Smiricky-Tjardes, M.R., C.M. Grieshop, E.A. Flickinger, L.L. Bauer, and G.C. Fahey, Jr. Dietary galactooligosaccharides affect ileal and total-tract nutrient digestibility, ileal and fecal bacterial concentrations, and ileal fermentative characteristics of growing pigs. J. Anim. Sci. 81:2535-2545. Link to full text (.pdf)

Take-home message:

• Soy oligosaccharides increase gut concentrations of potentially beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acids.
• Soy oligosaccharides act as a prebiotic in swine diets.
• Soy oligosaccharides reduced the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and nitrogen.
• Soy oligosaccharides are partially digested in or prior to the terminal ileum.