Effect of salinomycin in the control of Clostridium perfringens type C infection in suckling pigs

The ability of salinomycin to control Clostridium perfringens type C infection in sows and their offspring was examined under field conditions. Two groups of sows and their offspring were offered feed either medicated with 60 ppm salinomycin or free of antibiotics, and their performance was compared. The number of piglets with diarrhoea, the duration of the diarrhoea, and the mortality of the piglets during the lactation period were markedly lower in the group given salinomycin. In addition, laboratory examinations showed that the numbers of carrier piglets and sows were reduced after treatment with salinomycin. Finally, the sows treated with salinomycin lost less weight during the lactation period and weaned more and heavier piglets than the untreated sows, It was concluded that salinomycin incorporated in the diet can be used for controlling C perfringens type C infection in sows and their offspring.