Speaking about his research findings, Adam Moeser, DVM, discussed the pathophysiology of stress-induced gastrointestinal disorders in animals and people during a recent meeting in Rome, Italy. He explained that during postnatal life, major developmental changes take place in the enteric nervous system of pigs. Because the GI systems are undergoing development during this time, stressful or inflammatory disturbances can have long-lasting consequences.
Unfortunately, this vulnerable developmental period for the GI system coincides with the most stressful production practices, including early weaning, vaccination, transport, diet change and more.
Source: Pork, July 17, 2017.
While the impact of weaning on immediate and long-term gut health is now realized, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, which limits our potential for targeted interventions,” Moeser says. “Contributing to this lack of understanding is the complex nature of weaning in which the young pig is exposed to multiple social, host and environmental factors.”
See also: Transportation stress adds layer of risk
INSIGHTS: Animal health pros worldwide continuously seek new, safer and more efficacious ways to raise our food animals. Sharing this research will start a different conversation with clients, customers and other animal health pros.