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Microbial bioactive complex supplementation is associated with gut microbial fermentation and feed conversion in
Mi Ae Park1, Soyeon Park1, Hee Seop Yu2
1Department of Research and Development, Center for Industrialization of Agricultural and Livestock Microorganisms, Jeongeup, Republic of Korea.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|July 24, 2026
Summary
Supplementing weaned piglets with a microbial bioactive complex (MBC) improved feed efficiency and altered gut microbial fermentation. This functional feed additive enhanced feed conversion ratio without adverse health effects.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition and Feed Science
- Microbiology and Gut Health
- Swine Production
Background:
- Optimizing feed efficiency and gut stability is crucial for post-weaning piglets.
- Microbial bioactive complexes (MBCs) offer a potential solution by combining probiotics and metabolites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a specific MBC on feed efficiency and gut microbial fermentation in weaned piglets.
- To assess the safety and probiotic characteristics of the MBC's constituent strains.
Main Methods:
- 34 weaned piglets were fed a basal diet or a diet supplemented with 0.5% MBC for 33 days.
- MBC comprised Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactobacillus reuteri, L. dextrinicus, L. pentosus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- Feed efficiency, blood parameters, probiotic traits, and gut microbial composition were analyzed.
Main Results:
- MBC supplementation significantly improved feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) and reduced average daily feed intake.
- No adverse effects on health-related blood parameters were observed.
- Enriched gut taxa in MBC-treated piglets, such as Succinivibrio, were linked to carbohydrate fermentation.
Conclusions:
- Dietary MBC supplementation enhances feed utilization efficiency in weaned piglets.
- MBC alters gut microbial fermentation pathways, promoting beneficial taxa.
- MBC shows potential as a functional feed additive for sustainable swine production.
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