1992 Volume 45 Issue 1 Pages 71-77
The effects of hemicellulose (“hemicellulose B”fraction) isolated from corn and wheat bran, on growth, apparent utilization ratio of nutrients and gastrointestinal transit time, were investigated in rats and compared with those of refined corn bran (RCB). (1) Two different hemicelluloses (CBH, WBH) and RCB were added to the diet at a level of 1% for the former and 5% as DF for the latter. These diets were given to weaning rats for 28 days. Both diets, containing CBH or WBH, had no effect on the growth of rats, whereas the ceca in both rat groups were enlarged. The apparent utilization ratios of starch and fat were very similar in all dietary groups. However, CBH, WBH and RCB exerted weak inhibitory effects on the utilization ratio of protein. (2) Gastrointestinal transit time and water content of feces ware examined in adult rats. The mean transit times were 43.1h for CBH, 38.9h for WBH, 32.5h for RCB and 50.8h for the DF-free group. Fecal moisture was increased markedly in the RCB diet group. These results indicate that hemicellulose isolated from corn and wheat bran (CBH and WBH) is effective for shortening of gastrointestinal transit time in rats without adversely affecting growth and digestion and absorption of nutrients.
