Effect of GUSTOR BP70 on Salmonella spp Excretion in Pigs

The objective of this study, presented recently in ADSA-ASAS 2015, was to assess the level of Salmonella shedding and exposure in a fattening unit when protected sodium butyrate was added to the diet of the pigs. The study was carried out in a commercial Salmonella-infected fattening unit (8 pens, 110 pigs). Feed with 70% sodium butyrate protected with vegetable fat (3 Kg/t) was administrated to animals from 4 randomly selected pens (aprox. 50 animals) throughout the whole fattening period (aprox. 4 months) (BP70). Pigs from the remaining 4 pens were fed with regular diet without the additive (CG). Individual serum and fecal samples were collected at 30, 60, and 90 days of the fattening period and at slaughter. Bacteriology on fecal samples was performed following the ISO 6579:2002 protocol. Serum samples were analyzed by means of an indirect ELISA (Herdchek Salmonella, IDEXX Laboratories) and OD% (optical density %) was measured. The levels of shedding were significantly lower for the BP70 when compared to the control group (42.8%, 4.5%, 58% vs 65.5%, 33.3%, 75%) for all samplings and numerically at 60 days (9.5% vs 23.8%). Overall, a lower mean OD% value was observed for samplings at 60 and 90 days, and at slaughter in the BP70 (71%, 66%, 46%) compared to the CG (88%, 87%, 83%). This indicates less activation of immune system against pathogen for the treated group.The results indicate that the use of protected sodium butyrate (GUSTOR BP70) at 3 kg/t may reduce the shedding of Salmonella spp. under these farm conditions, and therefore the risk of contact of the animals with this pathogen, as suggested by serological results