Swine dysentery: the influence of dietary vitamin E and selenium on the clinical and pathological effects of Treponema hyodysenteriae infection in pigs.

Twenty-four conventionally reared pigs were divided into four equal groups and fed a basic ration deficient in vitamin E and selenium. One group was given a supplement of vitamin E and selenium. One group was given a supplement of vitamin E, another received selenium and a third received both nutrients. No supplement was given to the control group. After the pigs had been fed the different diets for 59 days they were inoculated with a pure culture of Treponema hyodysenteriae They were subsequently observed for 22 days. The inoculation resulted in outbreaks of swine dysentery in all groups. The results indicated that the administration of vitamin E supplement alone to the pigs reduced the clinical effects of T hyodysenteriae only to a minor degree. On the other hand, supplementation with selenium, either alone or with vitamin E, had a more positive effect which was most clearly illustrated by a greater weight gain during the postinoculation period.