Kitasamycin is an antibiotic growth promoter that exhibits
activity mainly against gram-positive micro-organisms (26),
whereas colistin sulfate is a decapeptide with antibacterial activity
mainly against gram-negative micro-organisms (27). In the
present study, the combined use of SB and reduced antibiotics
was introduced given the inconsistent effects of SB fed alone and
the still widespread use of antibiotics in many countries. Alterations
with regard to intestinal barrier function may explain the
improved performance and decreased diarrhea incidence by the
ASB and PC treatments.