Pediococcus pentosaceus RC007 and Saccharomyces boulardii RC009 as antibiotic alternatives for gut health in post-weaning pigs.

This study evaluates the probiotic Pediococcus pentosaceus RC007 alone and combined with Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii RC009 as in-feed additives to replace non-therapeutic antibiotics in post-weaning pigs. Conducted from 21 to 56 days of age, the trial compared a basal diet (control) with diets supplemented by P. pentosaceus RC007 alone or combined with S. boulardii RC009, assessing growth performance, health indicators, carcass quality, and gut microbiota composition. Results showed that pigs receiving the probiotic combination had improved carcass weight, reduced lumbar fat thickness, better health scores (notably lower rhinitis and pneumonia), and increased gut microbial diversity with a decrease in potentially harmful Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria. These findings suggest that the combination of P. pentosaceus RC007 and S. boulardii RC009 may serve as an effective alternative to antibiotics for enhancing pig production and gut health, supporting more sustainable livestock practices.