Abstract

The effects of Bacillus subtilis C-3102 (C-3102) on fecal microflora of sows and gilts were studied. Sows and gilts were fed an experimental diet containing C-3102 (10⁷cfu/g) for 3 weeks. After the 3 weeks test period, the number of Bifidobacterium significantly (P<0.05) increased, whereas Streptococcus significantly (P<0.01) decreased and the detected rate of Clostridium perfringens decreased in sow feces. In gilts, the number of Bifidobacterium (P<0.01) and Lactobacillus (P<0.01) significantly increased, whereas the number of Streptococcus (P<0.01) and the detected rate of Clostridium perfringens (P<0.05) significantly decreased. The change in fecal microflora was more evident in gilts than sows. The diarrheal rate of piglets until 10 days-old was significantly reduced and the mortality rate until 25 days-old tended to be lower, when their sows were fed with a diet containing C-3102 for 6 months. In another farm, sows were fed an experiment diet containing C-3102 (10⁷cfu/g) for 3 weeks. After the 3 weeks test period, the number of Lactobacillus significantly (P<0.05) increased, whereas Streptococcus (P<0.05), Enterobacteriaceae (P<0.05), C. perfringens (P<0.05) and Bacteroidaceae (P<0.05) significantly decreased in sows feces. Furthermore, the water content in the faces significantly (P<0.05) increased. A significant positive correlation between the levels of Bifidbacterium (P<0.01), Lactobacillus (P<0.05) and fecal water content was observed, and a significant negative correlation between Enterobacteriaceae (P<0.05), C. perfringens(P<0.05) and fecal water content existed. These results suggested that ingestion of C-3102 can significantly improve the fecal condition of sows and gilts. Furthermore, intake of C-3102 by the sows can decrease the occurrence of diarrhea among newborn piglets.