The influence of antistressprophylaxis with midazolam on the production parameters and mortality of weaned piglets

摘要

In order to prove the effect of midazolam on weaned piglets a trial was performed in a large pig breeding unit suffering high losses due to postweaning Escherichia coli caused problems. Weaned piglets were assigned to 4 groups and were treated daily as top dressing as follows: group 1 (n = 603): untreated control, group 2 (n 608): 0.1 mg midazolam per weaned piglet, group 3 (n = 611): 0.3 mg midazolam per weaned piglet, group 4 (n = 615): 0.6 mg midazolam per weaned piglet. After 3 weeks postweaning, average daily gain, feed conversion rate and mortality were evaluated.Average daily gain revealed significant (P < 0.05) better results in groups 2, 3 and 4 compared to group 1. Feed conversion rate was significantly (P < 0.05) better in all midazolam-treated groups compared to the untreated control. Mortality due to Escherichia coli was significantly (P < 0.01) lower in groups 2, 3 and 4 compared to group 1.