Gastrointestinal volatile fatty acid concentrations and pH in cats

Bess P. Brosey Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610- 0126.

Search for other papers by Bess P. Brosey in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM, MSc
,
Richard C. Hill Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610- 0126.

Search for other papers by Richard C. Hill in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 VetMB, PhD
, and
Karen C. Scott Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610- 0126.

Search for other papers by Karen C. Scott in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 PhD

Abstract

Objective—To measure volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations and pH in the gastrointestinal tracts of healthy adult cats fed a commercial dry cat food.

Animals—14 cats.

Procedure—The gastrointestinal tracts were excised immediately after euthanasia and divided into 6 sections (stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, proximal portion of the colon, and distal portion of the colon). Luminal contents were collected from each segment, pH was measured, and contents were centrifuged. The supernatant was analyzed for acetate, proprionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, valerate, and isovalerate concentrations by use of gas chromatography.

Results—Mean total VFA concentrations were lowest in the stomach (20 mmol/L); increased through the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (30, 29, and 41 mmol/L, respectively); and were greatest in the proximal and distal portions of the colon (109 and 131 mmol/L, respectively). Estimated mean total VFA amounts were low (< 600 μmol) throughout all segments of the gastrointestinal tract; pH values increased from the stomach through the ileum and subsequently decreased in the colon.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Total VFA concentrations in the colon were comparable to values reported for the forestomach of ruminants and large intestines of monogastric animals, whereas values in the small intestine were higher than reported for other species. Total VFA amounts were low, consistent with the short, nonvoluminous gastrointestinal tract of carnivores. Luminal pH varied throughout the gastrointestinal tract in a pattern similar to other monogastric animals. Volatile fatty acids probably contribute minimal metabolic energy in cats but may be important in the maintenance of local mucosal health. (Am J Vet Res 2000;61:359–361)

Abstract

Objective—To measure volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations and pH in the gastrointestinal tracts of healthy adult cats fed a commercial dry cat food.

Animals—14 cats.

Procedure—The gastrointestinal tracts were excised immediately after euthanasia and divided into 6 sections (stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, proximal portion of the colon, and distal portion of the colon). Luminal contents were collected from each segment, pH was measured, and contents were centrifuged. The supernatant was analyzed for acetate, proprionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, valerate, and isovalerate concentrations by use of gas chromatography.

Results—Mean total VFA concentrations were lowest in the stomach (20 mmol/L); increased through the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (30, 29, and 41 mmol/L, respectively); and were greatest in the proximal and distal portions of the colon (109 and 131 mmol/L, respectively). Estimated mean total VFA amounts were low (< 600 μmol) throughout all segments of the gastrointestinal tract; pH values increased from the stomach through the ileum and subsequently decreased in the colon.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Total VFA concentrations in the colon were comparable to values reported for the forestomach of ruminants and large intestines of monogastric animals, whereas values in the small intestine were higher than reported for other species. Total VFA amounts were low, consistent with the short, nonvoluminous gastrointestinal tract of carnivores. Luminal pH varied throughout the gastrointestinal tract in a pattern similar to other monogastric animals. Volatile fatty acids probably contribute minimal metabolic energy in cats but may be important in the maintenance of local mucosal health. (Am J Vet Res 2000;61:359–361)

All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 200 0 0
Full Text Views 1762 1372 269
PDF Downloads 631 288 27
Advertisement