RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CONTROL OF COLIBACILAR DIARRHEA (COLIBACILOSIS) AFTER THE WITHDRAWAL OF ZINC OXIDE
Zinc Oxide has been a great ally for pig farmers to date, since its high power to control the diarrhea produced by the Escherichia coli bacteria , guaranteed peace of mind at critical times when diarrhea occurs, such as during weaning and when entering the fattening phase.
Current European environmental pressure points to Zinc as a potentially toxic pollutant, additionally, there are studies that hold it responsible for the development of resistance to the use of antibiotics in infections due to Staphyloscoccus Aureus. This indicates that the withdrawal of Zinc Oxide will be effective shortly.
Good intestinal health and good handling of animals and facilities are the most effective measures against the fearsome diarrhea caused by E.coli.
From Additives for Farming we want to contribute our brief review of the measures that we consider the most important, so that the withdrawal of Zinc Oxide, which pig farmers will be forced to accept within in a brief period of time, will not constitute a problem for them.x
Management Measures after weaning:
- Control of Environmental conditions: A constant and comfortable temperature, as well as a dry environment, contribute towards decreasing the incidence of diarrhea from E.coli.
- Disinfection and cleaning: A good program of cleaning and disinfection of the facilities allow us to considerably reduce environmental pollution by E.coli as well as other pathogens.
- Vaccination against E.coli: Carrying out a routine vaccination of sows, especially gilts, helps to control infection in suckling pigs.
- Delay in weaning: Weaning the animals a few days later, and therefore at a heavier weight, is also a factor that acts positively in the control of the appearance of post-weaning diarrhea.
- Ensuring an adequate supply of water in the post-weaning period, so that the suckling pig can recover its water balance as soon as possible.
- Enzymatically accustom the suckling pig under the mother, by feeding it small amounts, several times a day, from the 5th to 7th day of its life until weaning.
Nutrition management measures after weaning:
- Including a source of Insoluble Fiber in the diet, promotes intestinal transit, besides generating butyrate as a consequence of its fermentation, which will contribute to the control of the bacterial population.
- However, a high amount of Soluble Fiber in the feed is not recommended as it will cause a more viscous chemo, which will favor the growth of E.coli.
- The modification of the concentration of Crude Protein in the formulas is necessary when removing the ZnO; otherwise we would favor an alkalinization of the intestinal environment, and therefore the proliferation of bacterial agents.
- It is also interesting to assess the quality of the Protein that is added, as the use of protein of a high biological value will reduce the risk of colibacillary diarrhea.
- Considering an increase in the supply of amino acids both essential and non- essential, will promote a better development of the defenses and intestinal tissue, which will act beneficially both in terms of antibacterial control and for the fattening of the animals.
Although the set of measures referred to above are effective for the control of Escherichia coli, to achieve maximum efficiency it is necessary to incorporate products that are Zinc Oxide substitutes.
That's why at AFF we have designed ACIDCONFORT, which with its high antibacterial power, guarantees absolute control over post-weaning diarrhea
INTESTINAL SECURITY AND EFFICACY