Impact of Intestinal Microbiota on Growth Performance of Suckling and Weaned Piglets
Md. Rayhan Mahmud, Ching Jian, Md Karim Uddin, Mirja Huhtinen, Anne Salonen, Olli Peltoniemi, Heli Venhoranta, Claudio Oliviero
Abstract
The relationship between pigs' intestinal microbiota and growth performance is of great importance for improving piglets' health and reducing antimicrobial use. We found that gut microbiota variation is significantly associated with growth during weaning and the early nursery period. Importantly, transitions toward a mature gut microbiota enriched with fiber-degrading bacteria mostly complete upon weaning in piglets with better growth. Postponing the weaning age may therefore favor the development of fiber degrading gut bacteria, conferring the necessary capacity to digest and harvest solid postweaning feed. The bacterial taxa associated with piglet growth identified herein hold potential to improve piglet growth and health.