Weaning is a stressful time for piglets, and unfortunately, this stress can contribute to intestinal and immune dysfunctions, like post-weaning diarrhea, that can stunt growth throughout a piglet’s lifetime.
Multiple E. coli strains produce potent exotoxins that are a major cause of enteric disease, particularly in neonatal and recently weaned animals. The exotoxins can damage the intestinal lining, causing diarrhea, dehydration and even death.
With the global push toward antibiotic-free production, maintaining a healthy intestinal environment in weaned piglets now requires proactive management strategies to reduce the risk of disease from pathogens like E. coli and C. difficile. Tight biosecurity, effective sanitation, good husbandry practices and natural feed additives that enhance the intestinal environment can all help control the risk of post-weaning diarrhea.