The Effect of Bacillus licheniformis-Fermented Products and Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome on Litter Performance Traits, Milk Composition, and Fecal Microbiota in Sows

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Supplementation of probiotics can shape the gut microbiota of sows and further influence their offspring’s gut microbiota. Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) is a common disease in sows worldwide. Sows with PDS have depressed milk production and increased piglet mortality. The bacterial pathogen is an important factor in the etiology of PDS. Bacillus licheniformis-fermented products (BLFP) containing probiotics and antimicrobial substances can prevent disease and improve growth performance in broilers and weaning piglets. However, little is known about the effect of BLFP, PDS, and interaction on litter performance traits, milk composition, and fecal microbiota in sows. In this study, the effects of BLFP and PDS on sows were evaluated. Results show that BLFP supplementation in the diet of sows improves the piglet body weight at weaning. Dietary supplementation of BLFP or PDS differentially regulates the fecal microbiota of sows. ABSTRACT: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Bacillus licheniformis-fermented products (BLFP) and postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) on litter performance traits, milk composition, and fecal microbiota in sows in a commercial farrow to finish pig farm. Fifty multiparous cross-bred pregnant sows were randomly assigned to two groups in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments comprised a basal diet (pregnancy and nursery diet) as control and basal diet supplemented with 1.5 g/kg of BLFP. Sows with PDS in the two groups were further verified 12 h post-partum. Results show that the piglet body weight at weaning was increased in sows fed the BLFP compared to those fed the control diet. The milk fat content of prepartum sows was reduced in sows fed the BLFP. Postpartum sows with PDS had increased milk solid content compared with healthy sows. Microbial composition and species relative abundance analysis indicated distinct bacterial clusters between the groups. The abundance of the family Prevotellaceae in the feces decreased in sows with PDS. BLFP increased the average abundance of the genus (Eubacterium) coprostanoligenes group in feces of sows. These findings demonstrate that BLFP in the diet of sows can improve the piglet body weight at weaning and modulate the fecal microbiota of sows. PDS also has an impact on milk composition and fecal microbiota in sows.