Enterocins as Novel Feed Additives in Rabbit Diet: Enterocin Ent M and Durancin Ent ED26E/7, Their Combination, and Effects on Microbiota, Caecal Fermentation, and Enzymatic Activity.

The present study investigates the effects of enterocin Ent M and durancin Ent ED26E/7 applied separately and in combination on the intestinal microbiota, caecal enzymatic activity, and fermentaion of rabbits. Eighty rabbits (M91 meatline, aged 5 weeks, both sexes) were divided into groups E (Ent M; 50 µL/animal/day), D (Ent ED26E/7; 50 µL/animal/day), E + D (Ent M + Ent ED26E/7), and control (C). The additives were administered in drinking water for 21 days. Antimicrobial activity of Ent M and Ent ED26E/7 on coliforms (E, E + D: P < 0.001) and pseudomonads (D: P < 0.05) in feces was noted, compared to C. Ent M and Ent ED26E/7 application stimulated caecal enzymatic activity in rabbits. Pectinolytic (E vs. D, E + D: P < 0.01), inulolytic (E vs. E + D: P < 0.01; E vs. C: P < 0.05), and amylolytic (E vs. D, E + D. P < 0.001; E vs. C: P < 0.01) activities were influenced by Ent M, while cellulolytic (D vs. E + D: P < 0.01) and inulolytic (D vs. E + D, C: P < 0.01) activities by Ent ED26E/7 treatment. The cellulolytic and pectinolytic acitivities changed with time. Treatment × time interaction was detected for cellulose and xylan degradation. During Ent M and Ent ED26E/7 treatment, increased ammonia, lactic, butyric and iso-valeric acid, and lower acetic, propionic, iso-butyric, valeric, and caproic acid concentrations were noted. It can be concluded that Ent M and Ent ED26E/7 application can improve rabbit health due to reduced spoilage microbiota and enhanced caecal enzymatic activity.