Effect of Supplements of Tea Polyphenols on the Caeeal Flora and Caeeal Metabolites of Chicks

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Abstract
The effects of tea polyphenols on the caeeal flora and caeeal 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<005). The frequency of the occurrences of pseudomonads and yeasts significantly increased (P<0.05), but that of moulds decreased (P<0.01). Also, caeeal 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 entero-bacteriaceae decreased (P<0.05), as did the detection rate of proteus (P<0.05). Caeeal 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 caeeal contents was noticeable during tea polyphenols administration.