Taste Preference and Metabolic Rate of Trehalose in Chickens.

Trehalose (Tre) is composed of two molecules of D-glucose joined by an α,α-1,1 glucosidic linkage. Because Tre is utilized by the gut microbiome and enhances gut immunity in chickens, it is used as a feed ingredient. However, taste preference and metabolic dynamics of Tre in chickens are not fully understood. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the taste preference in chickens for Tre and the metabolism of this disaccharide. In a short-term drinking test, chickens preferred low concentrations of Tre solution while avoiding high concentrations. Instead, in a conditioned taste aversion test, chickens did not show taste aversion to Tre, implying that chickens do not have a sufficient taste for Tre. The initial feed intake rate increased when 0.5% Tre was added. Respiratory gas analysis revealed that intragastric administration of 1.0 M Tre weakly increased the respiratory quotient. Furthermore, approximately 50% of Tre was metabolized in chickens. These results suggest that chickens slightly taste the sweetness of Tre. Moreover, adding Tre to feed increases the chickens' initial appetite, and they use approximately 50% of Tre as an energy source. This information is relevant for using Tre alone or as a supplement in poultry feed.
Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: This study was supported by a joint research grant to Fuminori Kawabata by Hayashibara Co., Ltd., Japan. Kazuhisa Mukai is an employee of Hayashibara Co. Ltd. The company name has been changed to Nagase Viita Co., Ltd.
(2025 Japan Poultry Science Association.)