The Effect of a Bacillus Subtilis-Based Direct-Fed Microbial Feed Additive on the Lactation Performance of Sows and Their Offspring

Two experiments were completed to quantify the effect of a Bacillus subtilis-based direct-fed microbial feed additive (DFM) on lactation performance of sows and their piglets. In both experiments, multiparous sows (PIC C29 & 1050 genetic lines) were randomly allotted to one of two dietary treatments within breeding/farrowing group, genetic line, and parity (replicate). Treatments included a control diet devoid of DFM and the control diet supplemented with DFM (Visano™ Sow, United Animal Health, Inc.) at 0.05% of complete feed. Experimental gestation diets were fed for a minimum of 6 wk prior to the start of feeding experimental lactation diets. Experimental diets were formulated to contain adequate amounts of all nutrients, and consisted of corn, SBM, and corn DDGS at 30 and 15% in gestation and lactation, respectively. Sows were weighed upon entry and exit of the farrowing room, and total feed disappearance was calculated as the product of the total amount of feed provided to the sow and the lactation length (mean 20 d in both experiments). Litters were standardized to a common size within 24 h of birth, and piglet body weights were recorded at 24 h post-farrow and at weaning. Data in each experiment were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with the fixed effect of treatment and random effect of replicate. In Exp 1 (60 sows/trt, 1.6 avg. parity), supplementation of DFM resulted in higher (P < 0.001) lactation feed intakes (6.5 vs 5.8 kg/d) and heavier (P < 0.10) piglet wean weights (5.9 vs 5.7 kg). In Exp 2 (168 sows/trt, 2.0 avg. parity), lactation feed intakes were higher (6.3 vs 6.0 kg/d; P < 0.05) and lactation weight losses were reduced (19.9 vs 26.9 kg; P < 0.05) in sows fed DFM-supplemented diets. Dietary supplementation of DFM effected 0.2-kg heavier (5.9 vs 5.7 kg; P < 0.10) piglet wean weights. These data show that dietary supplementation of this Bacillus-based DFM formulation was effective for increasing lactation feed intake, reducing sow body weight loss, and increasing piglet wean weights.