Protection of just weaned pigs against infection with F18(+) Escherichia coli by non-immune plasma powder

The anti-colonization effect of porcine plasma powder against experimentall y induced postweaning diarrhoea and oedema disease in just weaned piglets w as examined. Piglets were infected with an Escherichia coli strain expressi ng F18ac fimbriae and producing SLTIIv- and LT-toxins. Reduced fecal excret ion of the challenge strain and protection against clinical symptoms was ob tained by daily supplementation of the feed with either 90 or 45 g of plasm a powder. However, the piglets receiving 90 g of plasma powder a day showed diarrhoea and reduced weight gain compared to the piglets receiving 45 g o f plasma powder a day. The diarrhoea was attributed to biogenic amines rele ased from excessive protein in the diet. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.