (P<0.05). Results indicate that calves during sucking period supplemented with AS as MP style could promote gastrointestinal development.

Radioprotective effects of active compounds of Acanthopanax senticosus from the Lesser Khingan Mountain range in China

Bioactive compounds extracted from wild Acanthopanax senticosus showed radioprotective effects through in vitro antioxidant activities and suppression of radiation injury in mice.

Administration of a novel plant extract product via drinking water to post-weaning piglets: effects on performance and gut health

The present study evaluated the effects of a novel plant extract (PE) product (GrazixTM) on the performance and gut health of weaned piglets challenged with Escherichia coli. The PE was a standardised mixture of green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) and pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum) obtained by using the LiveXtract™ process. A total of 144 piglets were weaned at 24 days and allocated to 8 for a 35-day experiment with a 2×2×2 factorial design comparing different treatments (water without product (CT) or 8 μl/kg per day PE in drinking water (PE)), feeding regimens (ad libitum (AD) or restricted (RE)) and oral E. coli challenges on day 9 (sham (-) or infected (+)). There were six pens per group with three piglets per pen. On day 35, 24 of the RE feeding piglets were slaughtered. It was found that PE supplementation increased the average daily gain (ADG) from day 28 to day 35 (P=0.03) and increased the gain to feed ratio (G : F) from day 7 to day 14 (P=0.02). RE feeding led to lower feed intake in piglets during the 1st week (P<0.01), 2nd week (P=0.06), 3rd week (P=0.05), and throughout the course of the overall study period (P=0.05). E. coli challenge decreased the ADG and G : F ratio from day 7 to day 14 (P=0.08 and <0.01, respectively) and increased the faecal score (higher values indicate more severe diarrhoea) on days 14, 21, 28 and 35 (P<0.01). PE supplementation decreased the faecal score in the challenged piglets during the 1st week post-challenge (P<0.01). E. coli challenge increased the faecal E. coli level on day 14 (P=0.03) and increased the Enterobacteriaceae level on day 35 (P<0.01). Reduced faecal E. coli was observed on days 14 and 35 (P=0.05 and 0.02, respectively), and reduced Enterobacteriaceae (P<0.01) was found on day 35 in the PE animals. RE feeding increased the faecal Lactobacillus, Enterobacteriaceae and E. coli levels on day 35 (P=0.02, <0.01 and <0.01, respectively). These results suggest that PE supplementation may improve the gut health status of post-weaning piglets and counteract some of the negative effects that occur when piglets are challenged with E. coli.

Effects of Acanthopanax senticosus Polysaccharide Supplementation on Growth Performance, Immunity, Blood Parameters and Expression of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines Genes in Challenged Weaned Piglets

To investigate the effect of dietary Acanthopanax senticosus polysaccharide (ASPS) on growth performance, immunity, blood parameters and mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in immunologically challenged piglets, an experiment employing 2×2 factorial arrangement concerning dietary ASPS treatment (0 or 800 mg/kg) and immunological challenge (lipopolysaccharide [LPS] or saline injection) was conducted with 64 crossbred piglets (weaned at 28 d of age, average initial body weight of 7.25±0.21 kg) assigned to two dietary ASPS treatments with 8 replicates of 4 pigs each. Half of the piglets of per dietary treatment were injected with LPS or saline on d 14. Blood samples were obtained at 3 h after immunological injection on d 14 and piglets were slaughtered to obtain spleen samples on d 21. Dietary ASPS did not affect average daily gain (ADG) (p = 0.634), average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p = 0.655), and gain:feed (p = 0.814) prior to LPS challenge. After LPS challenge, for LPS-challenged pigs those fed ASPS had higher ADG and ADFI than the non-supplemented group (p<0.05), and an interaction between LPS×ASPS was observed on the two indices (p<0.05). Dietary ASPS improved lymphocyte proliferation among saline-injected and LPS-injected pigs (p<0.05). Interaction between LPS×ASPS was also revealed on lymphocyte proliferation (p<0.05). Circulatory concentration of IgG was influenced neither by ASPS (p = 0.803) or LPS (p = 0.692), nor their interaction (p = 0.289). Plasma concentration and spleen mRNA expression of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were induced to increase (p<0.05) by LPS challenge, in contrast, these indices were decreased by dietary ASPS (p<0.05), and interactions were found on these cytokines (p<0.05). For LPS-challenged pigs, dietary ASPS also reduced the circulating concentration and spleen mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6 as well as TNF-α (p<0.05). The interaction between LPS×ASPS was also observed on the circulating concentration of insulin-like growth factor- I, α-acid glycoprotein (α-AGP), nonesterified fatty acid, and glucose (p<0.05). The results of this study demonstrate that dietary ASPS can modulate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines during immunological challenge, which might enable piglets to achieve better growth performance.

Review: Chinese herbs as alternatives to antibiotics in feed for swine and poultry production: Potential and challenges in application

Gong, J., Yin, F., Hou, Y. and Yin, Y. 2014. Chinese herbs as alternatives to antibiotics in feed for swine and poultry production: Potential and challenges in application. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 223–241. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of clinical practice, and its own theoretical framework focused on functions at the whole-body level. However, due to cultural differences, TCM has not been fully recognized in Western countries. With the recent development of the theory of whole-body systems biology and “-omics”, there is a new opportunity to study TCM and to close the gap between TCM and Western medicine, because of the similarity in the theoretical foundations between TCM and whole-body systems biology. The uniqueness of TCM theory and practice is the approach to maintain and restore the body balance as a whole with no or little unfavourable side effects. Recent studies have also shown that Chinese herbs used as feed additives can modulate nutritional metabolism, immune responses, and intestinal health of food-producing animals, demonstrating good potential as substitutes for dietary antibiotics. Nonetheless, some issues need to be addressed before Chinese herbs can reach their full application. This article has critically reviewed recent progresses in scientific research of Chinese herbs as feed additives and their potential to replace dietary antibiotics. Possible challenges in future application for swine and poultry production are also discussed.

Coated zinc oxide improves intestinal immunity function and regulates microbiota composition in weaned piglets

The present study was conducted to test the hypothesis that low concentrations of coated ZnO, as a substitute for a high concentration of ZnO (2250 mg Zn/kg), could improve intestinal immunity function and regulate microbiota composition, thus alleviating the incidence of diarrhoea in weaned piglets. A total of eighty-four cross-bred piglets, weaned at an age of 28 (SEM 1) d, were allocated randomly, on the basis of average initial body weight (7·72 (SEM 0·65) kg), to seven treatment groups as follows: a 250 mg Zn (ZnO)/kg group (low Zn; LZ) and a 2250 mg Zn (ZnO)/kg group (high Zn; HZ) that were offered diets containing ZnO at 250 and 2250 mg Zn/kg, respectively; and five experimental groups in which coated ZnO was added at 250, 380, 570, 760 and 1140 mg Zn/kg basal diet, respectively. The trial lasted 2 weeks. The results indicated that, compared with LZ treatment, supplementation with coated ZnO at 380 or 570 mg Zn/kg reduced (P< 0·05) diarrhoea index, increased (P< 0·05) duodenal villus height and the ratio of villus height:crypt depth, up-regulated (P< 0·05) the gene expression of insulin-like growth factor 1, zonula occludens protein-1, occludin, IL-10 and transforming growth factor β1, and elevated (P< 0·05) secretory IgA concentration in the jejunal mucosa. Microbiota richness and the Shannon diversity index were also decreased (P< 0·05). Furthermore, piglets in the group fed coated ZnO at 380 or 570 mg Zn/kg did not differ from those in the HZ-fed group in relation to the aforementioned parameters. Collectively, a low concentration of coated ZnO (380 or 570 mg Zn/kg) can alleviate the incidence of diarrhoea by promoting intestinal development, protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier from damage, stimulating the mucosal immune system and regulating the microbiota composition.

Fermentation characterization of chinese yam polysaccharide and its effects on the gut microbiota of rats

Rat was used to characterize Chinese Yam polysaccharides (CYPs). In Exp. 1, maximum volume and rate of gas production in CYP 3-supplemented group were higher than other CYP-supplemented groups and control group, while pH values and NH3 contents in CYP 2-, CYP 3-, and CYP 4-supplemented groups were lower than control group. Contents of acetate, propionate and butyrate increased by supplementing CYP 3 or CYP 4 compared to other groups, except for glucose-supplemented group. Contents of isobutyrate for CYPs groups decreased compared to control group. CYP 3 enhanced beneficial gut microbiota, but suppressed bacterial pathogens. In Exp. 2, contents of acetate and butyrate in cecal digesta of rats fed 0.25 or 0.5 g/kg CYP 3 were higher than other groups on day 7. pH values in 0.25 and 0.5 g/kg groups were lower than 1.0 g/kg group. Contents of acetate in 0.25 and 0.5 g/kg groups were greater than other 2 groups on day 21. Gut microflora in CYP 3-supplemented rats had greater diversity than non-supplemented rats. CYP 3 enriched beneficial gut microbiota, but suppressed bacterial pathogens in rat cecum. These findings suggested that CYP 3 is a good source of carbon and energy, and may improve bacterial community diversity and modulate short-chain fatty acid production in hindgut of rats.