# Effect of Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315 in Diets on Performance and Gut Integrity of Post-Weaning Piglets

## TL;DR

This study found that adding a probiotic to piglet diets improved their growth and health, though not as much as antibiotics.

## Contribution

The study evaluates Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315 as a probiotic alternative to antibiotics in piglet diets.

## Key findings

- Probiotic-fed piglets showed improved average daily weight gain and final body weight compared to controls.
- Antibiotics and probiotics both increased feed intake compared to the control diet.
- The probiotic did not reduce Escherichia coli levels but provided health benefits similar to antibiotics.

## Abstract

The use of antibiotic growth promoters in post-weaning diets can lead to antibiotic resistance. Probiotics are thought to be a good replacement, improving the gut health of piglets in nursery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a probiotic, Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315, in diets for piglets on their performance and intestinal integrity during the nursery stage. The results indicated that the use of the probiotic significantly influenced performance traits throughout the nursery stage and improved end weights. There was no significant difference in the fecal concentration of Escherichia coli, but a higher concentration in the first phase was observed for all treatments. In addition, the sugar absorption test was not influenced by the probiotic or antibiotic but was influenced by the nursery phase. These findings suggest that the inclusion of Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315 does not replace the use of antibiotics with the same level of results but can provide several health benefits, improving performance when compared to diets without the use of antibiotics.

This study evaluated the effect of the replacement of AGPs by a probiotic in diets for piglets in the nursery stage. The dietary treatments were as follows: CON-basal diet (BD); ANT-BD+antibiotic; and PRO-BD+probiotic. From d 35–42 of age, the piglets that received ANT-BD showed a higher average daily weight gain (ADWG) (p = 0.0296), followed by those that received PRO and the control. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) was higher (p = 0.0224) for PRO- and ANT-fed piglets when compared to CON. From d 43–56, the ADWG was the highest (p = 0.0207) in piglets fed ANT. The ADFI was also higher (p = 0.0258) in ANT and PRO. Final body weight (BW) was also influenced (p = 0.0291), whereas ANT-fed animals, followed by PRO, showed a higher BW compared to CON. For overall nursery performance, PRO showed the highest (p = 0.046) ADFI compared to all other treatments. Piglets fed PRO and ANT also showed the highest (p = 0.05) end weights. There was no significant difference in the fecal concentration of Escherichia coli. Concentrations for the sugar absorption test were higher on days 34 and 49 (p < 0.05). The inclusion of B. subtilis DSM 32315 does not replace the use of antibiotics with the same level of results but can provide benefits compared to diets without the use of antibiotics.