Advancing piglet feeding programmes post-zinc removal

Support for scour and looseness

As widely expected, post-weaning looseness has been one of the most common symptoms since removing medicated zinc oxide.  

While scientifically developed feed regimes, like our PD-Progress range, have positively influenced piglet gut health, transient bouts of looseness will be inevitable for some, due to the multiple stressor’s piglets experience at weaning, including health challenges. Recognising when to intervene if looseness affects health and performance is crucial, requiring good stockpersonship alongside veterinary and nutritional support.

However, our AdiCare Balance supplement, which has been developed by leading nutritionists and vets at our Centre of Excellence research facility in Spain, has shown promising results. In a recent trial in Spain, AdiCare Balance was given to weaner pigs replacing their normal feed for approximately 4-5 days. The results showed an increase in Average Daily Gain of +53g per day and Average Daily Intake of +24g per day, but piglets offered AdiCare Balance also left the nursery five days earlier than the control group (26 days versus 31 days), and survivability was increased by 8.8%. 

UK farm trials 

AdiCare Balance, a supplement fed in the farrowing house and post-weaning, has been trialled on multiple UK genetics and production systems.  Consistent feedback indicates that piglets remain dry, with notable improvements observed in their appearance. 

“As time marches on, we’re gaining more and more tools to help us overcome losing medicated zinc oxide,” Dr Douglas confirms. “AdiCare Balance is yet another progression, using immuno-stimulators and probiotics to give additional security when used alongside our own zinc-free PD-Progress range of feeds.” 

Supporting small piglets & non-eaters 

Targeting the requirements of small piglets and non-eaters has also been a critical objective for us, leading to the development of AdiCare Piglet Force, an incredibly palatable, energy-dense product focused on gut health and developing the digestive tract. It has shown remarkable results in improving the viability of low-weight piglets and reducing the incidence of ‘sulky’ anorexic pigs at weaning. Whilst feed regimes can be tailored to support piglets of different weights, a supplementary product such as AdiCare Piglet Force targets those most in need during the critical post-weaning period.

Emily Graham, a piglet specialist with ABN, our UK distributor for AdiCare products, has firsthand experience working with producers who have transitioned away from medicated zinc oxide.  On one customer’s farm, with a special routine for the smallest piglets (average 5-5.5kg), they trialled feeding AdiCare Piglet Force for 5 days in a separate bowl. The standard post-weaning diet was available in the main hopper.  

Ms Graham confirmed, “Although initially sceptical, the farm manager was astonished by the strong appetite the piglets developed for AdiCare Piglet Force after trying other specialised feeds to stimulate their appetite. We know every unit has unique requirements for thriving on zinc-free diets, but I’ve consistently seen AB Neo’s AdiCare supplements being successfully integrated to help manage scour and support post-weaning performance. This provides pig producers with confidence in nutritional supplements that work alongside specially developed, zinc-free feeding programmes.” 

The advancements in piglet nutrition following the removal of therapeutic zinc-oxide have marked a significant shift in industry practices. With innovative approaches and tailored feeding solutions, such as those pioneered by our team at AB Neo, pig producers are better equipped to enhance the health and growth potential of young piglets. 

For more information, please contact:

Dr Sadie Douglas
Technical Application Manager at AB Neo
+44 7731 336926 

Media contact:

Yulia Levandovska
Global Head of Marketing at AB Neo
+48 506 399 650

Discover our AdiCare solutions: Nutritional supplements developed specifically to target a range of common health and disease challenges for the sow and piglet.

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