160 Effects of Bacillus Licheniformis PF9 on Growth, Nutrient Absorption, gut Barrier Integrity, Immunity, and Intestinal Microbiota of Weaned Piglets Challenged with Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli F4

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Bacillus licheniformis PF9 on growth performance and gut health weaned piglets challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F4. Thirty-two susceptible ETEC F4 were randomly allocated 4 treatments 1) NNC, basal diet non-challenged; 2) NC, diet; 3) PC, + 80 mg·kg-1 Avilamycin; 4) PF9, 109 cfu/kg PF9. decreased average daily gain increased feed conversion ratio NC group. An increase was found in FCR PC group during post-challenge period (P < 0.05). induced severity diarrhea at 3-, 36- 40-hours post-inoculum (hpi) relieved 3 hpi reduced duodenal, jejunal ileal villus height A decrease duodenal relative mRNA level Na+-glucose cotransporter 1 Compared NNC groups, levels Aminopeptidase N, Occludin, Zonula occludens-1, SGLT1 excitatory amino acid transporter showed a lower abundance Bacteroidetes colon than from The non-challenged had higher Firmicutes ileum piglets, meanwhile, Proteobacteria provides evidence that can be potential antibiotics alternative improve piglets.