It is better to prevent than to cure!

Karsten Jensen, Brogaard Farm has tried AdiCare Naturporc, which has been shown to prevent streptococcal bacteria in his piglets.

With just a few months of experience, Karsten Jensen at Brogaard Farm can state that AdiCare Naturporc is a good help in everyday life. It has proven to be an effective aid in preventing streptococcus and the serious consequences it can have for his pigs.

Karsten has his herd in the Northern part of Jutland, Denmark, and he has been a pig producer since 1992. He has approx. 135 sows and produces 4000 pigs per year. He runs a five-week batch farrowing operation so that animals are weaned altogether, which also enables him to section the animals.

Streptococcus, which causes encephalitis, is a challenge that many farmers struggle with, and Karsten was no exception.

In his own words, he struggled quite a lot with it, and had to give his animals antibiotics.

"I have not been able to find out why we have these streptococci. We've always had that, and it's gotten worse. I probably think that it is connected to the fact that we are not allowed to use zinc anymore, so there is something in the stomach that might be simmering and tormenting the animals."

Halving brain and joint inflammation

A visit from AB Neo introduced him to AdiCare Naturporc, a feed supplement based on natural plant extracts and a mixture of short and medium chain fatty acids. The supplement is designed to support gut health in both sows and piglets before and after weaning, and Karsten gives it to his piglets for 28 days after weaning. After using AdiCare Naturporc for just four weeks, he saw fewer pigs developing encephalitis and arthritis.

"It has taken the peak of the streptococci, so we don't see so much encephalitis and arthritis anymore. I would think that it has more than halved," he says.

"In the past, of course, we treated the sick animals, and some recovered, while others did not get better and had to be euthanized."

The experience has meant that AdiCare Naturporc is now a regular part of the feed. The product is available in both solid and liquid form.

"I mix my own feed, so it's easy for me to mix it in. If you don't mix it at home, you can easily use it liquid by mixing it in the drinking water."

A recommendation

As mentioned, Karsten Jensen, Brogaard Farm provides the feed supplement for 28 days after weaning the pigs. He is very satisfied with the results he has achieved.

"It may be cheaper to use antibiotics, but we would like to reduce our consumption of them." So, I maintain the supplement in order to use less antibiotics in everyday life. I think that it is better to prevent than to try to cure – and the pigs also risk dying from encephalitis."

For other farmers facing similar challenges with streptococci or wanting to reduce their antibiotic usage, Karsten's experience may be useful.

"If there are others who have problems with streptococci and the derived diseases, then I think it's worth trying it out," he says.

Photo:

Karsten Jensen, Brogaard Farm in his stable.

The pigs in the photo have been weaned for 26 days.