With the objective to determine the effects of spray-dried plasma on intestinal villi and bacterial growth in the small intestine, as well as on performance of piglets weaned at 35 days old, 24 piglets were randomly assigned in an experimental block design with four treatments (0.0; 2.5; 5.0, and 7.5% spray dried plasma), six replicates and one piglet per experimental unit. Differences were observed among treatments with respect to weight gain, feed conversion, E. coli colony-forming units, and villus height. Pigs fed diets containing spray dried plasma gained more weight and had less E. coli in the small intestine than piglets fed the control diet. The piglets fed the diets containing 5.0 or 7.5% plasma showed better feed conversion compared to those receiving the control diet. Piglets fed the diets containing 2.5; 5.0 or 7.5% plasma received 45.0; 75.0, and 70.0% lesser doses of antibiotics compared to piglets in the control treatment. The levels of 2.5% and 7.5% plasma in the diet resulted in increases in villus height in the duodenum and jejunum. The inclusion of spray-dried plasma in diets for health challenged piglets weaned at 35 days of age has a direct effect on the formation of E. coli colony-forming units and villus height in the small intestine and improves weight gain and feed conversion.
age of weaning; challenge; diarrhea; Escherichia coli