ROLE OF THE LARGE-INTESTINE IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF DIARRHEA IN WEANEDPIGS

Objective-To determine whether the large intestine may have a role in counterbalancing the loss of fluid from the small intestine of pigs wi th diarrhea. Animals-2 groups of pigs (1 from a specific-pathogen-free herd and 1 from a herd with a history of diarrhea). Procedure-At wean ing and 4, 7, 11, and 14 days after weaning, the percentage of dry mat ter in the large intestinal contents, total and individual concentrati ons of volatile fatty acids in large-intestinal contents and blood, an d concentration of aldosterone in the blood were measured. Results-Lar ge intestinal contents of pigs with diarrhea had a lower percentage of dry matter, lower acetate and butyrate concentrations, and higher pro pionate concentrations than did those of specific-pathogen-free pigs, and blood of pigs with diarrhea also had lower total volatile fatty ac ids concentration, higher aldosterone concentration, and lower sodium concentration. Clinical Relevance-The large intestine has a role in th e pathogenesis of diarrhea in weaned pigs.