Journal of Applied Animal Nutrition

Table of Contents - Volume 1 - 2013  

PIGS

The efficacy of the probiotic feed additive Calsporin® (Bacillus subtilis C-3102) in weaned piglets: combined analysis of four different studies

T. Marubashia1 c1, M. I. Graciaa2, B. Vilàa3, V. Bontempoa4, S. K. Kritasa5 and M. Piskoríkováa6

a1 Calpis Co Ltd, 150-0022 Tokyo, Japan

a2 Imasde Agroalimentaria S.L., 28224 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain

a3 IRTA Mas Bové, 43120 Constantí, Spain

a4 VSA, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy

a5 Veterinary School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece

a6 Pen & Tec Consulting SL, 08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain

Summary

The efficacy of the probiotic feed product, Calsporin® (Bacillus subtilis C-3102) in weaned piglets was evaluated by statistical analysis of the combined results from four different experiments. The body weight, average daily gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and mortality data from these four experiments were tested for homogeneity before being pooled and analysed as a whole, with experiment being included as a blocking factor. Piglets fed diets supplemented with Calsporin® were significantly heavier (3.4%) at 43 days (P < 0.05), their feed intakes decreased by 2.1% and feed efficiency (FCR) improved by 3.2% between 15 and 43 days, although these latter differences were not significant. Over the entire study period (day 1 to 43), significant improvements in daily gain (4.8%) and feed efficiency (6.2%) were observed with Calsporin® supplementation (P < 0.05). The results demonstrated that Calsporin® at 30 mg/kg inclusion in commercial-type diets can improve zootechnical performance in weaned piglets.

(Received October 29 11)

(Accepted March 02 12)

Keywords

  • probiotic;
  • Calsporin®;
  • piglets;
  • performance

Correspondence:

c1 Corresponding author: feeddivision@calpis.co.jp

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