PSV-7 Effects of a Bacillus-based probiotic on sow and litter performance, fecal consistency, and fecal microflora

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of supplementation of sow diets with Bacillus subtilis C-3102 (Calsporin®, Calpis Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) during gestation and lactation. A total of 29 sows (DNA 241) with confirmed pregnancy on d 30 of gestation were assigned to dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design based on BW and parity. Treatments were: control diet or probiotic diet with Calsporin® at 500,000 and 1,000,000 CFU/g of diet in gestation and lactation, respectively. Data were collected on d 30 and 112 of gestation and d 2 and 19 of lactation. Fecal consistency was assessed on a 1-to-5 scale for each litter. Fecal samples were collected from sows and piglets for microbial analysis by culture method and bacterial quantification of Bacillus subtilis C-3102, total Bacillus sp., Lactobacillus sp., Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella spp., Enterococcus sp., Enterobacteriaceae, total aerobes, and total anaerobes. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model (PROC GLIMMIX, SAS®) with sow as experimental unit. Probiotic-fed sows had a marginally significant (P < 0.10) increase in lactation ADFI, but it did not result (P > 0.10) in improvement in sow or piglet weight at weaning. Probiotic-fed sows had a marginally significant (P < 0.10) larger litter size after cross-fostering, but it did not result (P > 0.10) in larger litter size at weaning. Fecal consistency of piglets was not influenced (P > 0.10) by sow diet. Microbial analysis revealed an increase (P < 0.01) in Bacillus subtilis C-3102 and, consequently, total Bacillus sp. in fecal microflora of probiotic-fed sows and piglets born and nursed by probiotic-fed sows. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that providing Calsporin® to sows during gestation and lactation improved lactation ADFI and cross-fostering litter size, although further larger-scale studies are required for elucidation. The probiotic diet did not influence fecal consistency, but altered the fecal microbial population in sows and nursing piglets by increasing total Bacillus sp.

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128 Effects of a Bacillus-based probiotic and prebiotics on nursery pig performance, fecal consistency, and fecal microflora

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz122.139 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 75-76

Author(s):

Mariana Boscato Menegat ◽

Michaela B Braun ◽

Joel M DeRouchey ◽

Jason C Woodworth ◽

Jim Bryte ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bacillus Subtilis ◽

Growth Performance ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Experimental Unit ◽

Bacillus Sp ◽

Nursery Pigs ◽

Fecal Microflora ◽

Microbial Analysis ◽

Diet Control

Abstract This study evaluated the progeny of sows fed a control or probiotic diet with Bacillus subtilis C-3102 (Calsporin®, Calpis Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) at 500,000 and 1,000,000 CFU/g diet in gestation and lactation, respectively. A total of 358 weaned pigs (DNA 241 × 600) were used in a 42-d trial with 4–5 pigs/pen and 18–19 pens/treatment. Pens were allotted to treatments in a completely randomized design based on BW at weaning. Treatments were a 2×2 factorial with main effects of sow diet (control vs. probiotic) and nursery diet (control vs. probiotic). In the nursery probiotic diet, a product based on probiotic Bacillus subtilis C-3102 at 500,000 CFU/g diet and prebiotics β-glucans and mannan oligosaccharides was included at 0.05% (BacPack ABF™, Quality Technology International, Inc., Elgin, IL). Diets were corn-soybean meal-based. Growth performance and fecal consistency on a 1-to-5 scale were evaluated weekly. Fecal samples were collected for microbial analysis by culture method and bacterial quantification of Bacillus subtilis C-3102, total Bacillus sp., Lactobacillus sp., Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella spp., Enterococcus sp., Enterobacteriaceae, total aerobes, and total anaerobes. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model (PROC GLIMMIX, SAS®) with pen as experimental unit. There was no evidence for effect of sow diet, nursery diet, or interactions (P > 0.10) on overall nursery growth performance and fecal consistency. However, growth performance from d 21 to 42 and final BW were greater (P < 0.05) in progeny of control-fed sows compared to probiotic-fed sows. Microbial analysis revealed an increase (P < 0.01) in Bacillus subtilis C-3102 and, consequently, total Bacillus sp. in fecal microflora of probiotic-fed pigs. In conclusion, probiotic inclusion to sow diets lowered growth performance of the progeny in late nursery. The probiotic diet provided to sows or nursery pigs did not influence fecal consistency, but altered the fecal microbial population in nursery pigs by increasing total Bacillus sp.

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Effect of farrowing pen size on pre-weaning performance of piglets

Translational Animal Science ◽

10.1093/tas/txab123 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Katherine D Vande Pol ◽

Austin L Laudwig ◽

Aaron M Gaines ◽

Beau A Peterson ◽

Caleb M Shull ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Litter Size ◽

Block Design ◽

Commercial Production ◽

Experimental Unit ◽

Pig Production ◽

Time Period ◽

Randomized Complete Block Design ◽

The Impact ◽

Cross Fostering ◽

Size At Birth

Abstract Litter sizes in commercial pig production have increased substantially over recent years; however, farrowing pen sizes have generally not changed over the same time period. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of farrowing pen size on piglet pre-weaning growth and mortality. Differences in pen size were created by varying the width of pens of the same length, increasing the creep area available to the piglets. The study used a total of 1,786 litters in a randomized complete block design to compare two Farrowing Pen Size treatments (FPS): Standard (pen width 1.52 m) and Increased (pen width 1.68 m). Litter sizes were equalized across treatments (12.9 ± 1.95 piglets) at 24 h after birth using cross-fostering. Litter weights were collected at birth and weaning (21.3 ± 2.08 d); pre-weaning mortality was recorded. The experimental unit was the litter; models included FPS and replicate. Farrowing Pen Size had no effect (P > 0.05) on litter size at birth (12.8 and 13.0 for the Standard and Increased FPS, respectively), after cross-fostering (12.9 for both treatments), or at weaning (11.2 and 11.3, respectively). There was no effect (P > 0.05) of FPS on total litter or average piglet weight at birth, after cross-fostering, and at weaning. These results suggest no benefit in piglet performance from increasing the width of farrowing pens. As litter sizes continue to increase in commercial production, further research is warranted to re-evaluate the impact of farrowing pen size on pre-weaning mortality.

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PSVII-9 Effects of a multi-species direct-fed microbial on growth performance and carcass characteristics of grow-finish pigs

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz122.380 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 216-216

Author(s):

Mariana Boscato Menegat ◽

Joel M DeRouchey ◽

Jason C Woodworth ◽

Mike D Tokach ◽

Steve S Dritz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Growth Performance ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Block Design ◽

Control Diet ◽

Random Effect ◽

Carcass Characteristics ◽

Experimental Unit ◽

Feeding Duration ◽

Corn Distillers

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the effects of a multi-species direct-fed microbial (DFM) product based on lactic acid bacteria and Bacillus subtilis on growth performance and carcass characteristics of grow-finish pigs. A total of 1,188 pigs (PIC 359 × 1050; initially 25.8 kg BW) were used in a 121-d growth trial with 27 pigs/pen and 22 pens/treatment. Pigs were allotted to treatments based on initial BW in a randomized complete block design. Treatments included a control diet and the control diet with added DFM (BiOWiSH Technologies Inc., Cincinnati, OH) included at 0.055% of the diet at the expense of corn. Diets were based on corn, distillers dried grains with solubles, and soybean meal and fed in four dietary phases. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model (PROC GLIMMIX, SAS®) with treatment as fixed effect, block as random effect, and pen as experimental unit. Overall (d 0 to 121), pigs fed the control diet had greater ADG (P < 0.05) and final BW (P < 0.001) compared to pigs fed the DFM diet (Table 1). There was no evidence for differences (P > 0.05) in ADFI or G:F between treatments. The difference in final BW resulted in heavier (P < 0.05) HCW in control pigs compared to DFM pigs, but no evidence for differences (P > 0.05) was observed in carcass yield, backfat, loin depth, and percentage lean between treatments. In conclusion, the inclusion of this multi-species DFM in growing-finishing diets reduced ADG in this commercial study. This response could be related to inclusion rate, feeding duration, or other factors not identified in this study, warranting further research to characterize the effects on pig performance.

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159 Evaluation of Bacillus Subtilis PB6 Probiotic (CLOSTAT® 500) on Feedlot Phase Growth Performance, Efficiency of Dietary Net Energy Utilization, and Fecal and Subiliac Lymph Node Salmonella Prevalence

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab054.198 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 119-120

Author(s):

Zachary K Smith ◽

Paul Rand R Broadway ◽

Keith Underwood ◽

Warren C Rusche ◽

Julie Walker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bacillus Subtilis ◽

Lymph Node ◽

Lymph Nodes ◽

Growth Performance ◽

Block Design ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Energy Utilization ◽

Experimental Unit ◽

Net Energy ◽

Fecal Samples

Abstract Yearling beef steers (n = 238; initial BW=402 ± 31.2 kg) were used to evaluate a Bacillus subtilis probiotic on growth performance, dietary net energy (NE) utilization, carcass characteristics, and fecal and subiliac lymph node Salmonella prevalence during a 140-d finishing period. Steers were allotted to 24 pens (n = 9 to 10 steers/pen) and assigned to one of two treatments (12 pens/treatment): no probiotic (CON) or 0.50 g·steer-1·d-1 of a Bacillus subtilis PB6 probiotic (CLOSTAT® 500, Kemin Industries, Des Moines, IA; CLO). Steers were transitioned to a 90% concentrate diet (DM basis) over 14-d. Steers were fed once daily at 0700 h; bunks were managed according to a slick bunk management. Fecal samples were collected on d 1, 28, 56, 112, and 140 from each pen (n = 5 steers/pen) via rectal palpation and composited by pen for determination of Salmonella prevalence. Upon harvest, subiliac lymph nodes were obtained from 60 steers in CON and 57 steers in CLO. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design; pen was the experimental unit; α of 0.05 determined significance. No differences were detected (P ≥ 0.25) between treatments for live or carcass-adjusted average daily gain, dry matter intake, gain efficiency, dietary NE utilization, nor calculated dietary NE content based upon performance. No differences were detected between treatments for any carcass traits (P ≥ 0.15). Salmonella was not recovered in any fecal samples except on d 112, where steers from CLO had a numerically lower (P = 0.17; 8.3 vs. 25.0%) incidence of fecal Salmonella compared to CON and on d 140 fecal, where Salmonella incidence did not differ (P = 0.34; 0.0 vs. 8.3%) for CON and CLO, respectively. Salmonella was not recovered in any subiliac lymph nodes. These data indicate that CLO did not influence growth performance or Salmonella prevalence.

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Carcass traits and consumer acceptability of striploin steaks from band-castrated, intratesticular zinc-injected, or sexually intact beef cattle1

Translational Animal Science ◽

10.1093/tas/txy093 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 295-303

Author(s):

Jase J Ball ◽

Elizabeth B Kegley ◽

Ty E Lawrence ◽

Shelby L Roberts ◽

Jeremy G Powell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Shear Force ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Block Design ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Rubber Band ◽

Experimental Unit ◽

Consumer Acceptability ◽

Overall Acceptability ◽

Beef Bulls ◽

Cooked Color

Abstract One hundred and eighty beef bulls (BW = 337 ± 10.9 kg) were blocked by BW (6 blocks) and assigned randomly to one of three treatments on day 0: 1) INJ; received 1 mL (100 mg Zn) of a Zn solution in each testis, 2) BAN; received blood-restrictive rubber band placed upon the dorsal aspect of the scrotum, and 3) BUL; bulls with testicles remaining intact. Cattle were grouped by weight block in a randomized complete block design (three treatment pens/block and 10 cattle/pen) and harvested by block on three separate dates when blocks reached similar BW and visual subcutaneous fat thickness depth. Striploins were removed from the left carcass sides, vacuum packaged and aged for 14 d, and then frozen at −20 °C. Frozen striploins were sliced into 2.54-cm-thick steaks and remained frozen until analyses. Steaks (n = 3/animal) were used to assess consumer acceptability via consumer taste panel (n = 152 panelists), Warner-Bratzler shear force, percentage cook loss, and cooked color values. Data were analyzed using mixed model procedures; pen was the experimental unit for all dependent variables. Hot carcass weights and LM area were greater (P < 0.01) for the INJ and BUL treatments compared with BAN. Mean yield grade did not differ between treatments (P = 0.12), although BAN carcasses had smaller LM area (P < 0.01) than BUL or INJ carcasses. Percentage of USDA Choice or better carcasses was greater (P < 0.01) for BAN than INJ and BUL treatments. Consumer panelists detected a difference in perceived tenderness; BAN steaks had greater (P = 0.02) tenderness scores than BUL steaks, whereas INJ steaks were intermediate. Panelists rated juiciness of BAN steaks greater (P < 0.01) than either BUL or INJ steaks. Panelists rated beef flavor greater (P = 0.01) for BAN and BUL steaks than INJ steaks. Overall acceptability was greater (P < 0.01) for BAN compared with INJ steaks, whereas BUL steaks were intermediate. Percentage cook loss of striploin steaks (P = 0.47) and Warner-Bratzler shear force values (P = 0.11) did not differ. Cooked color lightness (L*) and redness (a*) values were not affected (P ≥ 0.23) by treatment. Striploin steaks from BAN and BUL treatments had greater (P = 0.02) yellowness values (b*) than INJ steaks. The ratio of red-to-brown (630:580 nm) of cooked striploin steaks was greater (P = 0.05) for INJ than either BAN or BUL treatments. Carcass and palatability outcomes of INJ were more similar to BUL than BAN, suggesting limited efficacy of INJ in mature beef bulls at feedlot entry.

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PSIII-14 Performance differences between two groups of commercial pigs following experimental infection with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRS) virus 1-7-4

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz122.292 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 165-166

Author(s):

Erin Little ◽

Jenelle Dunkelberger ◽

Dan Hanson ◽

John Eggert ◽

Michael Gonda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Feed Intake ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Random Effect ◽

Experimental Unit ◽

Respiratory Syndrome Virus ◽

Standard Index ◽

Performance Differences ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv) is the costliest swine disease of North America. Vaccines and management alone have not been effective at controlling this disease and genetic selection may be a complimentary approach to controlling PRRSv-infection. The objective of this study was to estimate performance differences between two groups of pigs from the same commercial line following infection with PRRSv 1-7-4: 1) pigs sired by boars selected based on a standard index (STD), which emphasizes feed efficiency and carcass quality; and 2) pigs sired by boars selected based on an experimental index (EXP), with emphasis on feed intake, piglet vitality, and robustness. Pigs (n~730 per group) were housed in a commercial research wean-to-finish barn. Average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were recorded from birth-to-slaughter. At weaning, pigs were placed in pens by group and balanced by sex. To facilitate collection of feed intake data, the experimental unit was pen, with 27 pens representing each group. Four weeks post-wean, all pigs were experimentally infected with 2mL of 1-7-4 PRRSv at 3.5 logs of TCID50 per mL. Statistical analyses were performed using a linear mixed model with group (STD or EXP) as a fixed effect and block as a random effect. No significant difference was detected between groups for wean-to-finish or 0 to 42 days post-infection (dpi) ADG. The ADFI was 0.06 kg/day greater for the EXP group than the STD group from 0 to 42 dpi (P = 0.01). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was 0.03 (P = 0.03) less for the EXP group from wean-to-finish and 0 to 42 dpi, respectively. Pigs sired by boars selected using the experimental index showed no significant difference in ADG, but had greater ADFI post-challenge, while pigs sired by boars selected based on the standard index had significantly better FC.

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Multivariate linear mixed model enhanced the power of identifying genome-wide association to poplar tree heights in a randomized complete block design

G3 Genes|Genome|Genetics ◽

10.1093/g3journal/jkaa053 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yuhua Chen ◽

Hainan Wu ◽

Wenguo Yang ◽

Wei Zhao ◽

Chunfa Tong

Keyword(s):

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Block Design ◽

Tree Height ◽

Genome Wide Association ◽

Hybrid Population ◽

Time Points ◽

Genome Wide ◽

Randomized Complete Block Design ◽

Traditional Breeding

Abstract With the advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies, it is not difficult to extract tens of thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across many individuals in a fast and cheap way, making it possible to perform genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of quantitative traits in outbred forest trees. It is very valuable to apply traditional breeding experiments in GWAS for identifying genome variants associated to ecologically and economically important traits in Populus. Here, we reported a GWAS of tree height measured at multiple time points from a randomized complete block design (RCBD), which was established with clones from an F1 hybrid population of Populus deltoides and Populus simonii. A total of 22,670 SNPs across 172 clones in the RCBD were obtained with restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) technology. The multivariate mixed linear model was applied by incorporating the pedigree relationship matrix of individuals to test the association of each SNP to the tree heights over 8 time points. Consequently, 41 SNPs were identified significantly associated to the tree height under the p-value threshold determined by Bonferroni correction at the significant level of 0.01. These SNPs were distributed on all but 2 chromosomes (Chr02 and Chr18) and explained the phenotypic variance ranged from 0.26% to 2.64%, amounting to 63.68% in total. Comparison with previous mapping studies for poplar height as well as the candidate genes of these detected SNPs were also investigated. We therefore demonstrated that the application of multivariate linear mixed model to the longitudinal phenotypic data from the traditional breeding experimental design facilitated to identify far more genome-wide variants for tree height in poplar. The significant SNPs identified in this study would enhance understanding of molecular mechanism for growth traits and would accelerate marker-assisted breeding programs in Populus.

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Stability of Rice Mutant Lines By Linear Mixed Model And Suggestion A New Index Based For Yield Performance And Stability

10.21203/rs.3.rs-895572/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Peyman Sharifi ◽

Ali Akbar Ebadi ◽

Mohammad Taher Hallajian

Keyword(s):

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Block Design ◽

Weighted Average ◽

Principal Component ◽

Fars Province ◽

Yield Performance ◽

Rice Mutant ◽

Superior Genotypes ◽

Mutant Lines

Abstract Fourteen rice mutant lines with four cultivars were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications in three locations in Iran (Rasht, ChaparSar and Fars province) during two growing seasons (2014-2016). In addition, a new index namely as equivalent index of stability and performance (EISP) is suggested for simultaneous evaluation of yield performance and stability. The heat map of yield performance and WAASB (weighted average of absolute scores based on BLUP (best linear unbiased prediction)) identified G3, G9, G6, G12 and G5 as highly productive and stable genotypes. Based on the analysis by multi-trait stability index (MTSI) G7, G5 and G1 were selected as superior genotypes. The top five superior genotypes based on harmonic mean and of the relative performance of genotypic values (HMRPGV) were G5, G12, G7, G2 and G1. For verification of EISP, its value was calculated for some of multi and univariate stability indices and identified genotypes G5 and G12 as the best ones. Principal component analysis indicated yield positively correlated with HMGV, RPGV, HMRPGV, EIS2P EIbP and EIPiP. In conclusion, G12, G5 and G9 had a significant advantage over all genotypes and could undergo selection or cultivar introduction processes.

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Genetic Analysis of Yield and Quality Traits in Switchgrass Based on Population Crosses

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11112220 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (11) ◽

pp. 2220

Author(s):

Serge Edmé ◽

Rob Mitchell

Keyword(s):

Genetic Variation ◽

Combining Ability ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Ethanol Yield ◽

Lignin Content ◽

Block Design ◽

Likelihood Method ◽

Single Pair

Obtaining greater genetic gains, particularly for biomass yield, requires a good understanding of the gene action governing the inheritance of traits with economic importance in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). Individual genotypes from three different accessions were crossed in single-pair matings with reciprocals to assess the relative importance of additive to nonadditive genetic variation and the potential of using inter-ecotypic crosses to improve dry matter yield (DMY), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), lignin content (ADL and KL), and ethanol yield (ETOH). Crosses and four reference populations were planted in a randomized complete block design with eight replications of single family-rows plots, with five-plants each and 1 m spacings. A linear mixed model was applied as per the restricted maximum likelihood method, integrated with a pedigree tracing back to the original founders of these parental populations, and augmented with the designation of four genetic groups. Variation due to SCA (specific combining ability) was predominant for all traits, contributing from 20% to 57% of the total phenotypic variation and with Baker’s ratios (GCA/SCA) varying from 0.003 to 0.67. Heritability values calculated at the fullsib-family mean level were moderate to very high. Variation due to GCA (general combining ability) was detected with a lesser significance for DMY and ETOH. A reciprocal GCA effect was present in the form of maternal inheritance for DMY, suggesting the use of the highest biomass-yielding parent as female in inter-ecotypic breeding. Selecting and deploying fullsib families, deploying clonal hybrids, and adopting an introgression breeding approach are all possibilities available to switchgrass breeders to exploit the complementary genes from this germplasm and capitalize on the non-additive genetic variation present in these crosses.

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PSVI-5 Effect of probiotic supplementation on performance and intestinal integrity in weaned piglets

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab235.728 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 401-401

Author(s):

Illa Carla S Carvalho ◽

Bruno Alexander N Silva ◽

Elenice A Moraes ◽

Henrique G Brand ◽

Maria M Luspa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bacillus Subtilis ◽

Block Design ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Animal Health ◽

Daily Weight Gain ◽

Experimental Unit ◽

Phase 2 ◽

Feed Conversion ◽

Weaned Piglets ◽

Intestinal Integrity

Abstract Probiotics are being considered as an alternative means to reduce pathogen infection and improve animal health especially around the time of weaning. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of the use of a probiotic in diets for piglets on their performance and intestinal integrity during nursery phase. Thirty-six piglets (18 barrows and 18 females), weaned at 24 days of age were distributed in a randomized block design, with six repetitions per treatment (with or without addition of 50g/ton of the probiotic Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315, GutCare®, Evonik Industries) and each repetition with three pigs per experimental unit. During the experimental period, performance parameters evaluated were body weight (BW), daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion, average daily weight gain (ADG) and the intestinal integrity assessed via galactose absorption capacity. The performance data were submitted to the PDIFF option of the SAS and compared using the Tukey test. During phase 1 (24 to 31 days of age) the use of the probiotic tended (P = 0.07) to improve ADG (+76 g/ d) in comparison to control. As for phase 2 (32 to 39 days of age), 3 (40 to 53 days of age) and 4 (54 to 70 days of age) the use of the probiotic increased the ADFI (+118, +66 and +162 g/ d, respectively; P < 0.05) and ADG (+5 and +8%, respectively for phase 2 and 3; P < 0.05) compared to control. The use of the probiotic improved (P = 0.05) nursery end BW (+1.3 kg) and overall ADFI (+8%; P = 0.046). The intestinal integrity was not affected by treatments (P > 0.10) at any stage. In conclusion, the use of the probiotic Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315 in diets for weaned piglets can be used as a viable formulation strategy to improve performance and the intestinal health of the animals during nursery phase.

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