PREVENTION OF PORCINE PROLIFERATIVE ENTEROPATHY (PPE) BY VACCINATION - EFFICACY AND ECONOMICS IN EUROPEAN FARMS
T. Hardge, E. Nickoll, H. Grunert, K. Elbers, U. Langbein, C. Keller, T. Bleier, J. Pohlenz, V.F. Ohlinger and B. Schroeder.

Abstract
The efficacy and economics of vaccination against Lawsonia intracellularis in Europe were investigated, using more than 1600 pigs in two large field trials. The vaccine was delivered orally via individual drench of the animals or administered via drinking water in troughs. Vaccinated pigs on both farms grew faster between weaning and slaughter and achieved higher and less variable end weights than non-vaccinated controls. The increase in average daily weight gain in response to vaccination by drench and trough was + 28 g and + 47 g respectively, on the first farm and + 10 g and + 31 g on the second farm. The higher end weight and the reduced variation (lower number of lightweight pigs, less pigs outside the optimal weight window in the carcase grading grid) contributed to higher gross margins between ? +3.10 per pig and ? +5.85 per pig compared to non-vaccinated controls. It is concluded that oral vaccination against L. intracellularis is an economically efficient tool to control intestinal diseases related to this organism and to permit a better exploitation of the genetic growth potential of the pig.

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