Happy pigs in a wheat field, digital illustration

Unlock Gut Health: Fermented Feeds for Happier Pigs

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 3 min read.

"Discover how fermented wheat and barley can improve your pig's digestion, reduce stress, and boost their overall well-being."

For pig farmers, ensuring the health and well-being of their animals is a top priority. Gut health, in particular, plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption, immunity, and overall vitality. With increasing interest in natural and sustainable farming practices, many are exploring alternatives to traditional antibiotic use. One promising solution lies in the power of fermentation.

Fermented feeds, such as fermented whole crop wheat (FWW) and fermented whole crop barley (FWB), are gaining recognition for their potential to enhance gut health and improve various aspects of pig physiology. These feeds are produced through a process where beneficial microorganisms break down complex carbohydrates and proteins, creating a more digestible and nutrient-rich food source.

But how exactly do these fermented feeds benefit pigs? This article dives into a recent study evaluating the impact of FWW and FWB on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood health, and gut microbiota in growing pigs. Get ready to discover how simple dietary changes can lead to a healthier, happier herd.

Why Fermented Feeds? The Science Behind the Gut Boost

Happy pigs in a wheat field, digital illustration

Before diving into the specifics of the study, it's important to understand why fermentation is beneficial. The ban on antibiotics as growth promoters in some regions has fueled the search for alternatives that support animal health naturally. Fermentation offers a compelling option because it:

Here's a list:

Enhances Digestibility: Breaks down complex fibers, making nutrients more accessible.
Promotes Beneficial Bacteria: Increases the population of good bacteria, leading to a healthier gut microbiome.
Reduces Harmful Microorganisms: Inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
Increases Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs): VFAs are produced during fermentation and provide energy to intestinal cells, promoting gut health.

With these benefits in mind, let's examine the study's findings on FWW and FWB and how they translate to real-world improvements for your pigs.

A Healthier Gut, a Happier Pig

The evidence suggests that incorporating FWW and FWB into your pig's diet can be a game-changer. By improving digestibility, reducing stress markers, and promoting a healthy gut environment, you're investing in the long-term well-being and productivity of your herd. As with any dietary change, it's always recommended to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to determine the best approach for your specific needs. But the future of pig health may very well lie in the power of fermentation.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4314/sajas.v47i4.15, Alternate LINK

Title: Evaluation Of Fermented Whole Crop Wheat And Barley Feeding On Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Faecal Volatile Fatty Acid Emission, Blood Constituents, And Faecal Microbiota In Growing Pigs

Subject: Animal Science and Zoology

Journal: South African Journal of Animal Science

Publisher: African Journals Online (AJOL)

Authors: C.H. Lee, W Yun, J.H. Lee, W.G. Kwak, S.Y. Oh, S.J. Park, T.H. Song, T.I. Park, J.H. Cho

Published: 2017-09-19

Everything You Need To Know

What are fermented feeds, and how do they benefit pigs?

Fermented feeds, specifically fermented whole crop wheat (FWW) and fermented whole crop barley (FWB), improve a pig's gut health. The fermentation process involves beneficial microorganisms breaking down complex carbohydrates and proteins, creating a more digestible and nutrient-rich food source. This process helps pigs absorb nutrients efficiently, boosting immunity and vitality, leading to a happier and healthier pig. These feeds offer a natural alternative to traditional antibiotic use.

Why are fermented whole crop wheat (FWW) and fermented whole crop barley (FWB) important for pig health?

Fermented whole crop wheat (FWW) and fermented whole crop barley (FWB) are important because they significantly enhance pig digestion. They break down complex fibers, making nutrients easier for pigs to absorb. FWW and FWB promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, which creates a healthier gut microbiome. They also reduce harmful microorganisms. Finally, they increase Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs), which give energy to intestinal cells, leading to a healthier gut.

What are the implications of using fermented whole crop wheat (FWW) and fermented whole crop barley (FWB) in pig diets?

The implications of using fermented whole crop wheat (FWW) and fermented whole crop barley (FWB) in pig diets are substantial. By improving gut health, FWW and FWB can boost nutrient absorption, leading to better growth performance and overall well-being. A healthier gut reduces stress markers and enhances the immune system, making pigs less susceptible to diseases. This approach aligns with sustainable farming practices by offering a natural alternative to antibiotics, creating a healthier and more productive herd.

How does fermentation work to benefit pigs?

Fermentation benefits pigs through multiple mechanisms. It enhances digestibility by breaking down complex fibers, making nutrients more accessible. It promotes beneficial bacteria, leading to a healthier gut microbiome. It reduces harmful microorganisms, which can cause illness. Finally, it increases Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs) which provide energy to the intestinal cells. Using fermented whole crop wheat (FWW) and fermented whole crop barley (FWB) in the pig's diet is a natural alternative to antibiotics.

If I want to use fermented feeds, what should I do?

If you want to incorporate fermented feeds into your pig's diet, fermented whole crop wheat (FWW) and fermented whole crop barley (FWB) are two options. It's always best to talk to a veterinarian or animal nutritionist before changing the diet to determine the best approach for your specific needs. These experts can provide guidance on the proper implementation of FWW and FWB to ensure optimal results for your pigs.