EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTS OF TEA POLYPHENOLS ON THE CECAL FLORA AND CECAL METABOLITES OF CHICKS

The effects of tea polyphenols on the caecal flora and caecal metabolites were studied in eight 24-d-old and eight 56-d-old chickens, which consumed a basal diet (control) or the diet supplemented with tea polyphenols (2 g/kg diet) for periods of up to 56 d of age. On day 24 of tea polyphenols administration, the number of total bacteria and bacteroidaceae significantly decreased (P<0.01), but staphylococci increased (P<0.05). The frequency of the occurrences of pseudomonads and yeasts significantly increased (P<0.05), but that of moulds decreased (P<0.01). Also, caecal concentrations of ammonia (P<0.01), phenol (P<0.01), p-cresol (P<0.05) and skatol (P<0.05) were significantly reduced. On day 56 of administration, lactobacilli significantly increased (P<0.05), whereas enterobacteriaceae decreased (P<0.05), as did the detection rate of proteus (P<0.05). Caecal concentrations of ammonia (P<0.05) and ethylphenol (P<0.05) were significantly reduced, but acetic and butyric acid increased greatly (P<0.05). The deodorant effect on caecal contents was noticeable during tea polyphenols administration.