The aim of this study was to determine the impact of dietary changes during the suckling and post-weaning period on selected haematological, immunological and metabolic indices as well as the macro-and micro-mineral and antioxidant status of piglets. Twelve Large White piglets were kept according to the standards of pig rearing used in Slovakia until the end of the post-weaning period. Blood samples were taken from the piglets at the age of 30 days (the end of the suckling period) and 2 months (the end of the post-weaning period). At the end of the post-weaning period higher indices were found for RBC (P < 0.01), Hb (P < 0.01), WBC (P < 0.05), total Ig (P < 0.05), AST (P < 0.01), urea (P < 0.01), Se (P < 0.05), GSH-Px (P < 0.001), -SH groups (P < 0.01) and lower indices of albumin (P < 0.05), ALP (P < 0.001), LDH (P < 0.01), pancreatic amylase (P < 0.01), total lipids (P < 0.01), glucose (P < 0.01), total cholesterol (P < 0.01), bilirubin (P < 0.001), Ca (P < 0.01), SOD (P < 0.01), MDA (P < 0.01), vitamin A (P < 0.05), and vitamin E (P < 0.05) as compared to the end of suckling period. These results indicate that the dietary changes during suckling and post-weaning periods affected the majority of observed blood indices in piglets.

The purpose of our work was to observe the influence of probiotic preparation BioPlus 2B on average daily gains of weaned pigs, feed efficiency and to evaluate some metabolic indices. The weaned pigs, at the age of 42 days, were included into the trial and divided into four groups. Pigs in groups A (n = 5) and B (n = 4) received BioPlus 2B also before weaning. Only group A received BioPlus 2B, at the concentration of 3.2 × 10 9 CFU per kg of feed, after weaning continually. Groups C (n = 5) and D (n = 4) did not receive BioPlus 2B until the start of the trial, but group C was given BioPlus 2B at the same concentration as group A during the experiment. Blood samples for determination of metabolic indices were collected at the start of experiment, i.e. on 42 nd day of pigs life, and then on 56 th , 70 th , 84 th and 91 st days of pigs life. The following biochemical indices were evaluated within the trial: serum levels of total proteins, albumin, urea, total cholesterol and total lipids. Total serum protein level (p < 0.0001) and serum albumin level (p = 0.0024) in groups A and B were significantly higher in comparison with groups C and D on day 56 of pigs life. Serum urea level in group D was significantly (p = 0.049) higher than in group A on 70 th day of pigs life. Serum level of total cholesterol in group B on day 56 and 84 of pigs life was significantly (p = 0.0004) higher than in groups C and D. Total serum lipid level was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in B group compared to other groups on 56 th , 70 th , 84 th days of pigs life. Average daily gains (ADG) in A group, even if non-significantly, were about 10% better than in groups B, C, D between 57 th and 77 th days of pigs life. ADG in groups A and B were 14% better in comparison with that in groups C and D between 78 th and 91 st days of pigs life (p = 0.036). The best feed efficiency in the trial was in group A, approximately 13%, 16% and 21% better than that in the groups B, C and D, repectively.

Thirtytwo sows were included in the trial. They were divided into the experimental group (n = 16) and a control group (n = 16). The experimental group received 1.28 × 106 Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis per gram of feed (400 ppm BioPlus 2B, Chr. Hansen, Denmark). The trial started 2 weeks before farrowing and lasted until weaning. No significant differences were revealed in the number of piglets born alive, stillborn or the number of weaned pigs between the two groups of sows. The wean-to-first service interval was not significantly different between the groups, but sows in the experimental group had earlier first services. The conception rate did not differ. Sows in the experimental group suffered from postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) less than sows in the control group. The suckling piglets in the experimental group of sows reached better weight on day 14 of the trial and this state persisted up to the end of the experiment. The differences in the weights of the experimental group and the control group were significant at the end of the trial (P < 0.01). The experimental piglets had significantly lower incidence of diarrhoea than those in the control group (P < 0.05).

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the probiotic preparation BioPlus 2B, based on Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis, on daily weight gains, feed conversion, general health, and stimulation of phagocytosis and mitogenesis of lymphocytes in pigs. Administration of probiotics significantly affected body weight and slightly affected mean daily gains (6%) and feed conversion (12%) of the experimental pigs. Also important was the protective effect against diarrhoea. These results indicate that probiotics based on representatives of the genus Bacillus could replace antibiotic growth stimulators.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the health state, performance, and selected serum biochemical indices in nursing piglets after supplementation of a feed additive containing porcine plasma protein in comparison to the control group fed a standard pre-starter feed mixture. The study was carried out in the conditions of industrial farming. Four sows of the Large White swine breed with their litters were included in the study. Piglets were homogenously distributed into control (22) and experimental (24) groups according to weight and sex. Piglets in both groups suckled their mothers' milk. In addition, piglets in the experimental group were also fed a feed supplemented by porcine plasma protein (5%), starting on the third day post partum, whereas piglets in the control group were offered a standard pre-starter feed mixture. We recorded average daily weight gains calculated per the 27-day trial, and body weight at weaning. Clinical findings, mortality, and selected biochemical indices of protein (total immunoglobulins, total protein, albumin, creatinine, urea), and energy (glucose, total cholesterol, total lipids) metabolism were assessed as well. Results of the study showed a significant difference (P < 0.01) in average daily weight gains in the experimental group compared to the control group (0.245 kg and 0.177 kg, respectively). Addition of plasma protein in the experimental group also resulted in a significantly higher serum concentration of total immunoglobulins, total protein and creatinine, and a significantly lower concentration of urea and albumin in this group compared to the control group at weaning.

The aim of this study was to compare the results of active non-specific immuno-modulation in form of feeding food additive based on beta-glucan to pregnant sows and consecutive specific immuno-modulation by vaccination of their sucklings. Experimental sows were fed feedstuff with preparation on basis of beta-glucan at a 5% concentration from day 14 before parturition until the weaning of piglets; control sows were fed standard feedstuff only. Sucklings were vaccinated with a single dose of 2 ml of oral vaccine Enterisol ® Ileitis one week before weaning. Collection of biological material was done 3 × in sows and 5 × in sucklings. Postvaccination examination of blood serum for antibodies against L. intracellularis in sucklings in experimental and control groups was negative, probably due to insufficiently long period of rejection of antibiotics-medicated feedstuff and by chlorinated water. With the exception of immunological profile, no essential changes were recorded in the dynamics of other indices of examined profiles in groups of sows in relation to immune-modulation. In groups of sucklings from sows fed beta-glucan supplemented feedstuff significant changes were determined for various indices compared with sucklings from sows fed standard foodstuff. This is the first similar study in pig herds in Slovakia.

The pattern of serum proteins, the typical features of the electrophoretogram in newborn piglets and during their postnatal development is not completely described. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the changes in serum protein electrophoretic pattern and features of the electrophoretograms during the early postnatal period. Significant changes during the monitored period were found in all evaluated parameters (P < 0.001). The most marked changes were observed mainly in the period before weaning. The concentrations of total proteins, albumin and γ-globulins were before colostrum intake low, γ-globulins represented the smallest proportion of protein fractions. The proportion of α1-globulins was after birth a dominant protein fraction. Significant increase of total proteins, α2-, β- and γ-globulins and decrease of α1-globulins was found 2 days after colostrum intake. The albumin and A/G values increased after birth gradually until weaning. After weaning a significant changes were found in absolute concentrations of total protein and albumin, and in relative values of β-globulin fractions. Presented results showed marked developmental alterations in the serum protein pattern in piglets along with the age. The study also brings new knowledge in the field of description of typical features of electrophoretograms in the observed period of piglet’s life.

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