Alpha-Ketoglutarate in Low-Protein Diets for Growing Pigs: Effects on Cecal Microbial Communities and Parameters of Microbial Metabolism.

ABSTRACT: Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), a critical molecule in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, is beneficial to intestinal functions. However, its influence on intestinal microbiota and metabolism is not fully understood. We investigated the effects of a low-protein (LP) diet supplemented with AKG on cecal microbial communities and the parameters of microbial metabolism in growing pigs. Twenty-seven young pigs (Large White × Landrace) with an average initial body weight of 11.96 ± 0.18 kg were randomly allotted into three groups (n = 9): a normal protein (NP) diet containing 20% crude protein (CP); LP diet formulated with 17% CP (LP diet); or LP diet supplemented with 10 g kg^-1 of AKG (ALP diet). After a 35-day trial period, the digesta of the cecum were collected to analyze the concent

SUBMITTER: Chen J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5991137 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature