Piglet performance through sow investment

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Should good piglet management start at birth? Or is it wiser to prepare for well-performing litters one step earlier? When using certain feed additives in sow nutrition, the latter appears to hold true. There is value to be reaped later on at various stages of the offspring’s life.

Eunice Lee, Asian Pork Magazine

In intensive pork production, a high proportion of pig losses can occur in farrowing and lactation periods. It is a critical period to determine the overall performance of a production pig.

During these critical periods, not only the welfare of the sows should be addressed, but also the nutrients and elements that prepare the sows for body maintenance and the ability to encounter all types of disorders that may occur.

Some nutritionists address that stage as a transition period. Within the transition period, the metabolism of sows’ switches from anabolism to catabolism. During the gestation period, the energy ingested by sows is primarily for body maintenance and partially for foetal production, while during the lactation period, the majority of the energy intake is used for milk production. The requirements of energy, protein and fiber levels, and micronutrients in between the gestation diet and lactation diet have enormous quantitative and qualitative differences. In practice, these can be easily underestimated and overlooked.

The nutritional knowledge and supportive elements for this crucial transition period have started to receive further attention. Feed additives that are designed to support sows physiologically and systemically are also generally accepted and applied during the transition period.

Feed additive: lauric acid and monolaurin

Saturated fatty acids, more commonly known as organic acids, especially short chain fatty acids, are widely applied in piglet diets to support nutrient digestion. Another group of these organic acids are the medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs).

MCFAs are saturated carboxylic acids with a carbon chain length from C6 to C12. They are abundant in coconut oil or palm kernel oil in the form of triglycerides. The antimicrobial activity of MCFAs has been extensively studied. It has been shown that the antimicrobial effect of lauric acid

is quite potent among MCFAs. Its derivative, glycerol monolaurate (GML), which is produced by the esterification of a molecule of glycerol and a molecule of lauric acid, also has strong antimicrobial effect.

The antimicrobial mode of action for lauric acid and GML is mainly through disrupting the homeostasis of the bacterial cell membrane and inducing inhibition of the bacterial growth.

A synergistic effect between lauric acid and GML had been found against Streptococcus pyogenes at different mixture ratios, where the combination exhibits stronger inhibition activities than using the single ingredients. Both lauric acid and GML have been proven to have antiviral properties against different enveloped viruses.

Metabolism and immune modulation

From the mechanism of fat metabolism, MCFAs are shorter chains of carboxylic fatty acids than long chain fatty acids, and they can bypass the micelle formation process and be absorbed directly by the enterocytes and utilized as energy or transferred through portal vein to the liver. MCFAs require no binding protein while entering mitochondrial membrane and more readily undergo oxidation within the mitochondria.

MCFAs have been found to interact with immune or nonimmune cells via G protein coupled receptors (GPCR).

It has been shown that GPR40 is activated by MCFAs, with which lauric acid has a high affinity. GPR40 is highly expressed in monocytes, where it suggests that MCFAs have immune modulation effect. It has also been shown that MCFAs reduce viral replication by acting on MARC- 145 cells where it prevented the attachment of Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome virus (PRRSv) or membrane fusion in the cytoplasm. Supplying triglycerides of MCFAs to rats conferred a protective effect on the intestine by increasing the IgA secretion and modulating the inflammatory immune response while challenged with endotoxin.

Field trial result

A field trial was conducted in a commercial sow farm in Germany, with 33 Danbred × Pietrain sows in the control group and 34 sows in the treatment group. A comparative trial was designed especially in the transition period in sows, which was one week before farrowing and the whole lactation period.

The control group was fed with a conventional lactation diet without any feed additive supplementation. The treatment group was fed with a conventional lactation diet with 1.5 kg/tonne feed of a proprietary MCFA (DaaFit G).

Litter weights during farrowing in the MCFA product’s group was numerically higher than the control group. Liveborn piglet weights was 1.8% higher than the control group. The average birth weight in the group with the MCFA product was 70 g more than the control group.

The number of weaned piglets in the MCFA product group was greater than the control group as well as the average weaning weight which was significantly different (p < 0.05), increased by 8.9% over the control group. And the average daily gain was also significantly different (p < 0.05), with 9.7% improvement over the control group. Even though the mortality had no statistical differences, the mortality in the MCFA group was numerically reduced (5.9% vs 7.5% in control group).

Healthier sows and larger piglets

It is hypothesized that the feed additive, lauric acid and GML can support the sows to overcome the critical transition period by different modes of action. Lauric acid and GML can either directly act on the pathogen load through feed or in animals, be utilized by the intestinal enterocytes in a short pathway for energy supply, or act through GPCR at different sites of monocytes for immune modulation.

Through improving the health status of the sows, a larger litter number is achieved, and the piglets have higher birthweights. Furthermore, throughout the lactation period, the vitality of the piglets also stimulates better milk production of sows and provides better availability of nutrients to the piglets that results in better performance during the weaning period.

ADM Launches New Sweetening Feed Solutions for Piglets

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November 21, 2022, Rolle, Switzerland – ADM (NYSE: ADM), a global leader in human and animal nutrition, today announced the launch of two products under its SUCRAM range, an in-feed sweetening solution for livestock species. Developed by ADM’s global feed additives business, Pancosma, SUCRAM M’I Sweet and SUCRAM Specifeek are sweeteners designed to improve the palatability of feed for young animals – particularly weanling pigs. Palatants and sweeteners are useful nutrition solutions to improve feed intake and enhance efficiencies for producers while also supporting animal health and well-being.

“Significant diversity exists between the sweet taste receptors among different species, impacting the perception of sweetness,” said Fabio Catunda, ADM Global Swine Commercial Director. “What is sweet for one species may not be perceived as sweet in another species due to these inter-species differences. This is critical to understand when developing effective sweetening products such as SUCRAM.”

An ongoing collaboration between ADM’s nutrition experts and molecular physiology and biochemistry scientists at the University of Liverpool is expanding industry knowledge of the function of sweet taste receptors in animals.

Learning opportunity: Learn more about the research findings in our Webinar:

NEW Species-specific approach to sweeteners for animal feed

December 8th 3pm-4pm CET

REGISTER HERE >>

 

These new additions to ADM’s SUCRAM range were specifically developed to activate the swine sweet taste receptors, with a focus on piglets at weaning. In-feed sweeteners have demonstrated to be an effective attractant to encourage feed intake at the weaning stage, as piglets make the transition from liquid to solid feed.

Both SUCRAM M’I Sweet and Specifeek are saccharin-free and, as part of the product development process, were tested in an in-vitro swine sweet taste receptor model. After years of research, these products also may have functional benefits in encouraging feed intake during a stressful period, optimizing nutrient absorption and supporting gut health and maturation to promote ongoing growth and performance in pigs.

SUCRAM products are available across the globe in more than 45 countries. Specifeek and M’I Sweet will initially be launched in Europe.

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References

  1. Sterk A, Schlegel P, Mul AJ, Ubbink-Blanksma M and EMAM. Bruininx, 2008. Effects of sweeteners on individual feed intake characteristics and performance in group-housed weanling pigs. Journal of Animal Science. 86:2990-2997.
  2. Shirazi-Beechey SP, Moran AW, Bravo D and M. Al-Rammahi, 2011. NONRUMINANT NUTRITION SYMPOSIUM: Intestinal glucose sensing and regulation of glucose absorption: Implications for swine nutrition. Journal of Animal Science. 89(6): 1854-1862.
  3. Furness, J.B. et al., 2013. The gut as a sensory organ. Nature Reviews. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 10(12):729.
  4. 2016, Connor et al, DAE : Glucagon-like peptide 2 and its beneficial effects on gut function and health in production animals
  5. Daly K, Moran AW, Al-Rammahi M, Weatherburn D, Shirazi-Beechey SP, 2021. Non-nutritive sweetener activation of the pig sweet taste receptor T1R2-T1R3 in vitro mirrors sweetener stimulation of the gut-expressed receptor in vivo. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 542: 54-58.

Webinar. Species-specific approach to animal feed sweeteners

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Watch the recording of the webinar to learn about the importance of inter-species diversity in sweet taste receptors, and innovation in the science of sweeteners in animal feed, with a focus on the application of sweeteners for weanling and fattening pigs.

NEW Species-specific approach to sweeteners for animal feed

Webinar hosted by WATT

View recording

 

Learn about the latest research in this space from Professor Shirazi-Beechey, Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biochemistry at the University of Liverpool and hear about ADM’s activities to bring innovative and effective sweeteners to animal nutrition, including details about new, saccharin-free sweetener products soon to be available.

Speakers

Professor Soraya Shirazi-Beechey

Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Liverpool

Prof. Shirazi-Beechey has a long and prestigious international career: she received her undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry in the United States, obtained her PhD from London University, has worked at several Universities in the UK, and for the past 20 years has been at the University of Liverpool, where she is Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biochemistry. She has trained over 40 PhD students, 10 post-doctoral fellows and many masters students. Her research is based on the biology, microbiology and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract of both humans and other species, and the function of the gastrointestinal tract as a sensory organ. She has received numerous awards including an Associate Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Scientists for her contributions to research and education, and the American Society of Animal Science President’s Award for notable contributions to animal research.

Sarah Cooper

Business Development Manager, ADM Animal Nutrition

Sarah graduated as veterinarian from the University of Sydney Australia in 1999. Worked in veterinary clinical practice until 2006, and then moved into the animal health industry with Pfizer Animal Health. She worked with Pfizer Animal Health and Zoetis in Australia and France until last year when she started with ADM as Product Manager and then Business Development Manager. Sarah also has a Masters in Veterinary Public Health Management from the University of Sydney, and a Global Executive MBA from INSEAD.

Catherine Ionescu

IP & Research Manager, ADM Animal Nutrition

Catherine graduated as Agriculture Engineer from Institut Superieur Agricole de Beauvais, France in 1999. Worked in Aventis Animal Nutrition until 2001 when she started to work for a subsidiary of Pancosma (Axiss France SAS) as research collaborator. From 2008 onwards, Catherine worked within Pancosma in Switzerland in the technical team as well as in research & development and was responsible for patent related issues. Currently she is part of ADM’s S&T team as IP & Research manager.

Mathilde Ramillien 

Portfolio Project Lead, ADM Animal Nutrition

Chemistry studies, graduated with a Master degree in Science and technologies of flavors’ industries from ISIPCA, France in 2014. She with Pancosma/ADM for the past 8 years, first as a flavorist for the creation and development of Palatants products, then as Product Manager for 2 years and later as Business Development Manager. Since September she continues to support the palatants team as Project Portfolio lead and is also responsible for the management of portfolio projects.

 

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Swine and the role of nutrition

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Swine & The Role of Nutrition along the Animal Production Value Chain

Mondern animal nutrition is extremely technical and precise; the animal’s nutritional requirements are calculated to optimise performance while minimising cost and environmental impact.

by JOËLLE FAUGERON, Product Manager (Palatants), Pancosma, ADM Animal Nutrition, published in Livestock and Feed, November 2022

In swine husbandry, weaning is a crucial phase where the piglets face significant challenges. They have to switch from liquid to solid feed. Yet, their gut is not fully mature and ready for this change. This phase is also crucial for a good start for the animal as a good post-weaning performance will be directly reflected in the final body weight.

To improve production efficiency, feed additives are developed to help animals overcome those challenges (such as weaning) by improving their resistance and overall condition, and thus, their resilience.

Pancosma’s Sucram helps stimulate feed intake

It has been shown that sweet taste is appreciated by most young animals, especially piglets. This is the reason why high-intensity sweeteners such as Sucram are used as an incentive to switch from liquid to solid feed.

Animals are attracted by the sweet taste detected in the mouth and will therefore be more willing to eat solid feed.

The impact of Sucram on feed intake is illustrated in Figure 1. In this independent trial, 384 weaned piglets were divided into two groups of 192 pigs. The piglets that received Sucram-sweetened feed consumed 6% more feed per day and consequently, their body weight gain was 4.7% greater.

In the trial, piglets were blocked by weight class: ‘light’ piglets (with an average weight of 5.1kg) and ‘heavy’ piglets (with an average weight of 6.8kg). Overall, Sucram- treated pigs were positively affected in terms of performance. However, this improvement was even superior for the ‘light’ group.

Lighter weaner piglets are weaker and more affected by stress than heavier ones at the same age. Those piglets will therefore need more time to adapt to the new conditions in post-weaning pens and consume feed consistently. This data indicates that Sucram may contribute to a reduced adaptation period for, especially, the lighter piglets.

SUCRAM supports gut health and maturation

In addition to an appealing sweet taste, the high-intensity sweetener, Sucram, has demonstrated beneficial activity at the gut level. Sucram activates the sweet taste receptors T1R2 and T1R3, which are present not only on the tongue — thus triggering a sweet taste — but also on the surface of enteroendocrine cells in the gut where they induce other effects.

Sucram activates the sweet taste glucose-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) hormone which leads to increased absorption of glucose from the intestinal lumen. This hormone is also notably involved in tissue reparation and increases blood flow to the gut. It fosters gut maturation and integrity and improves digestion and absorption of nutrients.

The clinical gut health effects associated with the use of Sucram in the diet have been demonstrated in another trial: 132 piglets weaned at 26 days of age were allocated to one of two treatments: a basal diet (control) and the basal diet with 150g/t Sucram (Sucram). Feces score was evaluated over a period of 19 days. The pigs receiving Sucram in their diet had significantly increased fecal firmness from day 5 and further increased from day 12 with less soft and no watery feces Several studies have demonstrated the benefits of Sucram on post-weaning performance. Sucram may improve feed intake and have beneficial effects on the gut. This may result in better gut health, reduction of diarrhea and improved performance.

In conclusion, to achieve higher performances and economic benefits, it is recommended to include Sucram in diets for weaned piglets. This is especially, to favor lighter and weaker animals in a group.

Figure 1

Introducing the On-farm solutions portfolio

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We are adding a new string to our bow to be able to support the efforts of livestock farmers to preserve high nutritional quality of animal feed mixes on farms and maintain farm animal wellbeing with practical flexible solutions. The on-farm solutions portfolio has been specifically put together with the needs of modern livestock farmers and their challenges faced on farms in mind.

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    Farm specific nutritional support

    Lars Katborg, Sales Director at Pancosma announces: “We are keen to present our new on farm solutions portfolio, which has been specifically compiled to address key challenges on farm and offer greater flexibility to farmers in the management of the wellbeing and performance of pigs, ruminants and poultry. This also includes a whole new water application range under the Nutrio+ brand.”

    Focus areas for our on-farm solutions

    Increased flexibility and precision through water application – enquire about Nutrio+

    Safeguarding liquid feed from yeast and moulds – enquire about DaaLF

    Protecting animal feed and grains from moulds – enquire about DaaMould

    Palatability of Corn Cob Mix – enquire about DaaSafe CMM

    Functionality of TMR mixes – enquire about DaaTMR

    Intestinal animal welfare – enquire about Carbovet

    Help farm animals adapt to naturally occurring challenges cost-effectively – enquire about Anco FIT

     

    Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates

     

    On-farm solutions portfolio

    Nutrio+ Water applications with unique combinations of ingredients which will support the demands of high performing animals and restriction of antibiotic use. Find out more

    Nutrio plus

    DaaLF

    DaaLF belongs to the product family developed to protect the quality of liquid feed. DaaLF is a blend of organic acids whose combined effects inhibit mould and especially yeast growth in liquid feed. This inhibitory effect safeguards your liquid feed from moulds and yeasts, enabling it to retain the highest possible nutritional value.

    DaaMould

    Adding DaaMould during the feed production process, helps to protect your final feed from mould growth. Plus, DaaMould contains non-volatile organic ingredients, ensuring long-term effectiveness even after heating.

    DaaSafe CCM

    DaaSafe CCM is a product that can help preserve Corn Cob Mix (CCM) and ensure its long-term palatability. CCM contains large amounts of easily digestible starch which is good for piglets but, unfortunately, also for unwanted bacteria. In addition to other risks, bacterial fermentation can give the CCM an unpleasant taste. DaaSafe CCM has been developed to allow essential lactic acid bacteria to grow while reducing the growth of other, harmful bacteria.

    DaaTMR

    DaaTMR is a balanced blend of organic acids and buffered organic acids designed to stop heat formation in the mixer wagon and the feeding rack. It controls the development of yeasts and moulds.

    Carbovet

    One of nature’s purest ingredients made from oak trees. A powerful tool to promote intestinal animal welfare and a unique process guaranteeing thermo structured pores.

    Anco FIT

    The Anco FIT product line is specifically formulated to empower high performing animals to overcome naturally occurring dietary challenges and stressors, enabling farm animals to attain their performance potential.

    Multifunctional palatants for automatic milking systems

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    by Mario Roman, published in Feedstuffs Magazine, November 2022

    The milking routine is one of, if not the most, time-consuming activities of a dairy farm. It is a human labor-intensive routine required several times a day in order to meet production targets. The adoption of the automatic milking system (AMS) in high-performing farms enables a more flexible work schedule for farmers and frees time for other duties. In addition, it also leads to improvements on animal welfare and milk production.

    However, the AMS is not a perfect system, and it also presents downsides. The systems also known as ‘milking robots’ commonly face a very simple issue: getting the animal to enter the robot. Using palatants as an incentive strategy can help cows overcome this barrier and therefore increase the number of voluntary visits and milkings.

    Pancosma has leveraged its expertise on palatants to develop a portfolio of additives specifically optimized for use in AMS and offered under the Magnasweet brand.

    Magnasweet concept

     Magnasweet is the fusion between two different types of sensory additives: state of the art flavors and high-intensity sweeteners.  Flavors are used with the objective of attracting the animal toward the robot and sweeteners as a reward to retain the animal in order to get her milked. Furthermore, it has been proven that the sweetener’s active ingredients are responsible for an optimization of glucose absorption process at gut-level, resulting in more glucose available to mammal glands, supporting better milk production. The use of a multifunctional palatant brings synergistic effects to the herd, leading to performance improvements, demonstrated in multiple field trials.

    From concept to specific solution

     On a recent study, a saccharin-based palatant was supplemented to a group of 38 lactating Holstein cows during 56 days in a commercial farm in Louisville, Ohio, United States. Multiparous cows fed the palatant were milked 3.3 times/d compared to 3.2 times/d in CTL group and also had higher milk yields than CTL group (36.83 vs 36.06 kg/head/ d).

    A second study, in this case with a stevia-based palatant, was run in a commercial farm in Spain with 200 cows. Despite suffering from a regional heat wave, the supplementation of the palatant delivered an increase in number of milkings and total visits per day, which emphasizes the importance of palatability in challenging situations.

    Multifunctional palatants have proven to be an efficient tool for milking cows. Magnasweet supplemented feed acts as both an attractant and reward for the animal, leading to increases in number of visits to the robot and number of milking per day, and associated with higher milk yields.

     

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    A novel yeast for immune support in shrimp

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    An exploration of how P. guilliermondii in diets impacts shrimp immune physiology and performance.

     

    By Sarah Cooper, François Jégou, Delphine Weissman and Yoav Rosen,

    published in Aqua Culture Asia Pacific October 2022

    Different types of yeasts and their extracts are used as  feed  ingredients  in  aquaculture  because  of their nutritional value and/or bioactive compounds. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the most commonly used yeast in animal feed applications. Pichia guilliermondii is a novel yeast with unique morphology, structure and consequent activity that has recently shown potential in shrimp with regards to immune support.

    A novel yeast with potential in shrimp feed

    The differences in the morphology and physical characteristics of P. guilliermondii and S. cerevisiae have been assessed in a side-by-side study by Peisker et al. (2017). There are significant differences between them: P. guilliermondii yeast cell is smaller and as a result has a greater surface area to volume ratio. It is also significantly more hydrophobic compared to S. cerevisiae. Additionally, the distribution of glycoproteins in the yeast cell wall varies, suggesting that P. guilliermondii has a different cell wall structure and composition to S. cerevisiae. These particularities may be associated with significant differences in how the two yeast cells behave when used in aquafeeds.

    A call for new shrimp management approaches

    As shrimp lack an adaptive immune system, preventive therapies such as vaccines that are used in more immune- competent species cannot be used to protect shrimp against certain infectious diseases. Concomitantly, with growing concerns surrounding antimicrobial resistance, restrictions on the use of antimicrobials to support health in animals used for food are increasing, including shrimp production.

    Consequently, alternative strategies are being sought to enhance shrimp health and performance in a sustainable way. Such alternative methods include farm management practices, bioremediation, genetics and nutrition including specialty additives.

    Supporting immune physiology and improved performance in shrimp

    The association between the use of P. guilliermondii in the diet of shrimp and beneficial impacts on parameters related to shrimp immune physiology and performance has been explored in a few studies.

    Immune physiology

    An initial study was performed in a research facility in Thailand. It evaluated changes in critical immune parameters in shrimp before and after experimental challenge with Vibrio harveyi when shrimp are supplemented with P. guilliermondii, compared to those without supplementation as shown in Figure 1.

    At the end of the 28-day feeding period, shrimp from both the supplemented and control groups were sampled to measure the concentration of total and granular haemocytes. Following this, shrimp from each group were infected with V. harveyi and then 3 hours later the number of V. harveyi cells remaining in the haemolymph of each group was measured to assess the efficacy of bacterial clearance.

    Whereas the level of total haemocytes remained unchanged between the two groups, the granular haemocyte count was significantly increased in the haemolymph of shrimp fed P. guilliermondii (P<0.05; Figure 1). Haemocytes are invertebrate blood (haemolymph) cells that are involved in critical shrimp immune defence processes such as coagulation and phagocytosis of invading microorganisms. Although total haemocyte count is used as an indicator of overall shrimp health status, granular haemocytes contain the primary humoral defence factors that are released during a pathogen invasion. An elevated proportion of granular haemocytes amongst total haemocytes may therefore indicate primed immune capabilities and consequently a more effective response to pathogen challenges.

    The P. guilliermondii-fed shrimp, having a greater proportion of these granular haemocytes present, were then found to have a significantly lower number of V.harveyi cells remaining in their haemolymph when measured 3hours following the challenge(P<0.05;Figure2).

    Improved survival when challenged

    Two further studies were conducted to examine the potential impact of P. guilliermondii supplementation on performance during two common infectious challenges: white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, the etiological agent of early mortality syndrome or EMS, also known as acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND).

    Both studies took place in a wet laboratory in Peru and were similar in design, having three treatments within each study: the unchallenged control group was fed the basal diet without the supplementation of P. guilliermondii; the other two groups were both challenged, but only one of these groups received P. guilliermondii supplementation. In both studies, the groups of shrimp fed diets supplemented with P. guilliermondii had significantly improved survival compared to the challenged control groups: 84% greater survival in the WSSV challenge (P<0.05; Figure 3), and 76% greater survival in the V. parahaemolyticus challenge (P<0 .05; Figure 4).

    Better growth under unchallenged conditions

    The performance of shrimp fed diets supplemented with P.guilliermondii under conditions without any specific infectious challenge was assessed in two studies in the ADM research facilities in Vietnam. During each trial, eight replicates per treatment group were fed with either a basal control diet or the basal diet plus P. guilliermondii supplementation at 0.1%. The average weight gain of shrimp between the start and end of the study was significantly greater, by 9% and 10% respectively (P< 0.05; Figure 5) for the shrimp receiving the P. guilliermondii supplementation compared to shrimp fed the basal control diet.

    Promoting better outcomes for shrimp production

    The association between the use of the novel yeast P. guilliermondii in shrimp diets and beneficial impacts on physiological and performance parameters has been demonstrated in several studies, across different markets and under different conditions. It may be the specific morphology and unique structure of P. guilliermondii that influence these extraordinary and beneficial outcomes. As such, P. guilliermondii may represent a cost-effective, natural means of reducing the impact of health challenges and improving performance in shrimp production.

    Reference

    Peisker, M., Stensrud, E., Apajalahti, J., Sifri, M. 2017. Morphological Characterization of Pichia guilliermondii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast and their Effects on Adherence of Intestinal Pathogens on Piglet and Chicken Epithelium In- vitro. J Anim Res Nutr Vol No 2 Iss No 1:9 doi: 10.21767/2572- 5459.100029

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    Feed additive in sow diets benefits litter performance

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    Does good piglet management start at birth? Or is it wiser to prepare for well-performing litters one stage earlier? When using certain feed additives in sow nutrition, the latter appears to hold true. There is value to be reaped later on at various stages of the offspring’s life.

    by EUNICE LEE, Technical consultant organic acids, published in Pig Progress

    During intensive pork production, a high proportion of pig losses can occur during farrowing and lactation periods. It is a critical time to determine the overall performance for a production pig. During those periods, not only the welfare of the sows should be addressed, but also the nutrients and elements needed to prepare them for body maintenance and the ability to encounter all the types of disorders that may occur.

    Some nutritionists treat this time as a transition period, as sows’ metabolism switches from anabolism to catabolism. While during the gestation period the energy that sows ingest is mostly for body maintenance and partially for foetal production, during the lactation period, most of the energy intake is used for milk production. The requirement of energy level, protein level, fibre level and micronutrients between the gestation diet and lactation diet have enormous quantitative and qualitative differences. That, in practice, can be easily underestimated and overlooked.

    The nutritional knowledge and supportive elements for that transition period have started to receive further attention. Feed additives that are designed to support sows physiologically and systemically are also generally accepted and applied during the transition period.

    Feed additive: Lauric acid and monolaurin

    Saturated fatty acids, also commonly known as organic acids, are widely applied in piglet diets for their supporting role in nutrient digestion. Another group of these organic acids is the medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are saturated carboxylic acids with a carbon chain length from C6 to C12. They are abundant in coconut oil or palm kernel oil in triglycerides form.

    The antimicrobial activity of MCFAs has been extensively studied. It has been shown that the antimicrobial effect of lauric acid is quite potent among MCFAs. Its derivative, glycerol monolaurate (GML), which is produced by the esterification of a molecule of glycerol and a molecule of lauric acid, also has strong antimicrobial effect.

    The antimicrobial mode of action for lauric acid and GML is mainly through discomposing the homeostasis of the bacterial cell membrane and inducing inhibition of the bacterial growth.

    A synergistic effect between lauric acid and GML had been found against Streptococcus pyogenes at different mixture ratios, where the combination exhibits stronger inhibition activities than using the single ingredients. Both lauric acid and GML have been proven to have antiviral properties against different enveloped viruses.

    Metabolism and immune modulation

    MCFAs are shorter chains of carboxylic fatty acids than long chain fatty acids, and they can bypass the micelle formation and be absorbed directly by the enterocytes and utilised as energy or transferred through the portal vein to the liver. MCFAs require no binding protein while entering the mitochondrial membrane and more readily undergo oxidation within the mitochondria.

    Those MCFAs have been found to interact with immune or non-immune cells via G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). It has been shown that GPR40 is activated by MCFAs, with which lauric acid has a high affinity. GPR40 is highly expressed in monocytes, where it suggests that MCFAs have immune modulation effect. It has also been shown that MCFAs reduce viral replication by acting on MARC-145 cells where it prevented the attachment of Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome virus (PRRSv) or membrane fusion in the cytoplasm. It is shown that supplying triglycerides of MCFAs to rats conferred a protective effect on the intestine by increasing the IgA secretion and modulating the inflammatory immune response while challenged with endotoxin.

    Proof of concept: field trial result

    A field trial was conducted in a commercial sow farm in Germany, with 33 sows in the control group and 34 sows in the treatment group. The breed was Danbred×Pietrain. A comparative trial was designed especially in the transition period in sows, which was one week before farrowing and the whole lactation period. The control group was fed a conventional lactation diet without any feed additive supplementation.

    The treatment group was fed a conventional lactation diet with 1.5 kg of a proprietary MCFA, called DaaFit G, per ton of feed added.

    The piglet performance at farrowing is shown in Table 1. Litter weights during farrowing in the MCFA product’s group were higher than in the control group. Liveborn piglets were 1.8% higher than the control group. The average birth weight in the group with the MCFA product was 70 g more than in the control group. The piglet performance at weaning is shown in Table 2. The number of weaned piglets in the MCFA product group was greater than in the control group as was the aver- age weaning weight, which was significantly different (P < 0.05), 8.9% higher than in the control group. And the average daily gain was also significantly different (P < 0.05), with 9.7% improvement over the control group. Even though there was no statistical difference in mortality, it was less in the MCFA group (5.9% vs 7.5% in the control group).

    Healthier sows and larger piglets

    For the mode of action of lauric acid and GML studied in this feed trial, it is hypothesised that the feed additive, lauric acid and GML can support the sows to overcome the critical transition period by different actions. Lauric acid and GML can either directly act on the pathogenic load through feed or in animals, be utilised by the intestinal enterocytes in a short pathway for energy supply or act through GPCR at different sites of monocytes for immune modulation.

    Through improving the health status of the sows, a larger litter number is achieved and piglets are born at a higher starting weight. Through the lactation period, the vitality of the piglets also stimulates better milk production at the sows, and it certainly provides better availability of nutrients to the piglets and better performance at the weaning stage.

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    Precision feeding in poultry

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    Precision feeding in poultry, or formulating diets as close to the bird’s requirement as possible is effective economically and environmentally. Homogeneity of nutrients, especially trace minerals because of their low inclusion rates, is critical for the success of precision feeding.

    By CHRISTIAN BOIGUES, MIEKE ZOON and CÉLINE ROBIN

    The trend towards more efficient production of food has a significant impact on animals production sector. Not only due to economic pressure, but also because of societies quest for reduction of environmental impact. At the same time, we have become more aware of the risks of using antibiotics as a means to improve efficiency due to the development of multi-resistant bacteria. And finally the welfare and quality of life of animals is a growing concern especially in the Western world. These challenges seem very different and sometimes even contradictory and a variety of solutions are suggested to improve either one of them. The concept of “precision feeding in poultry” is growing in popularity and could address more than one of these challenges.

    Definition: Precision feeding in poultry

    Precision feeding means feeding every animal according to its individual requirements. Not only on average, but every single day, and throughout the day. This is very much related to efficiency, as the closer nutrients are provided to the animal’s requirements, the more the animal is supported to use its full genetic potential. Providing less than its requirements for any important nutrient (e.g. energy, amino acids, vitamins, (trace) minerals) will reduce performance. Providing all the nutrients the animal needs, when it needs them, ensures optimal performance and limits the waste of nutrients. This is not only affecting input efficiencies but also welfare and health.

    Precision feeding and uniformity

    Uniformity of animals within a group is becoming increasingly important for producers. In many sectors production becomes more integrated and automated on large scale operations, a more uniform group of animals has many benefits.
    For example, in broilers a uniform flock with the correct average bodyweight will grow more uniformly when provided the same feed and will reach the ideal slaughter weight (or close to it) on the same day.

    This is very important for the increasingly automated slaughter houses which are designed to optimally handle specific weights, as well as for uniform final meat products. Bodyweight (BW) is not only important at slaughter, but also a main factor for onset of reproduction in breeding animals, such as the start of lay in poultry.

    So how does this link to precision feeding in poultry?

    More uniform animals have more uniform nutrient requirements. This makes sense because if animals are of similar size, age, breed, have similar performance levels and are kept in similar conditions, it is likely that their nutrient requirements will be close as well. Practically It is much easier to fulfill the individual requirements of animals if these are close to the group’s average.

    The other way is the opposite and as important for producers and uniformity of animals and their performance over time. If precision feeding is applied well, it can improve animal uniformity. A heterogeneous group of animals in which the animals are provided with their individual requirements, will make the best use of their full genetic potential and their performance will be increasingly uniform. Precision feeding and uniformity in animals in addition to their performance is therefore very much interconnected, both as cause and consequence.

    Mineral homogeneity in particles

    One of the main challenges in precision feeding is the low inclusion of essentials nutrients like minerals. In fact, the inclusion level can be so low that the homogeneity of the distribution can be challenged.
    Therefore, if it is not homogenous, animals won’t get all the nutrients needed. The latest development and new generation of multi-mineral products is B-Traxim All-in-j. Using Pancosma’s Iso-Fusion technology (IFT), every particle contains a combination of different minerals at the exact same ratio, for a perfect distribution and homogeneity in premix and feed.

    Using Scanning Electron Microscopy associated with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) at the Centre Suisse d’Electronique et Microtechnique (CSEM) in Neuchatel, Switzerland, it was possible to identify the four different minerals in one of B-Traxim All-in-j products. Minerals (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) were identified and represented with different colors. All four metals are present, not only in every particle, but very homogeneously distributed throughout every single particle.

    In the end, the final user is looking for homogeneity in providing nutrients and its effects on the uniformity in animals, their performance and products. A series of tests based on the coefficient of variation confirmed a much lower deviation to the mean with All-in-j products compared to traditional blends (Figure 1).

    Figure 1 Homogeneity in feed – coefficient of variation of copper and zinc contents in B-Traxim All-in-1

    organic trace minerals in cattle

     

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    Precision feeding in cattle

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    Precision feeding in cattle boosts production efficiency since every animal is fed according to its individual requirements. Providing the right amount of nutrients ensures optimal performance and reduces the environmental footprint of cattle production by cutting down on waste of nutrients.

    BY MIEKE ZOON AND CÉLINE ROBIN, PRODUCT MANAGERS FOR MINERALS

    Today’s consumers demand increasingly efficient, low-impact food production, and that includes animal production. This means that in addition to cost efficiency, the sector must also find effective ways to reduce environmental impact. Meanwhile, we have become more aware of the risks of using antibiotics to improve efficiency, due to the development of multi-resistant bacteria. Not to mention animal welfare and quality of life. Each of these challenges may seem very different, even contradictory, but there are solutions which ideally address several issues at once. It’s no surprise that the concept of “precision feeding” is becoming one of the industry’s go-to solutions.

    Precision feeding in cattle

    Precision feeding in cattle means feeding each and every animal according to its individual requirements. Not only on average but at every feeding, every single day. It boosts efficiency, since the closer feed meets animals’ nutritional requirements, the easier it is for them to reach their full genetic potential. Providing less than the required amount of any important nutrient (e.g. energy, amino acids, vitamins, and trace minerals) will negatively impact performance. Providing the right amount of nutrients is a sustainable way to use resources, ensure optimal performance and reduce the animals’
    environmental footprint through less waste of nutrients.

    Mineral homogeneity

    One of the main challenges in precision feeding is the low level inclusion of essential nutrients such as minerals. In fact, the inclusion level can be so low that it is difficult to ensure homogenous distribution. This can lead to some animals not getting all the nutrients they need.

    The latest development and new generation of multi-mineral products is B-Traxim All-in-1. Using Pancosma’s Iso-Fusion technology (IFT), every particle contains exactly the same ratio of each different mineral, resulting in perfectly uniform distribution and homogenous premix and feed. The four different minerals in one B-Traxim All-in-1 product were identified using Scanning Electron Microscopy together with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) at the Swiss Centre for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM) in Neuchatel, Switzerland. These minerals (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) were identified and represented with four different colours.

    Figure 1 shows that not only are all four metals present in every particle, but they are very evenly distributed throughout each one.  Farmers are looking for a way to provide nutrients homogenously and positively impact animal uniformity, performance and products. A series of tests based on the coefficient of variation confirmed a much lower deviation to the mean with All-in-1 products compared to traditional blends (Figure 1).

    Figure 1. Homogeneity in feed – coefficient of variation of copper and zinc contents in B-Traxim All-in-1.

    organic trace minerals in cattle

     

    Multi-mineral benefits

    Multi-mineral products can also facilitate the day-to-day work of feed mills and on-farm mixers. Having all the necessary minerals in one more concentrated formula reduces the number of silos used and stocks held on site. Plus, administratively, there are fewer orders and registrations to keep track of. B-Traxim PRO4 is an All-in-1 solution containing Zn, Mn, Cu and Co, designed to meet ruminants’ needs. It is based on Pancosma’s glycinate technology that provides higher bioavailability and support to physiological functions compared to inorganic minerals.

    Three scientific studies show the added value of B-Traxim PRO4 in ruminant production.” First, a study carried out at North Carolina State University focusing on the bioavailability of minerals in ruminants showed that apparent absorption and retention of Zn and liver zinc concentration were higher for steers supplemented with these organic trace minerals than for animals fed zinc sulphate or another organic source. In another study comparing the organic zinc source to zinc sulphate, North Carolina State University concluded that the organic form had a positive effect on immune parameters. Lastly, a study in Spain investigated vitamin B12 synthesis by micro-organisms in the rumen. Cobalt is a key component of this synthesis and therefore needs to be supplemented and available in the rumen. Compared to an unsupplemented feed, the study showed a significantly greater formation of B12 by the rumen microbial population provided with a feed supplemented with B-Traxim PRO4.

    Precision feeding in cattle is a hassle-free approach to consistently providing animals with the nutrients animals need – not more, not less. An effective way to improve performance while reducing waste, it’s good for the animals, good for the environment and good for production.

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