By University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences December 19, 2023A study by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reveals the impact of overindulging on felines gastrointestinal systems and gut microbiota. The research involved 11 felines and showed that unlimited eating caused significant weight gain, transformed gastrointestinal transit times, and modifications in fecal microbiota and acidity. These findings add to understanding animal obesity and notify strategies for weight management, such as restricted feeding and promoting physical activity.Cat owners desire their family pets to be delighted, yet overfeeding can cause unintended results. The occurrence of feline obesity is increasing, impacting felines health, life expectancy, and overall wellness. A brand-new research study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign looks at what takes place in the digestion system and gut microbiota when felines eat too much.”About 60% of cats in the U.S. are overweight, which can cause health issues such as diabetes and persistent swelling. While many research studies have actually examined feline weight-loss, there has actually been little concentrate on the opposite process, which is also essential. In this research study, we wanted to find out more about the gastrointestinal and metabolic modifications that take place as a result of overindulging and weight gain in cats,” says research study co-author Kelly Swanson, professor in the Department of Animal Sciences and interim director of the Division of Nutritional Sciences (DNS), part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at U. of I.Methodology and Initial FindingsThe study consisted of 11 adult purified female felines. They were fed a basic dry feline food and after two weeks of standard measurements, they were enabled to eat as much as they wanted. The researchers collected blood and fecal samples at regular periods and kept an eye on physical activity.Once the cats had the ability to overindulge, they right away increased their food intake considerably and began to put on weight. At the start of the study, their typical body condition rating (BCS) was 5.41 on a 9-point scale. After 18 weeks of overfeeding, it had actually increased to 8.27, corresponding to being 30% obese. BCS is comparable to body mass index (BMI) for people, and 6 or above is considered overweight, Swanson said.When felines overindulge and get weight, it impacts their digestive system and gut microbiota, University of Illinois researchers found. Credit: Lauren Quinn, University of IllinoisThe scientists examined modifications in fecal output, gastrointestinal transit time, digestive performance (nutrient digestibility), and microbiota bacterial structure over the 20-week duration of the study.Gastrointestinal Transit Time and Fecal Changes”We found that as felines consumed more and acquired weight, gastrointestinal transit time was decreased, and so was digestion effectiveness. When the body gets less food, it will be more effective in extracting nutrients. When the amount of food increases, it passes through the gastrointestinal system much faster, and less nutrients are drawn out in the process,” Swanson described. The researchers likewise discovered significant changes in gut microbial structure in between the lean felines at standard and after 18 weeks of weight gain. The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium, which has antimicrobial activity, prevents pathogens, and stimulates the body immune system, increased, while Collinsella, which deteriorates fiber and has been linked to pro-inflammatory diseases, decreased. These outcomes are opposite to what has been determined in obese humans and suggest that their association with weight gain is complicated, Swanson noted. “The modification in the gastrointestinal transit time was an unique finding and a prospective factor for the modification in fecal microbiota. Future studies ought to think about measuring transit time to better describe adjustments to the microbiome of family pets,” he added. As the cats food intake grew, so did their fecal output. To put it simply, as they ate more, they also pooped more. At the very same time, fecal pH decreased, meaning that the stool became more acidic.”In people, a low fecal pH indicates poor absorption of carbs and fat. Our findings associate with this, as lowered fecal pH lined up with greater food intake and lowered digestibility,” Swanson said.Physical Activity and Weight GainThe scientists also measured the cats activity levels with a display connected to a collar. The felines were housed in a group setting where they were able to communicate with each other and play with toys, except for the days when stool samples were gathered.”We expected that weight gain might cause decreased physical activity, but we did not observe any constant modifications in activity level. However, this might vary with private cats and their environment, and just how much their owners communicate with them,” Swanson stated.Implications for Pet Obesity ManagementUnderstanding the metabolic and intestinal modifications that occur with weight gain and obesity in family pets might assist with future avoidance and treatment plans, the scientists conclude.Pet owners who want to assist their cats lose weight can use numerous methods. In another new research study, Swanson and his co-authors showed that restricted feeding can promote safe weight and fat loss in felines. The scientists likewise suggest pet moms and dads motivate activity in their feline buddies. For example, they can promote foraging by positioning food around the home, or use food puzzles during mealtime to promote engagement and psychological enrichment.After the conclusion of the weight gain research study, the 11 cats were placed on a restricted-feeding diet that helped them go back to normal weight.References: “Effects of overfeeding on the digestive effectiveness, voluntary exercise levels, and fecal attributes and microbiota of adult felines” by Danielle L Opetz, Patricia M Oba and Kelly S Swanson, 29 September 2023, Journal of Animal Science.DOI: 10.1093/ jas/skad338″Effects of weight reduction and feeding specifically created diets on the body composition, blood metabolite profiles, voluntary physical activity, and fecal metabolites and microbiota of obese cats” by Danielle L Opetz, Patricia M Oba, Darcia Kostiuk, Janelle Kelly and Kelly S Swanson, 29 September 2023, Journal of Animal Science.DOI: 10.1093/ jas/skad332The very first research study was funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The second research study was moneyed by Champion Petfoods Holding, Inc., Edmonton, Canada.
The research involved 11 cats and showed that unrestricted eating led to considerable weight gain, modified intestinal transit times, and modifications in fecal microbiota and level of acidity. The scientists gathered blood and fecal samples at routine periods and kept an eye on physical activity.Once the cats were able to eat way too much, they instantly increased their food consumption substantially and began to acquire weight. Credit: Lauren Quinn, University of IllinoisThe researchers analyzed modifications in fecal output, intestinal transit time, digestive efficiency (nutrient digestibility), and microbiota bacterial structure over the 20-week period of the study.Gastrointestinal Transit Time and Fecal Changes”We discovered that as cats ate more and got weight, intestinal transit time was lowered, and so was digestive effectiveness. Our findings correlate with this, as reduced fecal pH aligned with higher food consumption and reduced digestibility,” Swanson said.Physical Activity and Weight GainThe scientists likewise determined the felines activity levels with a monitor attached to a collar. In another new study, Swanson and his co-authors revealed that restricted feeding can promote safe weight and fat loss in cats.