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Nutritional and Healthical Aspects of Yacon (Smallanthus

sonchifolius) for Human, Animals and Poultry

Article  in  International Journal of Pharmacology · March 2017

DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2017.361.369

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 OPEN ACCESS International Journal of Pharmacology
ISSN 1811-7775
DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2017.361.369

Review Article
Nutritional and Healthical Aspects of Yacon (Smallanthus
sonchifolius) for Human, Animals and Poultry
1
Muhammad Saeed, 1Xu Yatao, 2Zaib Ur Rehman, 1,3Muhammad Asif Arain, 1Rab Nawaz Soomro,
4
Mohamed E. Abd El-Hack, 3Zohaib Ahmed Bhutto, 5Benazir Abbasi, 6Kuldeep Dhama, 7Muhammad Sarwar
and 1Sun Chao

1
College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Northwest A&F University, 712100 Yangling, China
2
Department of Poultry Science, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
3
Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, 3800 Uthal, Balochistan, Pakistan
4
Department of Poultry, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, 44511 Zagazig, Egypt
5
Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University,
Tandojam, Pakistan
6
Division of Pathology, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122 Uttar Pradesh, India
7
G.M. College for Science and Technology, 38090 Faisalabad, Pakistan

Abstract
Non-digestible oligosaccharides as well as phenolic compounds inulins and fructooligosaccharides of Smallanthus sonchifolius make it
an attractive functional food. Consumption of these non-digestible oligosaccharides improves gastrointestinal metabolism, increases the
growth of bifido bacteria in the colon and also acts as antioxidant, antimicrobial, prebiotic, growth promoter, hypoglycemic,
hepatoprotective compounds via lowering alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and increasing mineral absorption to maintain bone
homeostasis and also help to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Past to present literature have been reviewed and the results
indicated that Smallanthus sonchifolius root consumption modulates the immune system by regulating the intestinal secretion of IgA
and interferon IFN-γ subsequently enhancing resistance to infections and allergic reactions. This role not only facilitates the exclusion of
potential pathogenic bacteria but also ultimately increases defense of the host. Previously published literature has focused on rat, human,
pig and livestock but biological and clinical evidence is scarce on the same aspect in poultry. Therefore, this review article aimed to
highlight the origin, chemical composition, different beneficial uses and biohazards of yacon plant (which contains 70-80%
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)) that could be used as a novel natural prebiotic in poultry feed. The FOS could improve different health
aspects and productive performance criteria of different poultry species. To recommend yacon plant as a natural and safe medicinal agent,
more indices need to be determined in further studies on different livestock and poultry species on molecular level to assure its benefits
and to give accurate recommendation for the optimal levels to be added as feed additive.

Key words: Yacon, prebiotic, fructooligosaccharides, inulin, nutritional aspects, poultry

Received: January 31, 2017 Accepted: March 11, 2017 Published: April 15, 2017

Citation: Muhammad Saeed, Xu Yatao, Zaib Ur Rehman, Muhammad Asif Arain, Rab Nawaz Soomro, Mohamed E. Abd El-Hack, Zohaib Ahmed Bhutto,
Benazir Abbasi, Kuldeep Dhama, Muhammad Sarwar and Sun Chao, 2017. Nutritional and healthical aspects of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) for human,
animals and poultry. Int. J. Pharmacol., 13: 361-369.

Corresponding Author: Sun Chao, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Northwest A&F University, 712100 Yangling, China

Copyright: © 2017 Muhammad Saeed et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the creative commons attribution License, which
permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Competing Interest: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists.

Data Availability: All relevant data are within the paper and its supporting information files.
 Int. J. Pharmacol., 13 (4): 361-369, 2017

INTRODUCTION increase mineral absorption which leads to maintain the bone

structure, compete with potential pathogenic microbes and
Poultry feed industry routinely uses the antibiotic growth thus ultimately boost up the immunity of host21,22.
promoters to enhance the production performance of birds. Dietary yacon tuberous roots as well as leaves and stems
The antibiotic resistance is becoming an alarming issue across showed positive effects on growth performance in cattle23. In
the world. Many measures have been taken to reduce the risk another study the effect of yacon and black maca s extract was
investigated in diabetic mice which showed a positive effect
of infection, such as applying preventive drugs, combining use
on glycemic levels and male reproductive function. Kim24
of antibiotic and hygienic or nutritional management1- 6. Thus,
studied the diet supplemented with yacon and pin needle
due to the fact that bacteria developed resistance against
powder at the rate of 1.0 and 0.5%, respectively which showed
many common antibacterial agents and infectious diseases; it
positive effects in lowering pH, cholesterol and also improving
continued to be one of the greatest health challenges
broiler meat quality25. Diet supplemented with yacon at 6.5%
worldwide. Conversely, conventional antimicrobial agents are
reduced blood glucose levels in mice26.
not only generating multiple drug resistance but also induce
Previously published studies have already proved several
intolerable toxicity and several adverse effects. Therefore, functions of yacon in human, livestock and poultry. The
alternative strategies are the need of time to resolve rising aforementioned systematic literature had been reviewed from
pathogenic diseases to overcome this alarming problem7. different sources like Google Scholar, PubMed/Medline, Ovid,
Medicinal plants and their extracts are currently gaining more ISI Web of Science and SCOPUS. Because of the limited
attention due to their extensive beneficial effects such as literature about the use of yacon in poultry, it is the first
promoting growth and immune enhancement for animal and reappraisal to recommend yacon plant and the plant extract
poultry production8. So, as a replacement of these antibiotic as a prebiotic source for poultry industry. Therefore, the
growth promoters, researchers found that the medicinal objective of this review was to broaden knowledge and attract
plants are the best option. Various plants like garlic (Allium the attention of scientists, veterinarians and poultry
sativum), neem (Azadirachta indica), kalonji (Nigella sativa), nutritionist towards the importance of yacon (Smallanthus
ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric savory (Curcuma longa), sonchifolius) in poultry nutrition as a novel and safe prebiotic
sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), mint (Mentha agent.
arvensis) and quercetin and its derived product, etc. have
been well elucidated9,10. In these studies, different parts (seed, PLANT PROFILE
leaves, roots, bark and other vegetative parts) of given
medicinal plants and their extracts were used in the diets of Yacon is a perennial herbaceous root plant that belongs
different animals. Poultry is susceptible to potentially large to family Asteraceae, native to the Andean regions of South
America27,28. This herbaceous plant has branches with height
number of pathogens (E. coli, Clostridia and Salmonella spp.).
of stems about 2-2.5 m high. Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius)
In the last few decades, the functional foods were gaining an
yields starchy, fruit-like roots of various shapes and sizes that
attractive interest across the world. Yacon (Smallanthus
are routinely consumed as raw having sweet taste. Their
sonchifolius) is a well-known functional food that destined
crunchy texture resembles that of an apple. One plant is
several bioactive compounds, having various biological effects
expected to yield more than 10 kg of roots17.
such as antimicrobial11, antioxidant12, prebiotic13, enhancing
Data presented in Table 1 illustrated the chemical
mineral absorption14, reducing cholesterol and triglyceride composition of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius). These data
level15 and hypoglycemic effects16. which were collected from different published literature,
Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is a good source of showed that the root retain low concentrations of
inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) that helps to reduce micronutrients; phosphorus, calcium and iron, as well as
the pH and ultimately stimulates the mineral absorption substantial amounts of vitamin C and potassium. Among the
(calcium and magnesium)17. These minerals are crucial macronutrients such as carbohydrates stand out given their
constituents of hydroxyapatite crystals [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] high concentration and total fiber is about 30% of these
present in the bone structure17, play role in reduction of carbohydrates. Among the total carbohydrates, the
cholesterol levels18,19 and also inhibit the production of some oligosaccharide content may reach 46%. Thus, its composition
carcinogens and toxins in human colon20. The FOS and inulin is mainly composed of carbohydrates and water that are
compounds are abundant in yacon plant that modulate the stored in the form of fructooligosaccharides and other free
growth of intestinal commensal microbiota, subsequently sugars.

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 Int. J. Pharmacol., 13 (4): 361-369, 2017

Table 1: Chemical composition of yacon tuberous roots

Substances (g/100) Manrinque et al.32 Lachman et al.30 Santana and Helena34 Vasconcelos et al.35
Carbohydrates Nd 13.8 Nd Nd
Oligosaccharides Nd Nd Nd 1.89
Proteins 0.1-0.5 1.0 Nd 0.13
Fat Nd 0.1 Nd 0.01
Moisture 85-90 81.3 Nd 91.10
Energy (kcal) 14-22 Nd Nd Nd
Total fiber Nd 0.9 Nd 2.95
Ash Nd 1.1 Nd Nd
Potassium 0.185-0.295 0.334 Nd Nd
Calcium 0.006-0.013 0.012 Nd Nd
Phosphorous Nd 0.034 Nd Nd
Iron Nd 0.0002 Nd Nd
Retinol Nd Nd Nd
Carotene Nd 0.00013 Nd Nd
Thiamin Nd 0.00007 Nd Nd
Riboflavin Nd 0.00031 Nd Nd
Niacin Nd Nd Nd Nd
Ascorbic acid Nd 0.005 Nd Nd
Tryptophan Nd Nd 0.00146 Nd
Nd: Not determined

Ecuador, Italy, Korea, New Zealand, Japan, Peru and the

Glucose
United States of America17.
Fructose Fructose Fructose
 (1-2) (2-1)  (2-1)

TRADITIONAL USES
n

Fig 1: Chemical structure of insulin-type fructans (n may vary Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) syrup is an excellent
from 2-10 or 2-60) source of FOS and its long-term ingestion produced beneficial
health effects on obese women with insulin resistance29.
Previously published studies proved that the inulin is Yacon can be eaten as raw, roasted, boiled (in the form of
considered as a chief carbohydrate in the yacon s root. It soup), beverages30, syrup31 or processed16 in jam form32,
is worth noting that FOS is predominant in yacon. The vinegar33, used in form of flour34, juice and chips35 (Table 2). As
difference between fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin well, as other functions of yacon like potential weight loss
exist in the number of fructose molecules that make up aid, control of type II diabetes, natural sweetener, cancer
the polysaccharide chains. In inulin fructose, molecules vary preventer, preventer of fatty liver, triglycerides reducer,
from 20 to 60, while fructooligosaccharides have short prebiotic, cure for constipation, antioxidant, anti-fungal and
chain that is between 2 and 10 fructose molecules (Fig. 1). tribal herbal medicine (Fig. 2).
It was proved that the FOS could be considered as a
subclass of inulin15,23. Inulin and FOS are also known as TRADITIONAL BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN YACON
inulin-type fructans. The chemical structure of these
soluble fibers is shown in Fig. 1, in which the glycosidic bond All food constituents present in original food or added
fructose-fructose $ (2-1) is present.
29
to as a carrier food are deliberated bioactive compounds36.
Thus, functional foods can be classified on the base of present
DISTRIBUTION bioactive compounds37. Yacon tuberous root is a
multifunctional food, because it contains numerous bioactive
In fact, the Smallanthus sonchifolius plant could compounds, such as phytoalexins which have antimicrobial
adapt with different climatic regions and soils which activity14, phenolic compounds that have antioxidant activity
explains its expansion outside the Andean region. Yacon such as chlorogenic acids15,16 and high contents of fructans,
(Smallanthus sonchifolius) is presently cultivated in given insulin and fructooligosaccharides that have prebiotic
areas like Brazil, Argentina, the Czech Republic, Bolivia, properties18,38,39.

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 Int. J. Pharmacol., 13 (4): 361-369, 2017

Low caloric Bifidogenic

Hypoglycemic
content effect
effect

Prebiotic effects Antioxidant

effect

Natural sweetener Ca intestinal

Hypolipidemic absorption
(sugar free sweetener for
effect
diabetic patients)

Fig. 2: Functional properties of the yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) plant

Table 2: Different products of yacon available in different areas

Regions Uses of yacon Different Products
Origin areas of yacon Consumer used as a fruit and to be sold at the local Like syrup, juice, puree, candy, marmalade
The Andean region: Peru, Bolivia, market in boiled, baked form or used for making a and tea leaves available in supermarkets
Ecuador, Colombia and Argentina refreshing drink. Also for skin rejuvenation, to relieve
intestinal, hepatic and renal disorders and also used
in different religious festivities
Cultivated areas of yacon
New Zealand, Brazil, Japan, Czech Republic, Available in different commercial products, In market available in different forms like
S-Korea, Taiwan, Hainan and Philippines cultivation, extensive and amateur gardenings vegetable, syrup, juice, in sweet pastries, in
fermented vegetables, air-dried tuber slices,
vinegar and also as a source of ethanol
Other areas also cited in literature
USA, Italy, Russia, Mexico and Estonia
Lachman et al.30

PREBIOTICS EFFECT OF YACON (Smallanthus sonchifolius) concentration of circulating insulin19. The feed offered with
IN DIFFERENT ANIMAL SPECIES FOS (yacon source) at the rate of 7 g dayG1 increased the faecal
bifidobacteria and had no effects on faecal pH or dry matter in
It has been noted that Bifidobacterium and lactobacilli sheep gut44,45. The oral administration of yacon (Smallanthus
increase the fermentation from yacon tuberous roots as well sonchifolius) leaves extract showed positive anti-cancer
as commercial FOS40. This fermentation is due to FOS which is action in H22 tumor mice model that study based foundation
necessary for the hydrolysis of $(2-1) bonds in fructans, for further elicit idea to work on yacon leaves46. Moreover
produced by the Bifidobacterium and lactobacilli34. Another other studies showed that the presence of inulin in the milk
study was conducted to evaluate the prebiotic property of replacer of pre-ruminant calves could lead to significant
yacon tuberous root flour in mouse. The results showed increase in live body weight gain, better feces consistency in
stimulating effects on the growth of lactobacilli and veal calves and broilers13 (Table 3). It was suggested that the
bifidobacteria and the intestinal immune system with increase in body weight might be attributed due to increased
increases in IgA and different cytokines41 and also significant fermentation at the small intestine followed by increased flow
effect on intestinal flora as well as improving the Th1/Th2 of microbial nitrogen at large intestine, stable microflora
cytokine balance through its prebiotic effect on the number of composition at rumen, small and large intestines of calves47
beneficial bacteria in mice42. Dietary supplementation of (Fig. 3).
yacon also increased the growth of lactobacilli and
bifidobacteria, increased the cell density, crypt formation POULTRY
and also increased levels of short chain fatty acids in intestine
of Guinea pig43. Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) tea Major caecal microflora of the chicken includes
administered at the rate of (2%) to diabetic rats ad libitum Enterobacteriaceae, Lactobacillus and Enterococcus in day
in the place of water during 30 days trial increased the old chicken and at 14th day Bacteroides and Eubacterium

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 Int. J. Pharmacol., 13 (4): 361-369, 2017

Table 3: Functional properties of the yacon plant in different animal species

Sources of yacon Doses Species Effects References
Plant s flour 340 mg FOS kgG1 dayG1 Rats Increase insulin-positive pancreatic cell Scheid et al.29
Extract of yacon root 6.5% Rats Significantly Improve insulin sensitivity Satoh et al.28
in the insulin-resistant state
Yacon powder 7.4 g of FOS Human Decrease in serum glucose levels Scheid et al.29
Yacon syrup 0.29 g and 0.14 g FOS kgG1 dayG1 Human Improve insulin-resistance state Lomax and Calder25
Yacon syrup 6.4 g FOS dayG1 Human Accelerates the colonic transit Scheid et al.29
Extract of yacon root 1 mL kgG1 b.wt., dayG1 Rats Positive effect on TAG and HDL Habib et al.54
Yacon root extract 3.0 and 5% FOS in diet Mouse Positively improves the immune parameters Habib et al.54
Aqueous extract of yacon root 2.2 mL (1% FOS) Rats Effect on DNA damage and cell proliferation Roselino et al.55
Dried extract of yacon root 340 mg kgG1 dayG1 in diet Mouse Growth of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli Da Silva Almeida et al.57
Yacon+pin needle powder 1.0 and 0.5%, Broiler Effect on meat quality Nidaullah et al.13
Yacon+mugwort powder 1.0 and O.5%, Broiler Decreased pH and cholesterol Van der Wielen et al.50
Yacon powder Offered ad libitum, 5 and Rats Enhanced mineral absorption in Intestine Habib et al.54
7.5% FOS in diets
Maca+yacon 2.4 g dayG1 Mouse Showed positive effects on glucose and Satoh et al.28
triacylglycerol levels

Benef icial
microf lora
inulin can be considered as a good prebiotic and yet not
explored the biological importance of FOS and inulin
compounds that are present in yacon (Smallanthus
N retention
Rumen
ammonia N
sonchifolius). On the basis of literature, there is evidence that
Effect of inulin and FOS there is lack of information about the use of yacon in poultry.
as prebiotic in
ruminant So, it is speculated that yacon root plant (inulin and FOS) could
be more useful as prebiotic additive in poultry diets and
livestock as well.
Better feces Higher live
consistency weight gains
in calves in calves
BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF YACON S (Smallanthus
sonchifolius) COMPOUND IN HUMAN HEALTH
Fig. 3: Schematic diagram on effect of inulin and FOS as
prebiotic in ruminant Some herbal plants such as artichoke (Helianthus
tuberosus), chicory (Cichorium endivia) and yacon having 10-
spp. got established48. The microflora present in poultry gut 15, 5-10 and 3-19% of fresh FOS weight, respectively are
are supposed to play multidimensional role including considered as a good source of FOS and inulin51 but yacon is
digestion, pathogen exclusion, immune stimulation, help in well-known as an excellent source of FOS29,52.
metabolism, vitamin synthesis, etc. In vitro study indicated The ingestion of yacon plant and its extract including
that Salmonella cannot grow in the presence of FOS compound has effectively diminished the chance of
oligo-fructose, while Lactococcus lactis, Enterococcus faecium infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms
and Pediococcus can grow because these secrete enzyme
such as diarrhea and respiratory disorders in children45.
to use oligofructose as energy source14. Therefore,
Fructooligosaccharides are able to escape enzymatic digestion
nowadays, it is important to incorporate inulin as prebiotic for
in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, subsequently
overcoming Salmonella infection in chickens because inulin
reaching the colon in intact form before undergoing microbial
supplementation decreases the colonization of Salmonella in
fermentation. Dietary intake of FOS triggers bifidogenic effect
the intestine27,49 and also improves the growth performance
of layers and broilers. Inulin, being a prebiotic, cannot by selectively exciting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria
digest in gut of broiler chicken by own enzymes but (bifidobacteria) in the human s colon29,53. The end products of
Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli digest it in the large intestine FOS are Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA), fermentation by
and produce numerous Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA) and the intestinal microbiota can also favor the growth of
lactic acids49. The production of fatty acids at large intestine health-promoting bacteria like Bifidobacterium spp. and
subsequently leads to lower luminal pH (Acidic) and increase Lactobacillus spp., while reducing or maintaining pathogenic
mineral absorption50 (Fig. 4). Present literature showed that populations such as Clostridium spp. and Escherichia coli54,55.

365
 Int. J. Pharmacol., 13 (4): 361-369, 2017

Yacon root

Inulin and FOS

Fermentation by beneficial bacteria

SCFA
pH
Mucin
Pathogens

Intestinal
epithelium

Mineral absorption (Ca2+ e Mg2+)

Satiety; body weight
Insulin sensitivity; blood glucose System effects
Total cholesterol, LDL-c e triglycerides
Free radicals
Modulation of immune system

Fig. 4: Yacon root ingestion and health promoting benefits of inulin and Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) in poultry health and
production

Thus, FOS are small soluble dietary fibers that exhibit preparation. Yacon plant juice treated with carbon powder for
prebiotic activity. In another study the effect of yacon was clarification, deodorization and decolorization has been
assessed on the concentration of glucose and lipids in human processed in food industry40,58.
blood. The groups that received yacon, showed a positive
effect on glucose and triglyceride levels (mean reduction of DISADVANTAGES OF YACON (Smallanthus sonchifolius)
1
0.32 and 0.43 mmol LG , respectively) without exerting any CONSUMPTION
adverse effects56. Yacon syrup significantly reduces the body
mass index in women25,55. Overeating of yacon may be uncomfortable but don t has
life-threatening effects. Symptoms of overfeeding include
abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea59,45. In addition, yacon
ADVANTAGES OF YACON (Smallanthus sonchifolius)
tuberous roots ingestion markedly accelerates colonic transit,
subsequent increasing tool frequency46,60. Up to now, only one
The Smallanthus sonchifolius tuberous roots as well as report found in literature which showed that the 55-year-old
leaves and stems could be used in the diet of cattle and other woman suffered from anaphylaxis after yacon ingestion61.
domestic animals to enhance their production performance49.
The tuberous roots of yacon similar to sweet potatoes have a CONCLUSION
much sweeter taste and crunchy flesh. The sweetness of yacon
is due to high content of fructose (70%). It is more sweeter Yacon is a food that has gaining more attention among
than table sugar and does not stimulate insulin production the consumers and scientific community due to therapeutic
and glycaemic reaction57. Therefore, yacon is the good choice importance, such as hypoglycemic effects, laxative effects,
of natural food for diabetes patients. enhancing mineral absorption and strengthen bone health; in
Yacon fruit could be used in different commercial food addition to weight loss, reduction in blood cholesterol, as well
products e.g., in sweet pastries, ethanol as well as in chips as antimicrobial, antioxidant and prebiotic effects. Especially,

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 Int. J. Pharmacol., 13 (4): 361-369, 2017

FOS and inulin compounds are abundant in yacon plant that 4. Alagawany, M., E.A. Ashour and F.M. Reda, 2016. Effect of
modulate the growth of intestinal commensal microbiota, dietary supplementation of garlic (Allium sativum) and
subsequently increase mineral and leads to maintain the bone turmeric (Curcuma longa) on growth performance, carcass
structure and strengthen immunity of the poultry birds. Based traits, blood profile and oxidative status in growing rabbits.
Ann. Anim. Sci., 16: 489-505.
on literature evidences, yacon plant has many functional
5. Mahmoud Mohamed Alagawany, Mayada Ragab Farag,
properties, so it could be used as a prebiotics source in
Kuldeep Dhama 2015. Nutritional and Biological Effects of
different species including human, livestock and poultry. The
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Supplementation on Performance,
main objective of this review was to highlight the importance Serum Biochemical Parameters and Oxidative Status of Broiler
of use of yacon as an alternative source of growth promoter Chicks Exposed to Endosulfan in the Diets. Asian J. Anim. Vet.
and prebiotic to replace synthetic antibiotic to cope with Adv., 10: 86-96.
medicinal cost. 6. Ashour, E.A., M. Alagawany, F.M. Reda and M.E. Abd El-Hack,
2014. Effect of supplementation of Yucca schidigera extract
SIGNIFICANT STATEMENTS to growing rabbit diets on growth performance, carcass
characteristics, serum biochemistry and liver oxidative status.
C Yacon plant containing 70-80% fructooligosaccharides Asian J. Anim. Vet. Adv., 9: 732-742.
7. Baker-Austin, C., M.S. Wright, R. Stepanauskas and
(FOS) and inulin could be used as an inexpensive, efficient
J.V. McArthur, 2006. Co-selection of antibiotic and metal
and safe growth promoter to improve overall animal
resistance. Trends Microbiol., 14: 176-182.
performance
8. Guilhelmelli, F., N. Vilela, P. Albuquerque, L.D.S. Derengowski,
C Prebiotic derived from yacon has significant potential to I. Silva-Pereira and C.M. Kyaw, 2013. Antibiotic development
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C Consumption of non-digestible oligosaccharides destined Microbiol., Vol. 4. 10.3389/fmicb.2013.00353
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metabolism and growth of commensal microflora of host health and performance of broilers. Veterinaria, 3: 32-39.
C Yacon plant possess various biological properties such as 10. Durrani, F.R., N. Chand, M. Jan, A. Sultan, Z. Durrani and
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hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective as well as increase effects of neem leaves infusion in broiler chicks. Sarhad J.
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11. Zeb-Ansari, J., A.H. Yousaf, T.M. Ahmad and S. Khan, 2008.
also help to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels
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