Effects of L. reuteri NBF 2 DSM 32264 Consumption on the Body Weight, Body Condition Score, Fecal Parameters, and Intestinal Microbiota of Healthy Persian Cats

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript reports the ability of the probiotic L. reuteri NBF 2 DSM 260 32264 to improve faecal quality parameters such as FM and FS in healthy adult Persian cats, that shows promotes better digestion and intestinal health.

Overall the manuscript is well presented and organized. In the introduction and discussion are missing references. In attachment I send the PDF with some questions and suggestions

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Author Response

Thanks for the comment!

I proceeded to make the suggested changes to the final version of the manuscript.

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

In the presented manuscript, Bela et al. tried to elucidate the effect of Lactobacillus reuteri NBF2 DSM 32264 consumption on body  weight, body condition score, faecal parameters, and intestinal microbiota of healthy Persian cats.

I believe that the topic of this work is original and important, because so far no research has been conducted on the impact of this specific strain of bacteria: Lactobacillus reuteri NBF2 DSM 32264 on the fecal and microbiological parameters of cats. Previous studies by other researchers in other species have shown that Lactobacillus reuteri NBF2 DSM 32264 has beneficial properties at the level of intestinal microflora. It is also of interest whether the addition of this probiotic to feed could be used in specific diets to counteract dysbiosis and related inflammatory pathologies in cats.

In this study, the authors demonstrated, based on the most important and numerous research methods, that the administration of L. reuteri NBF 2 DSM 32264 did not show any pathological changes in the body, had a positive effect on fecal parameters, increased the level of beneficial bacteria, and at the same time reduced the level of bacteria unfavorable for the health of Persian cats.

The presented research methodology meets the required criteria. The test results were presented correctly and legibly. Statistics, 7 Tables and 3 Figures were prepared appropriately and do not raise any objections. In the discussion, the authors skillfully compared their results with those obtained by other researchers.

The conclusions are consistent with the evidence, and the arguments presented well answer the main question posed. The references presented are mostly adequate  up-to-date and well selected. 

Line 54-55: "are already well known" perhaps citations of relevant works should be provided?

Line 83: it seems to me that instead of the word "treated", the word "experimental" is more appropriate (in the whole work)

Line 122: who is Bybee, maybe we need to add a citation of Bybee's work, or something explaining this statement?

Items 9 and 15 in References: are they the same work?

Author Response

Thanks for the comment, I'm very pleased that the work was appreciated!

I proceeded to carry out all the valuable improvements suggested.