Effect of dietary fiber on intestinal bacterial beta-glucuronidase activity in chicks fed a cholesterol-containing diet

The effect of dietary fiber isolated from blackgram (Phaseolus mungo) was studied on the metabolic activity of microflora in the large intestine and cecum in chicks fed a cholesterol diet. The results indicate that inclusion of cholesterol in the diet increased the bacterial as well as tissue (large intestine, small intestine, and cecum) beta-glucuronidase activity when compared to a cholesterol-free diet. Dietary fiber isolated from blackgram when given at 30% level to chicks fed a cholesterol diet significantly lowered bacterial as well as tissue beta-glucuronidase activity. Pure cellulose at the same level did not have this effect.