Influence of β-glucan on nonspecific immunity and growth performance in weanling pigs (1994)

Authors

Jishu N. Shi
T L. Kielian
M M. Chengappa
J E. Smith
Frank Blecha
Steven S. Dritz
Robert D. Goodband
Jim L. Nelssen
Michael D. Tokach

Keywords

Swine day, 1994; Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution; no. 95-175-S; Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service); 717; Swine; Starter pigs; β-glucan; Growth

Abstract

Three experiments, using 344 pigs, were conducted to evaluate the influence of β-glucan (MacroGard™-S) on neutrophil and macrophage function, resistance to Streptococcus suis challenge, and growth performance in weanling pigs. β-glucan, when fed at inclusion rates of .05 and .1 %, did not influence neutrophil or macrophage function or increase overall growth performance. Similarly, .025% β-glucan did not alter neutrophil or macrophage bactericidal activity or production of superoxide anion. However, diets containing.025% β-glucan increased average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and pigs weights and decreased plasma haptoglobin levels on d 21. Unfortunately, pigs fed a diet containing .025% that exhibited increased growth performance were more likely to die after challenge with S. suis. These data suggest the existence of a complex interaction involving growth performance and resistance to S. suis in pigs fed .025% β-glucan. The interaction should be investigated further.; Swine Day, Manhattan, KS, November 17, 1994

Recommended Citation

Shi, Jishu N.; Kielian, T L.; Chengappa, M M.; Smith, J E.; Blecha, Frank; Dritz, Steven S.; Goodband, Robert D.; Nelssen, Jim L.; and Tokach, Michael D. (1994) "Influence of β-glucan on nonspecific immunity and growth performance in weanling pigs (1994)," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 10. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.6419