Impact of Diet on Extent of Stomach Damage in Response to Feed Withdrawl and Repair Following Refeeding in Pigs

North Carolina State University Swine Nutrition Research from 1998-2000. In order to study the mechanisms of stomach ulceration, a dietary model was developed that resulted in significant damage to the esophageal region. Composition of stomach contents and stomach tissue in pigs fed finely ground and pelleted (FGP) feed was compared to pigs fed coarsely ground mash (CGM) feed. Almost without exception no damage was observed to the esophageal region in pigs fed the CGM feed. Thus, the comparisons between these two feeds have provided information to describe the mechanisms responsible for stomach damage. In addition to diet, one condition associated with increased incidence of ulceration is feed withdrawal. Ulcers have been associated with concurrent disease and it is possible that the association is related to the impact of disease on feed intake. In general, an animal often spikes a fever and decreases feed intake in association with a disease challenge. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of diet on stomach damage in response to feed withdrawal as well as recovery from feed withdrawal after a week of refeeding.