Water kefir for weaned piglets: A pilot study on its farm‐scale production, its palatability and its effects on growth performance

• DOI: 10.1002/jsf2.22
• Publication Date: 2021-11-06T07:27:52Z
• Authors: Isabelle D. M. Ga...; Michael Kreuzer
• Keywords: Palatability; Kefir

Abstract BACKGROUND Water kefir is a beverage with potential benefits for weaned piglets, including increasing feed intake and being source of probiotics organic acids. However, experimental confirmation this lacking. The aim pilot experiment was to develop method producing delivering water piglets at farm scale, assess its palatability identify side effects in varying weight. RESULTS described here applicable practice, as it could produce >50 L per day little investment time. lactic acid concentration pH the remained stable between batches, while acetic more variable. Piglets consumed total quantity offered, which represented about 1 piglet day. No clinical signs disease were observed requiring medication administration piglets. trend reduced growth when especially lighter CONCLUSIONS In addition applicability on farms, production facilitates experiments young livestock under farm‐scale conditions. health‐promoting may be increased by elevating nutrient supply culture medium. critical issue identified that would prevent distribution reason toward whether reversed situations greater pressure remain unclear.