ISSUE FOCUS 50 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE November 2023 Weaning is one of the most challenging periods of the pig’s life. The stress typically causes a drastic reduction in feed intake which predisposes the animal to post-weaning diarrhea (PWD). Adopting better husbandry practices and having a dedicated nutritional strategy to support gut health and development during weaning can help minimize the incidence of PWD without using medication. POST-WEANING DIARRHEA IN PIGLETS: Contributing factors related to husbandry practices and nutritional protection strategies Estefania Perez Calvo, PhD Global TS Swine EMEA Principal Scientist, Animal Nutrition and Health dsm-firmenich Modern pig production comes with a number of persistent challenges, but the most challenging period of a pig’s life is weaning. The stress during this period causes a drastic reduction in feed intake which predisposes the piglet to disease and diarrhea. Post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) is a widespread problem. Fortunately, PWD incidence can be reduced by ensuring only the best animal husbandry practices are implemented, and by having a dedicated nutritional strategy to support gut health and development in the piglets. THE ROLE OF THE GIT GOES BEYOND DIGESTION The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a vital organ involved in the processing of feed materials into absorbable nutrients which are then used by the body for maintenance and growth. Aside from its digestive and absorptive function, the GIT is vital in maintaining immune homeostasis. Moreover, the porcine intestine houses many microorganisms that play a key role in intestinal mucosal immune competency development. Optimal gastrointestinal functionality is therefore critical for pig welfare and production efficiency. Persistent challenges are evident in modern pig production, and weaning is one of the most challenging phases in a pig's life. During this phase, piglets have to cope with: • abrupt separation from the sow • mixing with other litters which usually takes place in a new environment • switching from highly digestible (liquid) milk to a less digestible, more complex solid feed All these factors result in a drastic reduction in feed intake. Reduced feed intake is associated with significant GIT disturbances characterized by decreased digestive and absorptive capacity. This, in conjunction with immature digestive and immune systems, predisposes the piglets to poor growth and diarrhea, increasing the risk of disease, particularly from enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC; Dong and Pluske, 2007).
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