Probiotics for pigs

Abstract

Although the use of the term 'probiotic' to describe a feed supplement is recent (Parker, 1974), there are a few earlier reports presenting the concept of using living microbes and substances to improve piglet health. For example, in 1946 Mrallgaard proposed that the phytic acid found in ungerminated seeds interfered with absorption of calcium and phosphorus, an effect which they showed could be inhibited by compounds such as lactic acid. In order to increase levels of lactic acid within the digestive tract, a lactic acid bacillus originating from the piglet intestine was introduced and subsequent improved health and skeletal formation was observed (Møllgaard, 1947).