Complex probiotics can reduce diarrhea by boosting immunity and balancing gut microbiota in weaned piglets

SOLVENS (SLV) is a zootechnical feed additive based on viable spores of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of SLV on the intestinal health of weaned piglets.

A total of 360 healthy 24-day-old weaned Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire piglets were allocated to three treatment groups based on body weight and sex: T1 (Control, CON), T2 (SLV 200, 6.5×10⁸ CFU per kg feed), and T3 (SLV 400, 1.3×10⁹ CFU per kg feed). Each treatment consisted of 30 replicates with four pigs per replicate, and the experiment lasted 42 days. Piglets were fed mash pre-starter feed (days 1-14) and mash starter feed (days 15-42). Growth performance, fecal microorganisms, serum immunity, and intestinal barrier function were assessed. Experimental data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0 for one-way ANOVA, and multiple comparisons were made using the DUNCAN method.

Compared with the control, SLV 200 and SLV 400 significantly reduced diarrhea rate (P < 0.05). SLV 200 increased fecal Lactobacilli and decreased Escherichia coli on day 14 (P < 0.05), while SLV 400 elevated Lactobacilli on days 14 and 42 and reduced E. coli on day 14 (P < 0.05). SLV 200 increased fecal sIgA and serum IgG on day 42 (P < 0.05), whereas SLV 400 elevated serum IgG and IgM on day 14 (P < 0.05) and serum IgA on day 42 (P < 0.05). Additionally, SLV 200 downregulated ileal interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) gene expression (P < 0.05), and SLV 400 reduced TNF-α expression (P < 0.05).

Dietary supplementation with SLV improved intestinal health by modulating gut microbiota and enhancing immunity in weaned piglets.