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Abstract

In order to investigate the efficiency of using probiotics in the diet of weaned pigs under the commercial conditions of rearing, feeding trial was organized. The experiment included 24 pigs (Landrace x Yorkshire), which were immediately after the weaning (weaned at age of 35 days) distributed randomly in two feeding treatments. A control group of pigs (K) received a diet of standard feed and chemical composition while the experimental group (O-I) received the same diet, but with the addition of probiotic preparation (B. subtilis and B. licheniformis). The experiment lasted 40 days, after which the pigs were sacrificed and samples were taken for further physicochemical and histological examination. At the end of the experiment the control group achieved body weight (25.32±6.31 kg), average daily gain (0.42±0.12 kg), feed consumption (0.89 kg) and feed to gain ratio (2.119) common for a given race, conditions of nutrition and housing. Experimental group, that received probiotics preparation, achieved higher body mass (27.98±4.76 kg), average daily gain (0.49±0.09 kg), feed consumption (0.96 kg) and lower feed to gain ratio (1.959 kg) compared to the control group. The height and width of the villi in the jejunum were significantly higher (p<0.001) in the experimental group compared to the control. Crypt depth in the jejunum, and the pH value of the jejunum and the cecum were not affected by applied treatment (p>0.05). Obtained results indicate that probiotic supplementation in the diet of weaned piglets has its nutritive justification.

Biography

Dragan Sefer has completed his PhD in June 2002, at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition and Botany of Belgrade University. Since February 2007, he became Head of this Department and since December 2014, he has been engaged as a Full Professor. He published more than 150 papers in national and international journals (more than 10 in reputed journals) and two books (�??General nutrition�?� and �??Feed safety for animals�?�) intended for the students at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.