Advice on supporting the pig gut microbiome
© Tim Scrivener From probiotics to antioxidants and yeast-based solutions, there has been a rapid increase in products coming to market that are claimed to enhance piglet gut health.
These products are intended to boost the microbiome during the crucial first weeks of life.
While some show promise, gut health continues to depend on strong foundations of good colostrum management, careful weaning and attentive stockmanship.
See also:Â How pig data management can lead to small but crucial gains
The microbiome of the piglet starts to develop as soon as it leaves the uterine environment, explains Dr Mandy Nevel, head of animal health and welfare at the AHDB..
“Those first few hours are critical – before piglets have had any colostrum, they’re taking in bacteria from the environment, which establishes their baseline. You need those to be the good ones, not pathogens.”
Colostrum matters
Colostrum remains the foundation of a healthy pig. “It comes down to quantity, quality and timing,” Mandy stresses.
“Piglets need access quickly, it needs to be full of antibodies, and they need enough of it. That’s what gives them the best start.”
With larger litters, not every piglet gets that ideal beginning. That is where environment, hygiene and early nutrition become crucial.
“Clean pens mean fewer pathogens. Piglets mustn’t be starved or dehydrated, and early feeding needs to be carefully managed to avoid gut irritation,” she says.
The weaning period is often where challenges surface. Piglets face many stresses: a change in environment, diet and routine, all at once.
If a piglet fails to eat for a number of hours, that can irritate the gut and lead to post-weaning diarrhoea, she explains.
“The stockperson’s role at weaning is absolutely vital – I can’t stress that enough.”
Additional support
While good management provides the base, Mandy acknowledges that nutritional products and feed additives can offer valuable support.
“Some products undoubtedly have an impact, and we are seeing innovation coming through,” she says.
“But they’re not silver bullets. They work best when layered on top of excellent husbandry. Get the basics right first, then use products as an addition.”
Her advice to producers is to take a considered approach, look carefully at the data, and be wary of anything “claiming to cure everything”.
“Trialling products on your own system can help, but always do it alongside your vet.
“And remember, while we no longer allow routine antibiotics use, there are still times when antibiotics are the right tool to safeguard welfare – it’s about responsible use, not zero use,” Mandy says.
The key is striking a balance between innovation and husbandry, she adds.
“There are promising products out there, and I’d urge people to keep an open mind. But nothing replaces the dedication, attention to detail and care of good stockpeople. That’s what really pays dividends.”
What’s on the market?
Among the options  available to pig producers are the following:
Lallemand – Levucell SB
© Lallemand Animal Nutrition
What is it?
Levucell SB is a probiotic live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii CNCM I-1079), a strain specifically selected for monogastric animals such as pigs.
How does it work?
It acts through three key mechanisms:
- Microbiota balance: superior oxygen scavenging ability reduces oxygen in the gut to promote beneficial anaerobic bacteria; it also neutralises toxins from harmful bacteria such as E coli and Clostridioides difficile.
- Gut integrity: maintains healthy intestinal structure by supporting villi height and tight junctions, reducing leaky gut.
- Natural gut defences: modulates inflammatory responses to help piglets cope with stress.
When should it be fed?
It can be given from weaning and throughout the grower stage. It can also be fed to sows to improve colostrum quality, boosting maternal transfer of innate immunity to piglets.
How is it fed?
Levucell SB is mixed into pre-mixes for home mixing or pelleted feeds.
What benefits are claimed?
- Improved colostrum quality and piglet vitality
- Enhanced piglet growth and survival during lactation
- Support of gut microbiota and reduced digestive disorders post-weaning
- Helps reduce the use of antibiotics by maintaining good gut health, when used as part of a zinc-replacement programme
- Return on investment of 4:1Â based on piglet performance
Cost
Prices vary in feed or premix. Growers are advised to speak directly to their nutritionist but typically ÂŁ4-6/t of feed as a premix.Â
Precision Microbes – Prebiotic and Postbiotic
What is it?
A liquid, fermented probiotic and postbiotic supplement for piglets containing the live beneficial bacterium Enterococcus lactis NCIMB 10415.
The postbiotics are the metabolites produced by these bacteria, including short-chain fatty acids, enzymes, bacteriocins and enterocins.
How does it work?
The probiotic element introduces beneficial bacteria into the gut to help it compete better with pathogens.
The postbiotics have a more immediate impact by stabilising the gut lining, improving digestion and boosting immune function.
When should they be fed?
They are suitable for use from birth onwards, but can also be given during stress events such as weaning and transportation, or after a case of scouring to help restore gut balance.
How are they fed?
The probiotics and postbiotics are delivered through drinking water or feed.
What benefits are claimed?
Trials showed:
- Reduced scours by up to 80%
- Improved average daily gain by 16-18%
- Heavier weaning weights of more than 550g a pig
- Reduced antibiotics use, as fewer litters require treatments
- Better uniformity across litters and resilience during stress.
How much do they cost?
Price varies depending on distributor. Typical pricing is estimated at €20/litre (£17.26).
Tonisity – Tonisity Px
What is it?
Tonisity Px is claimed to be the world’s first isotonic protein drink for piglets, specifically formulated to nourish the intestinal cells (enterocytes) from as early as two days old.
This in turn improves both hydration and intestinal support.
How does it work?
It provides piglets with a blend of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and chloride, as well as glucose, amino acids, and other nutrients.
This nourishes the enterocytes, which enhances small intestinal villi growth, improves absorption, and can accelerate gut maturation. 
Studies demonstrate increased villus height, improving nutrient absorption, and intestinal mucosal thickness, as well as reduced proliferation of pathogens such as E coli, and enhanced gut integrity.
When should it be fed?
It can be fed from two days old to post-weaning.
How is it fed?
It is given to pigs as a liquid solution, mixed on farm.
What benefits are claimed?
Trials showed:
- Reduction in pre-weaning mortality by about 20%
- Increased weaning weights by 300g on average
- Improved villus height pre-weaning
- Reduced number of “smalls” by up to 40%
- Lower pre-weaning diarrhoea incidence by nearly 7%
- Improved feed intake and gut development for stronger post-weaning growth
- A 2:1 to 6:1 return on investment through improved survival and performance.
Cost
Prices vary depending on bag size (either 1kg or 5kg) and order volume. UK producers are advised to contact distributor Evolve Animal Health.