Effects of two bacillus strains probiotic supplement on reproduction performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, fecal score, excreta odor contents and fecal microflora in lactation sows, and growth performance in sucking piglets

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two bacillus strains probiotic (BP) supplement on reproduction performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, fecal noxious gas emission, and fecal microflora in lactation sows, and growth performance in their piglets. A total of 24 multiparous sows (Landrace x Yorkshire) and their litters were used in a 28 d experiment. On 111 d of gestation, sows were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments with 8 sows and their litters per treatments. The dietary treatments were as follows: 1) control (CON): basal diet, 2) BP0.1: CON + 0.1% two bacillus strains probiotic; and 3) BP0.2: basal diet + 0.2% two bacillus strains probiotic. The body weight (BW), feed consumption, and backfat thickness of sows were checked. Number of piglets born, live, stillbirth and mummification were also recorded to calculate the survival rate after farrowing. Individual piglet BW was assessed to calculate average daily gain (ADG). Flesh fecal samples was collected to evaluate apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), fecal microbial and gas emission. Supplementation with the BP linearly increased the piglets BW at 21 d and 25 d (P < 0.05), and ADG during different grow period (P < 0.05). The ATTD of dry matter (DM) in sow supplemented with BP was linearly improved (linear, P < 0.05). Sows fed BP supplementation diets had a reduction in fecal NH3 concentration (linear, P < 0.05). At weaning, sows fed with the BP supplementation diets had reduced E. coli population (linear, P < 0.05). Our results indicated that the BP in sow diets improved DM digestibility, reduced E. coli concentration, and decreased NH3 and total mercaptan concentrations. Sucking piglet's growth performance was increased by supplementation BP of the sow diet.

Automated summary

The study found that supplementation of BP in sow diets improved piglets' weight and growth rate, enhanced the digestion rate of dry matter in sows, and reduced the concentrations of fecal ammonia and E. coli. Additionally, sucking piglet's growth performance was increased by the supplementation of BP in the sow diet.