The effect of an herbal blend (Flos Chamomillae, Fruct. Myrtilli, Rad. Taraxaci, Herba
Rhapontici Carthamoides, Rad. Dauci Carotae, Bulbus Allii Sativi) in combination with
zeolite and Effective Microorganisms on diarrhea incidence of weaning pigs was
studied. 82 healthy piglets were divided into four groups by compensating randomization:
treatment and control and for both light and heavy. The animals of the experimental
group were administered the herbal blend orally. The piglets were weighed
regularly. Faeces were appraised with a faecal score on a scale from 0 (formed faeces)
to 2 (fluid faeces). Diarrhea occurred in all groups. Blood sample collections were
performed for analysis of haptoglobin and nonesterified fatty acids. The results showed
no significant difference between experimental and control group. Considering
the piglets of the light group a significant higher daily weight gain in the experimental
group was found (327 g vs. 241 g, p = 0.0126). There was also a clear trend (p =
0.0603) toward faecal scores being lower in the light treatment group. Heavy piglets
were not affected by eating the herbs. Our results showed that, while this particular
herbal blend did not prevent diarrhea in piglets after weaning, it lessened the severity
of diarrhea and significantly improved weight gains in the light treated piglets compared
with the light untreated piglets
