Addition of probiotic Bacillus subtilis QST 713 to low protein diets for fattening pigs

Resumen

Objective: To evaluate growth performance, serum metabolites, and bacterial populations in fattening pigs fed standard and low protein (CP) diets supplemented with probiotics (GROBIGTM Bacillus subtilis) instead of antibiotics.

Design/Methodology: Twenty-eight pigs—gilts and barrows—were grouped according to a completely randomized design. The treatments involved two levels of protein in their diet, standard protein (SP) and low protein (LP), and two supplements, antibiotic (ANT) and probiotic (PROB) B. subtilis.

Results: The probiotic supplemented to standard diets affected the growth performance of nursery pigs. In the following stages (growing, finishing I, and finishing II), neither the CP level, the antibiotic, nor the probiotic affected growth performance in any way. In finishing phases I and II the concentration of triglycerides was lower with the standard CP diet and antibiotic. Urea in plasma was not affected by the CP level.

Study limitations/Implications: The large number of bacteria in pigs’ intestines limits the ability to specifically identify the type of populations modified when providing an antibiotic, reducing the percentage of CP, or adding the probiotic to the feed.

Findings/Conclusions: Including B. subtilis in a standard protein diet affects the growth performance variables of nursery pigs and serum metabolites in the finishing stage. The probiotic can replace the antibiotic in the diet of fattening pigs.