Korean Beechwood Creosote as a Substitute to an Antibiotic for Post Weaning Diarrhea in Piglets

Abstract

Post weaning diarrhea (PWD) effects the economy of pig industry and extensive use of antibiotics to treat PWD led to the development of antibiotic resistance. To counter the issue of antibiotic resistance, role of Korean Beechwood creosote has been studied. Six weeks old, 12 piglets were divided into four groups (3 in each). Diarrhea was induced with S. typhimurium in three groups. Piglets treated with creosote have shown 11.52 and 3.12% higher growth rate than control group (C-2) and antibiotic treated groups respectively. Creosote treated group has shown 78% reduction in the fecal score of as compare to C-2 on 5th day after induction. No negative impact is imposed by Korean Beechwood creosote on hemogram. Significantly (P<0.05) high values of complete blood count (WBCs, RBCs, PCV, MCH and MCHC) have been observed in the diarrheic animals and persisted up to 10th day after induction whereas these parameters were in normal range in animals treated with creosote after recovery. Significantly (P<0.05) lower platelet count and total protein values have been observed in C-2 as compared to treatment groups and similar decreasing trend has been observed for albumin, globulin and A:G ratio. The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in treatment groups were in normal range while it was significantly higher in C-2. Significantly low and high values of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) respectively, have been observed in C-2. Parallel findings between the antibiotics and Korean Beechwood creosote strongly suggest its use as an antidiarrheal agent and growth promoter for weaning piglets. (C)2014 PVJ. All rights reserved