Effect of partial substitution of rice with sorghum and inclusion of hydrolyzable tannins on digestibility and postprandial glycemia in adult dogs

Abstract

Sorghum is used as a substitute for rice in dog food, owing to its nutritional similarity and low cost. However, its use has been associated with negative effects, like a reduction in palatability, digestibility, and enzyme activity, which can decrease nutrient absorption. The presence of condensed tannins (CT) in sorghum may cause these effects. Another tannin group, the hydrolysable tannins (HT), is known for its antioxidant properties. Research has shown the nutritional effects of sorghum on dogs, but the effect of HT on dogs remains unknown. We evaluated the effects of substituting rice with sorghum containing CT and inclusion of commercial extract of HT on digestibility, fecal and urinary characteristics, and postprandial blood glucose levels in adult dogs. Eight adult Beagle were randomly subjected to 4 treatments: (R) 50% rice; (RS) 25% rice + 25% sorghum; (RHT) 50% rice + 0.10% HT; (RSHT) 25% rice + 25% sorghum + 0,10% HT. Tannins did not affect food intake. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein (CP), acid hydrolyzed fat, gross energy, and metabolizable energy (ME) decreased with sorghum inclusion (P < 0.05). Greater fecal dry matter was observed with the RHT diet. HT associated with sorghum, RSHT diet, reduced ME (P < 0.05). Sorghum inclusion enhanced fecal output, without altering fecal score (P > 0.05). No alterations in urinary characteristics were observed. Sorghum and HT did not affect the postprandial blood glucose response measured by the area under the curve (P > 0.05). The substitution of rice by sorghum decreased CP digestibility and ME of the diets. Sorghum can be considered as a source of carbohydrates with lower digestibility of protein and energy than rice. HT may potentiate the effect of CT, but more research is needed to evaluate its potential use in dog nutrition.

Review: Penggunaan Sorgum sebagai Bahan Pakan Sumber Energi Pengganti Jagung dalam Ransum Ayam Pedaging

“…Tanin dilaporkan menurunkan palatabilitas, pemanfaatan protein dan aktivitas enzim pencernaan pada ternak unggas (Huang et al, 2018). Tanin juga menurunkan pemanfaatan karbohidrat dengan membentuk senyawa kompleks yang sulit dicerna oleh hewan monogastrik (Teixeira et al, 2018). Para ahli nutrisi ternak unggas mengatakan bahwa tanin menjadi zat antinutrisi karena mampu mengikat protein, selulosa, hemiselulosa, pektin, fitat, dan mineral untuk membentuk kompleks yang tidak dapat dicerna (Skenjana, 2011).…”

Partial Substitution of Maize for Sorghum With or Without Supplemental Hydrolysable Tannins on Digestibility and Postprandial Glycemia in Adult Dogs

“…We went through the evaluation of sorghum and rice blends and its effects on digestibility and glycemic index in dogs. The replacement of rice with sorghum reduced the digestibility of protein and also reduced the metabolizable energy content of the diets (15). As a partial replacement of rice, no variation in the glycemic response was observed.…”

“…Finally, Carciofi et al (11) demonstrated that sorghum-based diet promoted later postprandial meal response in dogs, thus reducing glycemic peak and favoring glycemic control. Concerning HT, Teixeira et al (15) observed an increase on the fecal dry matter of dogs fed a diet based on rice and HT and a reduction in metabolizable energy on dogs fed a rice, sorghum, and HT diet.…”