Effect of live yeast on growth performance, intestinal metabolites and microbiome of weaned piglets

Intestinal bacterial microbiome is commonly investigated, while yeasts in the porcine gut are largely unexplored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to discover whether K. slooffiae have an impact on growth performance, intestinal metabolites and microbiome of weaned piglets. Total of 48 German Landrace pigs were weaned at 27/28 day of age and grouped into 4 treatment groups (TG). During the 5-week experiment, piglets had ad libitum assess to a diet and water. On d5, d6 and d7 post weaning, pigs were orally supplemented in 1st TG 3x placebo (3Pl), in 2nd TG 1x K. slooffiae (5.5 x 108 CFU 5 mL-1) + 2x placebo (1Ks), in 3rd TG 2x K. slooffiae + 1x placebo (2Ks) and in 4th TG 3x K. slooffiae (3Ks). Faecal samples collected on day 5, 6, 7, 8, 14, 21 and 28 were analysed on volatile fatty acids (VFA), dry matter (DM), NH3; and pH was measured. There were no significant differences in the incidence of diarrhoea, body weight, pH, faeces DM, ADG and ADFI between TG. Analysis of GS-FLX pyrosequencing data revealed that K. slooffiae could significantly affect the composition of microbiome and due to this “yeast-bacteria” relationship produces more VFA and NH3. K. slooffiae might be of significant importance for pigs, especially in the critical weaning period and play role in the porcine digestive system.