Skip to main content
ARS Home » Plains Area » College Station, Texas » Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center » Food and Feed Safety Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #147277
Title: USE OF A PORCINE-DERIVED, DEFINED CULTURE OR COMMENSAL BACTERIA AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO ANTIBIOTICS TO CONTROL E. COLI DISEASE IN WEANED PIGS

Author
item Harvey, Roger
item EBERT, R - PLEASANT HILL ANIM CLINIC
item SCHMITT, C - PIPESTONE VET CLINIC
item Andrews, Kathleen - Kate
item Genovese, Kenneth - Ken
item Anderson, Robin
item SCOTT, H - TX A&M UNIV
item Callaway, Todd
item Nisbet, David

Submitted to: Proceedings of the International Symposium on Digestive Physiology in Pigs
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/25/2003
Publication Date: 5/14/2003
Citation: Harvey, R.B., Ebert, R.C., Schmitt, C.S., Andrews, K., Genovese, K.J., Anderson, R.C., Scott, H.M., Callaway, T.R., Nisbet, D.J. 2003. Use of a porcine-derived, defined culture of commensal bacteria as an alternative to antibiotics to control E. coli disease in weaned pigs. Proceedings of 9th International Symposium on Digestive Physiology in Pigs. II:72-74.

Interpretive Summary: This laboratory developed a mixed culture of pig-origin, beneficial bacteria that was named RPCF. Laboratory studies have shown that RPCF reduces E. coli bacteria in pigs. E. coli is the leading cause of diarrhea and mortality in pre-weaned and weaned pigs in the U.S. In field trials of the present study, RPCF saved four swine producers a total of $121,315 by reducing E. coli disease. Use of this culture has the potential of saving the swine industry millions of dollars annually and may be an alternative to antibiotics for control of E. coli.

Technical Abstract: Field trials were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a porcine-derived, defined culture (designated RPCF) of commensal bacteria to reduce disease associated with enterotoxigenic strains of Escherichia coli in weaned pigs. Neonatal pigs (< 24 h old) at sow units were treated with RPCF and monitored throughout the post-weaning nursery period on four separate farms. These trials show that RPCF, under commercial conditions, reduced mortality, morbidity, and medication costs from disease due to F-18 strain E. coli. RPCF may be a viable alternative to the use of antibiotics.