How Can Nutrition Prevent E. coli in Weaned Pigs?

Oct 09, 2023

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.

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Video: Exploring Precision Data in Swine Production - Dr. Janice Siegford

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Janice Siegford from Michigan State University discusses how precision livestock farming data can support pig health, welfare, transparency, and decision making. She explains why data ownership, privacy, consumer perception, and cost sharing must be addressed as technology becomes more common on farms. Listen now on all major platforms.

“Precision livestock farming data can support producers, veterinarians, certifiers, and consumers by enabling improved monitoring, prediction, and decision-making across the entire production system.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Janice Siegford / janice-siegford-24318839 is a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University. Her expertise in animal welfare, neuroscience, and zoology supports research on pig behavior, stress resilience, and precision livestock farming. Her work explores early weaning, genetics, and stakeholder perspectives on technology adoption to improve pig care, health, and productivity. Learn more from Dr. Janice Siegford on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.