Supplementing feed with reduces load in finishing pigs.

Background: Pigs are asymptomatic carriers of foodborne bacteria, such as and species, which can pose a risk to human health. New strategies to control bacteria burden before reaching the slaughterhouse are necessary. This study evaluated the effect of on performance parameters and on the burden of foodborne pathogens, that have subsequent implications on food quality and safety, in free-range finishing pigs at the slaughterhouse.

Methods: Pigs were randomly allocated and blocked by weight into control group (control diet) and treated group (control diet supplemented with ) 31 days before slaughter. Weight and average daily gain were recorded and changes in faecal microbiota were determined at the beginning and at the end of the study.

Results: No changes were observed in performance parameters. No statistically significant differences were observed when comparing between treated and control animals at the beginning or at the end of the study. However, a significant decrease was detected in the counts of species in treated animals between day 0 and day 31 (4.86-3.40 log colony-forming units/g; P=0.002).

Conclusion: This study indicates that supplementation with represents a useful approach to control species load in free-range finishing pigs before slaughter.