Calf scours are caused by a variety of infectious agents. Oral rehydration therapy solutions are formulated with the objective of correcting dehydration and acidosis. Currently, oral rehydraton therapy does not promote gut healing in diarrheic calves. However, investigators are examining the role of nutrition in promoting gut healing. Previous work has shown that the amino acid glutamine is important in nitrogen transport between tissues and is an indispensable nutrient for rapidly dividing cells such as lymphocytes, fibroblasts and enterocytes. Small intestinal epithelial cells depend mainly on glutamine, glucose, and ketone bodies for their energy under normal physiological conditions. The oxidative substrate preferred by large intestinal epithelial cells appears to be butyrate, followed by acetate, glutamine, and glucose. Research shows that glutamine supplementation increases intestinal protein synthesis. This may be one of the mechanisms by which glutamine exerts its protective effect on gut integrity and mucosal barrier function during critical illness. However, questions concerning the optimum dose and route by which glutamine is to be administered have yet to be addressed. A surgical model was developed to chronically study the nutrient concentration differences across the portal-drained viscera of preruminant calves. The experimental design consisted of a series of infusions conducted on four different study days in each calf. On the study days, 4 separate 1h infusions of acetate, glucose, glutamine, saline (control) were administered intravenously via the jugular vein at 200 mmol/L/h in a different order. Venous and arterial blood were collected over the last 15 min of each 1h infusion. Blood flow was also measured. Intestinal uptake in ìmol/kg^0.75/min was 0.3 ± 1.1 for glutamine and 1.9 ± 3.1 for glucose during saline infusion. During acetate, glucose, and saline infusions, glucose was a greater source of energy than glutamine for the intestine. However, during glutamine infusion, intestinal glutamine uptake (29.9 ± 11.2 ìmol/kg^0.75/min) increased significantly which was associated with a rise in ammonia production (7.0 ± 0.5 ìmol/kg^0.75min). A second experiment was designed to determine if glutamine uptake could be further stimulated either by longer term intravenous infusion or by chronic oral supplementation in neonatal calves. Intestinal metabolism was investigated by measuring nutrient uptake during three intravenous infusions of glutamine over a 5 h period after an overnight fast. Prior to the first infusion, calves diet consisted of milk only. Diet was supplemented with oral glutamine for the second and third infusions. Glutamine was administered via the jugular vein at a rate of 200 mmol/L/h. Venous and arterial blood was collected in duplicate every hour for 5 h. Blood flow was also measured. During glutamine infusion, there was an absolute increase in PDV uptake of glutamine associated with a significant production of ammonia. Feeding glutamine orally did not alter the PDV glutamine uptake. Glutamine infusion did not increase the intestinal uptake of essential amino acids. Neither chronic oral supplementation with glutamine, or infusion for periods longer than an hour, further increased intestinal glutamine uptake. Arterial leucine concentration and intestinal uptake declined during glutamine infusion suggesting that its supply became limiting. Thus glutamine supplementation may require the provision of a mixture of amino acids to be effective.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Mississippi State University. College of Veterinary Medicine. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

Abstract Objectives: Diarrheal disease is a global health challenge that assumes gigantic importance with regard to child health in developing countries like Pakistan. Prompt medical attention and proper use of Oral Re-hydration Therapy (ORT) by mothers helps prevent dehydration and secondary complications among affected children. However, ORT use among mothers in Pakistan is low. This study seeks to examine how various socio-demographic factors impact the use of ORT and dispensary treatment among mothers of children affected with diarrhea. Methods:Data from Pakistan Demographic Health Survey (2012-2013) was used for the study. The study sample consisted of women aged 15-49 years old resident in Punjab region (N= 505) with children under five years old who had diarrhea within two weeks of the survey. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were used to determine relationships between maternal socio-demographic characteristics and use of ORT and dispensary care. P-values Results: After controlling for place of residence, educational level and frequency of watching television, caregivers whose children had fever with diarrheal episodes had nearly two-fold increased odds of using ORT treatment [OR= 1.9, (95% CI: 1.28-2.82)], compared to those whose children did not have fever. Similarly poor and middle class socioeconomic status (SES) participants had 3 times increased odds [OR= 2.76, [95% CI: 1.1 -6.89)] of using dispensary treatment when compared to upper class mothers. Place of residence was not a significant predictor of ORT or dispensary use. Discussion: These findings are consistent with other studies that show that mothers’ socioeconomic status are a good indicator of their knowledge about ORT use, and health care seeking behavior. On the other hand, maternal place of residence was not a significant predictor of ORT use, or consultation at a dispensary, even though other studies have found significant associations. Conclusion: Interventions aimed at improving low-income mothers’ knowledge about diarrhea management can include lay medical personnel, such as dispensers, who are often the easily accessible medical resource to this population. Therefore, dispensers should be provided with further training to increase their knowledge and skills in treating children with diarrhea. Future studies that are more rigorous should be conducted to examine this public health issue.

published_or_final_version / Microbiology / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Calves born persistently infected (PI) with non-cytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus (ncpBVDV) frequently develop a fatal gastroenteric illness called mucosal disease (MD). From animals affected by MD, both the original virus (ncpBVDV) and an antigenically identical, yet cytopathic virus (cpBVDV) can be isolated. Cytopathic BVDVs are originated from the ncp counterparts by diverse genetic mechanisms, all leading to the expression of the non-structural polypeptide NS3 as a discrete protein. In contrast, ncpBVDVs express only the large precursor polypeptide, NS2-3, which contains the NS3 sequence within its carboxy-terminal half. The investigation of the mechanism leading to NS3 expression in 41 cpBVDV isolates is reported. An RT-PCR strategy was designed to detect insertions within the NS2-3 gene and/or duplication of the NS3 gene two common mechanisms of expression of NS3. RT-PCR amplification revealed insertions in the NS2-3 gene of three cp isolates, being the inserts similar in size to that present in the cpBVDV NADL strain. Sequencing of one such insert revealed a 296 nucleotide sequence, with a central core of 270 putative aminoacid sequence highly homologous (98%) to the NADL insert, a sequence corresponding to the cellular J-Domain gene. Another cpBVDV isolate contained a duplication of the NS3 gene downstream from the original locus. In contrast, no detectable NS2-3 insertions nor NS3 gene duplications were observed in the genome of 37 cp isolates. These results demonstrate that cleavage of NS2-3 without bulk RNA insertions nor NS3 gene duplications seems to be a frequent mechanism leading to NS3 expression and BVDV cytopathology. / Bezerros nascidos persistentemente infectados (PI) com o biótipo não citopático (ncp) do vírus da Diarréia Viral Bovina (BVDV) freqüentemente desenvolvem uma doença gastroentérica fatal, chamada de Doença das Mucosas (DM). Dos animais afetados pela DM é possível isolar o vírus original não-citopático (BVDVncp) e um vírus antigenicamente idêntico, porém citopático (BVDVcp). Os BVDVcps são gerados a partir do vírus original ncp por diversos mecanismos genéticos, que resultam na expressão da proteína não-estrutural NS3 como uma proteína individual. Em contrapartida, os BVDVncp expressam somente a proteína precursora NS2-3, que contém a seqüência da NS3 no seu terço carboxi-terminal. Este trabalho relata a investigação dos mecanismos genéticos associados com a expressão da NS3 em 41 isolados citopáticos de BVDV. Uma estratégia de RT-PCR foi delineada para detectar inserções no gene da NS2-3 e/ou duplicações no gene da NS3, dois mecanismos freqüentes de expressão da NS3. Amplificação do genoma dos 41 isolados por RT-PCR revelou a presença de inserções no gene da NS2-3 em três isolados, de tamanho similar a inserção presente na cepa de BVDVcp NADL. O seqüenciamento da inserção de um isolado revelou uma seqüência de 296 nucleotídeos, com uma região central de 270 nucleotídeos altamente homóloga (98%) com a inserção da cepa NADL, que corresponde a uma seqüência do gene celular J-Domain. Outro isolado de BVDVcp contém uma duplicação do gene da NS3 na direção 3 da sua posição original. Em 37 isolados cp não foram detectadas inserções na NS2-3 ou duplicações da NS3. Esses resultados demonstram que a clivagem da NS2-3 sem a presença de inserções de RNA ou duplicações do gene da NS3 parecem ser mecanismos frequentes de expressão da proteína NS3 e citopatologia no BVDV.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-22T20:50:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-03-25. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-08-11T03:25:54Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 Publico-115.pdf: 983090 bytes, checksum: 7f674d882f7cc66c5e1e6fe6b081c85c (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior e Programa Brasil Alemanha / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Escherichia coli Enteropatogênica (EPEC) produz lesão attaching/effacing (A/E) em células eucarióticas mediada pela adesina de membrana externa intimina. EPEC são sub-agrupadas em típica (tEPEC) e atípica (aEPEC). Recentemente demonstramos que a amostra de aEPEC 1551-2 (sorotipo O não-tipável, não-móvel) invade células HeLa por um processo dependente da expressão de intimina do subtipo omicron. Neste estudo, avaliamos se amostras de aEPEC expressando diferentes subtipos de intimina também são invasoras utilizando ensaios quantitativos de proteção com gentamicina. Também avaliamos se aEPECs invadem células intestinais diferenciadas T84 e Caco-2. Cinco das seis amostras testadas invadiram células HeLa e T84 numa faixa de 13.3%-20.9% e 5.8%-17.8%, respectivamente, do total de bactérias associadas às células. As amostras estudadas foram significantemente mais invasoras que a amostra protótipo de tEPEC E2348/69 (1.4% e 0.5% em células HeLa e T84, respectivamente). A amostra 1551-2 foi ainda testada em células Caco-2 diferenciadas, o que resultou num índice de invasão semelhante àqueles obtidos em células T84 (7,5%±1,7) e também significantemente maior que a tEPEC E2348/69 (1,8%±0,6). A invasão de células T84 foi confirmada por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. Mostramos ainda que a invasão de células HeLa por aEPEC 1551-2 depende de filamentos de actina, mas não de microtúbulos. Além disso, a infecção de monocamadas não diferenciadas e o rompimento das tight junctions aumentaram a eficiência da invasão de células T84, sugerindo uma via de invasão preferencial pela superfície não diferenciada. Em resumo, amostras de aEPEC podem invadir cultura de células in vitro com eficiência variável e independentemente de subtipo de intimina. / Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) produce attaching/effacing (A/E) lesions on eukaryotic cells mediated by the outer membrane adhesin Intimin. EPEC are subgrouped into typical (tEPEC) and atypical (aEPEC). We have recently demonstrated that aEPEC strain 1551-2 (serotype O non-typable, non-motile) invades HeLa cells by a process dependent on the expression of intimin subtype omicron. In this study, we evaluated whether aEPEC strains expressing other intimin subtypes are also invasive using the quantitative gentamicin protection assay. We also evaluated whether aEPEC invade intestinal differentiated T84 cells. Five of six strains invaded HeLa and T84 cells in a range of 13.3%-20.9% and 5.8%-17.8%, respectively, of the total cellassociated bacteria. The strains studied were significantly more invasive than prototype tEPEC strain E2348/69 (1.4% and 0.5% in HeLa and T84 cells, respectively). aEPEC strain 1551-2 was also tested in differentiated Caco-2 cells, resulting in an invasion index similar to that obtained in T84 cells (7.5%±1.7%). This strain was also significantly more invasive than prototype tEPEC strain E2348/69 (1.8%±0.6%). Invasiveness of T84 cells was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. We also showed that invasion of HeLa cells by aEPEC 1551-2 depended on actin filaments, but not on microtubules. In addition, infection of non-differentiated monolayers and disruption of tight junctions enhanced its invasion efficiency in T84 cells, suggesting preferential invasion via a non-differentiated surface. In summary, aEPEC strains may invade intestinal cells in vitro with varying efficiencies and independently of the intimin subtype. / CAPES - Probral: 281/07 / TEDE / BV UNIFESP: Teses e dissertações

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:31:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2007-10-02Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:20:17Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 silva_dg_dr_jabo.pdf: 1249023 bytes, checksum: a507ea8e0f1eb8792694e386158a0c82 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as alterações clínicas e laboratoriais de bezerros infectados experimentalmente com Salmonella Dublin e verificar o efeito do tratamento com antibiótico florfenicol associado ou não à fluidoterapia. Para isso, foram constituídos quatro grupos experimentais, compostos por seis bezerros cada, que receberam, por via oral, aproximadamente 108 UFC de S. Dublin (exceto o grupo 1) e que foram submetidos aos seguintes procedimentos: controle (grupo 1), sem tratamento (grupo 2), tratamento apenas com florfenicol (grupo 3) e tratamento com florfenicol associado à fluidoterapia (grupo 4). Todos os bezerros foram submetidos ao exame físico antes da inoculação experimental e a cada 12 horas, até o sétimo dia após a infecção. Nestes momentos foram colhidas amostras de sangue, para realização de exames hematológicos, hemogasométricos, bioquímicos e proteinograma, e suabes retais, para isolamento de Salmonella por meio de exames microbiológicos e da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). A infecção experimental com S. Dublin induziu diarréia, febre, desidratação e sinais respiratórios nos bezerros inoculados e provocou aumento da contagem do número de leucócitos, da concentração de uréia, fibrinogênio e proteínas de fase aguda, e redução do valor do pH, do excesso de base, da concentração de albumina, magnésio e ferro. Os bezerros que receberam tratamento mostraram boa recuperação clínica, sendo que o grupo tratado com antibiótico associado à fluidoterapia apresentou correção mais rápida e eficiente do equilíbrio hidro-eletrolítico. Quanto à detecção de Salmonella Dublin, o isolamento microbiológico mostrou-se superior à PCR, contudo o uso simultâneo das duas técnicas propiciou o diagnóstico de um maior número de amostras positivas. / The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical and laboratorial changes in experimentally Salmonella Dublin-infected calves and the effect of florfenicol antibiotic treatment associated or not with fluid therapy. Four experimental groups, comprising six calves, were formed. With the exception of group 1, animals orally received about 108 CFU of S. Dublin and underwent the following procedures: control (group 1), without any treatment (group 2), treatment with florfenicol only (group 3), treatment with florfenicol associated with fluid therapy (group 4). All calves were submitted to physical examination before experimental inoculation and at every 12 hours up to the 7th day after infection. Blood samples were collected for hematological, hemogasometric, and biochemical analysis, coupled to rectal swabs for the isolation of Salmonella by standard microbiological techniques and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). S. Dublin experimental infection caused diarrhea, fever, dehydration and respiratory effects in inoculated calves; increased values of leukocytes, urea, fibrinogen and acute phase proteins; decreased rate of pH, base excess, albumin, magnesium and iron. Treated calves had a satisfactory clinical recovery. The group treated with antibiotics associated with fluid therapy had a faster and more efficient correction of hydro-electrolyte alterations. Although microbiological isolation was better than PCR in the detection of Salmonella, the simultaneous use of both techniques provides a diagnosis with more positive samples.

Orientador: Dirlei Antonio Berto / Banca: Ana Silvia Alves Meira Tavares Moura / Banca: Caio Abércio da Silva / Resumo: Foram realizados dois experimentos: no primeiro utilizaram-se 96 leitões desmamados com idade média de 21 dias, num delineamento em blocos com arranjo fatorial dos tratamentos 2 x 2 ( duas fontes de carboidratos e duas classes de peso ao desmame). No segundo foram utilizados 48 leitões, num delineamento em blocos com arranjo fatorial 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 (duas classes de pesos ao desmame x duas fontes de carboidratos x duas porções do intestino delgado x três épocas de abate). Portanto, no modelo estatístico foram usados os efeitos fixos de peso, fontes de carboidratos, porções do intestino delgado, épocas de abate e suas respectivas interações; e o efeito aleatório de blocos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da substituição da lactose pela maltodextrina nas rações de leitões desmamados, com diferentes pesos, sobre o consumo diário de ração, ganho diário de peso, conversão alimentar, incidência de diarreia, altura das vilosidades, profundidade das criptas e espessura de mucosa. No primeiro experimento, nos períodos de 0 a 17 e 0 a 29 dias após o desmame constatou-se efeito da classe de peso, no ganho diário de peso e no consumo diário de ração dos leitões, ou seja, os animais mais pesados ao desmame apresentaram maiores consumo diário de ração e ganho diário de peso em relação aos animais mais leves. No segundo experimento, verificou-se que a maltodextrina determinou aumentos na espessura média da mucosa intestinal dos leitões, independente do peso, e na profundidade média das criptas apenas nos animais leves. A maltodextrina pode ser usada como uma alternativa para substituir a lactose nas rações de leitões desmamados, pois não afeta negativamente o desempenho e a maioria dos parâmetros morfométricos do intestino. / Abstract: Two trials were conducted: in the first trial, were used, 96 weaning pigs at the age of about 21 days, in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (two sources of carbohydrate: lactose and maltodextrin and two weaning weight classes: light, from 4,50 to 5,20 kg, and heavy, from 5,90 to 6,60 kg). In the second trial, 48 pigs, in a 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arrangement (two weaning weight classes x two sources of carbohydrate x two portions of the small intestine x three slaughter times). Therefore, in the statistical model the fixed effect of weight, sources of carbohydrate, portions of the small intestine, times of slaughter and its respective interactions; and the random effect of blocks. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of maltodextrin diets in weaning pigs of different weights on feed intake, feed:gain ratio, weight gain, diarrhea incidence, villus height, crypt depth and mucous membrane height. In the first trial, from 0-17 days and from 0-29 days after the weaning effects of weight classes, were detected on daily weight gain, and daily feed intake. The heaviest animals at weaning showed the best results. In the second trial, we verified that maltodextrin determined an increase in the average thickness of the intestinal mucosa, regardless of weight classes, and the increase in the average depth of the crypt, only in the highter animals. Maltodextrin can be used as an alternative to lactose in diets of weaning pigs, as it doesn't affect negatively the performance neither the morfometric parameters of the intestine. / Mestre

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:27:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-02-16Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:26:13Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 oliveira_mc_me_jabo.pdf: 308908 bytes, checksum: 64bbc47e580df30ef60b342b4c429d6c (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O Vírus da Diarréia Viral Bovina (BVDV) é um dos patógenos mais importantes na pecuária bovina em todo mundo, principalmente por desencadear manifestações clínicas relacionadas à esfera reprodutiva. A infecção em fêmeas gestantes pode resultar em abortamentos, reabsorções embrionárias, mumificações fetais, má formações e nascimento de bezerros fracos além do aparecimento de animais persistentemente infectados e imunotolerantes ao vírus, que são a principal fonte de infecção e disseminação da doença nos rebanhos. Atualmente, a complexidade do diagnóstico e consequentemente a patogenia, estão relacionados às diferenças genotípicas do agente. Por isso, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo verificar a ocorrência dos genótipos BVDV-1 (Singer) e BVDV-2 (VS-253) em vacas, e respectivos fetos, abatidas em um frigorífico no Estado de São Paulo por meio da análise do soro sanguineo por meio da técnica de virusneutralização. No contexto geral, 52,51% (115/219) das vacas testadas foram reagentes, mas nenhum feto (0/219) reagiu na virusneutralização. Pela análise cruzada conforme a estirpe viral, observou-se que 42% (92/219) das vacas foram reagentes tanto para o genótipo BVDV-1 como para o genótipo do BVDV-2. Por outro lado 4,10% (9/219) reagiram apenas para o genótipo BVDV-1 e 6,39% (14/219) reagiram apenas para o genótipo do BVDV 2. Notou-se portanto que ambas as estirpes estão disseminadas nas regiões estudadas, fato que justifica o emprego de antígenos diferentes para evitar diagnóstico falso-negativo. Por fim, não foi observado qualquer alteração nos fetos que pudessem ser caracterizada como patologia da enfermidade. / The Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is one of the pathogens in bovine livestock worldwide most important mainly triggered by clinical manifestations related to the reproductive sphere. The infection in pregnant females may result in abortions, embryonic resorptions, fetal mummification, poor training, birth of weak calves in addition to persistently infected and virus immunotolerant animals, which are the main source of infection and spread of the disease. Currently, the complexity to diagnosis and consequently to the pathogenesis are related genotypic differences that he presents. Therefore, this research aimed to verify the occurrence of BVDV- 1 (Singer) and BVDV-2 (VS-253) genotypes in cows and their respective fetuses slaughtered in a abattoir at the state of São Paulo by analyzing the blood serum using virusneutralization technique. In the general context, 52.51% (115/219) of cows were reagents, but no fetus (0/219) reacted in virusneutralization. After a cross-examination we observed that 42% (92/219) of cows reacted for both BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 genotype. Furthermore 4,10% (9/219) reacted only to the genotype BVDV-1 and 6,39% (14/219) responded only to the genotype 2 of BVDV. It was noted therefore that both strains are widespread in the regions studied, which also justifies the use of different antigens to avoid false-negative diagnosis. Finally, there was no change in fetuses that could be characterized as a pathology of the disease.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:55:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 162034 bytes, checksum: eb0e927258e22712193fc49665f832bc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-08-09 / A study was accomplished with the objective of determining the level of Spray Dried plasma (SDP) to be used in substitution to the powdered skimmed milk in diets without antibiotics for pigs weaned to the 21 days of age. 108 barrous and female pigs were used, with initial weight of 6,05± 0,35 Kg, distributed in experimental blocks randomized, with four treatments, nine blocks and three animals for experimental unit. The treatments consisted of levels of inclusion of 0,0; 2,5; 5,0 and 7,5% of SDP in the Period I (of the 22 to the 28 days of age); 0,0; 1,25; 2,50; 3,25 of SDP in the Period II (of the 29 to the 35 days of age). Blocks was constituted in function of the initial weight of the animals, the animals were maintained in the experiment up to 49 days of age. The relationship aminoacid was maintained between the lisina and the other essential amino acids, with base in the concept of ideal protein for piglets in the phase pré-initial. The ration consumption and the weight gain of the animals were influenced by the levels of inclusion of SDP in the period I (P <0,10), the bio- nutritional index indicated an improvement in the feed conversion (P <0,05) without difference of the diarrhea occurrence (P>0,05). There was no effect (P>0,10) of the treatments on the consumption of ration of the pigs in the period I+II. However, the increment of the levels of SDP provided increase in the weight gain (P<0,10) and the bio-nutritional index indicated an improvement in the feed conversion (P<0,05), doesn't tend significant difference in the diarrhea occurrence (P>0,05). In the period I+II+III the treatment four that understood the animals that consumed 7,5% of SDP the first week and 3,75% in the second week pós-weaning it differed of the other treatments on the consumption of ration of the pigs, on the medium daily gain (P <0,10) and on the bio-nutritional index (P <0,05), in the case of the diarrhea occurrence it was smaller in the treatments that had plasma. The levels of inclusion of spray dried plasma in diets without antibiotics for pigs of 5,0% in the period I, 2,5% in the period II. / Foi realizado um estudo com o objetivo de se determinar o nível de plasma sanguíneo em pó (PSP) a ser usado em substituição ao leite desnatado em pó em dietas sem antibióticos para leitões desmamados aos 21 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 108 leitõesmachos e fêmeas, com peso inicial de 6,05± 0,35 Kg, distribuídos em delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos, nove blocos e três animais por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram de níveis de inclusão de 0,0; 2,5; 5,0 e 7,5% de PSP no Período I (dos 22 aos 28 dias de idade); 0,0; 1,25; 2,50; 3,25 de PSP no Período II (dos 29 aos 35 dias de idade). O bloco foi constituído em função do peso inicial dos animais, os animais foram mantidos no experimento até 49 dias de idade. Foi mantida a relação aminoacídica entre a lisina e os demais aminoácidos essenciais, com base no conceito de proteína ideal para suínos na fase pré- inicial. O consumo de ração e o ganho de peso dos animais foram influenciados pelos níveis de inclusão do PSP no período I (P<0,10), o Índice bionutricional indicou uma melhoria na conversão alimentar (P<0,05) sem diferença da ocorrência de diarréia (P>0,05). Não houve efeito (P>0,10) dos tratamentos sobre o consumo de ração dos leitões no período I+II. Entretanto, o incremento dos níveis de PSP proporcionou aumento no ganho de peso (P<0,10) e o Índice bionutricional indicou uma melhora na conversão alimentar (P<0,05), não tendo diferença significativa na ocorrência de diarréia (P>0,05). No período I+II+III que foi dos 22 aos 49 dias o tratamento 4 que compreendeu os animais que consumiram 7,5% de PSP na primeira semana e 3,75% na segunda semana pós-desmame diferiu dos outros tratamentos sobre o consumo de ração dos leitões, sobre o ganho diário médio (P<0,10) e sobre o índice bionutricional (P<0,05), no caso da ocorrência de diarréia foi menor nos tratamentosque tiveram plasma. Os níveis de inclusão de plasma sanguíneo em pó em dietas sem antibióticos para leitões de 5,0% no período I, 2,5% no período II.