The process of weaning is complex and encompasses not only changes related to the type food ingested, but also environmental and psychological changes influencing the functioning of the digestive tract. During weaning there is a decreased feed intake and an ensuing lack of body weight gain or even a decrease in body weight Histological and biochemical changes in the structure and functioning of the small intestine decrease the digestion and absorption capacity of the gastrointestinal tract leading to serious economical losses. The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of the original compound (Suilektin®), obtained from kidney beans, in preventing digestive dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract and piglets body weight decrease during the weaning period. Experiments were carried out in 4 pig farms on 298 piglets of both sexes from days 10-63 of postnatal life. In each farm the piglets were divided into control and experimental groups. Piglets from the experimental group received a single oral dose of an aqueous suspension of Suilektin® compound between day 10 and 14 of life. The piglets were weaned at the age of 28 days and fed a complete mixture during the appropriate growing period. In 2 farms mixtures not containing growth promoters were fed to the pigs, and in the remaining 2 farms a commercial mixture containing antibiotic growth promoters was given to the animals. The results indicate the positive effect of Suilektin® compound when it is administered orally between day 10 and 14 of life. At the end of the observation period the piglets from the group receiving the lectin compound demonstrated a significantly higher body weight and daily body weight gain in comparison to the piglets from the control group. Feed conversion ratios also indicated better feed utilization in the group of piglets receiving the Suilektin® compound compared to the control groups. The results of the study indicate that a single dose of Suilektin® compound administered between day 10 and 14 of life facilitates an increased daily body weight gain during the weaning period in both large and small pig farms independently of whether or not antibiotic growth promoters are included in the feed.
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