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Effects of Host-Specific Multi-Lactic Acid Bacterial Probiotics on Performance, Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, and Gut Microbiome in Fattening Pigs
Author(s)
Sahatsanon, Katatikarn
Chaweewan, Kamon
Sringarm, Korawan
Arjin, Chaiwat
Hnokaew, Patipan
Satsook, Apinya
Saman, Premsuda
Kim, Hyun Wook
Busayakanit, Pasin
Adeyemi, Kazeem Dauda
Date Issued
April 1, 2026
Type
Article
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of a host-specific multi-lactic acid bacterial (MLAB) probiotic and sex on performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and gut microbiota in fattening pigs. Thirty-two crossbred pigs (10 ± 0.80 weeks; 23.43 ± 0.17 kg) were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial design with diet (control or MLAB probiotics) and sex (barrow or female). The MLAB supplement consisted of seven lactic acid bacterial strains mixed in equal proportions (≈14.3% each)—Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus reuteri, Weissella cibaria, Lactobacillus paraplantarum, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus pentosus, and Pediococcus pentosaceus—administered at 1 × 109 CFU/kg feed for 12 weeks. MLAB probiotic supplementation reduced bone proportion while increasing skin and fat content (p < 0.05), with a treatment × sex interaction for loin eye area (p < 0.05). Meat quality improved in the MLAB group, showing higher ultimate pH and lower cooking loss (p < 0.05), indicating improved water-holding capacity. Female pigs exhibited higher early postmortem pH and protein content (p < 0.05). Microbiome analysis revealed increased abundances of Oxalobacteraceae and Paludibacteraceae and reduced Clostridium sensu stricto 6 (p < 0.05). These results suggest that host-adapted probiotics may support gut microbial balance and improve certain pork quality traits.
Citation
Veterinary Sciences, 13(4), 2026