Abstract:

A possible relationship between low facility dust and endotoxin levels and improved growth rates in pigs reared by Isowean^(SM)

Carolyn K. Crowe, MS; D.L. Hank Harris, DVM, PhD; Larry P. Elliott, PhD; Eldon R. Wilson, PhD; Barry S. Wiseman, DVM, MS

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Purpose: To explore the association of the biological difference (i.e., growth rates and thymus gland weights) between pigs weaned in isolation from their dams versus those reared in conventional nurseries.

Methods: Dust concentrations and total and respirable endotoxin were measured in two types of swine-rearing facilities: an isolated nursery and nursery within a conventional farm.

Results: We found isolated nurseries in this study had significantly (P<.05) less dust, and total and respirable endotoxin and pigs had greater growth rates.

Implications: There may be an association between environmental facility contaminants and growth rate.

Keywords: dust, endotoxins, growth performance

Cite as: Crowe CK, Harris DLH, Elliott LP, Wilson ER, Wiseman BS. A possible relationship between low facility dust and endotoxin levels and improved growth rates in pigs reared by Isowean^(SM). J Swine Health Prod 1996;4(5):231-236.

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