A new probiotic strain called Bacillus subtilis 87Y significantly improved the health of young piglets during weaning by boosting their natural defense systems and protecting their livers from stress-related damage. In a study of 384 piglets, those receiving the probiotic had higher levels of protective compounds in their blood and tissues, lower levels of harmful oxidative damage, and better liver function compared to piglets receiving no additives. The probiotic performed as well as or better than the standard zinc oxide additive currently used in farming.
Weaning is a stressful time for young piglets, and their bodies need extra support to stay healthy. Researchers tested a new probiotic called Bacillus subtilis 87Y on 384 piglets to see if it could help protect their livers and reduce harmful stress in their bodies. According to Gram Research analysis, the probiotic worked as well as or better than traditional additives at boosting the piglets’ natural defense systems and keeping their livers functioning properly. The findings suggest this probiotic could be a useful tool for farmers to keep young pigs healthier during the vulnerable weaning period.
Key Statistics
A 2026 study of 384 piglets published in the Journal of Veterinary Research found that Bacillus subtilis 87Y increased antioxidant defense compounds including catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione while reducing oxidative damage markers malondialdehyde and lipid hydroperoxides compared to piglets receiving no additives.
Research on 384 weaning piglets showed that the pure probiotic form of Bacillus subtilis 87Y produced effects equal to or stronger than the standard zinc oxide additive for improving liver enzyme activities and metabolic markers.
A 2026 animal study found that Bacillus subtilis 87Y supplementation improved redox status and liver function in peri-weaning piglets with efficacy largely independent of whether the probiotic was delivered as a pure culture or fermented in a plant-based matrix.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a new type of beneficial bacteria called Bacillus subtilis 87Y could help young piglets stay healthy and protect their livers during the stressful weaning period when they stop drinking milk.
- Who participated: 384 young piglets (a mix of Yorkshire and Danish Landrace breeds) that were 28 days old at the start of the study. The piglets were divided into four groups receiving different types of feed additives or no additives.
- Key finding: Piglets that received the Bacillus subtilis 87Y probiotic had stronger natural defense systems in their blood and tissues, with less harmful oxidative damage compared to piglets that received no additives. The probiotic performed as well as or better than the standard zinc oxide additive currently used by farmers.
- What it means for you: This research suggests that probiotics like Bacillus subtilis 87Y could help farmers keep young pigs healthier during weaning without relying on traditional additives. However, these findings are from animal studies and would need further research before being applied to human nutrition.
The Research Details
Researchers divided 384 young piglets into four groups. One group received standard farm additives including zinc oxide (the current industry standard). A second group received no additives at all. A third group received fermented rapeseed meal, a plant-based supplement. The fourth group received the new Bacillus subtilis 87Y probiotic. All piglets were fed their assigned diets for several weeks during the critical weaning period.
The researchers collected blood samples from piglets in each group to measure markers of oxidative stress (harmful chemical reactions in the body) and liver function. They also examined liver and intestinal tissue samples after the piglets were humanely euthanized to look for signs of damage and inflammation.
This approach allowed researchers to compare how well each dietary strategy protected the piglets’ bodies during a naturally stressful time. By measuring multiple markers of health, they could see whether the probiotic was truly beneficial or just appeared to help in one narrow measure.
Weaning is one of the most challenging times in a piglet’s life. Young animals experience stress, changes in diet, and increased risk of illness. Understanding which dietary strategies best support their health during this period helps farmers reduce disease and improve animal welfare. This research approach is important because it measures actual biological markers of health rather than just observing whether piglets got sick, providing stronger evidence that the probiotic truly protects the body.
This study was conducted by veterinary researchers and published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning other experts reviewed the work before publication. The sample size of 384 piglets is reasonably large for this type of animal research. The researchers measured multiple health markers rather than relying on a single outcome, which strengthens confidence in the findings. However, this is an animal study, so results may not directly apply to other species. The study was conducted in a controlled farm setting, which may not reflect all real-world farming conditions.
What the Results Show
Piglets receiving the Bacillus subtilis 87Y probiotic showed significantly stronger antioxidant defenses compared to piglets receiving no additives. Specifically, the probiotic increased levels of three key protective compounds in the blood: catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione. These compounds act like the body’s natural shield against harmful oxidative stress, which is a type of cellular damage that occurs during stressful periods like weaning.
At the same time, the probiotic reduced markers of oxidative damage in both blood and tissue samples. Two key damage markers, malondialdehyde and lipid hydroperoxides, were significantly lower in piglets receiving the probiotic. This means the probiotic not only boosted the body’s defenses but also reduced actual cellular damage.
The probiotic also improved liver function. Liver enzyme activities shifted in favorable directions, suggesting the liver was working more efficiently and experiencing less stress. Additionally, the probiotic improved certain fat metabolism markers, indicating better overall metabolic balance during this critical growth period.
Importantly, the pure probiotic form of Bacillus subtilis performed as well as or better than the fermented rapeseed meal version and matched or exceeded the performance of the standard zinc oxide additive currently used in farming.
Histopathology results, which involved examining tissue samples under a microscope, showed that piglets receiving the probiotic had healthier liver and intestinal tissue compared to piglets receiving no additives. The tissue samples revealed less inflammation and damage in these organs. The fermented rapeseed meal also produced benefits, though the pure probiotic form was generally more effective. These tissue-level findings support the blood test results and suggest the probiotic protects organs at a fundamental biological level.
Previous research has shown that oxidative stress during weaning can harm piglet health and growth. This study confirms that dietary interventions can effectively reduce this stress. The finding that Bacillus subtilis 87Y performed as well as or better than zinc oxide is significant because zinc oxide is the current industry standard. However, zinc oxide has raised environmental and regulatory concerns in some regions, so finding an effective alternative is valuable. The results align with growing evidence that probiotics can support animal health, though this particular strain and delivery method appear to be novel.
This study was conducted only in piglets, so the results may not apply to other animals or humans. The study measured health markers in blood and tissue but did not track long-term outcomes like growth rates or disease incidence over months or years. The piglets were raised in a controlled research setting, which may differ from typical farm conditions. The study did not examine whether the benefits of the probiotic persist after piglets are weaned and moved to different diets. Additionally, the mechanism by which Bacillus subtilis 87Y produces these benefits was not fully explored, so researchers cannot yet explain exactly how it works.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, Bacillus subtilis 87Y shows promise as a feed additive for young piglets during weaning. The evidence is moderately strong that it improves antioxidant defenses and liver function. Farmers considering this probiotic should note that it performed as well as the current standard additive (zinc oxide) and may offer advantages in regions where zinc oxide is being phased out. However, this is a single study in one animal species, so additional research in different farm settings would strengthen confidence in these findings. Farmers should consult with veterinarians before making changes to feeding programs.
This research is most relevant to pig farmers, veterinarians who work with swine, and animal feed manufacturers. It may also interest researchers studying probiotics and animal nutrition. Pet owners and people interested in human nutrition should note that this is animal research and does not directly apply to human health, though it contributes to the broader understanding of how probiotics work.
In this study, researchers measured health markers after several weeks of feeding the probiotic during the peri-weaning period. Farmers using this probiotic would likely need to feed it for at least several weeks to see measurable improvements in piglet health. Long-term benefits beyond the weaning period are unknown based on this research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bacillus subtilis and how does it help young animals during weaning?
Bacillus subtilis is a beneficial bacteria that acts as a probiotic, supporting the body’s natural defense systems. During weaning, young piglets experience oxidative stress, a type of cellular damage. The probiotic boosts protective compounds like catalase and glutathione while reducing harmful damage markers, helping the liver and digestive system function better during this stressful transition.
Is this probiotic better than zinc oxide for piglets?
In this study, Bacillus subtilis 87Y performed as well as or better than zinc oxide, the current standard additive. The probiotic matched or exceeded zinc oxide’s effectiveness at improving antioxidant defenses and liver function. This is significant because zinc oxide is being phased out in some regions due to environmental concerns.
Can this probiotic be used in other animals or humans?
This research was conducted only in piglets, so results cannot be directly applied to other species or humans without additional studies. While probiotics generally show promise across different animals, each species and strain requires separate research to confirm safety and effectiveness.
How long does it take to see benefits from this probiotic?
In this study, researchers measured health improvements after several weeks of feeding the probiotic during the weaning period. Farmers would likely need to feed it for at least several weeks to observe measurable changes in piglet health and growth, though the exact timeline may vary depending on farm conditions.
Does the form of the probiotic matter, pure or fermented?
According to this research, the pure probiotic form of Bacillus subtilis 87Y worked as well as the fermented rapeseed meal version for most health markers. For some specific measures, the pure form was actually more effective, suggesting the delivery form does not significantly impact the probiotic’s benefits.
Want to Apply This Research?
- For farmers using livestock management apps, track weekly measurements of piglet weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, and health incidents (illness or mortality) in groups receiving the probiotic versus control groups. Compare these metrics over 4 to 8 weeks during the weaning period.
- Farmers could implement a trial period using Bacillus subtilis 87Y in one group of piglets while maintaining current practices in another group, then compare health outcomes and costs. This allows direct comparison before committing to a full dietary change.
- Establish a baseline of current health metrics (growth rates, disease incidence, feed costs) before introducing the probiotic. Monitor the same metrics weekly during the trial period and for several weeks after weaning to determine whether benefits persist. Track both direct health measures and economic outcomes like feed cost per pound of growth.
This research was conducted in piglets and may not apply to other animals or humans. These findings are from a single study and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Farmers considering dietary changes for livestock should consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist before implementation. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice. Always follow local regulations regarding feed additives and animal care.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.