December 13, 2007

 

Low starch diet and non-pelleted, coarse feed make for safer pig feed

 

 

A diet low in starch may reduce enteric bacterial diseases in pigs while coarse grind, non pelleted feeds may reduce salmonella infections according to the Animal Sciences Group of the Wageningen University in the Netherlands.

 

The group's findings were published in a new report: The effect of feed composition on bacterial intestinal diseases in pigs.

 

Wageningen University in the Netherlands is one of the leading universities focusing on the life sciences in the country.

 

The report focused on the role of feed in pig enteric bacterial diseases dysentery (Brachyspira hyodysenteriae), colitis (Brachyspira pilosicoli), ileitis (Lawsonia intracellularis) and salmonellosis (Salmonella typhimurium).

 

The report indicates that controlling enteric bacterial diseases can be done by controlling the carbohydrate ratio in the diet.

 

Carbohydrates in the diet includes mono-, di- and oligosaccharides and two polysaccharides, starch and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP).

 

The report cites an Australian research which shows a reduction in dysentery development with diets low in soluble NSP and low in resident starch as it limits fermentation in the large intestine. Such a diet can also result in a reduction in the development of colitis.

 

Such diets can include high digestible diets based on animal proteins and cooked white rice, as confirmed by Danish research. Australian research also confirms such  diet reduces Salmonella infections.

 

However, these results have not been confirmed by European and Canadian researchers, the report said.

 

Danish work shows a reduction of dysentery by (fermented) feeds, lowering the large intestinal pH.  A non-carbohydrate, conjugated linoleic acid, may also reduce the development of dysentery.

 

Non-pelleted feed reduces colitis and ileitis
 

Non- pelleted feed may contribute in the reduction of the development of colitis.

 

Non-pelleted feed and a low amount of NSP in the feed may contribute in the reduction of the development of ileitis.

 

Coarse feed reduces Salmonella infections
 

The risk of sub-clinical Salmonella infections is reduced when a coarsely instead of a finely ground feed is used or a non-pelleted instead of a pelleted feed is used.

 

Liquid feeding also reduces the risk of sub-clinical Salmonella infections.

 

Besides feed composition, also feed treatment (milling size, pelletizing, fermentation) is important. A coarser grinding, no pelletizing and fermentation may be preferable to reduce enteric bacterial diseases.