Feeding fermented liquid feed to the gestating sow can reduce pathogen challenge of the neonatal environment

摘要

This study demonstrated that the coliform and E. coli challenge to the newborn piglet can be reduced by feeding sows fermented liquid feed (FLF). The faeces excreted by sows fed FLF had significantly lower numbers of E. coli at parturition compared with sows fed non-fermented liquid feed (NFLF) and dry feed (DF). More importantly, significantly lower numbers of both coliforms and E. coli were found in the faeces of FLF-fed sows throughout the whole lactation period. The faecal Lactobacillus: E. coli ratio of piglets from FLF-fed mothers was significantly higher than for piglets born to DF-fed mothers. Higher Lactobacillus:E. coli ratio is usually associated with a bacterial flora that contributes to improved animal growth and performance.