Effects of Pre and Probiotic on Growth Performance and Haematological Parameters in Pigs

Abstract

The present study investigates the effects of dietary supplementation with feed supplements (prebiotics and probiotics) on pig performance, the feed conversion ratio and some haematological parameters.The research was conducted on hybrid pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] in a farm from Sălaj County, Romania. Pigs of 11 weeks (n = 200) were divided into 4 equal groups: a group fed with the probiotic, a prebiotic-fed group, a control group and a synbiotic (pre- and probiotic) treated group. The control group was fed with a feed without the specified additives. Probiotic treated group was fed the same feedstuff but containing the additive Beta Plus® Ultra (Biochem)( 5.12x1012 CFU / kg - Bacillus subtilis DSM 5750, 5.12x1012UFC / kg - Bacillus licheniformis (DSM 5749 ) and 921 g of betaine), in an amount of 1 kg / tonne of feed. Prebiotic group had added to the feed an extract derived from the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (TechnoMos® - Biochem) in a dose of 250 g / ton of feed. The weight of 25 pigs in each compartment was recorded 9 times (over 85 days). Animal health was evaluated via clinical, haematological, and parasitological examinations. 5 rectal swabs were collected on day 11 and day 77 and faeces samples were taken in day 77 from each investigated group. Growth rate, feed consumption and some haematological parameters were measured.The body weight, average total weight gain and feed conversion rate increase by the dietary inclusion of the both pre and probiotic (p˃0.05). In the compartment treated with prebiotic the weight of the pigs has increased by 1030 g/day compared with 982 g/day value recorded in the control group. The average feed consumption was 3.21 kg/day in the control group while the group treated with prebiotic was only 2.99 kg/day. Feed conversion rate for all treated groups were lower than the one of control. Haematological parameters varied in physiological limits of species.Conclusion: These products show promising effects as an alternative for antibiotics in order to eliminate the use of these drugs as growth-promoting additives.