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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 20 November 2017
Gastrointestinal infections associated with E. coli represent a serious problem for neonatal pigs. These bacteria are present in the sow’s intestine in large numbers but increase dramatically just prior to farrowing due to stress occasioned by movement and parturition (Maclean and Thomas, 1974). Consequently, just 24 hours after farrowing, E.coli are found in high numbers (over 108/g) in the faeces of piglets. However, at this stage of its life the piglet is not equipped to deal with such a large microbial load and unless immunological assistance is provided, they have very little chance of survival. In pigs, all immunological assistance at birth is concentrated in the mother’s colostrum. Thus elimination, or at least minimizing, all the factors which negatively affect the sow’s ability to produce sufficient amount of milk becomes essential challenge of each efficient swine production. The main aim of this study was to investigate the potential of fermented liquid feed (FLF) to control the pathogen load within the piglet’s environment by reducing the rapid E. coli multiplication in sows associated with farrowing. The possible laxative effect of FLF, in order to prevent constipation and the problems it causes during farrowing, was also examined.