EFFECT OF ALTERNATIVES AS REPLACEMENTS OF ANTIBIOTICS IN SUCKLING AND WEANED PIGS

S. Ivanova, D. Kanev, M. Kirov, V. Doichev

Abstract: In view of the future ban of antibiotics in pigs, the aim of this study was to test the effect of alternatives such as herbs (Origanum heracleoticum, Potentilla Erecta Raus) and chlorine dioxide (CO2) for prophylactic and treatment of diarrhea in piglets and weaned pigs. In the Experimental station of Agricultural Institute – Shumen, a scientific trial with 77 piglets during the suckling period and 21 days after weaning was held. The breed was Danube White and the treatments were as follows: I group – control, 28 pigs, treated against diarrhea with antibiotic (C); II group – trial, 30 pigs, white oregano (Origanum heracleoticum) supplement to feed, treated against diarrhea with mixture of herbs (Origanum heracleoticum and Potentilla Erecta Raus) (H + H) and III group – trial, 19 pigs, white oregano (Origanum heracleoticum) supplement to feed, treated with CO2 (H + CO2). Chlorine dioxide destroys anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms, fungi, molds, viruses and parasites. Oregano supplement to feed of sows and piglets contributed to survival of piglets. Application of herbs prevented incidence of diarrhea cases. Treatment of diarrhea with herbs in dry state was an efficient tool and application of chlorine dioxide needed further testing, as well as effect of herbs on weight development of suckling and weaned piglets.

Keywords: antibiotics; chlorine dioxide; herbs; oregano; suckling piglets; weaned pigs

Date published: 2017-05-18