Supplement of Yoghurt on Growth Performance and Reduction of Diarrhea Problem in Suckling Pigs

Abstract

The effects of yoghurt supplement on growth performance and the reduction of diarrhea problem in suckling pigs were studied. Sixty-five piglets were randomly divided into 5 groups, each comprised of 13 piglets. Group 1 served as the control (received no yoghurt). Group 2, piglets were supplemented with commercial plain yoghurt from 5-12 days of age. Group 3, piglets were supplemented with home-made  yoghurt, produced from commercial yoghurt, during 5-12 days of age. Group 4, piglets were supplemented with commercial plain yoghurt during 5-21 days of age. Group 5, piglets were supplemented with home-made yoghurt, produced from commercial yoghurt during 5-21 days of age. Yoghurt was given orally twice a day, in an amount of 10 ml/piglet, from 5 to 12 days of age. For the piglets in group 4 and 5, yoghurt was given in an additional amount of 15 ml/piglet from day 13 until weaning at 21 days of age. The average daily weight gain (ADG), health condition and incidence of diarrhea in the piglets from 5 to 28 days of age  were recorded. The results revealed that ADG in group 1 was significantly lower than those of the other groups (P<0.01). The average daily gain until 28 days of age in group 4 and 5 which got long term supplement tended to be better than those of group 2 and 3 which got short term supplement (P>0.05). The percentage of diarrheic piglets in group 2-5 were significantly lower than that of group 1 (P<0.05) and the percentage of recurring diarrheic piglets after recovery in the control group (group 1) was significantly higher than those of groups 2-5 (yoghurt groups) (P<0.05). In addition, it was found that home-made yoghurt had good effect similar to commercial yoghurt.