Effects of Clostridium butyricum and corn bran supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal volatile fatty acids and microbiota in weaned pigs

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate effects of Clostridium butyricum and corn bran supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal volatile fatty acids, and microbiota in weaned pigs. Hundred and forty-four weaned pigs (7.01 ± 0.62 kg BW) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments, including the basal diet and 5% corn bran diet with or without Clostridium butyricum supplementation. The results showed the supplementation of 0.1% Clostridium butyricum in diets increased average daily gain (p < 0.05) and tended to increase gain to feed ratio (G/F; p = 0.07) in weaned pigs during 15–28 d. Dietary Clostridium butyricum supplementation improved (p < 0.05) the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of organic matter (OM) and the SOD and T-AOC levels in serum in weaned pigs. The inclusion of 5% corn bran in diets had no significant effect on growth performance in weaned pigs. Moreover, dietary Clostridium butyricum supplementation decreased (p < 0.05) faecal Escherichia coli count, and increased faecal Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts in weaned pigs. In conclusion, inclusion of 0.1% Clostridium butyricum in diets could benefit the growth performance and gut health of weaned pigs. Meanwhile, 5% corn bran supplementation in diets had no negative effect on weaned pigs.