Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology B (2014) 696-705 Earlier title: Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, ISSN 1939-1250 doi: 10.17265/2161-6256/2014.08.008 D DAVID PUBLISHING Piglet Diarrhea and Technology Transfers to Prevent E coli Infection at Small-Holder Pig Farms in Binh Dinh, Vietnam Nguyen Quang Linh1, Hoang Nghia Duyet1, Tran Quang Vui2 and Du Thanh Hang2 Centre for Incubation and Technology Transfers, Hue University, Hue 50999, Vietnam Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University, Hue 50999, Vietnam Received: July 4, 2014 / Published: August 20, 2014 Abstract: The study aims at finding alternative interventions for the prevention of E coli infection in piglets so as to boost farmers’ benefits and improve environment in the area Data were collected from one experimental group consisting of 210 small pig holder farms and one control group of 70 farms All of 280 litters and sows were analyzed and the techniques of early vaccination at 60-80 d of pregnant (time 1) were applied and repeated after 10 d with E coli vaccine to produce antibodies through milk The percentage of piglets with diarrhea caused by E coli significantly decreased from 75.7% to 18.9% Injection of E coli vaccine for the pregnant sows created antibodies for young piglets through colostrums The treatment of E coli cost 45,420 Vietnam Dong (VND) per litter in the experimental group and that was 156,000 VND/litter in the control group Use of betel-bokashi (bio-product as plant antibiotics and Lactobacillus) to treat piglet diarrhea was proved safe and effective Litter size and average weight at birth and weaning were improved significantly (P < 0.05) The average weaned weight of piglets and sows were 11.2 kg and 118.6 kg in the experimental group, compared to 9.4 kg and 89.9 kg in the control group, respectively Piglets in the experimental group had good health, no diarrhea and a shorter weaning time (2 d) and mating interval 2.22 days earlier than those in the control group The average profit of 210 households was significantly higher in the experiment group: feed-cost was much lower than that in the control group Small-holder farms implementing the experiments of applying the techniques received more financial profit, which was 1,502,000 VND per year per sow, while those who did not apply the techniques gained only 223,000 VND per year per sow Key words: Piglets, sows, E coli, infection, households, benefit Introduction Pig husbandry by small-holder farms in Binh Dinh reduced in recent years because of disease infections and a low market price of pigs According to Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) report in 2002, there were more than 750,000 pigs in the province The survey results showed different structures of pig herds in seven different locations; the Duc district had 15,000 sows, which was the biggest population Binh Dinh’s sows Correspondingauthor: Nguyen Quang Linh, associated professor, research fields: nutrition, diseases and system for pigs and aquaculture E-mail: nqlinh@hueuni.edu.vn occupied 23.33% of the total population, which was higher than other province (12%) There were some provinces, which had much lower population, only 5.2% and 4.7% in Thua Thien Hue and Phu Yen provinces, respectively [1-3] It is possible to improve the quality of pig breeding in Binh Dinh However, pig farmers faced many difficulties: diseases, low pork market prices and productivity In particular, the disease caused by E coli was the most common (75.7%) and caused significant economic losses, while the capacity and knowledge of control and prevention of E coli infection were still so limited Famers used antibiotics for treatment at a Piglet Diarrhea and Technology Transfers to Prevent E coli Infection at Small-Holder Pig Farms in Binh 697 Dinh, Vietnam low level of efficiency The research aimed at exploring the transfer of techniques for farmers to control the disease in piglets The technique limited the risks and had a low production cost The research aimed at prevention of diarrhea for piglets, especially caused by E coli, simultaneously increasing pig farms’ income Besides, the research aimed at applying the techniques to prevent E coli infection and mitigate risks, reduce manufacturing costs, improve product safety, perfect hygiene of food and increase incomes for farmers [4-7] The research also aimed at: (1) the assessment of E coli infection and illness in swine, farmers’ techniques and economic factors related to inputs, hence improving techniques for farmers to control E coli; (2) reducing the rate of pigs infected with E coli from about 75% at present to 25% (or about 30% compared to the control group), reducing approximately 50% of the cost of veterinary drugs (antibiotics types) and increasing the profits of farmers of about 20%; (3) raising awareness and skills of applying technical procedures for control disease by E coli among pig farming community Materials and Methods 2.1 Research Sites and Materials The experiment carried out at seven different locations with 210 smallholder pig farms of Hoai An, Hoai Nhon, Phu My, Phu Cat, Tuy Phuoc, An Nhon town and city of Quy Nhon in Binh Dinh province Each location included 30 pig farms of which each had at least one breeding sow which was two-to-three-month pregnant to receive E coli vaccine Time and schedules of the study: seven months, from September 12, 2012 to May 7, 2013 The study aims at assessing the situation of the suckling sows and young piglets and examining the infection of diseases, prevention and treatment capacity of farmers and perceptions of the local veterinary officers about the disease 2.2 Methods We selected 201 households to build seven models of sows and piglets currently free from E coli infection at different locations by applying technical measures and new approaches: vaccinating pregnant sows at 60-80 d (time 1) and repeating after 10 d (time 2) with E coli vaccine to produce antibodies in sows’ milk; as for the sow, clicking fangs and as for umbilical disinfected pigs and piglets, feeding colostrum as soon as possible [1, 3, 7, 8]; nurturing and caring sows and piglets in accordance with sow feeding technique (especially feed boxes for young piglets in the first two weeks, maintaining temperature at 32-34 °C); iron injection for piglets at three days old, with a dose of mL/animal (Dextran Fe, 20%) and E coli vaccine for pigs at 13 days old; feeding piglets at 7-10 d of age, nursing piglets and weaned piglets at the intervals of: 12 times/d, 10 times/d, times/d, times/d, times/d, and finally times/d over time; vaccination for salmonellosis for piglets at 21 days old and cholera at 30 days old [8-11] Results and Discussion 3.1 The Survey Results, Assessing the Status of Pig and E coli Disease Pig husbandry is a profession for farmers in Binh Dinh and the farmers have good traditional production experiences They faced difficulties such as epidemic diseases, low pork prices and farmers not keen on pigs However, the pig herd did not change and the total of sows is still unchanged in Hoai Nhon, Phu My and An Duc districts The control of FMD (foot and mouth disease), PRRS (blue ear disease) and quarantine at slaughter-houses and local markets were strengthened, limiting the outbreak of epidemics 3.2 The Size and Structure of the Herd Overall structure of the herd in seven communes showed differences, and Table shows the average total pig in communes 698 Piglet Diarrhea and Technology Transfers to Prevent E coli Infection at Small-Holder Pig Farms in Binh Dinh, Vietnam Table No Swine herd and breeding stocks at different locations Communes An Duc Hoai Duc My Hiep Cat Hanh Phuoc Thang Nhon Hoa Nhon Binh Mean Total of pigs 15,000 13,800 8,250 5,200 7,543 2,250 2,355 7,771 Total of sows 4,000 1,560 3,150 1,400 1,600 820 164 1,813 % F1 sows 82 85 43.3 81.3 82 95 80 78.4 % F2 sows 18 15 36.7 15.6 18 12 17.2 % MC sows 0 20 3.1 0 4.4 F1, F2: crossbreds of LW & LD, Yorkshire; MC: local breed Table Different swine breeds and reproductive performance Breeds No F1 F2 MC Litter index M ± SD 1,012 2.00 ± 0.27 771 2.00 ± 0.21 30 2.00 ± 0.15 Litter size at birth M ± SD 11.02a ± 1.21 10.33b ± 1.15 12.00c ± 1.41 Litter size at weaning M ± SD 8.57 ± 0.71 7.90 ± 0.92 9.00 ± 0.98 Weaning weight (kg) M ± SD 9.10a ± 1.21 10.33b ± 1.15 10.00b ± 1.32 Weaning age (d) M ± SD 42.40a ± 7.25 36.67b ± 8.72 50.00c ± 9.21 Come in heat (d) M ± SD 8.33 ± 2.0 11.33 ± 2.11 7.00 ± 1.21 a ≠ b ≠ c in the same column, with P ≤ 0.05 High quality sows are shown by the indicators of the reproductive performance in Table which shows that sows have a high fertility, suggesting that people know how to choose breeding sows, although origin sows is unclear, birth rates and reproductive performance are relatively high Litter index and litter size are stable from two to eight, and the litter size at weaning was 75% and weight was only 9.35 kg/head with suckling time up to 42-50 d Table shows that the number of piglets of MC (local breed) alive at birth and weaning were the highest compared with F1 and F2 crossbreds, and weight of weaning piglets in F2 was higher than other breeds 3.3 Swine Housing Systems In interviews with the residents and farmers, it was found that housing systems were traditionally built which did not have farrowing pens for suckling piglets and sows The farmers not fully understand the important role of housing and adequate investment The housing system was mainly simple pens, with insufficient spaces, poor ventilation system, no bars and creep feed boxes There was no separation between lying and feces areas Table shows that most housing pens are separated from kitchen which attached to the house (93.6%), which was necessary to be improved for the safety of pigs and humans Most pig housing did not follow any set designs, types and techniques; there was just only one type K45 of Vietnam standard, where they changed the roof and bars, which caused humid and hot and had a good ventilation system for swine, pig farms in Nhon Hoa, Nhon Binh and Phuoc Thang lack of spaces for sows and piglets though Most sheds, built of brick or concrete, there were 32.1% fibro roofs and 52.1% other materials, however, did not have a roof barn and two-level ventilation system to avoid the toxic exhaust The farmers were interested in building a biogas system indicating several advantages, such as improvement of their quality of life in rural areas, living environment protection and cheap fuel source The farmers would like to have a housing system for pigs, but they did not want to invest more because they only wanted to have direct benefits from pigs Piglet Diarrhea and Technology Transfers to Prevent E coli Infection at Small-Holder Pig Farms in Binh 699 Dinh, Vietnam Table Pig housing in different communes (%) No Communes An Duc Hoai Duc My Hiep Cat Hanh Phuoc Thang Nhon Hoa Nhon Binh Mean Separated from kitchen 97 93 97 90 85 96 97 93.6 One row Two rows Cement and iron Brick roof Fibro Corrugated iron 85 60 80 85 75 77 77 77.0 15 40 20 15 25 23 23 23.0 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 35 56.6 57 37 39 70 70 52.1 45 30 27 37 40 23 23 32.1 20 13.4 16 26 21 ND 15.8 ND: not determined Table Feedstuffs and feeding systems No Communes An Duc Hoai Duc My Hiep Cat Hanh Phuoc Thang Nhon Hoa Nhon Binh Mean Pregnant period Mixed on-farm (%) Commercial feed (%) 68 32 70 30 80 20 69.7 30.3 65 35 57 43 80 20 70 30 Mixed (%) 65 50 67 41.8 45 55 50 53.4 Suckling period Commercial feed (%) 35 50 33 58.2 55 45 50 46.0 3.4 Feedstuffs and Feedings disease A total of 70% of feeds prepared on-farms and 30% commercial feeds can be easily spotted in Table Commercial feeds had a higher ration in stage of pregnancy and young piglets, up to 53.4%, so the different feed was applied in different growth stages of sows and growing piglets Bigger scale pig farms had more advantages regarding feedstuffs prepared on-farm, and they could make more profit as said by Mrs Le Thi Minh in Hoai Nhon Small holder pig farms using leftover food from restaurants also increased profits significantly; however they had to cook again for disinfection before feeding to pigs In terms of pig feeds alternatives, many households usually use different local feedstuffs, mix them at the farms and add commercial feed to it; this alternative can reduce the feed-cost and thus increase benefit The pig dietary composition has more problems due to unbalance of nutrient composition to ensure the fast growing, best meat quality and increase resistance to 3.5 Disease Infections and Situation Infection of E coli to sows and piglets is very common, on average up to 75.7% for pig farms in Binh Dinh province, there is considerable of economic losses according to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and World Bank/ACP project Diarrhea causes not only economic losses but also environment pollution, and unsafe human food Table shows that the epidemic situation was very common in pig farming households, with many different reasons: (1) humid on floor; (2) pigs eating contaminated food; (3) low resistance; (4) pigs can be infected due to prolonged cold without creep boxes/cages or nursery warm pads, and iron deficiency in the blood at the age of 7-13 days old In addition, sows infected by E coli reduce resistance of the fetus to diseases and cause fetal death and birth asphyxia 700 Piglet Diarrhea and Technology Transfers to Prevent E coli Infection at Small-Holder Pig Farms in Binh Dinh, Vietnam Table E coli vaccinated to sows and infection in young piglets No Communes An Duc Hoai Duc My Hiep Cat Hanh Phuoc Thang Nhon Hoa Nhon Binh Mean Table Pregnant sows (%) 10 8.5 6.6 7.5 6.5 7.0 7.7 Birth piglets/litter 11.2 10.75 10.4 10.1 10.5 10.1 10.2 10.46 Infected litters (%) 75 80 75 65 70 85 80 75.7 Weaning piglets (n) 9.8 8.8 7.9 9.4 9.6 8.1 8.3 8.84 Weaning piglets (%) 87.5 81.9 76.0 93.1 91.4 80.2 81.4 84.5 Weaning weight (kg) 9.0 7.8 8.3 9.4 9.8 9.6 10.7 9.2 Weaning days (d) 42.3 42.0 45.0 44.8 41.5 45.0 44.5 43.6 Disease infection in pig householder farms (litters) Diarrhea Suckling pigs Weaning piglets Infected 158 141 No 52 69 Treatment (d) ND ND E coli vaccines, Medicine Anti-biotics antibiotic Overcome (d) 45 131 Diseases Birth diarrhea Suckling pigs 112 ND 6-8 Respiration Suckling pigs Weaning piglets 55 21 ND ND Others Suckling pigs Weaning piglets 35 42 ND ND ND E coli vaccine Anti-biotics Anti-biotics Anti-biotics Anti-biotics 17 11 52 ND 55 ND: not determined Building an epidemiology model of diarrhea disease at commune level is very common and many local people are interested in pig husbandry and how to increase piglets’ resistance to diseases in the local environment and conditions There were many comments from farmers and exchange of opinion in the first workshop on diseases, problems and remedies Farmers should also be aware that sows should get vaccine soon to enhance resistance of piglets to disease through breast milk in their first weeks (colostrum) The farmers were still confused and suspicious of the effectiveness of vaccination to the fetus in gestation period, which they thought would be dangerous, and very risky Therefore, the local program experts and scientists advised for farmers to use the techniques and different time periods for different technical model, based on scientific and preventive measures for pigs by comprehensive techniques and minimizing risks E coli are common in breeding sows and young piglets in Binh Dinh Through evaluation of the possibility of the disease prevention and treatment in seven models in Binh Dinh province, the result showed the disease situation and the need for interventions The observation on 210 small-holder pig farms suggested only 7%-10% to have vaccination during pregnancy and to apply simple methods in some locations such as Phuoc Thang, and Hoai Nhon commune The farmers did not apply the techniques and they were afraid of the risk by vaccination for new born piglets The results of investigation and assessment of the situation of disease in Nhon Binh showed that sows were often infected with respiratory diseases and PRRS and have fetal death phenomenon in biological processes, and this is an issue to be studied in the pregnancy period There was more piglets’ period stillborn This is also the problem of the swine industry in Binh Dinh in particular and in the country in general The difficulties in overcoming diseases and market prices are still the big questions for all levels and sectors, both the state and the farmers Thus, Table showed that the sow herd was mainly infected with infectious disease or suffered from respiratory The ratio of piglets having diarrhea were up to 75.10% The farmers applied many ways to treat piglet diarrhea They used injection of vaccines Piglet Diarrhea and Technology Transfers to Prevent E coli Infection at Small-Holder Pig Farms in Binh 701 Dinh, Vietnam directly into young piglets or used antibiotic There was a high rate of infection, up to 95% The total number of piglets having diarrhea, using antibodies was said to be about 30% They said that using antibodies were so expensive [6], leading to a high cost of rising weaned piglets Farmers had discussed the conditions of housing, feeding systems and health care, and there were more problems in pig husbandry: (1) due to limited housing spaces and being lack of major facilities and farming equipment, and changes of the weather, piglet diarrhea occur; (2) most people recommended an integrated methodical, proactive, and practical management of piglets and sows; (3) a monotonous diet of pigs, nutritional imbalance, feed creep depending on unstable capital was one of the causes of digestive disorders and birth diarrhea A high proportion of piglets were infected with diarrhea caused by E coli, and technical applications were necessary for farmers The instructions were delivered in a training course for farmers with the help from farmer associations at the local level Farmers acquired the pig farming processes through “learning Table E coli infected in control and experiments Locations Infected rate (%) An Duc 20.1 ± 2.71 Hoai Duc 19.3 ± 2.85 My Hiep 21.4 ± 4.43 Cat Hanh 20.7 ± 2.86 Phuoc Thang 13.5 ± 2.56 Nhon Hoa 14.4 ± 3.34 Nhon Binh 23.8 ± 3.02 M ± SE 19.2 ± 2.63 Table by doing” Regular consulting, monitoring and recording progress of the participating farmers have a good progress for pig husbandry The results in Table showed the percentage of piglets with diarrhea between the two groups of sows in different models It was interesting to see that percentage of sows infected with diarrhea among the vaccinated groups (in experiment) decreased from 75.7% to 13.5%, and the number of piglets at birth suffering from diarrhea, caused by E coli significantly reduced, which proved effectiveness in preventing diarrhea If pigs are born, there will be high possibility that young piglets will respond well to medication and soon recover during the nursing period, which significantly reduced costs of treatment Health care and feeding were improved In addition, with the intention of vaccination for pregnant sows and young piglets to have earlier antibodies for prevention of diseases, efficiency of E coli vaccination for sows and piglets could be clearly seen in 20%-25% of the vaccinated pigs which was so close as basic control piglets with diarrhea in breastfeeding period Tables and showed the outcome of the Experimental group Level Treatment time (d) Normal 2-4 Normal 2-4 Normal 2-4 Normal 2-3 Normal 2-3 Normal 2-3 Normal 2-4 Normal 2-3 Infected rate (%) 69.2 ± 2.11 75.0 ± 2.03 81.2 ± 2.02 74.9 ± 1.79 65.2 ± 2.87 70.3 ± 1.91 85.2 ± 1.78 80.0 ± 1.81 Control group Level Serious Serious Serious Serious Serious Serious Serious Serious Treatment time (d) 5-7 5-7 6-7 5-6 5-6 5-7 5-7 5-7 Costs for treatment/litter Communes An Duc Hoai Duc My Hiep Cat Hanh Phuoc Thang Nhon Hoa Nhon Binh Mean Infected (%) 19.3 21.4 20.7 13.5 14.4 23.8 19.2 18.9 Experiments (VND/litter) Costs VND 60,000 11,580 60,000 12,840 60,000 12,420 60,000 8,100 60,000 8,640 60,000 14,280 60,000 11,520 60,000 11,340 Infected (%) 75 80 75 65 70 85 80 75.7 Control (VND/litter) Costs VND 60,000 45,000 60,000 48,000 60,000 45,000 60,000 39,000 60,000 42,000 60,000 51,000 60,000 48,000 60,000 45,420 702 Piglet Diarrhea and Technology Transfers to Prevent E coli Infection at Small-Holder Pig Farms in Binh Dinh, Vietnam Table Reproductive performance Communes An Duc Hoai Duc My Hiep Cat Hanh P Thang Nhon Hoa Nhon Binh M ± SD Experiment Litter size at Litter size at birth weaning 12.83a ± 0.19 12.56a ± 0.17 a 11.79 ± 0.37 11.00a ± 0.23 a 11.03 ± 0.23 10.34a ± 0.18 11.57a ± 0.37 10.9 ± 0.24 10.2a ± 0.23 9.96 ± 0.27 10.03a ± 0.27 9.83a ± 0.22 a 10.67 ± 0.27 10.43a ± 0.26 a 11.14 ± 0.27 10.71a ± 0.35 Control Litter size at Weaning rate (%) Litter size at birth weaning 98.1 ± 0.88 11.2b ± 0.22 9.8b ± 0.19 b 94.3 ± 1.78 10.8 ± 0.15 8.8b ± 0.11 b 94.17 ± 1.21 10.4 ± 0.16 8.2b ± 0.15 95.16 ± 1.28 10.1b ± 0.21 9.4b ± 0.20 97.4 ± 0.86 10.5 ± 0.16 9.6b ± 0.13 98.36 ± 0.71 10.1 ± 0.26 8.2b ± 0.19 97.63 ± 0.91 10.2 ± 0.21 8.3b ± 0.13 a b 96.5 ± 1.42 10.47 ± 0.28 8.91b ± 0.27 Weaning rate (%) 87.9 ± 1.58 82.4 ± 1.07 78.9 ± 1.17 92.9 ± 1.19 91.4 ± 0.95 80.2 ± 1.21 81.4 ± 1.17 85.3b ± 1.57 a ≠ b in the same row, with P ≤ 0.05 techniques have significant results for pig husbandry The health of sows and piglets was improved, which showed that applying the integrated methods for pig husbandry had a good result The experiment group had less disease incidences only 18.9%, compared with 75.9% of the control group 3.6 Reduction of the Treatment Costs Based on sow feeding diary and daily monitoring cards, farmers reported that cost of medicines and treatment were lower and the number of piglets in the experiment group recovered, when they used betel-bokashi (bio-product as plant antibiotics and Lactobacillus) was higher The technique was so effective that piglets recovered quickly after treatment Table showed that the results of interventions towards diarrhea caused by E coli were different, and the cost of treatment was lower when famers used creep boxes for piglets and vaccine for pregnant sows, just only 45,420 VND per litter, compared to 156,000 VND per litter in the control group in small-holder pig farms On the other hand, there were not only economic losses, but also pollution of environment and more importantly, using common antibiotics will influence human health and products 3.7 Reproductive Performance The results in Table showed that the reproductive performance of sows was markedly enhanced in the households in the experiment group than that in the control group Weaning rate was much higher in the experiment group than that in the control group Hence applying integrated techniques to raise sows and piglets, famers had more opportunities to get a higher litter size at birth and weaning Table showed that, litter size at weaning of the experiment group was 10.71 piglets, approximately 20% higher than that of the control group, 8.74 piglets Weaners had a better quality (healthier and faster growing) Reproductive performance of sows in Tables and 10 were higher in the experiment than that in the control group, indicating that applying integrated techniques for raising sow and piglets were necessary for farmers and local communities Besides increasing productivity, integrated techniques also helped local communities take care of not only pigs’ health but also human’ health as well, and improve environment due to less antibiotics and chemicals used However, the farmers have to pay attention to the following point Results showed that piglets grew faster in the experiment group than that in the control group in all communes applying the techniques The reason was that farmers in traditional techniques waited too long to feed piglets with food while kept a long suckling period Early weaning happened when farmers wanted to sell small piglets for pig roast market and exported to Laos or Taiwan Therefore, sows had problems due to sudden weaning and had a longer time to get ready to be bred again after weaning Therefore, farmers must have a proper plan for piglet sale, sow health Piglet Diarrhea and Technology Transfers to Prevent E coli Infection at Small-Holder Pig Farms in Binh 703 Dinh, Vietnam Table 10 Weight of weaning piglets Communes An Duc Hoai Duc My Hiep Cat Hanh Phuoc Thang Nhon Hoa Nhon Binh M ± SD Table 11 Weaning weight/piglet 9.2 ± 0.17 11.2 ± 0.21 10.2 ± 0.20 11.7 ± 0.12 12.1 ± 0.27 12.2 ± 0.16 11.8 ± 0.16 11.2 ± 0.20 Experiments Weaning weight/litter 115.9 ± 2.27 122.1 ± 2.22 105.1 ± 2.01 126.8 ± 2.46 119.5 ± 2.58 118.9 ± 1.80 122.0 ± 2.39 118.6 ± 1.95 Wea period (d) 36.9 ± 0.67 40.5 ± 0.65 38.7 ± 0.87 45.3 ± 0.77 41.6 ± 0.74 44.5 ± 0.44 44.3 ± 0.32 41.7 ± 0.72 Weaning weight/pig 9.0 ± 0.25 8.2 ± 0.23 8.6 ± 0.28 9.4 ± 0.31 9.8 ± 0.29 9.8 ± 0.35 10.7 ± 0.25 9.4 ± 0.32 Control Weaning weight/litter 88.2 ± 2.92 72.6 ± 2.26 89.7 ± 3.45 88.4 ± 3.68 102.4 ± 0.33 99.3 ± 4.27 88.8 ± 2.41 89.9 ± 2.34 42.3 ± 1.40 42.5 ± 1.45 45.1 ± 1.11 44.8 ± 1.21 41.5 ± 0.93 45.0 ± 1.45 44.5 ± 0.75 43.7 ± 1.46 Control FCR (kg) 5.65 ± 0.18 6.17 ± 0.12 5.22 ± 0.15 5.42 ± 0.19 4.57 ± 0.09 4.92 ± 0.21 4.19 ± 0.06 5.17 ± 0.17 Benefits/litter 166.9 ± 87.8 -169.3 ± 48.2 235.2 ± 72.1 128.6 ± 105.7 619.8 ± 56.9 427.9 ± 83.9 178.0 ± 46.7 223.3 ± 62.1 Wea period (d) Litters/sow/year, Feed conversion rate and benefits (1,000 VND) Locations An Duc Hoai Duc My Hiep Cat Hanh Phuoc Thang Nhon Hoa Nhon Binh M ± SD Litter index (n) 2.28 ± 0.01 2.24 ± 0.01 2.29 ± 0.03 2.16 ± 0.01 2.22 ± 0.01 2.18 ± 0.01 2.19 ± 0.01 2.22 ± 0.02 Experiments FCR (kg) 3.56 ± 0.13 3.59 ± 0.05 4.02 ± 0.05 3.77 ± 0.04 3.75 ± 0.07 3.84 ± 0.03 3.76 ± 0.04 3.75 ± 0.11 Benefits/litter 1,545 ± 54.3 1,708 ± 58.9 1,197 ± 37.6 1,516 ± 47.5 1,570 ± 80.2 1,422 ± 36.7 1,519 ± 60.3 1,502 ± 63.0 care and mating timing, otherwise, sows will be negatively affected by the early weaning Phuoc Thang, An Hiep Duc sows had clinical signs of mastitis After sudden sales of piglets, farmers should have massaged those sows’ teats daily 3.8 Profit Applying Model Table 11 showed different profit from the sow reproduction between small-holder pig farms in Binh Dinh The farmers applying the techniques had higher income than other farms, which can be a sign for local communities to pay attention to technological role In the final seminars at each commune, farmers said that the integrated techniques brought a better benefit and a good environment for their locations but it was not easy to implement daily Table 11 indicated that less feed and medicine costs for sows and piglets, a higher income and benefit for farms of 210 small-holder pig farms which was due to a reduction of feed-cost from 5.17 kg of the control group to 3.18 kg of experiment group Litter index (n) 2.12 ± 0.02 2.08 ± 0.02 2.09 ± 0.01 2.07 ± 0.02 2.11 ± 0.02 2.10 ± 0.02 2.11 ± 0.01 2.10 ± 0.16 It demonstrated effective application of technical procedures brought about economic efficiency Although prices of pig breeds in the market were so low at that time compared to the previous year but farmers of the experiment group were so happy with more benefit, gained 1,502,000 VND/sow/year, compared with 223,300 VND/sow/year of the control group Results of the experiment on integrated technical application in pig production in Binh Dinh indicated more impetus for local farmers to apply the techniques and pay attention to technology However, they always have to have a sustainable policy We are also providing more consultancy for local authorizes and local leaders, so that they can maintain their communities’ awareness and motivations Since, farmers can join pig production clubs and farmer associations Scientists go to field trips, and transfer technology under method of “learning by doing” teaching philosophy and exchange practical experience on sow performance; we organized seven 704 Piglet Diarrhea and Technology Transfers to Prevent E coli Infection at Small-Holder Pig Farms in Binh Dinh, Vietnam farmers to farmers (FoF) seminars and workshops to share experiences on sow reproduction In all of the meetings and seminars at farm levels, farmers showed their interests in learning by doing; the number of participants attending the final workshop was more than the first workshops It was necessary to have demonstration sites, which can be soon applied for farmers in Binh Dinh Scientists must pay more field trips to motivate farmers Furthermore, local authorities and companies should cooperate with farmers and scientists Many enthusiastic comments from farmers were noted, and they said that new technology was easy to acquire through learning by doing at community level A farmer in Cat Hanh said that “I don’t understand the theory much but I know how to well on field leading me to more successful and effective farming” Conclusions Sows and piglets at small-holder pig farms in Binh Dinh had problems of E coli infection for the following reasons: (1) a high humidity; (2) contaminated feed by feeding systems; (3) poor resistance; (4) lack of creep boxes, a low Fe2+ in the blood (at period of 7-13 d) In addition to the above causes, pathogens were transmitted from pigs to pigs and from areas to areas, low resistance of the fetus, pregnancy problems and poor health care and management The percentage of piglets with diarrhea caused by E coli significantly decreased from 75.7% to 18.9% since applying E coli vaccination for pregnant sows and Dextran-Fe given by injection for young piglets leading to reduction of the cost of treatment of E coli infection There was only 25% of treatment of costs, compared to the control group The using of Betel-Bokashi was illustrated more effectiveness and safety Results showed a significant improvement of reproductive performance for sows by increasing litter size at birth and weaning and reduction of piglet deaths at birth (11.2 kg/piglet and 118.6 kg/litter, compared to 9.4 kg/piglet and 89.9 kg/litter), simultaneously, the results also was earlier weaning of 2.22 days The transfer of techniques of earlier E coli vaccination, and use of betel-bokashi for treatment and creep boxes increased farmer’s income These also increased awareness and knowledge not only of farmers, but also local vets, authorities and leaders about the disease and E coli infection Making changes of pig farming practices and their capacity to apply science and technology for prevention was not easy Reducing the use of antibiotics will enhance the bio-security in smallholder pig farms and limit environmental pollution in rural areas Acknowledgments The authors gratefully acknowledge ACP/WB Binh Dinh for providing finance for the studies, local farmers and veterinary offices for their cooperation, colleagues of Binh Dinh, Mr Dinh Van Nho, Miss Kieu Thi Huyen and Miss Nguyen Thi Tra My for their inputs and responsibilities References [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] Thuy, D N., Phu, C H., and Trott, D 2009 “Oedema in Piglets and Prevention Techniques.” Presented at the Proceedings in AAAP Conference, Hanoi Nguyen, N N., Cu, H P., and Phan, T H 2001 “Features and Infected Factors of E coli to Oedema in Piglets of Binh Dinh Province.” Vietnam Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development 11: 804-5 Ho, P T., Phu, C H., and Thuy, D N 2003 “Isolation, Determination of Biochemical Characterizes of E coli Caused Oedema on Piglets in Binh Dinh, Techniques for Prevention and Treatment.” In Proceedings of the National Conference in South Central Vietnam, 250-6 Phu, C H., Ho, P T., Huong, V T., and Thuy, D N 2006 “Compared the Antibody Tiers in after Vaccinated of E coli for Oedema in Piglets.” Vietnam Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development 10: 57-62 Linh, N Q., Duyet, H N., Hai, V V., Hue, H T., Toan, N H., Trott, D J., Fahy, V A., and Cargill, C 2009 “Influence of Different Breeds, Feeding and Housing Systems on Sow Reproductive Performance in Central Vietnam.” Presented at the AAAP Conference in Hanoi Piglet Diarrhea and Technology Transfers to Prevent E coli Infection at Small-Holder Pig Farms in Binh 705 Dinh, Vietnam [6] [7] [8] [9] Linh, Q N., Bao, N H., Phuong, H N., Trott, D J., Fahy, V A., and Cargill, C 2009 “Influence of Different Housing Systems Approach to Sow Reproductive Performance and Growth of Suckling Piglets in Thua Thien Hue.” Presented at the AAAP Conference in Hanoi Martens, M., and Valks, M 1999 “Porcills Coli: Still the Most Potent Vaccine against E coli Enterotoxicosis.” Intervet VSD Newltter 18: 1-6 Morgan, R L., Isaacson, R E., Moon, H W., Brinton, C C., and To, C C 1978 “Immunization of Suckling Pigs against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Induced Diarrheal Disease by Vaccinating Dams with Purified 987 or K99 Pili: Protection Correlates with Pilus Homology of Vaccine and Challenge.” Infect Immun 771-7 Thuy, D N., Trott, D J., Linh, N Q., Duyet, H N., and View publication stats Phu, C H 2010 “Influence of Different Housing Systems and Feeding Regime on E coli Problems of Post-Weaning Piglets in Central Vietnam.” In Proceedings of the 21st IPVS Congress, 765 [10] Do, N T., Cu, H P., and Darren, T 2006 “Comparative Resistance Profiles of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Isolated from Australia and Vietnam.” In Proceedings of the 19th IPVS Congress, 462 [11] Hoang, N D., Nguyen, Q L., Cargill, C., and Trott, D 2010 “Influence of E coli Vaccine for Pregnant Sows to Diarrhea of Piglets in Central Vietnam.” In Proceedings of the 14th Animal Science Congress of the Asian-Australasian Association of Animal Production Societies, 460 ... Table shows the average total pig in communes 698 Piglet Diarrhea and Technology Transfers to Prevent E coli Infection at Small- Holder Pig Farms in Binh Dinh, Vietnam Table No Swine herd and breeding.. .Piglet Diarrhea and Technology Transfers to Prevent E coli Infection at Small- Holder Pig Farms in Binh 697 Dinh, Vietnam low level of efficiency The research aimed at exploring the transfer... seven 704 Piglet Diarrhea and Technology Transfers to Prevent E coli Infection at Small- Holder Pig Farms in Binh Dinh, Vietnam farmers to farmers (FoF) seminars and workshops to share experiences