Adverse effects of soluble non-starch polysaccharide (guar gum) on piglet growth and experimental colibacillosis immediately after weaning

This study evaluated the effects of adding soluble fibre to the diet of hea lthy weaner pigs and weaner pigs experimentally infected with enterotoxigen ic Escherichia call (ETEC) in it model of post-weaning colibacillosis. Body weight gain, intestinal changes and proliferation of ETEC were measured 7 d ays following weaning. The basal diet consisted of pregelatinised rice fort ified with animal protein. Addition of guar gum to this diet elevated the s oluble fibre content from 1 to 6 per cent, and was associated with reduced bodyweight gains, increased large intestinal weights and fermentation, and increased proliferation of ETEC in the small intestine. The optimal levels and type of dietary fibre used for weaner pig diets require further evaluat ion. (C) 1999 Harcourt Publishers Limited.