Evaluation of Clay-Based Binders and In-Feed Antimicrobials on Growth Performance and Biological Measurements in Nursery Pigs

A total of 360 barrows (DNA 200 × 400; initially 14.2 ± 0.08 lb) were used in a 42-d growth study to evaluate clay-based binders or an in-feed antimicrobial on performance and biological measurements including fecal blood analysis nursery pigs. Pigs weaned at approximately 21 d age randomly allotted 1 4 dietary treatments completely randomized design. There 5 pigs per pen 18 replications treatment. Dietary corn-soybean meal-based fed two phases from 0 9 (phase 1) 2) after weaning. Either Protek (0.40% the diet; Nutriquest, Mason City, IA); Protect-8 Plus (0.10% Essential Ag Solutions, Sioux Falls, SD); Kavault (0.04% Avilamycin; Elanco, Greenfield, IN) added control diet create experimental treatments. common phase 3 was all 42. Overall (d 42), had increased (P < 0.05) final BW, ADG, ADFI compared other evidence that frequency scores with softer feces over time 0.001), having greatest diarrhea soft feces. Fecal Escherichia coli colony count lower 0.001) 9. For myeloperoxidase (MPO), concentrations 6 DM, decreased DM percentage higher 21. No differences > 0.10) observed across for scores, E. count, MPO virulence genes associated coli. Similarly, no TNF-alpha IL-6 assays. IL-6, greater In summary, ADFI, those 2 additives diet. treatment effects score, MPO, measurements. However, we day effect indicating less Additionally, strong negative correlation between score 6, 9, as increased, became closer 0, representing firmer sample. negatively correlated ADG meaning rate decreased.