Effects ofClostridium butyricumand corn bran supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal volatile fatty acids and microbiota in weaned pigs

This study was conducted to evaluate effects ofClostridium butyricumand corn bran supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal volatile fatty acids, and microbiota in weaned pigs. Hundred and forty-four weaned pigs (7.01 +/- 0.62 kg BW) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments, including the basal diet and 5% corn bran diet with or withoutClostridium butyricumsupplementation. The results showed the supplementation of 0.1%Clostridium butyricumin diets increased average daily gain (p < 0.05) and tended to increase gain to feed ratio (G/F;p = 0.07) in weaned pigs during 15-28 d. DietaryClostridium butyricumsupplementation improved (p < 0.05) the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of organic matter (OM) and the SOD and T-AOC levels in serum in weaned pigs. The inclusion of 5% corn bran in diets had no significant effect on growth performance in weaned pigs. Moreover, dietaryClostridium butyricumsupplementation decreased (p < 0.05) faecalEscherichia colicount, and increased faecalLactobacillusandBifidobacteriumcounts in weaned pigs. In conclusion, inclusion of 0.1%Clostridium butyricumin diets could benefit the growth performance and gut health of weaned pigs. Meanwhile, 5% corn bran supplementation in diets had no negative effect on weaned pigs.