How to produce piglets without zinc oxide

Increases the proportion of multi-resistant E. coli

Bednorz et al. (2013) observed that the proportion of multi-resistant E. coli was significantly increased in the ZnO group compared to the control (18.6% vs. 0%).

Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that improve or restore the gut microbiota when administered in adequate amounts.

The most common probiotics used in pig production belong to the genera Bacillus, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Enterococcus, and Lactobacillus.

However, Canibe et al. (2022) claimed that observed effects on PWD are often marginal and the vast variation in experimental conditions, detection methods, and markers measured to monitor probiotic effects on piglet health makes it difficult to compare results adequately and draw generalized conclusions on the use of probiotics as an adequate alternative.

Plants and plant extracts

Also named phytogenic compounds, they are among the often-investigated and debated alternatives to antibiotics and ZnO for preventing PWD in piglets.

This group included dried plant material and extracts (essential oils or tannins), alone or combined with other compounds such as organic acids.

However, it must be considered that various interactions between different compounds may affect their mode of action. Moreover, a side effect of essential oils, for example, is their intrinsic odor and flavor, potentially affecting feed palatability.

In the case of tannins, among the more promising antimicrobial plant compounds as alternatives to antibiotics and ZnO, only a few published in vivo studies have addressed PWD directly.

Acids

Adding organic acids: citric, fumaric, lactic, propionic, benzoic, and formic acids to weaned pigs' diets or drinking water has shown beneficial effects in the gastrointestinal tract.

Organic acids alone or in mixtures with lactic acid are widely added to weaner diets and are considered a tool to reduce the risk of PWD.

However, multiple combinations and forms of these compounds call for further investigation to assess their effectiveness.

Milk replacers and milk components

These products aim to achieve the digestive system's optimal development and health.

The studies presented by Canibe et al. (2022) have demonstrated the beneficial effects of providing milk replacer/milk products on parameters defining gut health and immunity. However, most studies did not investigate the impact of these effects on preventing PWD, which needs to be explored.

There are some options for handling PWD without the use of ZnO.

Protein level

A low dietary crude protein level has been shown to lower the frequency of diarrhea in pigs due to lower microbial protein fermentation in the colon and improved conditions in the small intestine after weaning. It has been demonstrated by Batson et al. (2021), Larsen et al. (2021), and Lynegaard et al. (2021).

Moreover, one of the first actions taken after the onset of the edema disease is to implement a certain feeding restriction at weaning, trying to minimize the effects of the special energy and protein diet provided at this stage (elevation of intestinal pH, which favors growth of E. coli).

Creep feed

Piglets consuming feed during the lactation phase will eat more after weaning. One of the purposes of feeding creep feed is to "train" the digestive tract to produce enzymes to cope with the post-weaning situation. 

However, Canibe et al. (2022) affirmed that studies had shown a high variation in creep feed consumption.

Vaccines

ETEC infections are non-invasive, and the active induction of mucosal immunity is significant for achieving protection against PWD. There are different options, such as live oral vaccines for piglets.

For edema disease, it must be taken into account that intramuscular antibiotics can even worsen the condition by causing the massive release of toxins by acting on the bacteria. Therefore, toxoid vaccines, specifically designed to act on the toxin, are an effective alternative to the use of antibiotics on farms.

One of them are Shiga toxin toxoid vaccines. A single application to piglets from the 4th day of life generates an immunization that persists and protect piglets during the entire sensitive period of life of the piglets and that reduces mortality and clinical signs of the edema disease caused during transition and fattening period. Positive effect of the vaccination was described also in case of subclinical ED.

Management

Reviewing the basic management concepts at the herd level is one of the main points for reducing the levels of stress in the piglets, especially in the weaning and post-weaning phases.

The 20 points plan from Madec is a good starting point.

Hygiene, environmental conditions, and facilities are other vital aspects to consider for the piglets' well-being at this critical moment in their productive life.

References

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