Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
Online ISSN : 1347-7439
Print ISSN : 0916-7250
ISSN-L : 0916-7250

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Administration of 1-kestose to beluga reduces intestinal Turicibacter andcollagenase gene levels, and blood creatinine levels
Tadashi FUJIITakashi KAMIOYuichiro AKUNEHideaki TAKAHASHINobuhiro KONDOKohei FUNASAKAEizaburo OHNOYoshiki HIROOKATakumi TOCHIO
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JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS Advance online publication

Article ID: 24-0131

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Abstract

In recent years, an increased emphasis on enhancing the care and health management of captive marine mammals has been observed. Belugas (White Whale, Delphinapterus leucas), belonging to the family Monodontidae, are of considerable importance and often the centerpiece of aquarium collections worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the administration of prebiotics on the gut microbiota and overall health of the beluga. Prebiotic 1-kestose, a fructooligosaccharide comprising sucrose and fructose, was administered to three belugas, alongside their regular vitamin supplements for a duration of 8 weeks. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of intestinal DNA revealed that the relative abundance of the genus Turicibacter, a potentially pathogenic bacteria, significantly reduced after 1-kestose administration when compared to that at baseline (P=0.050). In addition, a quantitative PCR analysis revealed that the levels of collagenase gene, a putative virulence factor gene of Turicibacter, significantly reduced after 1-kestose administration (P=0.050). Blood creatinine levels that were initially above the normal value also reduced after 1-kestose administration (P=0.023). Therefore, this study demonstrated the potential of 1-kestose to improve the health and welfare of aquarium belugas.

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© 2024 by the Japanese Society of Veterinary Science

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