Incorporation of Azadirachta indica kernel in the diet of guinea pigs: effects on digestibility and caecal health

Abstract

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.