[en] The objective of the present study was to assess the effects of neem (Azadirachta indica) kernel powder supplementation on the digestibility of feed chemical components and the composition of caecal microbiota in guinea pig. One hundred and thirty guinea pigs were randomly assigned to four groups. For 27 days, the animals were fed once daily with either a standard control diet (complete concentrate) or a concentrated mixture with 2.5, 5 or 7.5% (w/w) neem kernel powder. The results showed a significant increase in feed intake and digestibility with the rate of kernel incorporation. In the caeca content, the log count of lactic acid bacteria and Clostridium butyricum increased quadratically (P < 0.001) with the supplementation level whereas Escherichia coli count decreased. The results suggest that neem kernel powder could be used as a phytogenic supplement for guinea pigs, enhancing both nutrient digestibility and gut microbiota quality.
Research Center/Unit :
FARAH. Productions animales durables - ULiège
Disciplines :
Animal production & animal husbandry
Author, co-author :
Djoumessi Tobou, Gina France ; Department of Veterinary Management of Animal Resources, FARAH Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege-Belgium, Quartier Vallée 2 Avenue de Cureghem 10, 4000, Liege, Belgium. ginafdjoumessi@gmail.com ; Department of Food Engineering and Quality Control (GACQ), National School of Agro-Industrial Sciences, University of Ngaoundéré-Cameroon, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon. ginafdjoumessi@gmail.com
Kenfack, Laurette Blandine Mezajouck; Department of Food Engineering and Quality Control (GACQ), National School of Agro-Industrial Sciences, University of Ngaoundéré-Cameroon, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
Miégoué, Emile; Department of Zootechnics, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang-Cameroon, P.O. 96, Dschang, Cameroon
Fokom, David Wauffo; Department of Zootechnics, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang-Cameroon, P.O. 96, Dschang, Cameroon ; Multipurpose Research Station, Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, Bangangté, Cameroon
Kuitche, Hervé Mubé; Department of Zootechnics, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang-Cameroon, P.O. 96, Dschang, Cameroon
Kesnel, Zambou Dongmo Delmas; Department of Zootechnics, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang-Cameroon, P.O. 96, Dschang, Cameroon
Tendonkeng, Fernand; Department of Zootechnics, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang-Cameroon, P.O. 96, Dschang, Cameroon
Clerge, Tchiegang; Department of Food Engineering and Quality Control (GACQ), National School of Agro-Industrial Sciences, University of Ngaoundéré-Cameroon, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
Hornick, Jean-Luc ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de gestion vétérinaire des Ressources Animales (DRA)
Language :
English
Title :
Incorporation of Azadirachta indica kernel in the diet of guinea pigs: effects on digestibility and caecal health.
Publication date :
21 June 2025
Journal title :
Tropical Animal Health and Production
ISSN :
0049-4747
eISSN :
1573-7438
Publisher :
Springer Science and Business Media B.V., United States
ARES - Académie de Recherche et d'Enseignement Supérieur
Funding text :
The authors thank the University of Liege-Belgium and the Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES) as well as the University of Dschang for their support during this research.
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