Influence of beta-glucan and vaccination against Lawsonia intracellularis on selected immune indices in weaned piglets

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to study the immunostimulating effects of feed additive containing beta-glucan given to pregnant sows and consecutive specific immunomodulation by vaccination of their suckling piglets. Thirty-five suckling piglets from the control and experimental group of sows were divided into four groups. Selected blood indices of immune profile (TIg, IMA, SI), specific antibodies against Lawsonia intracellularis formed in the blood serum of suckling piglets after vaccination, as well as production indices were observed. In all the groups, birth body weights were similar. After weaning, average daily weight gains were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the group of vaccinated suckling piglets, as well as in suckling piglets from experimental sows. The same trend was recorded in average TIg values. Significant effects (p < 0.01) of beta-glucan and vaccination were observed in the changes of the index of metabolic activity of phagocytes (IMA) and less markedly in the index of stimulation activity of lymphocytes (SI). The least favorable results were observed in the group without both vaccination and beta-glucan. The effect of vaccination was manifested by ELISA estimation of specific antibodies (PI), when in both non-vaccinated groups (A and D) we observed minimum antibodies levels compared with vaccinated groups (B and C), which showed a high positivity without significant differences between the beta-glucan stimulated (C) and the non-stimulated group (B). These results suggest that beta-glucan given to sows and consecutive vaccination of suckling piglets can stimulate their non specific and specific immunity.

Haemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome in Fattenig Pigs

“…This belief stemmed from the fact that L. Intracellularis infections are known to be endemic on the affected farms and are known to cause acute mortalities in this age group [11][12][13]. Our examinations results support these statements, because Lawsonia intracellularis was also detected.…”

Expression of E2 (Gp 55) Glycoprotein of Classical Swine Fever Virus in Lymphoid Tissue and Brain of Experimentally Infected Piglets with Different Immunological Status

“…Various infl uences which could impact colostral immunity were already described [21,22,23]. The current study showed that the IHC technique is a useful tool for detection, localisation and distribution of CSFV in formalin fi xed, paraffi n embedded tissue samples.…”

Changes in the Concentrations of Acute Phase Proteins in Calves during the first Month of Life / Promene Koncentracije Proteina Akutne Faze Tokom Prvog Meseca Života Teladi

“…The transfer of maternal Hp to newborn piglets via colostrum was demonstrated [32]. The increasing levels of Hp in suckling piglets may have protective functions and play a role in the intrinsic defence mechanisms of newborn piglets if Hp plays a role in altering the T helper cells 1-2 balance to achieve immune homeostasis [33,41]. However, the direct transfer of Hp from colostrum to newborn calves was not demonstrated, which may be related to the different hepatic regulation of Hp production between calves and piglets [34].…”