the industry is essential to implement gut health programmes proven to help maintain a healthy gut and support the normalising of gut microbial communities in both sows and piglets. For example, incorporating feed additives such as Actigen (derived from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Alltech) into the diet of gestating and lactating sows is proven to increase immunoglobulin content in sow colostrum, thereby support- ing the gastrointestinal integrity and immunity of the suck- ling piglets. Recently, the company developed an early-life gut health programme for piglets, known as the Seed, Feed, Weed (SFW) programme (see Figure 1). The SFW concept is designed to modify the gut microbial population of piglets so that favourable and more diverse microbial populations are established as soon as possible after birth, giving newborn piglets the best start in life. The benefits of the SFW programme have been demonstrat- ed both commercially and in research studies, showing that it can play a key role in ensuring a smooth weaning transi- tion in the absence of ZnO. For instance, results from recent research reported that the SFW programme reduced the attachment and adhesion of important pathogens, such as E. coli and Salmonella, to the intestinal cells of pigs. Furthermore, supplementation of the yeast compound (which is a crucial component of the SFW programme) in pre-starter and starter diets has been shown to improve the gut structure of piglets, followed by a significant improve- ment in piglet growth and feed efficiency. In commercial settings, implementing the SFW programme has produced several benefits, such as an improvement in feed efficiency and growth rates (see Table 1) and reduction
in mortality, while presenting no adverse effect on diarrhoea incidence.
Achieving optimal pig health As June 2022 fast approaches, EU pig producers must recon- sider how they achieve optimal piglet health and lifetime growth and begin to make the necessary changes on their units so they can successfully move towards ZnO-free piglet production. To ensure a smooth transition, with minimal per- formance and financial adjustments, producers need to im- plement a holistic strategy that encompasses optimal feed- ing, management, health and welfare practices. In addition, the importance of achieving a healthy gut in sows and piglets cannot be overlooked. An animal exhibiting good gut health is one that efficiently utilises feed with minimal production disruption, which will be vital in ensuring that piglets can thrive and survive in the absence of ZnO. References available upon request.
Snapshot of a wean-to-finish barn in Dyers- ville, IA, United States.
Table 1 – Feeding piglets the Seed, Feed, Weed (SFW) programme (containing no antibiotics or zinc oxide) for nine days improved feed efficiency by 7%.
Initial weight (kg) ADG (kg)
Feed intake (kg) Feed efficiency End weight (kg)
Control with 3,000 ppm ZnO 6.12
0.148 0.167 1.13 7.45
▶ PIG PROGRESS | Volume 38, No. 3, 2022
SFW 6.37
0.142 0.149 1.05 7.65
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