Epidemiologic factors in piglet diarrhea
Halgaard, C.
Nordisk Veterinaermedicin 33(9-11): 403-412
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-1579 PMID: 7329780 Document Number: 175979
Cases of piglet diarrhea were examined in a large pig herd. The herd was closed in the sense that only boars were purchased occasionally. Over a period of 18 mo., 15.7% of a total of 1002 litters born were observed and treated for diarrhea. No seasonal variations were found, and with respect to age, 3 quarters of the treatments were given within the first 2 wk of life. No association was found between piglet diarrhea and daily weight gain or per cent lean meat in the carcass. The relative risk of death or respiratory disease was 1.3 and 1.8, respectively, for pigs from litters with diarrhea. A greater risk of diarrhea was associated with increasing size of litter; the correlation coefficient was 0.98. The highest risk of diarrhea was observed in the 2nd litter. Prior or simultaneous postparturient problems in the sow were associated with increased risk of diarrhea in the piglets, the relative risk figure being 1.6. The 4 different breeds maintained in the herd and their crosses exhibited large and significant frequency differences. It was possible to calculate that .apprx. 50% of the cases of diarrhea were statistically associated with breeds. Boar influence was great; a calculation showed that a considerable reduction in the frequency of diarrhea in the offspring may be achieved through exclusion from service of some of the boars with adverse characters. No attempt was made to clarify the specific reasons for the condition, but possible causes are discussed. Prospects of a reduction are also discussed. A reduction is apparently feasible through selection of breeding material, especially of boars. Hereditary production characteristics should be elucidated and observed when breeding programs are drawn up.