Benefits of yeast derived mannan-oligosacchride supplementation on piglet gut microbial profiles and health

Increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance is becoming a major public health concern and is linked to use of sub-therapeutic antibiotics in agriculture. Sub-therapeutic antibiotics have been used for years in swine production to mitigate diarrheal diseases observed at weaning. Thus, development of alternative nutritional strategies to minimize sub-therapeutic antibiotic use is vital. Mannan-oligosaccharides may be useful as a feed additive to mitigate post-weaning diarrheal diseases. Mannan-oligosaccharides are unique in that they are thought to function by stimulating the immune system to bind and remove pathogens. However, the effects of direct supplementation of mannan-oligosaccharides on piglet gut microbiota and health has not yet been explored. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of a yeast derived mannan-rich fraction on piglet gut microbial profiles and gut health. This research will directly benefit Alltech by measuring the health benefits of their mannan-oligosaccharide for pigs.

Faculty Supervisor:

Benjamin Willing

Student:

Janelle Fouhse

Partner:

Alltech

Discipline:

Food science

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

University of Alberta