REVIEW PAPER
Faecal biomarkers of gastrointestinal functionality in animals
1
ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Animal Nutrition, 243122, Izatnagar, Bareilly, UP, India
2
Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur Veterinary College, Faculty of Animal Science, Department of Animal Nutrition, 440006, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Publication date: 2024-02-12
Corresponding author
A. P. Dhok
Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur Veterinary College, Faculty of Animal Science, Department of Animal Nutrition, 440006, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur Veterinary College, Faculty of Animal Science, Department of Animal Nutrition, 440006, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
J. Anim. Feed Sci. 2024;33(2):149-158
KEYWORDS
faecal biomarkergastrointestinal functionalityglucocorticoid metabolitesnon-invasiveorganic acid metabolites
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Effective functioning of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is essential for
determining and sustaining animal health, welfare and performance. A balanced
diet, efficient digestion and absorption, normal and stable microbiota, a robust
immune system, and a healthy gut mucosa are the primary key components
determining optimal GI functionality. These pivotal factors offer an opportunity
to explore potential biomarkers for evaluating the performance of the GI
system in animals. Among various biological samples, faecal samples emerge
as advantageous due to their easy collection, non-invasiveness, applicability
in wild animals, minimum stress, and their contribution to animal welfare.
While literature on faecal biomarkers in animals is scarce, some studies have
investigated such indicators in monogastric, wild, and laboratory animals; these
include lactate and succinate (indicators of fermentative diarrhoea), sialic acid
(indicative of intestinal damage), glucocorticoid (stress marker), intestinal alkaline
phosphatase (associated with pathogenic intestinal damage), and lipocalin-2
and calprotectin (indicating intestinal inflammation). Faecal glucocorticoid
metabolites are particularly useful for evaluating environmental or captive stress
in wild animals. The aforementioned faecal biomarkers offer insights into events
influencing GI functionality and may pave the way for developing nutritional
interventions aimed at modulating the GI system to enhance animal welfare and
performance.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
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