Recent research has demonstrated that supplementing swine feed with fiber-degrading enzymes has considerable potential to improve feed utilization and animal performance. Most of the research is focused on how the enzymes affect the physical status of the feed, such as digesta viscosity, solubility and insolubility. However, few studies have focused on whether, and if so how, they influence the gut microbiota. The aim of current study was to investigate whether fermentation of rapeseed meal (RSM) which was modified by a cellulase, two pectinase, or alkaline treatment was improved by the swine gut microbiota compared to untreated RSM, and whether the microbiota composition was changed.. Longitudinal study reveals that cellulase rather than pectinase improves intestinal microbial degradation of recalcitrant fibers of rapeseed meal in pigs

Recent research has demonstrated that supplementing swine feed with fiber-degrading enzymes has considerable potential to improve feed utilization and animal performance. Most of the research is focused on how the enzymes affect the physical status of the feed, such as digesta viscosity, solubility and insolubility. However, few studies have focused on whether, and if so how, they influence the gut microbiota. The aim of current study was to investigate whether fermentation of rapeseed meal (RSM) which was modified by a cellulase, two pectinase, or alkaline treatment was improved by the swine gut microbiota compared to untreated RSM, and whether the microbiota composition was changed.