Manipulation of the functional activity of the gut by dietary and other means (antibiotics/probiotics) in ruminants.
The mucosa of the gut is some of the most metabolically active tissue in the body. This paper discusses the methodology used to assess enterocyte cell metabolism and nutrient uptake in the reticulorumen and small intestine of ruminant species. Metabolism of volatile fatty acids and glucose by this tissue may limit the availability of essential nutrients to peripheral tissues, and the extent to which this may vary between concentrate-based and forage-based diets is discussed. Factors that affect the development and expression of metabolite uptake by the enterocyte are considered in addition to the influence that manipulation of the microbial flora of the gut by the use of antibiotic growth promoters or probiotics may have upon this process. Data are presented to show that the use of antibiotic compounds in ruminant feeds can influence the rate of cell turnover in the small intestine and the rate of glucose uptake by isolated brush border vesicles.
Department of Agricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
D S
DS
Parker
D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D007422:Intestines / Q000187:drug effects*; D012418:Ruminants / Q000378:metabolism*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005947:Glucose