Influence of beta-glucan and vaccination against Lawsonia intracellularis on selected immune indices in weaned piglets

The aim of this paper was to study the immunostimulating effects of feed additive containing beta-glucan given to pregnant sows and consecutive specific immunomodulation by vaccination of their suckling piglets. Thirty-five suckling piglets from the control and experimental group of sows were divided into four groups. Selected blood indices of immune profile (TIg, IMA, SI), specific antibodies against Lawsonia intracellularis formed in the blood serum of suckling piglets after vaccination, as well as production indices were observed. In all the groups, birth body weights were similar. After weaning, average daily weight gains were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the group of vaccinated suckling piglets, as well as in suckling piglets from experimental sows. The same trend was recorded in average TIg values. Significant effects (p < 0.01) of beta-glucan and vaccination were observed in the changes of the index of metabolic activity of phagocytes (IMA) and less markedly in the index of stimulation activity of lymphocytes (SI). The least favorable results were observed in the group without both vaccination and beta-glucan. The effect of vaccination was manifested by ELISA estimation of specific antibodies (PI), when in both non-vaccinated groups (A and D) we observed minimum antibodies levels compared with vaccinated groups (B and C), which showed a high positivity without significant differences between the beta-glucan stimulated (C) and the non-stimulated group (B). These results suggest that beta-glucan given to sows and consecutive vaccination of suckling piglets can stimulate their non specific and specific immunity.