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Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial and noxious gas emission in weaning pigs
Author(s) -
Lan Ruixia,
Koo Jinmo,
Kim Inho
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.7866
Subject(s) - lactobacillus acidophilus , feces , weaning , biology , zoology , food science , nutrient , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , probiotic , bacteria , ecology , genetics
BACKGROUND Antibiotics used as growth promoters in livestock have been banned in the European Union since 2006. Antibiotics alternatives have focused on probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus . The concentration of L. acidophilus is considered crucial for obtaining the desired effects. However, limited studies have been conducted to test the dose‐dependent effects of L. acidophilus . Therefore, the present study aimed to test the dose‐dependent effects of L. acidophilus on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial flora and fecal noxious gas emission in weaning pigs. RESULTS Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation increased ( P < 0.05) average daily gain, average daily feed intake, apparent nutrient digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen and gross energy, and Lactobacillus counts compared to the basal diet treatment, and a linear effect ( P < 0.05) was observed on those criteria. Escherichia coli counts and NH 3 emission were decreased ( P < 0.05) by L. acidophilus supplementation, and a linear effect ( P < 0.05) was observed on E. coli counts. CONCLUSION These results suggest that L. acidophilus could be used as an antibiotic alternative by improving growth performance, nutrient digestibility and gut balance (i.e. increased Lactobacillus counts and decreased E. coli counts), and decreasing NH3 emission, of weaning pigs. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry