Evaluation of zootechnical performance of pigs associated with diets based on microencapsulated probiotics with and without growth promoting antibiotics

Feed efficiency is a crucial parameter in pig production due to its economic and environmental impact. This trial evaluated feed efficiency in pre-fattening pigs subjected to two diets. Diet 1 (D1) was a commercial pelleted feed supplemented with growth-promoting antibiotics and microencapsulated probiotics (Fortcell FeedTM). Diet 2 (D2) was a commercial pelleted feed supplemented with the microencapsulated probiotics. A total of 280 piglets were randomly assigned into two groups with different diets, using four replicated pens per treatment, with five pigs per pen. Seven independent trials (replications) were done. Each replication lasted for 49 days with two phases, 1 (day 1 to 21) and 2 (day 22 to 49). Pigs were individually weighed at the end of each phase. Food consumption and rejection were recorded weekly to determine weight gain, feed conversion and average feed intake per pen. There was no difference in body weight between pigs fed with the two diets during phases 1 and 2. The average daily gain in phase 1 was 11% lower in animals that received D2 (0.27 kg for D1 vs 0.24 kg for D2; P<0.05). The consumption in phase 2 and overall consumption was higher in pigs fed D1 (P<0.05). Overall feed conversion ratio was not statistically different, but was numerically 9.5% lower in animals that received D2 in Phase 2 (1.43 kg for D1 vs 1.35 kg for D2). It was concluded that supplementation with microencapsulated probiotics provides a suitable option to replace antibiotics in pig production.