Haberer et al. (1999) recently reported that propionate was the predominant volatile fatty acid in the intestine of the pig. However, the results of the present study do not support their findings but rather agree with the finding of Friend et al. (1963) who reported that acetate was the predominant volatile fatty acid in the pig intestine.
In conclusion, the overall results of this study show that antibiotics are generally effective in improving weanling pig performance. Not all antibiotics are equally effective. Therefore antibiotics should be utilized by their efficacy. This study supports the concept that the growth promoting effects of antibiotics are modulated by their effects on the intestinal microflora.