Efficiency in pig production is dependent on particular points that can only be improved through specific management criteria. Feed, hygiene and disease control, farm management and vaccination are all crucial for the system to reach its full potential, resulting in maximum profitability for the producer.

Gut Health Management plays a vital role in optimal performance and the development of the pig – from piglets to growing/finishing pigs. Intestinal issues must be reduced so that the animal can utilise the nutrients from the diet in an efficient way, with both digestion and absorption resulting in maximal protein deposition. EW Nutrition programs were developed with the purpose of supporting pigs on a gastrointestinal level to maximize their performance.

SWINE CHALLENGES

PIGLET GUT HEALTH & ANTIBIOTIC REDUCTION

Health and performance in pigs are closely connected to their gastro-intestinal tract. Immediately  after birth is especially challenging for piglets, which are still physiologically immature and possess virtually no immune protection against the pathogens present in the new environment. Also, the time around weaning will greatly influence the lifetime performance of the piglets. The negative impact comes from several stress factors (feed change, low feed intake, environmental changes, mixing of litters) combined with a fragile enzymatic system, unstable intestinal microflora, and an  under-developed immune system.

Intestinal disorders are likely to occur during  both phases. To fight the pathogens causing diarrhoea, antibiotics are commonly used. These drugs are harmful to the gut microbiota as they do not differentiate between the good and the bad microbiota. This can create an imbalance in the intestinal microflora aggravating overall piglet performance. Antibiotics are also still commonly used during the later phases like the fattening period.

An effective feed formulation – together with good production management – supports the immunity and the gut health of piglets, being essential to decrease pathogenic pressure and outbreaks of diseases. EW Nutrition’s Antibiotic Reduction Program was designed to compensate for immunity gaps and to increase feed intake to stabilize the gut flora and maximize a piglet’s welfare and productivity.

Piglets nursing

SOW HEALTH MANAGEMENT

More than 30 piglets weaned/sow/year is the objective of a piglet producer, which is possible today if both sow and piglets are in good health.

One of the causes for an impaired health status of the sow is the exposure to feed contaminated with mycotoxins. Zearalenone, a mycotoxin similar to oestradiol, binds to the oestrogen receptors in the uterus and the mammary glands. It is particularly dangerous due to its ability to disrupt normal reproductive functions, to compromise foetal growth and the production of milk. Gilts are extremely sensitive and the development of the whole reproductive tract can be affected.

The maintenance of a stable gut microbiota of the sow directly influences the piglets’ health. An imbalanced gut flora can lead to higher excretion of pathogens in the faeces. These pathogens will contaminate the farrowing unit, creating a hostile environment for the new-borns.

Our Sow Health Management Program improves gut health and keeps pathogenic pressure as low as possible. Together with strict hygiene management in the farrowing unit it guarantees maximum performance for both sow and piglets.

Healthy piglets and egg immunoglobulins

GROWER/FINISHER PERFORMANCE

Feed costs represent more than 70 % of the total cost in a swine production unit, which explains why feed efficiency is crucial especially during the last phase of fattening pigs. A growing / finishing pig will be only able to convert its feed efficiently if it is healthy from a gastro-intestinal point of view. A well-balanced microbiome (so-called eubiosis) is necessary for effective digestion and an optimal absorption of nutrients. However, an imbalance in intestinal flora (or dysbiosis), even when symptoms are not shown, can often lead to a reduction in performance.

Growing / finishing pigs have high feed intakes, and a high quality raw material is essential for maximizing performance. The ingestion of feed contaminated with mycotoxins has a negative impact on animal health and performance, ranging from lower nutrient absorption to organ injury, secondary infections and death. Besides that, it will accentuate the occurrence of subclinical challenges.

EW Nutrition’s Grower/Finisher Performance Program has been especially developed to support the liver metabolism and promote eubiosis. The Program is the best strategy to assist fatteners in achieving their full genetic potential.

INFOCENTER