When comparing the number of goblet cells between the control and experimental groups (segments with and without intestinal transit) we found a decrease in the segments without fecal stream, regardless of time of exclusion considered. Conversely, in the colon with the provision of short-chain fatty acids preserved there was an increase in the number of goblet cells after 12 and 18 weeks. These findings confirm that a steady supply of short chain fatty acids is important to maintain the number of goblet cells throughout the experiment.