Primena mananoligosaharida u terapiji puerperalne infekcije uterusa krmača / Mannan-oligosaccharides in therapy of sow's with puerperal uterine infection

The main goals of these investigations were to explore possibilities for therapy of sows suffering from puerperal endometritis by intra uterine application of sterile mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) suspension and to compare obtained results with standard therapy with Lotagen (Byk Gulden, Germany). Mannan-oligosaccharides are prebiotics that may prevent bacterial adhesion to mucosal surfaces and to neutralize their toxins without causing tissue damage. It was postulated that this therapeutical approach may result in successful curing of diseased sows, lower percent of recidivism and positive effects on piglet’s growth due to improved milk production. A trial was conducted on four experimental and one control group of sows consisting of 10 animals each. Experimental groups were formed of sows with purulent vaginal discharge 2-3 days post farrowing along with reduced apatite. Animals were fed standard food mixtures (AOC Tables, 1993). Clinical examination was performed on the day of therapy and 2-5 days latter. Uterus content samples for bact and identification was performed on the basis of colony morphology, microscopic appearance, catalase and oxidase tests and biochemical characteristics. A total number of aerobic, mesophyllic bacteria was determined by ten folds serial dilutions (10 - 105 ) in buffered peptone solution (CM1049, Oxoid). Samples of 0.5 ml were inoculated in sterile Pasteur plates and then covered with Tryptone soya agar (CM131, Oxoid) with addition of 5% ovine erythrocytes. Plates were again incubated at 37 0C over 48hrs and grown colonies were counted in plates containing 30-300 colonies to estimate number of CFU (Colony Forming Unites). Piglets from each litter were weighed individually on the day of sow´s therapy, 2-5 days latter at control examination and at the moment of weaning in order to calculate total and daily body weight gains. Body weight was measured by electronic scale with sensitivity of 10 g. In the last trial phase, reproductive results of sows were determined in their next breeding cycle. We have recorded a total number of piglets born, number of alive and stillborn and percent of piglet’s loss after 3 days post farrowing. Statistical analyses were performed by calculating standard descriptive parameters: mean values, standard deviations and variation coefficient. Statistical significance of differences was estimated using Student´s t test. Treatment of sows with puerperal dysgalactia by intrauterine application of MOS suspension resulted in significant clinical improvement and percent of recidivism was the smallest in groups treated with 10 and 20g. On the stained smears of uterine content a presence of neutrophylles, eosinophylles, lymphocytes, monocytes, epithelial cells and bacteria was noted. In all experimental groups, very highly significant differences were present between mean number of neutrophylles at the moment of therapy and 2-5 days later. The best effects in therapy were achieved by 10 and 20g of MOS suspended in 100ml of saline. Following treatment, highly significant differences were noted between groups treated with 5g and 10g and 20g. Differences between groups treated with Lotagen and those treated with 10 and 20g of MOS were very highly significant. Degree of bacterial colony number reduction was the highest in groups treated by intrauterine application of 10 and 20g of MOS ranging from 1361 to 1444 times. In the sows treated with Lotagen solution this value was 32. The most abundant bacterial species isolated from sow’s uterine content were: E. coli, Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Arcanobacterium pyogenes and coagulase negative Staphylococcus. At the moment of weaning, piglets from the groups of sows treated with 10 and 20g of MOS were heavier then the piglets from the control and Lotagen treated group of sows. Treatment of sows with PDS by intra uterine application of MOS suspension and Lotagen did not significantly influenced number of piglets born in the next reproductive cycle and between experimental groups no statistically significant differences were noted. A total piglet´s loss during first days of life was the highest in the control group. Treatment of sows with PDS by intra uterine application of MOS suspension resulted in significant clinical improvement with small percent of recidivism and exerted positive effects on piglets body weight gain up to the moment of weaning.