Post-Weaning Diarrhea in Swine

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Post-Weaning Diarrhea Can Cause Significant Economic Loss for the Lifetime of the Pig

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Weaning Can Cause a Fallback Effect on Performance

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Enterotoxigenic E. coli Is a Common Cause of Post-Weaning Diarrhea

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Clostridioides difficile Is Another Cause of Neonatal Diarrhea

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.

Bacterial pathogens.

The Bacterial Pathogens and Toxins of Post-Weaning Diarrhea

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.

  • Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) produces heat-labile enterotoxin (LT)
  • Clostridioides difficile (formerly known as Clostridium difficile) produces two major exotoxins: toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB).

Antibiotic-Free Management Practices

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.

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Learn More About Post-Weaning Diarrhea by Contacting Your Nearest Amlan Rep
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