Benefi ts and limitations of the use of probiotics in piglets nutrition: review and critical analysis

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Ramalho Afonso
Bruno Lapo Utembergue
Augusto Hauber Gameiro
Aníbal de Sant’Anna Moretti

Abstract

The piglets’ weaning is a period of hard challenge, with hazards to animal performance, because they are subject to numerous stress factors. The reduction of immunity can cause intestinal imbalance, making the animals more susceptible to enteric pathogens, with consequent performance loss. The use of antibiotics in animal feed, especially in pigs and poultry, has aroused extensive discussion in various segments of the livestock production, because of the restrictions imposed by the European Community. On the other hand, the use of probiotics as growth promoters additives in intensive production systems presents a world-wide trend of growth, although the scientifi c studies showing contradictory results. This article aims to systematize information on the use of probiotics in piglets.

Article Details

How to Cite
AFONSO, R.; UTEMBERGUE, B. L.; GAMEIRO, A. H.; MORETTI, A. DE S. Benefi ts and limitations of the use of probiotics in piglets nutrition: review and critical analysis. Revista de Educação Continuada em Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, v. 11, n. 2, p. 48-53, 1 Jul. 2013.
Section
ANIMAL PRODUCTION