How Can Nutrition Prevent E. coli in Weaned Pigs?

Post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) is generally defined as loose, watery stool occurring in the first 14 days after weaning. The incidence of PWD is multi-faceted, but often results from exposure to infectious pathogens such as rotavirus, Salmonella or Escherichia coli (E. coli). Sensitivity to PWD is also affected by physiological and metabolic changes of the gastrointestinal (GI) system that occur at the time of weaning, leaving the newly weaned pig more vulnerable to enteric disease outbreaks. Here are four ways nutrition can help.

DIETARY ZINC AND COPPER
To prevent pathogen induced diarrhea in weanling pigs, pharmacological levels of zinc (2,000 to 3,000 ppm) from zinc oxide (ZnO) are commonly fed for the first 2 to 3 weeks after weaning. The mode of action of ZnO is not well understood; however, several different mechanisms related to immune system modulation, nutrient absorption and preservation of intestinal morphology have been identified. Copper is another mineral that can be fed to prevent pathogen induced diarrhea. However, pharmacological levels of copper (125 to 250 ppm) from copper sulfate or tribasic copper chloride generally aren’t fed until late nursery. Unfortunately, these feeding practices have led to increased environmental concerns and issues surrounding bacterial resistance. This emphasizes the need to evaluate alternative feeding strategies for the prevention and management of enteric disease, specifically E. coli.