In vitro degradation kinetics of four carbohydrates using ileal and faecal inocula from suckling piglets

Exposure to a solid diet at weaning can lead to changes of gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) fermentation processes which can affect the intra-lumen conditions and the health status of piglets. Fermentation can be manipulated by including fermentable carbohydrates in the diet (Williams et al., 2001). Different substrates are fermented in different ways and rates in the various tracts of the intestine. This preliminary study aimed to evaluate in vitro, the kinetics of gas production and other fermentation parameters of four almost indigestible carbohydrates sources when incubated with two inocula based on ileal contents (small intestine) and faeces (large intestine) of suckling piglets.