Effect of viable Lactobacillus fermentum on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and immunity of weaned pigs

Abstract

Two hundred and forty barrows weaned at 28 d of age, were used in this study to determine the effects of viable Lactobacillus fermentum with higher adhesion ability on growth performance, digestibility and immunity of weaned pigs. Pigs were divided into 5 groups comprising of control without any Lactobacillus supplementation, three treatments of different Lactobacillus fermentum levels (3.2×106, 5.8×107 and 2.9×108 cfu/g), and a lactobacilli complex treatment. The experiment lasted three weeks. The results showed that Lactobacillus fermentum and lactobacilli complex supplements increased average daily gain (ADG), crude protein (CP) apparent digestibility and serum specific anti-OVA IgG level (P<0.05). Lactobacillus fermentum at 5.8×107 cfu/g of diet maximized the ADG, CP digestibility and serum specific anti-OVA IgG level among the different concentrations of Lactobacillus fermentum in the diet. The present study implies that Lactobacillus fermentum at 5.8×107 cfu/g of diet is the most ideal concentration in improving ADG of weaned pigs.