The effect of probiotic BioPlus 2B on feed efficiency and metabolic parameters in swine

The purpose of our work was to observe the influence of probiotic preparation BioPlus 2B on average daily gains of weaned pigs, feed efficiency and to evaluate some metabolic indices. The weaned pigs, at the age of 42 days, were included into the trial and divided into four groups. Pigs in groups A (n = 5) and B (n = 4) received BioPlus 2B also before weaning. Only group A received BioPlus 2B, at the concentration of 3.2 × 10⁹ CFU per kg of feed, after weaning continually. Groups C (n = 5) and D (n = 4) did not receive BioPlus 2B until the start of the trial, but group C was given BioPlus 2B at the same concentration as group A during the experiment. Blood samples for determination of metabolic indices were collected at the start of experiment, i.e. on 42^nd day of pigs life, and then on 56^th, 70^th, 84^th and 91^st days of pigs life. The following biochemical indices were evaluated within the trial: serum levels of total proteins, albumin, urea, total cholesterol and total lipids. Total serum protein level (p < 0.0001) and serum albumin level (p = 0.0024) in groups A and B were significantly higher in comparison with groups C and D on day 56 of pigs life. Serum urea level in group D was significantly (p = 0.049) higher than in group A on 70^th day of pigs life. Serum level of total cholesterol in group B on day 56 and 84 of pigs life was significantly (p = 0.0004) higher than in groups C and D. Total serum lipid level was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in B group compared to other groups on 56^th, 70^th, 84^th days of pigs life. Average daily gains (ADG) in A group, even if non-significantly, were about 10% better than in groups B, C, D between 57^th and 77^th days of pigs life. ADG in groups A and B were 14% better in comparison with that in groups C and D between 78^th and 91^st days of pigs life (p = 0.036). The best feed efficiency in the trial was in group A, approximately 13%, 16% and 21% better than that in the groups B, C and D, repectively. Presented at the Second Probiotic Conference, Košice, 15–19 September 2004, Slovakia.