Performance and microbial activity in the gastrointestinal tract of piglets fed fermented liquid feed at weaning

ASBSTRACTFeeding fermented liquid feed (FLF), containing high numbers of lactobacilli and yeast, and high concentrations of lactic acid, to piglets at weaning did not improve growth performance compared with piglets fed non-fermented liquid feed (NLF).No significant changes in the microbial activity (ATP concentration) in the GI tract of piglets fed the FLF were observed.However, pH in the stomach was significantly reduced, and a different microbial fermentation pattern in the colon was observed.Furthermore, the density of yeast was significantly increased, whereas the density of coliform bacteria was significantly decreased throughout the GI tract in piglets fed the FLF.The results suggest, that feeding FLF to piglets at weaning may assist in the prevention of coliform scours.