Effects of a nursery feed regimen with spray-dried bovine plasma on performance and mortality of weaned pigs positive for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Abstract

Objective: To compare performance and mortality of weaned pigs positive for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) provided either a feed regimen with spray-dried bovine plasma (SDBP) or a feed regimen with a combination of alternative proteins and additives (ALT). Materials and methods: Pigs (n = 960) weaned at 21 days of age were allotted by sex and initial body weight (BW) into four nursery rooms, each with 10 pens and 24 pigs per pen. Pigs were provided either the SDBP or ALT regimen, each with three phases (phase 1, days 1-14; phase 2, days 15-21; phase 3, days 22-48 post weaning). Phase 1 and 2 diets for the SDBP regimen contained 5.0% and 2.5% SDBP, respectively, and phase 1 and 2 diets for the ALT regimen contained combinations of specialty proteins and additives as alternatives to SDBP. All pigs were fed a common phase 3 diet. Results: Pigs fed the SDBP regimen had higher (P < .05) average BW at days 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, and 48 post weaning. Cumulative average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake were higher (P < .05) for pigs fed the SDBP regimen. There was a tendency (P = .07) for pigs fed the SDBP regimen to have lower mortality (21 of 480 pigs) compared to the ALT regimen (35 of 480 pigs). Implications: Under these conditions, PRRSV-positive pigs fed the SDBP regimen have greater final BW and tend to have lower mortality compared to pigs fed the ALT regimen.