Performance of pigs with or without the intestinal receptor forEscherichia coliK88

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe adhesion of Escherichia (E.) coli K88ac to epithelial cells of the small intestine was studied after slaughter in 564 crossbred pigs (Swedish LandracexSwedish Yorkshire). E.coli K88ac adhered to epithelial cells obtained from different parts of the small intestine in 40·8% of the pigs studied. Performance data indicated that presence of the receptor resulted in poorer daily gain during the 1st weeks of life, but that it had a beneficial influence on daily lean growth during the fattening period (24 to 100 kg live weight).