and inflammation. In contrast, α-monobutyrin is known for its direct anti-microbial effect. Alpha-monolaurin – the third component – is another inter- esting glyceride product. Alpha-monolaurin is known to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory (see Figure 1) and immuno- modulating properties. On the one hand, α-monolaurin is able to control the intestinal microbiome and the inflamma- tory response. On the other hand, it modulates the immune system in terms of higher antibody titer values for instance, making the animal less prone to diseases. Based on several studies with the individual ingredients, it is expected that this new concept can elicit beneficial effect in weaner pigs, especially under suboptimal circumstances.
Better growth performance To study the effect of this new concept on the performance of weaned piglets a trial was conducted at Livestock Feed Tests, a commercial farm with research facilities in Denmark. In total 340 piglets were weaned at 26 to 28 days of age and divided over either a control group or a treatment group supplement- ed with the product. Despite the lower starting weight of pig- lets in the treatment group, the inclusion of this new feed ad- ditive made these piglets grow better and eat more. Result: significantly higher body weight at the end of the trial and thus a higher profit. Hence, it was possible to wean lighter piglets more efficiently and gain a return on investment of 3.3. Furthermore, as a rule of thumb, it is acknowledged that piglets weighing 1 kg heavier when entering the fattening
house, will be ready for slaughter 1 week earlier, saving 1 week of feeding costs. In this trial, body weight at day 42 was 1.6 kg higher in the treatment group (see Table 1). Hence, a shorter fattening period can be expected and this is, of course, a huge economic benefit. It can be concluded that FRA® Digest Health Dry, a smart combination of proven feed additives has clear zootechnical and economic advantages. Its application in starter and grower diets alleviated weaning stress – especially of smaller piglets – by improved microbial control and intestinal devel- opment, providing optimal circumstances for lysolecithins to improve fat digestion and nutrient absorption, resulting in piglets growing towards their maximal genetic potential.
References are available on request
Table 1 – Overall performance results of piglets during day 0 to 42 after weaning.
Body weight at day 0 (kg/pig) Body weight at day 42 (kg/pig) ADWG* (g/pig/day)
Feed intake (g/pig/day) FCR*
Control 8.0
27.3b
464.1b 662.2 1.430b
FRA Digest Health Dry 7.7
28.9a
501.4a 693.6 1.383a
*ADWG = Average daily weight gain; FCR = feed conversion ratio. a, b: values within the same row with different superscripts differ significantly (P<0.05).
▶ ALL ABOUT FEED | Volume 29, No. 5/6, 2021 23
Difference -3.8% 5.7% 8.1% 4.8%
-4.7 pts
A combination of feed addi- tives helps to enhance gut health, opti- mize nutrient digestion and improve pig- lets’ immune function.
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