The gut wall can be considered as a ‘first line defence’ for example against bacteria, toxins and endotoxins. If this defence is reduced, piglets are more susceptible to infections, which may lead to a leaky gut and consequently diarrhoea. Feeding combination of organic and inorganic minerals decreases leaky gut at weaning and lowers pig mortality while keeping growth rate at a high level.
Plant alkaloids prove to be perfect alternatives for antimicrobial growth enhancers. Field trials conducted all over the world show that their antiinflammatory property supports gut health and the efficient use of feed.
By Dr Steven McOrist, Asian Agribusiness Consulting, Beijing, China and Julia Schmitt, Product Management, Phytobiotics Futterzusatzstoffe, Eltville, Germany
An increasing number of countries are banning or limiting the use of antibiotics. This stimulates the believe that supporting beneficial microflora will boost the animal’s innate immune system in more than one way. Eubiotics play an important role because they not only act locally, but also have an indirect positive systemic effect.
By Jorge Cervantes López, regional product manager – Eubiotics, DSM Nutritional Products
The interest in phytogenic additives as natural performance enhancers for pigs is increasing. Stabilisation of gut functions and stimulation of the immune system is what counts in this respect. This article discusses the mode of action of phytogenic ingredients like capsicum and turmeric oleoresins.
By Dr Sven Brenner, market manager and Clementine Oguey, R&D expert, Pancosma, Switzerland
Protection against diseases reduces the need for antimicrobials. This includes vaccinating against viral as well as bacterial diseases since it may prevent secondary bacterial infections which occur as a consequence of a weakened immune system. Vaccination provides the natural basis of a healthy pig.
By H. Bundgaard, Porcus Pig Practice, Denmark; E. Brockhoff, Prairie Swine Health Services, Canada; and C. Misutka, Prairie Swine Health Services, Canada
The market is full of feed additives, making it often difficult to distinguish which does what and to what extent beneficial effects on animals have been tested, tried and researched. The European Commission plays its own role in this respect by classifying all additives for their function and quality.
By Dr Antje Holthausen, senior product manager, Delacon Phytogenic Feed Additives, Steyregg, Austria
Spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) is considered a valuable protein source in piglet feeds. Recent studies show the positive effects of plasma on technical piglet performance are more pronounced when animals are exposed to sub-clinical microbial infections.
By Louis Van Deun, MSc, Sonac