An evaluation of the effects of dietary mixed-species direct-fed microbial (probiotic) on growth performance, gas emissions, meat quality, nutrient digestibility, and fecal score in finishing pigs

This study examined the effects of mixed-species direct-fed microbial (DFM) on growth performance, gas emissions, meat quality, nutrient digestibility, and the fecal score of finishing pigs. A total of 100 crossbred finishing pigs ((Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc) weighing 58.97 ± 3.12 kg were randomly assigned to one of two diets (5 pigs per pen (2 barrows and 3 gilts); 50 pigs per treatment) in an 8-week trial. Dietary treatments comprised of the basal diet without probiotics control or basal diet + (0.1%) mixed probiotics (DFM). Mixed DFM supplementation showed a tendency to increase ( P = 0.093) the body weight of finishing pigs during day 56. Comparing mixed DFM with the control diet, mixed probiotics significantly improved average daily gain (ADG) during weeks 5–8 ( P = 0.024) and overall ( P = 0.013). DFM-supplemented diets reduced the emission of CH 4 and NH 3 significantly at weeks 4 and 8 compared with control. DFM supplementation did not affect H 2 S, methyl mercaptans, acetic acid, or CO 2 emissions. Mixed DFM supplementation showed a tendency to increase ( P = 0.07) nitrogen digestibility. Pigs receiving mixed DFM had improved ADG and reduced NH 3 and CH 4 emissions without affecting meat quality, nutrient digestibility, intestinal microbes, and fecal score.