The effects of different doses of Clostridium butyricum supplementation on intestinal morphology, serum parameters, and gut microbiota in weaned piglets

Abstract

This study examined the impact of varying concentrations of Clostridium butyricum on growth, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, serum profiles, and gut microbiota in weaned piglets. A total of 210 healthy 34-day-old weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with an initial body weight of 8.89 ± 0.11 kg were randomly assigned to five groups (six replicates per group, seven piglets per replicate). The control group received a basal diet, while the experimental groups (T1-T4) received the basal diet supplemented with 2 × 10⁸, 5 × 10⁸, 1 × 10⁹, and 2 × 10⁹ CFU/kg of Clostridium butyricum, respectively. The trial lasted 28 days. The T4 group had higher apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and gross energy compared to the control grou (P < 0.05). Apparent nutrient digestibility in weaned piglets rose linearly and quadratically with Clostridium butyricum level (P < 0.05). Supplementation with Clostridium butyricum enhanced antioxidant activities including superoxide dismutase, catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione peroxidase levels while reducing malondialdehyde concentration (P < 0.05). In both linear and quadratic models, serum SOD activity in weaned piglets increased linearly, whereas CAT activity followed a quadratic pattern throughout the experiment (P < 0.05). It also improved immunoglobulin levels and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8 (P < 0.05). Additionally, the T1 group and the T4 group promoted the enrichment of norank_f__Butyricicoccaceae and Ruminococcus_gauvreauii_group, respectively (LDA >2, P < 0.05). In conclusion, Clostridium butyricum supplementation improves intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, immune status, and gut microbiota in weaned piglets.