Comparison of the effects of aqua-puncture using coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water and chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) decoction and tylosin solution on pre-weaning scouring in piglets (Sus scrota)

In this study, four aquapuncture treatments were used to determine their effects on the incidence of pre-weaning scouring of piglets in comparison with non-aquapuncture groups. Fifty six litters of new-born pigs from hybrid sows were used in the experiment. The litters were randomly divided into seven treatments: a) Treatment 1:1 of iron plus vitamin B12 solution was administered at the neck muscle on the 3rd day; b) Treatment 2: 1 ml of iron plus vitamin B12 was administered intramuscularly via the neck muscle at the 3rd day and 0.5 ml of tylosin for five days via the left thigh upon the occurrence of scouring; c) Treatment 3: 0.33 ml iron plus vitamin B12 solution was injected; d) Treatment 4: the piglets received 1 ml of coconut water; c) Treatment 5: 1 ml of 0.01% chili pepper decoction was administered; f) Treatment 6: 1 ml of iron plus vitamin B12 solution was injected at the 3rd day and 1 ml of coconut water was administered dai ly for 3 consecutive days thereafter; and g) Treatment 7: 1 ml of iron plus vitamin B12 solution was injected on the 3rd day and 1 ml of 0.01% chili pepper decoction was administered for 3 consecutive days. For treatments 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, the solution was administered daily for three consecutive days at acupoint Hou-Hai. Vital signs - respiratory rate, heart rate and temperature - generally were within normal ranges in all treatment groups during the course of the study. No incidence of scouring was observed in Treatments 4, 5, 6 and 7. In these groups, 1 ml of aquapuncture solution was given for three consecutive days. The same aquapuncture groups also registered the highest average daily gain in weight. Morbidities (4.3-8.0%) were observed in Treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5 while mortalities (1.3-1.4%) were observed in Treatments 2, 3 and 6. Although no significant differences were observed among the different treatment groups in all parameters, the results suggest the potentia l benefit of aquapuncture using coconut water or chili pepper decoction for prevention of scouring in piglets and increasing average daily gain in weight. The possible full benefit of using acuapuncture for preventing pre-weaning scouring and increasing productive performance of piglets cannot be seen in the present study because of the low incidence of scouring observed in the farm. It is, therefore, recommended that further studies be conducted to determine the effect of aquapuncture using different solutions in actual cases, possibly in outbreaks of different diseases and disorders in pigs.