The correlation of gut microorganisms, stool condition, and piglet weight after dietary supplementation of essential oils and probiotics

The study evaluated the correlation between specific gut microorganisms, fecal condition, and body weight in piglets fed essential oils and/or probiotics from 7 to 60 days of age. Fecal samples were collected from piglets at 7 days old (120 samples), 25 days old (weaning, 120 samples), and 60 days old (60 samples). The results indicated that during the first week, levels of coliforms, E. coli, and Clostridium peaked and subsequently declined gradually as the piglets grew. Significant changes in diet and living conditions occurring during the weaning period were found to disrupt the gut microbiota. During days 7 to 25 old, a negative correlation was identified between piglet weight and both fecal scores (r = -0.3732, P < 0.001) and the incidence of diarrhea (r = -0.4599, P < 0.001). Probiotic supplementation apparently improved gut health, as increased Bacillus levels were positively correlated with weight gain (r = 0.2027, P < 0.05). The Lactobacillus: coliforms ratio (L:C) did not significantly affect health indicators during this phase. However, it became important between 25 and 60 days, as the L:C ratio was negatively correlated with diarrhea incidence (r = -0.5749, P < 0.001) and Clostridium levels (r = -0.3068, P < 0.05). At 25 days, a positive correlation was observed between the L:C ratio and piglet weight (r = 0.6282, P < 0.001), alongside a negative correlation with Clostridium (r = -0.3176, P < 0.001). At 60 days, the L:C ratio similarly showed a positive relationship with weight (r = 0.2756, P < 0.05) and Bacillus (r = 0.6617, P < 0.001), significantly influencing the development of beneficial microorganisms.