Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
KAFKAS UNIVERSITESI VETERINER FAKULTESI DERGISI, cilt.27, sa.1, ss.111-115, 2021 (SCI-Expanded)
A probiotic product of kefir is widely consumed by human beings. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of kefir on blood parameters and intestinal flora in rats. A total of 24 female rats were used in this study. During 35 days of experimental period, rats were fed with a commercial diet and water was provided ad libitum. Kefir was given at the levels of 10 mL/kg, 20 mL/kg and 30 mUkg with oral gavage to the first, second and third treatment groups, respectively. Kefir was not given to the control group. The number of yeast was found to be 1.65x10(8) and the number of lactobacilli was found to be 4x10(8) in kefir. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken from all rats. Blood plasma parameters and were investigated. The intestinal microflora was investigated by classical colony counting method. No differences were observed among the groups in total protein, albumin, uric acids, SGPT, SGOT, alkaline phosphatase and phosphorus in blood plasma. The plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the second and third groups were lower than control group (P<0.05). No differences were observed in the intestinal pH levels among groups. Although total bacteria number of intestinal microflora was not different in groups, the number of Enterobactericeae and coliform bacteria in the third group was lower than the other groups (P<0.001). The number of Lactobacilli and the yeast level in the intestinal contents were increased by the usage of kefir (P<0.001). It was concluded that positive effects of the kefir were observed in intestinal microflora with increasing the number of beneficial bacteria and decreasing harmful bacteria and therefore kefir has a positive effect on the health of the animals.