Effect of Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315 in Diets on Performance and Gut Integrity of Post-Weaning Piglets

This study evaluated the effect of the replacement of AGPs by a probiotic in diets for piglets in the nursery stage. The dietary treatments were as follows: CON-basal diet (BD); ANT-BD+antibiotic; and PRO-BD+probiotic. From d 35-42 of age, the piglets that received ANT-BD showed a higher average daily weight gain (ADWG) (<i>p</i> = 0.0296), followed by those that received PRO and the control. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) was higher (<i>p</i> = 0.0224) for PRO- and ANT-fed piglets when compared to CON. From d 43-56, the ADWG was the highest (<i>p</i> = 0.0207) in piglets fed ANT. The ADFI was also higher (<i>p</i> = 0.0258) in ANT and PRO. Final body weight (BW) was also influenced (<i>p</i> = 0.0291), whereas ANT-fed animals, followed by PRO, showed a higher BW compared to CON. For overall nursery performance, PRO showed the highest (<i>p</i> = 0.046) ADFI compared to all other treatments. Piglets fed PRO and ANT also showed the highest (<i>p</i> = 0.05) end weights. There was no significant difference in the fecal concentration of <i>Escherichia coli</i>. Concentrations for the sugar absorption test were higher on days 34 and 49 (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The inclusion of <i>B. subtilis</i> DSM 32315 does not replace the use of antibiotics with the same level of results but can provide benefits compared to diets without the use of antibiotics.