Abstract
The effects of Queso Blanco cheese containing Bifidobacterium longum KACC 91563 was studied on the intestinal microbiota and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in healthy companion dogs. There were three experimental groups with five healthy dogs each: a control group, not fed with any cheese, and groups fed with Queso Blanco cheese with (QCB) or without B. longum KACC 91563 (QC) for 8 weeks. Fecal samples were collected 5 times before, during, and after feeding with cheese. Intestinal microbiota was analyzed using two non-selective agar plates (BL and TS) and five selective agar plates (BS, NN, LBS, TATAC, and MacConkey). SPME-GC-MS method was applied to confirm SCFAs and indole in dog feces. The six intestinal metabolites such as acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric, isovaleric acid and indole were identified in dog feces. Administration of B. longum KACC 91563 (QCB) for 8 weeks significantly increased the beneficial intestinal bacteria such as Bifidobacterium (8.4±0.55) and reduced harmful bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae and Clostridium (p<0.05). SCFA such as acetic and propionic acid were significantly higher in the QCB group than in the Control group (p<0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that administration of Queso Blanco cheese containing B. longum KACC 91563 had positive effects on intestinal microbiota and metabolites in companion dogs. These results suggest that Queso Blanco cheese containing B. longum KACC 91563 could be used as a functional food for companion animals and humans.