Gut microbiome modifications when removing in-feed antibiotics from the prophylaxis of post-weaning diarrhea in piglets. Gut microbiome modifications over time when removing in-feed antibiotics from the prophylaxis of post-weaning diarrhea in piglets

Post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) is among the most menacing threats to the pig industry worldwide and causes relevant economic losses due to early mortality, weight loss, slow growth and treatment costs. Traditional strategies to control PWD are centred on antibiotics added to the diet for weaning piglets. However, concerns on antibiotic resistance in livestock and the potential spread to humans suggest the exploration of alternative prophylactic approaches, like the use of essential oils to replace antibiotics in feed. The effect of feed supplementation with essential oils on the gut microbiome of piglets is investigated in this study.