What pigs are fed and at which growth stage makes a difference in the swine gut microbiome, according to new research. University of Arkansas researchers completed a comprehensive longitudinal study that remarkably expands the understanding of the swine gut microbiome and addresses ecological questions:
- How does the swine gut microbiome change from birth to market across all the different growth stages?
- What are the key drivers shaping the swine gut microbiome during these stages?
Source: Feedstuffs, December 5, 2019. Link. The group concluded that the distinct stage-associated swine gut microbiome may be determined by the differences in diet and/or gut physiology at different growth stages. The results also emphasize the importance of optimizing stage-specific probiotics aimed at improving animal health and productivity.
INSIGHTS: This is fascinating research that supports variability in results from using prebiotics and probiotics. At first blush, it appears feeding pigs will get more complicated.