Intestinal problems in pigs often lead to diarrhoea and have a significant impact on animal health, welfare and the economics of the farm. Common culprits are E. coli (colibacillosis) and Lawsonia intracellularis (PIA or ileitis). Although vaccines are available to protect pigs against these bacteria, research shows that vaccination alone is not sufficient to reduce antibiotic use. This calls for alternative strategies, such as Kanters’ Weaning Protocol.
Danish research: vaccination does not reduce antibiotic use
In 2024, antibiotic use in pigs after weaning accounted for 77% of total antibiotic use in Danish pig farming. It was mainly used for stomach and intestinal problems. Although vaccines against E. coli and Lawsonia are available, research shows that farms that vaccinate do not use fewer antibiotics than farms that do not. There was even a trend towards increased use of aminoglycosides – used exclusively for weaning diarrhoea – on farms that vaccinated.
Vaccinations have limitations
It is difficult to determine why vaccination does not result in a reduction. It is possible that vaccinating companies are facing a higher infection pressure. The fact remains that vaccination alone is not a sustainable strategy against intestinal problems and antibiotic reduction. Vaccines often only work against specific strains or have other limitations. Vaccination is also no substitute for hygiene measures that remove bacteria from the living environment and has no supportive effect in curing existing infections. Additional interventions that do focus on this are therefore necessary.
Kanters Weaning Protocol: an integrated approach
The Weaning Protocol offers a preventive approach to keeping pigs healthy and reducing the risk of infections and disease:
- Preventing pathogens from reaching the animals
- Stimulating digestion and growth
- Supporting intestinal health and the immune system
It starts with ensuring that piglets arrive in a clean environment. Pathogens such as E. coli and Lawsonia can survive in the environment for a long time. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of units between rounds is essential. Don’t forget the drinking water pipes! Potential pathogens can hide in these pipes, completely out of sight. Aqua-clean cleans and disinfects drinking water pipes, making water a safe and valuable nutrient again.
It is also important to support the health and growth of your piglets during the round. Kanters pH Support lowers the pH value of the drinking water, which inhibits bacterial growth in the water and stimulates protein digestion, and thus the growth of the pig. In addition, this creates an environment in which Intesti-Forte functions best. Intesti-Forte supports intestinal health with minerals and amino acids. Good intestinal health is crucial for proper digestion, a strong immune system and overall health.
Proven effectiveness
Field results show that Kanters pH Support and Intesti-Forte contribute to less weaning diarrhoea, lower mortality and better growth, even compared to control groups that received antibiotics. Research by Schothorst Feed Research confirms that the combination of Intesti-Forte and Kanters pH Support reduced the excretion of E. coli, both in concentration and over time. This reduction is of great importance in reducing the infection pressure in the barn. In addition, these products improved intestinal structure and thus absorption capacity, which is crucial for recovery after infection.
Structural reduction in antibiotics
The strength of the Weaning Protocol lies in a combination of antimicrobial properties and positive effects on intestinal morphology, resulting in improved overall animal health, particularly with regard to intestinal integrity and a lower incidence of infections. This leads to a reduction in antibiotic use, which is beneficial both in terms of preventing antibiotic resistance and improving business results.
Would you like to learn more about improving gut health and reducing antibiotic use? Contact us, we are happy to help you with tailored advice.
