ENTEROCOCCUS-FAECIUM AS PROBIOTIC FEED AD DITIVE IN DOGS

In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to test Enterococcus f aecium as feed additive in dogs. Ileum chyme was collected from one fi stulated dog and incubated in vitro under anaerobic conditions in a bu ffer solution with addition of 0, 10(5), 10(6), and 10(7) CFUE. faeciu m over 8 hours. Besides the counts of enterococci the formation of lac tate, ammonia, hydrogen sulphide and methyl mercaptan were analysed. F or the in vivo tests 3 adult fistulated dogs (T-cannula in the end of ileum) and 2 intact dogs were available. They were fed a commercial dr y feed without or with addition of E. faecium (10(7) CFU/g diet). Amon g counting the numbers of enterococci in the ileal and rectal chyme th e intestinal microflora was cultured on selective plates and the pH, c oncentrations of lactate and volatile fatty acids in the gut contents were measured. Addition of E. faecium to the in vitro fermentations in creased lactate concentrations, while ammonia, hydrogen, hydrogen sulp hide and methyl mercaptan were not influenced. The in vivo experiments could demonstrate an increase of the numbers of enterococci during su pplementation period in ileum chyme and faeces. Effects on other bacte ria were not distinct. Ileal lactate increased while pH decreased in t endency, when dogs ingested the supplemented diet, while effects in th e faeces were not obvious. It is concluded that E. faecium can survive in the canine intestinal tract and is metabolically active in the sma ll intestine mainly.