Field application of egg yolk immunoglobulin as the feed additive in prophylaxis of diseases in weaned piglets

摘要

The influence of yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) as the feed additive for piglets during first two and three weeks after weaning on the selected production and health parameters was evaluated in field conditions. Piglets were fed 0.5 g IgY/kg feed (n = 87), 1 g IgY/kg (n = 180) and 2 g IgY/kg (n = 384). Control group was 847 piglets fed the same feed without IgY. IgY preparation was obtained by air drying the purified yolk gammaglobulin from non-immunized hens. IgY concentration was estimated using radial immunodiffusion and antibody activity against selected enterotoxigenic bacteria using ELISA. It was found that it minimized the losses caused by alimentary tract pathology, but not influenced respiratory tract infections. Higher weight gain was observed in the experimental groups. The addition of 2 g IgY/kg of the feed may be recommended in field conditions in the postweaning period