The effect of vaccination and use of commercial immunostimulants on the prevalence of PMWS in a Pig Herd
By Daniel Hurnik, Industry Chair for Swine Research, University of Prince Edward Island - This article reports on a study whose objectives were to investigate the hypothesis that stimulation of the immune system, either specifically with a vaccine against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae or non-specifically with two immuno-modulating compounds (Emulsigen®, and AlhydrogeTM) or an immunoglobulin supplement (SoluteinTM) can influence the clinical and pathological expression of post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in growing pigs naturally infected with PCV-2.
1 January 2003
2 minute read
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- The pigs treated with the Aluminum hydroxide adjuvant had significantly more cases of PMWS than pigs that only received a saline control injection
- Pigs that were lighter on entry to the barn had a higher risk of dying with PMWS than heavier pigs
- Pigs that grew up on the slatted floor had a higher risk if developing PMWS, but pigs on the slatted floor also were lighter, it is not apparent thus if it is a floor effect or a startweight effect.
- Barrows had a trend toward a higher risk of PMWS, but it was not statistically significant.
- The only significant impact on backfat was both the gender and the carcass weight. None of the treatments had any significant impact on the backfat of the animals.
- The only significant impact on loin depth is the weight of the carcass. There was no treatment impact on loin depth or degree of muscling of the pigs
- Both the carcass lean yield and the index are a function of the loin eye depth and the backfat and there was no impact on either due to treatments
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Source: Atlantic Swine Research Partnership - December 2002
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