Effect of probiotics supplementation in diets with different nutrient densities on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, faecal microbial population and faecal noxious gas content in growing pigs

Abstract

A total of 144 pigs with initial BW of 29.48±0.58 kg were used in a 6-wk experiment to evaluate the probiotics supplementation (Enterococcis faecium, 1.0×1010 CFU/g) with different nutrient densities in growing pigs. Pigs were randomly allotted to one of four treatments in a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments with two levels of nutrient density and probiotic (0 or 0.1%) according to their sex and BW (nine replicate pens with two gilts and two barrows per pen). Pigs fed the higher nutrient density diets led to a higher (P<0.05) ADG and G:F ratio than those fed low nutrient density diet. The inclusion of probiotic increased (P<0.05) ADG, ADFI, G:F, and the apparent total tract digestibility of DM, N, energy. Dietary high nutrient density led to a higher (P<0.05) faecal H2S and NH3 content, whereas the probiotic supplementation led to a reduced (P<0.05) faecal H2S and NH3 content. An increased faecal lactobacillus concentration was observed with probiotic supplementation. An interactive effect between energy and nutrient density diet and probiotic was observed on the ADG and G:F ratio, faecal lactobacillus, apparent total tract digestibility and faecal noxious gas content. In conclusion, both dietary probiotic supplementation and a high nutrient diet could improve growth performance and nutrient digestibility in growing pigs. The beneficial effect of probiotic supplementation in pigs could be enhanced with the high energy and nutrient density diets. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.