Protection of just weaned pigs against infection with F18+ Escherichia coli by non-immune plasma powder

The anti-colonization effect of porcine plasma powder against experimentally induced postweaning diarrhoea and oedema disease in just weaned piglets was examined. Piglets were infected with an Escherichia coli strain expressing F18ac fimbriae and producing SLTIIv- and LT-toxins. Reduced fecal excretion of the challenge strain and protection against clinical symptoms was obtained by daily supplementation of the feed with either 90 or 45 g of plasma powder. However, the piglets receiving 90 g of plasma powder a day showed diarrhoea and reduced weight gain compared to the piglets receiving 45 g of plasma powder a day. The diarrhoea was attributed to biogenic amines released from excessive protein in the diet.