Os objetivos foram avaliar os efeitos da adição de diferentes concentrações de probiótico (0; 200 e 300mg/kg de ração) em rações de leitões recém desmamados e em diferentes idades de abate, sobre as características do sistema digestório e desempenho zootécnico. Foram utilizados 35 leitões desmamados, distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 3x2+1 (três concentrações de probiótico x duas idades de abate + grupo abatido ao desmame). Foram abatidos cinco leitões no dia da desmama e os demais ao 31º e 41º dia de idade. Foram amostrados segmentos do duodeno e jejuno para a contagem de vilosidades, pesados o pâncreas e fígado e calculado o rendimento de carcaça. Para incidência de diarréia e desempenho, foram utilizados 30 animais e as avaliações foram realizadas nos seguintes períodos: P1- 0 a 10, P2- 11 a 20 e Período Total- 0 a 20 dias pós desmame. Não houve efeito das concentrações do probiótico sobre as características do sistema digestório e a incidência de diarréia, no entanto o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar foram afetados. Concluiu-se que o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar de leitões suplementados com 200mg de probiótico/kg de ração foi melhor do que o grupo suplementado com 300mg de probiótico/kg de ração. As diferentes concentrações de probiótico adicionadas na ração de leitões não alteraram as características do sistema digestório, mostrando-se alterações apenas em relação à idade do abate.

The aims were to evaluate the effects of the addition of different probiotic concentrations (0; 200 and 300mg/kg of ration) in rations of pigs recently weaned and in different ages of slaughter, on the characteristics of the digesting system and performance. 35 weaned pigs were used, distributed in blocks randomized design in 3x2+1 (three probiotic concentrations x two ages of slaughter + group slaughter to the weaning). Five pigs were slaughter in the weaning day and the others to the 31 and 41 days of age. Were sampled segments of the duodenum and jejunum for counting villous, weighs the pancreas and liver and calculated the yield carcass. For diarrhea incidence and performance, 30 animals were used and the evaluations were accomplished in the following periods: P1 - 0 to 10, P2 - 11 to 20 and Total Period - 0 to 20 days after wean. There was not effect of the probiotic concentrations on the characteristics of the digesting system and the diarrhea incidence, however the weight gain and the feed:gain ratio were affected. The conclusion are: The gain weight and feed:gain ratio of piglets supplemented with 200mg of probiotic/kg of ration was better than the group supplemented with 300mg of probiotic/kg of ration. The different probiotic concentrations added in the piglets rations did not alter the characteristics of the digesting system, being showed alterations just in relation to the slaughter age.

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of purified cellulose, soybean hulls and citrus pulp in the diet of weaned piglets. A total of 72 piglets (36 castrated males and 36 females) weaned at 21 days of age (BW 6.45±0.66 kg) was distributed according to a randomized block design, for evaluation of performance, transit time, diarrhea incidence and blood parameters of piglets which received diets containing different sources of fiber. The experimental diets were: control diet - diet composed of corn, soybean meal and a source of lactose; control + 1.5% purified cellulose; control + 3% soybean hull and control + 9% citrus pulp. The inclusion of purified cellulose, soybean hulls and citrus pulp in diets of weaned piglets did not affect the performance or transit time of diets in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the use of purified cellulose reduced incidence of diarrhea. The use of purified cellulose, soybean hull and citrus pulp in the diet of weaned piglets does not affect performance or gastrointestinal transit time. The addition of purified cellulose promotes a beneficial effect to control the diarrhea in weaned piglets.