Effects of probiotic supplementation in different nutrient density diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, fecal microflora and noxious gas emission in weaning pig

BACKGROUND Probiotics can serve as alternatives to antibiotics to increase the performance of weaning pigs, and the intake of probiotics is affected by dietary nutrient density. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a probiotic complex in different nutrient density diets on growth performance, digestibility, blood profiles, fecal microflora and noxious gas emission in weaning pigs. RESULTS From day 22 to day 42, both high‐nutrient‐density and probiotic complex supplementation diets increased ( P < 0.05) the average daily gain. On day 42, the apparent total tract digestibility ( ATTD ) of dry matter, nitrogen and gross energy ( GE ), blood urea nitrogen concentration and NH 3 and H 2 S emissions were increased ( P < 0.05) in pigs fed high‐nutrient‐density diets. Pigs fed probiotic complex supplementation diets had higher ( P < 0.05) ATTD of GE than pigs fed non‐supplemented diets. Fecal Lactobacillus counts were increased whereas Escherichia coli counts and NH 3 and H 2 S emissions were decreased ( P < 0.05) in pigs fed probiotic complex supplementation diets. Interactive effects on average daily feed intake ( ADFI ) were observed from day 22 to day 42 and overall, where probiotic complex improved ADFI more dramatically in low‐nutrient‐density diets. CONCLUSION The beneficial effects of probiotic complex ( Bacillus coagulans , Bacillus licheniformis , Bacillus subtilis and Clostridium butyricum ) supplementation on ADFI is more dramatic with low‐nutrient‐density diets.