Toward commercialization of a novel fermentation product for enhancing intestine development and productivity of early-weaned pigs

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Digestive upsets and growth reductions of newly-weaned pigs are key concerns in pig management. Establishing an intestinal development-enhancing diet will help to optimize pig performance at this critical stage. To this end, we have generated epidermal growth factor (EGF) - expressing L. lactis, and Pichia pastoris via a bioengineering approach. Previous trials in our laboratory have shown that EGF-producing L. lactis enhanced intestinal development and overall animal growth in both mice and pigs. Moreover, oral dosing of the fermentation product (after removal of the genetically modified microorganisms ) also increased intestinal development and growth of early-weaned pigs. To further this technology to commercial application, we plan to better characterize the GMO-free fermentation product, examine stability during feed processing, establish a dose-response relationship in newly-weaned piglets, and to validate the effectiveness of the fermentation product in an environment that represents commercial practices. In addition, we will perform evaluations in vitro and in vivo to determine the safety of application of the fermentation product. It is anticipated that the end product will offer a novel line of feed additives for commercial pork production, while reducing post-weaning growth lag and reliance on use of antibiotics and animal proteins in practical pig diets.