Reduction of subclinical S almonella infection in fattening pigs after dietary supplementation with a ß‐galactomannan oligosaccharide

Aims To assess the efficacy of a β‐galactomannan oligosaccharide (ß‐GMOS) for the control of S almonella infection in fattening pigs. Methods and Results Three different doses (0·5, 3 and 2 kg ß‐GMOS per ton of feed) were used during the entire period of growing in three similar and independent field trials carried out in a small fattening unit (≈100 pigs). Treatment was randomly assigned to half of the pens. Individual serum samples (20–25 per group) were collected at different times during the fattening period and a similar number of faecal samples during the fattening period and at slaughter. In addition, mesenteric lymph nodes were collected at slaughter. Herdcheck ® Swine S almonella ELISA was used for serological analyses, the ISO 6579:2002/Amd 1 : 2007 for bacteriology and the PFGE for molecular characterization of S almonella strains. The addition of ≥2 kg t −1 of ß‐GMOS to the pig diet during the entire fattening period was associated with a reduction in S almonella prevalence, shedding and seroconversion. Conclusions Feed supplementation with ß‐GMOS may be a useful complementary tool for the control of salmonellosis in fattening pigs. Significance and Impact of the Study ß‐GMOS may be a complementary way of reducing Salmonella shedding and infection in fattening pigs.