Effective Microbiota Modulation—Powered by Bacillus coagulans.

Bacillus coagulans DSM 32016 utilizes different modes of action that have a beneficial effect on the intestinal microbiota of animals. Researchers from the Freie Universität Berlin delved deeper into these modes of action and their effect on performance in weaned piglets.

Bacillus coagulans Gives Boost to Weaned Piglets.

Weaning is a challenging time for piglets and puts pressure on their digestive system and performance. Research shows that supplementation of probiotics during weaning gives them improved immunity and a growth boost.

The weaning phase of piglets (usually around 24–28 days of age) is challenging for young animals. The piglets are often transported, mixed with other piglets, and begin eating solid diets. Not surprisingly, piglets may show a drop in feed intake and daily weight gain (DWG) after the first days of weaning. Another significant risk is the development of post-weaning diarrhea in these young animals. The change of gut structure and function after weaning often leads to a temporary decrease in the digestive and absorptive capacity of the intestine. This can spur the onset of diarrhea, leading to dehydration, reduced DWG, and a drop in overall performance.

Correlation of Microbiota and Performance.

The microbiota is increasingly viewed as a superorganism that affects metabolism, immunological responses, and the overall health and fitness of the animal. To confirm and test this theory, researchers at the Freie Universität Berlin (Germany) looked at how the modulation of the gut microbiota influences and correlates with zootechnical performances of weaned piglets. For the study, a total of 320 weaned piglets (Danbred, 26±2 days of age), received a commercial two-phase feeding either with or without a TechnoSpore^® supplementation (400 gram/ton). 

Better Immunity.

Immunological analysis demonstrated that piglets fed with the probiotic had higher immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in blood serum. IgA is an important parameter for immunity and is considered the first line of defense against infections. IgA inhibits the adhesion of harmful bacteria and viruses to epithelial cells and neutralizes bacterial toxins and viruses. 

DWG and FCR.

The TechnoSpore^®-supplemented group also showed a significantly higher DWG and a better feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the control group. These results regarding important zootechnical parameters (Figure 1) are important, as piglets often show a drop in intake due to the stressors around weaning. Keeping FCR low and DWG high leads to a better uniformity of the batch and optimized production and feed costs.

Figure 1 - Effect of TechnoSpore^® on performance of weaned piglets.

Microbiota Modulation.

Both groups showed changes in the microbial composition from day 0 to day 10 after weaning. However, the piglets that received Bacillus coagulans showed at day 10 significant differences in the microbial composition. For example, whereas the relative abundance of Prevotella and Clostridium were decreased, the health-beneficial genus Lactobacillus was increased. These changes were significantly correlated with growth performance, digestive capacity, or health status.

Conclusion.

This study exemplary demonstrated that the administration of TechnoSpore^® significantly and positively modulates the microbiota of weaned piglets. Due to the positive microbiota modulation and improved immune response, better daily weight gains were observed, which underlines the beneficial effects of TechnoSpore^®.

TechnoSpore^® is powered by the proven effective probiotic strain Bacillus coagulans DSM 32016 and is approved by the EU under the Feed Additives Regulation (Regulation [EC] No 1831/2003).

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