PSII-17 - Enterid™ Reduced E. coli Colonization in the Gastro-intestinal Tract of Young Pigs

Abstract: The aim of the present study is to assess the impact of Enterid™ feed additive (PMI Additives) on the health status of newly-weaned pigs challenged with Enterotoxigenic E. coli (F4/K88). Seventy two newly-weaned piglets of mixed sex were weighed and sorted into groups of 12 pens (3 gilts and 3 barrows each pen). Each pen was then randomly assigned into one of 3 treatments, consisting of a non-challenged group (NC), E.coli-challenged group (ETEC), and ETEC supplemented with 0.10% Enterid^™. Pigs were treated with Baytril® upon arrival and were provided their respective diets and water ad libitum. All pigs except NC were challenged with F4/K88 strain 181016 E. coli on d10 and d11. Clinical observations (fecal scores, respiration rate, appetite, attitude, edema), rectal temperature and E. coli shedding were measured daily beginning on d9 until the end of the study (d20). Clinical outcomes were analyzed using Mixed procedure in SAS following a completely randomized design with initial weight as covariate and day post challenge as a repeated measure parameter. Clinical measurements, except fecal scores, were all rated normal and so were not analyzed statistically. There were no differences among treatments in E. coli shedding prior to the challenge (2.3 log cfu/ml, P>0.20). Immediately post challenge, however, E. coli shedding for the ETEC increased by 12 log (14.4 log cfu/ml, P < 0.05) and remained elevated for 4-5 days. Supplementation with Enterid™ resulted in a 2-log reduction in E. coli shedding during the first 3 days post-challenge (P < 0.10) and returned to pre-challenge level after 5 days. No clear differences in rectal temperature were observed among treatments. E. coli challenge resulted in poorer fecal quality (d3-5, P < 0.05), with Enterid^™ not influencing the response (P>0.20). The current results support the ability of Enterid™ to reduce E. coli colonization in the gut of pigs challenged with E. coli.