The effect of feeding fermented liquid whey plus dextrose inoculated with specific lactic acid bacteria of pig origin to weanling pigs challenged with Escherichia coli O149:K91:F4.

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of using fermented liquid whey inoculated with specific lactic acid bacteria of pig origin to reduce the severity and progression of postweaning enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli diarrhea in weanling pigs challenged with E. coli O149:K91:F4. Based on two trials, it was determined that feeding inoculated fermented whey in a liquid diet did not affect growth performance or the severity or duration of postweaning diarrhea compared with a conventional dry feed containing an antibiotic. Because this study is one of very few examining the use of liquid feed and co-products inoculated with probiotics to control postweaning E. coli diarrhea, more studies are needed to confirm these results.