SHORT COMMUNICATION
Bacterial detoxification of saponins in the crop of
the avian foregut fermenter Opisthocomus hoazin
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1
Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Physiology, BBC,
Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research
Caracas, AP 2182, 1020A Venezuela
San Juan PR 00931, USA
2
Department of Mathematics, University of Puerto Rico,
San Juan PR00931, USA
3
Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00931, USA
Publication date: 2007-09-17
Corresponding author
M. A. García-Amado
Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Physiology, BBC,
Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research
Caracas, AP 2182, 1020A Venezuela
San Juan PR 00931, USA
J. Anim. Feed Sci. 2007;16(Suppl. 2):82-85
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
The hoatzin is a folivorous bird with microbial fermentation in the crop that consumes plants that
contain saponins. We investigated detoxification activity of saponins by bacteria from the hoatzin
crop, and how this activity was affected in the presence of methanogens. Strains and mixed cultures
were grown in presence of 200 μg·ml-1 Quillaja saponins. Detoxification was determined as loss of
haemolytic activity. The methanogenesis was inhibited added bromoethanesulphonic acid (BES).
Mixed cultures showed higher rate of saponin detoxification than strains and it was reduced by BES.
The hoatzin bacteria detoxify saponins, and methanogenic Archaea might act as a hydrogen sink.
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