Incomplete degradation products of galactomannan from Sesbania cannabina modulated the cecal microbial community of laying hens.

The health and nutritional status of poultry are largely interconnected with the gut microbiome, which directly or indirectly affects gut morphology, nutrition, and immune responses. Dietary fiber is resistant to digestion in the small intestines of monogastric animals but is completely or partially fermented in the distal gut, thus it is understood that they could stimulate gut health. Incomplete degradation products of galactomannan (IDPG) is an important member of the dietary fiber family of molecules, however, there exists scant research on their beneficial effects on human or animal health. Our study demonstrated that IDPG acted by mainly enriching the phyla Bacteroidetes in the cecum, which are common bacteria in the gut that are involved in the fermentation of carbohydrates. Thereafter, the enriched phyla Bacteroidetes produced propionate and reduced the abundance of phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria by competitive inhibition. IDPG has also increased species diversity and enhanced the stability of intestinal flora, thereby exhibiting excellent prebiotic activity.