Influence of cecotrophy on fat metabolism mediated by caecal microorganisms in New Zealand white rabbits

Abstract

Cecotrophy is a special behaviour of rabbits. Eating soft faeces can improve feed efficiency and maintain gut flora in rabbits. In our previous study, we found that fasting from soft faeces significantly reduced growth rate and total cholesterol (TC) in New Zealand white rabbits (NZW rabbits), thereby resulting in lower values for body weight and fat deposition in the soft faeces fasting group than in the control group. However, it has not been demonstrated whether cecotrophy by NZW rabbits can regulate lipid metabolism by changing the diversity of caecal microorganisms. In this study, thirty‐six 28‐day‐old weaned NZW female rabbits were randomly divided into two groups (the soft faeces fasting group and the control group) and fed to 90 days. Rabbits in the experimental group were treated with an Elizabeth circle to prevent them from eating their soft faeces. Then, the caecal contents of three rabbits from the soft faeces fasting group and three rabbits from the control group were collected for metagenomic sequencing. We found that the abundance of Bacteroides increased, while Ruminococcus decreased, compared with the control group after fasting from soft faeces. Relative abundance was depressed for genes related to metabolic pathways such as ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, riboflavin metabolism and bile secretion. Moreover, there was a general correlation between variation in microbial diversity and fat deposition. Bacteroides affects body weight and TC by participating in the riboflavin metabolism pathway. By investigating the effect of cecotrophy on caecal microorganisms of rabbits, we identified the key microorganisms that regulate the rapid growth performance of NZW rabbits, which may provide useful reference for the future research and development of microecological preparations for NZW rabbits.

Effect of Sports Energy Drink on Fat Metabolism and Weight Loss of College Students

“…e maximum fat metabolism intensity is usually expressed as the percentage of maximum oxygen uptake, and there is a wide range (33%∼65%), which is mainly affected by factors such as exercise intensity, training level, body composition, gender, exercise style, and dietary supplement [13].…”

“…e fitness effect of College Students' fitness exercise prescription based on maximum fat metabolic intensity has not been reported. Next, take ordinary male and female college students as the research objects, measure their FAT max , formulate the exercise prescription of maximum fat metabolism intensity, study their fitness effect, and provide theoretical support for college students' fitness exercise [13].…”

Effects of Stocking Density on Fatty Acid Metabolism by Skeletal Muscle in Mice

“…SCFA plays a lipid-regulating role by up-regulating the gene of propionic acid fatty acid, inhibiting the activity of hepatic fat synthase and regulating the distribution of cholesterol in the blood and liver, thereby reducing serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels, helping to reduce fat synthesis and promote fat breakdown [ 24 , 25 ]. The microorganisms of Bacteroides improve the digestive efficiency in herbivores and animals [ 26 , 27 ]. Firmicutes is the main decomposer of intestinal saturated fatty acids [ 28 ], and its members help to produce enzymes involved in fermenting nutrients and potentially produce vitamin B, and contribute to better absorption of calories from food, eventually leading to obesity [ 29 , 30 ].…”

Coprophagy Prevention Affects the Reproductive Performance in New Zealand White Rabbits Is Mediated through Nox4-ROS-NFκB Pathway

“…The previous research results of our research group showed that CP caused changes in microbiota in the cecal contents of rabbits, reduced lipid metabolism in the liver, and affected growth performance [40][41][42]. Song et al demonstrated the detrimental effect on the reproduction of the rabbit by preventing coprophagy with a main role for this response played by CTSB on the granulosa cells of the ovary [43].…”