Ninety-six (96) piglets born to 12 sows were randomly assigned to four modes of treatment for neonatal diarrhea designated as: oral amoxicillin without electrolytes (A2B1) oral amoxicillin with electrolytes (A1B2) injectable amoxicillin without electrolytes (A2B1) and injectable amoxicillin with electrolytes (A2B2)

This was a 2 x 2 factorial experiment in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in three replications conducted with the following objectives: (1) to determine the most effective mode of treatment for neonatal diarrhea, and (2) to recommended the best mode of treatment to small scale swine raisers in terms of cost and case of administration.

Data were obtained from two phases of the study, namely, pre-experimental and experimental phases. Data obtained during the pre-experimental phase were on initial weight, morbidity rate and weight of piglets at the onset of diarrhea. No significant differences were noted at the first two parameters. Significant variations, however, were observed on weight of piglets at the onset of diarrhea. Heavier piglets belonged to smaller litters with an average size of 8.5, while lighter ones came from larger litters with an average size of 10.67.

No significant variations were noted on the different data collected during the experimental phase of the study. Duration of treatment, mortality rate, recovery rate, weaning weight of piglets affected with diarrhea, and weaning weight of piglets without diarrhea were statistically similar in all treatment groups of piglets

Results of the experiment revealed that any of the four modes of treatment for neonatal piglet diarrhea were effective against the disease. However, if cost of treatment was considered, the oral amoxicillin without electrolyte (A₁,B₁) was the cheapest. In terms of ease of administration, the intramuscular route of drug administration was easier than the oral route.

Thesis (Master of Science - Animal Science)

Includes appendices and bibliographical references