With the transition from summer to cooler climates, the threat of Clostridium is heightened. This bacteria, commonly causing scours, can significantly impact swine herds by inhibiting growth, efficiency, and increasing mortality rates, especially in piglets post-farrowing and pre-weaning.
Research from Veterinary Diagnostic Labs reveals multiple organisms are implicated in post-farrowing scours, with Clostridium species present in 60 percent of cases. These organisms, varying in pathogenicity, often exacerbate the disease by attacking intestinal injuries caused by other bacteria.
Clostridium transmission occurs primarily through exposure to the gastrointestinal tract of sows or environmental conditions, as it is a spore-forming organism prevalent in soil. This prevalence has shifted with changes in swine production methods, necessitating focused intervention starting with the sow to limit piglet scouring.
Addressing this risk involves implementing management protocols like maintaining proper ventilation and heating, adhering to sorting and moving protocols, and ensuring cleanliness. As the industry aims to reduce antibiotic usage, exploring alternative strategies becomes essential.
Introducing feed interventions, such as probiotics or direct-fed microbials, disrupts the pathogenicity of Clostridium. These cost-effective additives not only provide broad protection against different Clostridium species but also offer various health benefits, including shielding from other diarrheal diseases and enhancing overall gut health.
Through these strategies, the industry can continue to safeguard swine herds effectively against the threat of Clostridium, fostering healthier and more efficient livestock.
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Categories: Nebraska, Livestock, Hogs, Weather