The biggest percentage of piglet mortalities occurs during birth or within the first 72h of postnatal life. Promoting gut health during gestation and lactation phases ensures the sow transfers the best possible antibodies via colostrum. The environment should especially be kept dry to avoid bacterial contamination. Where possible one must work towards decreasing bacterial growth, lower ammonia emissions, and lower unpleasant smells without the use of disinfectant chemicals.
After birth, the piglets take a while to dry and warm up before being able to consume essential colostrum. It is therefore important to dry and warm up the piglets as fast as possible to decrease the interval between birth and first colostrum intake. If possible, the piglets will lose less energy trying to warm up, be more vigorous and therefore lead to an increase in the overall survival rate.
The intestines of a new-born piglet are sterile, but quickly colonised by bacteria. Neonatal diarrhoea is caused by several different pathogens present on the farm, which could include Enterococcus, C. Perfringens, Rotavirus or E. Coli bacteria. The environment plays a key role: temperature, relative humidity, air quality, stress and ventilation should be managed properly. The clinical signs include impaired movement, dehydration, loose stool and disposition of the suckling reflex.
Dirty piglets: restless piglets looking for nourishment are not able to find teats with sufficient milk, therefore they move around more than normal. Malnourished appearance and fatigue.
Through protecting the digestive tract, ensuring balanced gut microflora (passed on by sow), and maintaining homeostasis, it is possible to prevent neonatal diarrhoea by including Levucell SB, a specific live yeast for monogastric animals (Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii CNCM I-1079). On farms where liquid feeding is the preferred method for delivering feed, Bactocell is the answer to establishing a positive biofilm in the feeding system and to improving gut efficiency for better nutrient absorption and utilisation.
The solution starts with good management of gestating and lactating sows, also ensuring fast and proper colostrum intake by means of faster drying of piglets. Mistral is more than a litter conditioner – it is a management tool for the environmental hygiene on farm. Mistral decreases the risks of sanitary problems and an application at birth will condition the rest of the piglet’s life.
