THE INFLUENCE OF DIETARY-FAT ON THE JEJUN AL MICROFLORA OF HORSES

In this in vivo study, samples from the jejunum were collected from fo ur fistulated ponies and the influence of supplemental far on the numb ers of obligate anaerobic gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, La ctobacillus/Bifidobacterium, Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococci was de termined. Alongside a negative control (30 % roughage and 70 % blend), the feed was supplemented with 10 or 20 % soya- or coconut-oil, respe ctively. No significant changes in the micro-organism count and the co mposition of the jejunal microflora were detected. The pH-values of th e examined contents of the jejunum ranged from 6,5 to 7,5.