In conclusion, the interactions between faecal pH, SCFA and microfloral population were important to provide the balance of metabolism and the health of gut. The positive development of LAB population, SCFA compositions, and reduction of pH and ENT in the gastrointestinal tract of animals were obtained in this study, implying the metabo- lite combinations produced by L. plantarum strains are potential alternatives to antibiotics that could be used as growth promoter in animals. The combination of metabo- lites produced by TL1, RG14 and RS5 strains demonstrated the best effect for growth performance in piglets.