Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine

This systematic review and meta-analysis scrutinize the use of eubiotics and the response of piglets, aiming to elucidate their impact on growth and health parameters in swine production. A comprehensive literature search identified studies meeting predefined criteria, encompassing various eubiotics interventions such as probiotics and prebiotics. The meta-analysis revealed a consistent and positive effect of eubiotics on growth parameters, with piglets receiving interventions exhibiting enhanced weight gain and improved feed conversion efficiency compared to control groups. Concurrently, eubiotics demonstrated a substantial impact on immune responses, manifesting as increased antibody production and heightened resistance to infections. Subgroup analyses provided nuanced insights, identifying specific probiotic strains, optimal dosages, and intervention durations that yielded pronounced effects on piglet health. Despite acknowledging variability among studies, sensitivity analyses underscored the robustness of the findings. The outcomes of this study contribute valuable evidence to the optimization of Eubiotics interventions in piglet rearing, offering insights that extend beyond growth promotion to encompass disease resilience and overall swine health. These findings hold implications for sustainable and economically viable swine production practices, aligning with the global endeavour to reduce reliance on antibiotics and enhance the efficiency of livestock systems. The nuanced understanding gained from subgroup and sensitivity analyses provides a foundation for evidence-based decision-making, guiding practitioners and researchers in tailoring eubiotics strategies to specific contexts. In navigating the complexities of eubiotics use in piglet rearing, this study serves as a pivotal resource for advancing the dialogue on resilient and environmentally conscious swine production. Eubiotics are a promising alternative to antibiotics in piglet nutrition, leading to more sustainable and better livestock farming practices. However, the review observed variability in study designs, eubiotic formulations, and outcomes, indicating the need for well-designed future studies to optimize dietary concentrations and long-term effects on productivity.