## 4 Jerusalem Artichoke as an Important Source of Inulin for Monogastric Farm Animals  
[PERSON] and [PERSON] [69] stated that the earliest-documented records of J.A. as a source of inulin dates back to approximately 1870. However, it was not until the 1950s that the complete structure of inulin was fully clarified. [PERSON] et al. [70] mentioned that the inulin content of tubers varies from 7 to 30% by fresh weight and approximative 50% by dry weight. Its versatile compounds offer a range of positive effects and applications in both human and animal nutrition [37]. According to [PERSON] et al. [71], inulin constituted 80% of the carbohydrates found in tubers. Additionally, as stated by [PERSON] et al. [72], inulin serves as the primary storage carbohydrate in J.A., with the majority of carbon in tubers being present in the form of inulin [73].  
Jerusalem artichoke represents a significant source of inulin and oligofructose, providing high concentrations, at 16.0-22.0 g/100 g and 12.0-15.0 g/100 g, respectively. This makes it prominent among various food sources, surpassing many, including bananas (0.3-0.7 g/100 g), asparagus (2.0-3.0 g/100 g), garlic (9.0-16.0 g/100 g), and leeks (3.0-10.0 g/100 g). Moreover, J.A. competes favorably or exceeds others in this aspect, such as chicory root (35.7-47.6 g/100 g) and dandelion greens (12.0-15.0 g/100 g), showcasing it as a notable prebiotic fiber contributor [73]. These inulin-type fructans, functioning as both functional fructans and soluble dietary fibers, comprise a combination of inulin, oligofructose, and fructoligosaccharide with \(\beta\)-configuration, classified based on their chain length or degree of polymerization as follows: small (3-5), medium (6-10), and long chains (11-60). The length or degree of polymerization is influenced by various factors such as genotype, environmental conditions, harvest time, and storage processes [74]. [PERSON] et al. [75] stated that inulin serves as a functional bioingredient in both food and feed applications, acting as a prebiotic agent that can promote the growth of beneficial gut microflora, contributing to the overall health benefits. The inulin content in the tubers was estimated based on the analysis of the sugar content, which was approximately 803.4 g/kg in dry matter, indicating a corresponding inulin content of 650 g/kg in dry matter [57]. The proven benefits linked to inulin were confirmed through a range of conducted experiments in monogastric and ruminant animals as well.  
Figure 2 presents the advantages of incorporating J.A. in farm diets with positive results in alterations of intestinal microflora composition, which subsequently influences their metabolism and physiology. Extracts derived from J.A. tubers have the potential to enhance feed efficiency, improve digestion, and lower the occurrence of diarrhea in monogastric animals.  
[PERSON] [76] suggests that extracts derived from J.A. tubers hold potential as supplements for animal feed, primarily due to their potential to promote bifidogenic effects. Although inulin and fructoligosaccharides, typically sourced from chicory, are frequently incorporated into the diets of farm animals, their precise health advantages in animals are not as comprehensively studied as they are in humans. It is crucial to acknowledge that different animal species possess distinct digestive tract structures, meaning that a single fructoligosaccharide supplement may not consistently produce optimal results across all species. Depending on the species, such supplements might have suboptimal effects or even lead to digestive issues like loose stools or excessive flatulence. According to [PERSON] et al. [77], fructooligoscharides are resistant to enzyme hydrolysis in the small intestine, but they stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria in the hindgut, which facilitates inulin fermentation.