The potential role of beta-glucan for improving the survival of piglets to weaning

摘要

The rate of morbidity and mortality of piglets in the farrowing room continues to be an area of concern in the swine industry. As such, it is an area which generates a significant amount of research, especially in the area of antimicrobial alternatives. Some of these antimicrobial alternatives are gaining popularity in the veterinary field as a means of enhancing resistance against infectious diseases. Beta-Glucan, a polymer of D-glu-cose and a major structural component of yeast and fungal cell walls, has been shown to have many immunomodulatory effects, as well as enhancing anti-tumor and anti-infection functions in animals. Preliminary data has also demonstrated that following vaccination with the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus, beta-glucans fed to weaned pigs can increase the production of immunoglobulins. This effect was optimized when administered at a dose of 80 mg/kg for at least 14 days. Furthermore, in a study performed on pregnant mares, colostrum from mares which were immunostimulated with 1,3/1,6 beta-glucan, showed a higher content of IgG and IgG(T) compared to the colostrum of nonstimulated mares , which motivated us to examine the effects of beta-glucan in pregnant sows.