Fermenting bed keeps piglets away from diarrhea
Fermenting Bed Keeps Piglets Away from Diarrhea
Xia Yun
Abstract: Swine diarrhea, especially in piglets, is one of the most challenging issues in the pig farming industry. This paper explores the root causes of swine diarrheal diseases and highlights that microbial infections are the main culprits. It suggests that using a fermentation bed system combined with proper feeding management can effectively prevent and control piglet diarrhea at its source.
Keywords: diarrhea disease; fermentation bed; microorganism; piglets
What Is Pig Diarrhea?
Diarrhea in pigs, particularly in young piglets, is a common and recurring problem in the swine industry. It is one of the major challenges affecting the growth and sustainability of pig farming. According to statistics, nearly 40% of piglet deaths are attributed to diarrhea. As China's pig industry expands rapidly, the prevalence of this disease has become increasingly alarming. In fact, about 45% of piglets under 30 kg suffer from diarrhea annually, with a mortality rate exceeding 10%. That means, for every 10 piglets, one may die from this illness. The consequences go beyond just death—diarrhea also affects the growth of surviving pigs, leading to conditions like "stiff pigs" or reduced feed efficiency. Clearly, this disease has become a critical barrier to the development of the swine industry. During winter and early spring, the incidence of diarrhea rises significantly, and farmers remain highly alert to manage it effectively.
Newborn piglets, especially those less than a week old, have not yet developed a stable gut microbiome, making them highly susceptible to external stressors and pathogenic microorganisms such as *E. coli*, *Salmonella*, and viruses like the porcine rotavirus. Suckling piglets often suffer from infectious causes, while weaned pigs are more likely to experience non-infectious factors such as dietary allergies, sudden feed changes, and environmental stress.
The main causes of swine diarrhea can be categorized into four groups: bacterial, viral, parasitic, and nutritional/toxic factors. Common bacterial pathogens include *E. coli*, *Salmonella*, and *Swine Dysentery*, while viral causes include Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV), Rotavirus, and Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus (TGEV). Parasites like coccidia are also prevalent. Since bacteria and viruses are microorganisms, it’s reasonable to conclude that microbial infection is the primary cause of swine diarrhea. To address this issue, it is essential to focus on microbial control and prevent the spread of pathogens.
What Are the Advantages of the Fermentation Bed System?
The fermentation bed method, also known as "zero-emission pig farming" or "Ginba Fermenting Bed Raising," is an innovative technique integrating principles of microbiology, nutrition, and biology. It involves mixing specific beneficial microbial strains into organic materials like sawdust and rice husks, which are then used as bedding for pigs. As pigs live on this litter, the microbes break down their waste, converting it into crude protein and bacterial protein that supports healthy digestion and immunity. This process eliminates the need for water flushing, reduces odor, minimizes pollution, and promotes healthier pig growth.
Untreated pig manure contains harmful substances such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and various pathogens. If left on concrete floors, these can multiply and spread, leading to disease outbreaks. However, in a fermentation bed, beneficial microbes decompose the waste, creating a high-temperature, antimicrobial environment that kills pathogens. For example, while E. coli and *Salmonella* are heat-resistant, they are effectively neutralized by organic acids and antimicrobial peptides produced by the microbes. Coccidiosis, which is difficult to control in traditional systems, is easily managed in fermentation beds due to the rapid decomposition of feces and the elimination of suitable environments for parasite eggs.
A Good Model Requires Proper Management to Prevent Diarrhea
While the fermentation bed system has shown great success in preventing diseases like diarrhea, it is not a magical solution that requires no effort. It still needs proper management and hygiene practices. Here are some key strategies:
1. Ensure proper immunization: Vaccinate pregnant sows before farrowing and provide newborn piglets with oral vaccines against diarrhea. Depending on local disease patterns, additional vaccines for pathogens like *Clostridium perfringens*, PEDV, and rotavirus should be administered.
2. Standardize feeding and management: Avoid sudden changes in feed or temperature, especially in winter. Maintain a stable environment with consistent temperatures around 20–25°C. Provide clean, mold-free feed and ensure regular feeding schedules.
3. Keep the environment clean: Regularly turn over the bedding to promote full decomposition of waste. Use probiotics, organic acids, and antibacterial peptides to kill pathogens and parasites.
4. Provide balanced nutrition: Ensure pregnant sows receive a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support the health of their offspring.
5. Use natural supplements: Incorporate Chinese herbal medicines, microecological agents, and enzymes in feed and drinking water to support gut health and improve digestion.
6. Supply clean drinking water: Freshwater must always be available to prevent piglets from consuming contaminated water or urine.
(All rights reserved, please indicate the source!)
Omega-3 Fish Oil,Fish Oil 10/50 Tg,Omega 3 Fish Oil,10/50 Tg Fish Oil
ZHOUSHAN SINOMEGA BIOTECH ENGINEERING CO.,LTD , https://www.sinomegabiotech.com