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Several medication options exist to deal with clinical ileitis. While prevention with vaccine is best, there are some cases when pigs are unable to be vaccinated successfully. When ileitis does strike, effective feed medication can be critical. Not all medications are created equal, though. Field studies and challenge models show a difference in growth rate and speed of response to medication.

Medication options

Three medications are frequently cited for use against ileitis — tiamulin (Denagard^™), lincomycin, and tylosin. However, the feeding time required varies by product. More importantly, the speed of clinical response also varies — some products yield a faster response to medication. In some cases, even though clinical signs were reduced, no significant growth benefit was found with some antibiotics. So a simple comparison of cost per ton may be misleading when looking for the best return.

Cost per treatment

Cost estimates for feed medications were collected from a university guide to feed medications to allow for a representative cost. Feed-use rates per ton and duration of feeding followed label-approved claims for use against ileitis. ADFI was set at 5# per pig per day.

When cost per treatment is reviewed, Denagard^™ comes out ahead of the pack for cost of ileitis control. Remember, cost per treatment is your true total cost since speed of response to medication and required feeding periods vary between products. Medication cost per ton is an invalid and dangerously misleading comparison of actual cost.

Performance results reveal leader

Data from licensing and other publications have detailed treatment options. However, only Denagard has consistently demonstrated a significant (p<0.05) improvement in growth rate. Since economic benefit is the name of the game, less cost with proven return puts 35 grams per ton of Denagard at the head of the pack as your first and best choice for fast, economic action against ileitis.

More information

Walter, D et al. Treatment and control of porcine proliferative enteropathy using different tiamulin delivery methods. J Swine Health Prod 2001; 9(3):109-115.

Winkelman, NL, et al. Lincomycin-medicated feed for the control of porcine proliferative enteropathy (ileitis) in swine. J Swine Health Prod 2002; 10(3): 106-110.

Veenhuizen MF, et al. Evaluating a natural outbreak of porcine proliferative enteropathy and treatment with tylosin in the grow-finish phase. J Swine Health Prod 1998; 6(2):67-72.