USE OF A PIG-DERIVED COMPETITIVE EXCLUSION CULTURE AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO ANTIBIOTICS TO CONTROL COLIBACILLOSIS IN WEANED PIGS

Colibacillosis caused by pathogenic strains of E. coli infections is the leading cause of newborn and post-weaning morbidity and mortality in pigs. Traditional control methods for E. coli in young pigs have relied upon antibiotic treatments, regulation of ambient temperature, increased hygiene, and use of zinc oxide. It is the objective of this study to use a defined, pig-derived competitive exclusion (CE) bacterial product to prevent or reduce colibacillosis in nursery-age pigs.