Microbial balance index — A view on the intestinal microbiota

The aim of the Finnish Research Programme is to characterise the intestinal microbiota of the production animals and learn to modulate animals' intrinsic microbiota in order to support productivity. For a simplified and better description of the complex microbiota, Microbial Balance Index (MBI) counted from the proportions of several bacterial groups present in intestinal samples was developed. In piglet and pig feeding trials MBI was observed to associate with animal growth (r = 0.68, P ≤ 0.01). In addition, the effect of hydrolysed brewery yeast on intestinal balance and daily weight gain was studied. The findings indicate that the intestinal microbiota is an essential factor affecting animal productivity and well being. We suggest that monitoring of intestinal microbiota should be better taken into account when developing domestic animal production.