The addition of inulin and/or a probiotic to feed mixtures for pigs can lead to changes in microflora composition
and production of short-chain organic acids (SCFA) in the final segment of the digestive tract. The aim of the
study was to determine the effect of an inulin and/or a probiotic supplement on Enterobacteriaceae taxa, the
susceptibility of the bacteria to six antibiotics, and SCFA content in the cecum and colon, as well as changes in
the histological structure of the intestines. The experiment was conducted on 80 fattening pigs with an initial
body weight of 30.0 ± 0.5 kg, divided into 4 groups: control (I-C) and three experimental ones, fed the diets either
with a probiotic (group II-P), inulin (III-I) or a both additives (group IV-PI). The animals were given ad libitum
access to grower (30-70 kg) and finisher (71-115 kg) feed mixtures. During slaughter, from 8 pigs of each group,
samples of contents and tissue from the cecum and colon were collected for laboratory analysis. The results
of the study indicate differences in the expression of antibiotic resistance in the Enterobacteriaceae isolates
depending on the type of dietary supplement. The inulin supplement caused changes in SCFA concentration,
mainly an increase in the concentration of propionic and butyric acid, and also increased the thickness of the
muscular layer.
The synbiotic (mixture of prebiotics and probiotics) was confirmed to have a beneficial effect on the
gastrointestinal microbiome, which may be of significance in preventing the spread of Enterobacteriaceae
infections in pigs.