The Effect of HERB-mix ® in Piglets ’ Diarrhea Prevention

Prohibition of the use of feeder antibiotics, which has been put into execution makes the researchers look for alternative ways of diarrhea prevention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the HERB-mix ® feed additive as a piglets ’ diarrhea prevention product, especially in the weaning period. The experiment was carried out on 12 litters divided into 2 groups according to the analogue rule: I – a control (standard feed with an addition of tylozyne and lincospectin), II – an experimental (standard feed with 0,5 % addition of HERB-mix). Piglets were weighted on the 2nd, 14th, 28th (weaning) and 42nd day of life. On the 14th, 28th and 42nd day blood samples from chosen piglets were taken to estimate acid-base balance, acute phase proteins (haptoglobine, fibrynogene, serum amyloid A), total protein and its fraction in serum. The diarrhea accidents didn’t occur in group II, and sporadically appeared in group I during lactation time. Within 2 weeks after weaning, a daily gain inhibition in group II was observed; diarrhea accidents were noticed too. Daily gains in group I did not decrease significantly. Diarrhea accidents were observed too, however on a lower scale compared to the experimental group. The acid-base parameters were more stable in the experimental group, which suggests a normalizing influence of evaluated feed additive. Estimated acute phase proteins were on a lower level in experimental group throughout the study. Last results of blood examination imply higher body homeostasis of piglets from group II in spite of