| dc.description.abstract | Based on the FAO-OECD 2019-2028 projections, pork remains the main animalorigin protein source both in developed and developing countries. Post-weaning
diarrhoea — which occurs during the first two weeks after weaning — is one
of the most important health issues in pig production. It leads to lower body
weight gain, increased mortality and economic losses due to medical treatment.
The main aetiological agent is enterotoxigenic E. coli (K88). In the European
Union administration of medical level of ZnO (2500–3000 mg/kg) was banned in
June 2022. Therapeutic doses of ZnO played a key role in prevention due to its
antimicrobial effect and positive impact on the whole gastrointestinal tract. The
most important reasons for this decision were the pollution of the environment
and the increased risk of antimicrobial resistance. Thus, novel strategies are
needed to manage post-weaning diarrhoea in piglets.
In recent years, several in vitro and in vivo methods have been investigated
to prevent post-weaning diarrhoea. Among these probiotics, prebiotics, and
organic acids are well known. While others such as plant extracts, essential oils,
bacteriophages, nano zinc particles, or antimicrobial peptides are less likely to be
used in the pig industry due to excessive costs and lack of practical application.
This review summarises the most important feed additives which may help to
reduce the incidence of post-weaning diarrhoea, thus reducing antibiotic use.
However, the efficacy of these methods depends on several factors such as
additive dose, feed composition, management, and health status of the pigs.
Dietary methods such as increased fibre or reduced protein content of diet are
not addressed in this review. Efficient alternatives to the therapeutic dose of
ZnO are probably the combinations of different tools and strategies. | en_US |
