Efficacy of Isolated Probiotic Bacteria from Piglet Nostrils in Fattening Pigs

Abstract

Probiotics applications in animal husbandry can increase feed intake, growth and immune responses. The aim of this study was to isolate the probiotic bacteria from piglet nostrils and test their efficacy in fattening pigs. Nasal swabs collected from 110 healthy piglets were processed on Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar plates for lactic acid bacteria isolation. The biochemical standard tests were used for identification of isolates organisms including: Gram staining, catalase production, tolerance to bile salts, acid and base and the utilization of proteins, starch and fat. The antimicrobial activity and resistance against antibiotics were also determined. Comparative 16S rRNA analysis confirmed the identity of selected strains as Enterococcus italicus . Thirty weaned piglets (mixed sex and 35-day old) were divided into three groups (five replicates with two animals) consisting of a control group, a positive control group fed with commercial feed and antibiotic, and an experimental group fed with commercial feed and probiotics. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) vaccination were performed twice. Administration of Enterococcus italicus had no impact on average daily gain, whereas it affected feed intake and feed conversion ratio (p 0.05).