Influence of probiotics on gut health in the weaned pig

Weaning is a stressful period for piglets and is associated with gastrointestinal disruption and increased disease susceptibility. This study investigated the influence of probiotics on gut health in young pigs and focused on 1) animal production values, 2) microbiology. 3) gut architecture, mucosal cell distribution and mucus secretion and 4) modulation of stress response. In this study, two litters of piglets were weaned and mixed pair wise with non litter-mates. Two pairs of piglets were fed a successive probiotic supplement of Saccharomyces cerevisiae ssp. boulardii (CNCM 1-1079) and Pediococcus acidilactici (CNCM MA 18/5 M). and two pairs a non-supplemented diet. The probiotic regime had positive effects on feed conversion ratio (FCR). Villus length, crypt depth, mucus-producing cell counts and the thickness of the mucus layer remained unaffected in the small intestine; however, Escherichia coli levels were reduced dramatically and transiently compared to non-supplemented diet after 4 weeks supplementation with probiotic. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.