Review: Are we using probiotics correctly in post-weaning piglets?

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Microbiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Early weaning in intensive pig farming creates physiological and psychological stressors, impacting piglet performance and pathogen susceptibility.
• Increasing restrictions on antibiotic use necessitate alternative strategies to manage piglet health during this critical period.
• Probiotics are a nutritional strategy gaining attention for their potential to mitigate digestive disorders and enhance productive parameters in piglets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review scientific literature on probiotic effects against gastrointestinal pathogens in weaning piglets.
• To discuss current practical applications of probiotics in swine production.
• To explore strategies for improving the consistency and reproducibility of probiotic effects in weaning piglets.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and critical examination of scientific literature on probiotics for weaning piglets.
• Analysis of research data on probiotic efficacy against gastrointestinal pathogens.
• Discussion of practical approaches and future strategies for probiotic implementation in swine nutrition.

Main Results:

• Probiotics have shown potential in reducing digestive disorders and improving productive parameters in piglets.
• Existing research on probiotics in swine production exhibits inconsistency and low farm-to-farm reproducibility.
• There is a need for a comprehensive review to guide the development and application of effective probiotic strategies.

Conclusions:

• Probiotics represent a valuable nutritional approach for managing challenges associated with early weaning in piglets.
• Addressing the inconsistency in probiotic effects is crucial for their successful integration into swine production.
• This review provides essential insights for swine nutritionists, researchers, and the additive industry to optimize probiotic strategies.