Effect of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial feed supplement on growth performance and pen cleaning characteristics of growing-finishing pigs

Abstract

A direct-fed microbial (DFM) based on a combination of Bacillus organisms specifically selected to increase the manure decomposition process was evaluated to determine its efficacy for improving growth performance and manure dissolution time. Three experiments involving 336 crossbred barrows and gilts were conducted to determine the effect of the Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial on growth performance and pen cleaning time. In each experiment, 2 dietary treatments (0 and 0.05% DFM) were fed during the growing-finishing period throughout the experiment, such that the DFM provided 1.47 x 10(8) cfu of Bacillus organisms per gram of supplement. Data from the 3 experiments were combined for analysis, such that there were 28 pens representing each of the 2 treatments. Pigs were weighed and feed intake was determined at the initiation and termination of each phase (starter, grower, and finisher). At the end of Exp. 1 and 3, pen cleaning time was determined by measuring the time required for each pen to be scraped and washed with a high-pressure sprayer. Additionally, 2 solid manure mat samples weighing approximately 4 g each were collected from solid manure buildup in each pen (16 pens/treatment), and the time required to completely disperse each manure mat sample was determined. Gain:feed improved (P < 0.05) in pigs fed Bacillus compared with the control diet during the finisher phase and throughout the combined growing-finishing period. The time required to dissolve the manure mat was reduced (P < 0.01) in samples collected from pens containing pigs fed Bacillus compared with samples from control pens. An additional evaluation was conducted in a commercial swine production facility using statistical process control analysis. Statistical process control analysis determined that supplementation with Bacillus increased the expected mean for ADG and decreased the expected mean for death loss percentage. Supplementation with a DFM composed of specifically selected Bacillus organisms improved G:F and decreased the time required to disperse a swine manure mat sample in a controlled study conducted at swine research facilities. Furthermore, when evaluated in a commercial swine production facility, the Bacillus-based DFM improved ADG and reduced mortality of pigs during the growing-finishing period.

Effect of Bacillus spp. direct-fed microbial on slurry characteristics and gaseous emissions in growing pigs fed with high fibre-based diets

“…A clear dose-effect was observed in the reduction of organic matter from 17% to 41% in mass terms (11% to 32% in COD units), when the additive was supplemented at 250 mg/kg (T2) and 500 mg/kg (T3), respectively. These results are in agreement with a previous study, in which dietary supplementation with a combination of B. lichenformis and B. subtilis strains improved feed efficiency in growing pigs and decreased the swine manure viscosity and content of solids (Davis et al, 2008). Here, the most important reduction in pig slurry organic matter concerns proteins, from 20% in T2 to 46% in T3, either in mass and COD units, when compared with the control T1 (Table 2).…”

“…There are growing numbers of reports which document survival and germination of Bacillus spores within the digestive tract (Nicholson, 2002). Due to enhanced enzyme contact, less incidence of foaming and lower accumulation of solids, fibre-bound nitrogen, total protein and fats are expected in the manure pit (Davis et al, 2008). Bacillus spp.…”

The nasopharyngeal microbiota of feedlot cattle that develop bovine respiratory disease

“…Species within Bacillaceae have also been shown to improve animal health. For example, Bacillus subtilis as a direct fed microbial has been shown to increase weight gain and feed conversion rates in broiler chickens (Molnar et al, 2011), improve average daily gain while reducing the mortalities of pigs during the growing-finishing period (Davis et al, 2008), and enhance immune function in calves (Sun et al, 2010) and broiler chickens Molnár et al (2011). Certain Bacillus spp.…”

Prebiotic and Probiotic Approaches to Improving Food Safety on the Farm and Their Implications on Human Health

“…Puphan et al [48] reported a reduction in fecal ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, both highly noxious gases, from swine that were supplemented orally with a combination of B. subtilis and B. amyloliquefaciens. Furthermore, when a combination of B. subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis was administered to growing pigs, manure from the pens dispersed more quickly, meaning that pens could be cleaned and manure solubilized more quickly for a less noxious waste product [60]. These data indicate that a positive impact on humans that goes far beyond the direct health/non-health dichotomy can be mediated by probiotics.…”