British pig and poultry feed manufacturer ABN has been undertaking an on-going programme of product development, across its ABN Delta Nutrio pig range, to support the optimum growth, efficiency and health of today’s genotype.
The latest product developments are showing promising dual benefits of maintaining performance and reducing medication costs and impacts, following the phasing out of zinc from pig starter diets
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"We had seen a predisposition of digestive upsets in some animals, as they transitioned from a zinc free starter diet to the higher protein diets in our ABN Delta Nutrio weaner ranges," explains Dr Steven Jagger, ABN technical expert.
ABN had been approached by industry to look into the option of a 'safer' weaner pig diet, aimed at those animals struggling to transition from starter to early weaner diets. It therefore began developing and trialling a range of four diets, lower in protein and kinder on the digestive system of the pig.
“In our trial work, we looked to determine the response to reduced dietary protein in early weaner diets. The first trial, across 576 pigs ((Large White x Landrace) x Danish Duroc) over one growth phase from 10-20kg, has shown positive results, with gain, intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) maintained,” says Dr Jagger.
“Meanwhile, similar results were observed in the next set of trials, again with 576 pigs, but this time with a single growth phase from 20-40kg liveweight,” he adds.
The promising results have started to be replicated with on-farm/commercial trials currently underway, specifically in units in the south west of England and Humberside, with early indications showing performance being maintained, and gut health improved.
Anecdotal evidence from the producer in the south west of England has been very favourable, with the pigs responding well. Importantly, it has allowed the producer to reduce medication usage, which is a key thing for him.
“This has brought a value benefit, with a slight increase in feed costs being off-set by the reduced antibiotic use,” says Dr Jagger.
The four new diets in the 'safer' weaner range represent a good value option for those animals transitioning from the starter diets and facing digestive upsets, by maintaining performance and reducing overall medication costs, therefore also helping to cut antibiotic use on farm.
Complete range
ABN offers a complete range of compound products for the growing and breeding pig. The ABN Delta Nutrio range, incorporating ABN Delta Nutrio Weaner, ABN Delta Nutrio Finisher and the ABN Delta Nutrio Breeder ranges, offers a comprehensive portfolio of diets.
The ranges have all been designed and developed using the latest in-house and university research, to ensure the supply of innovative feeding solutions for all stages and types of pig production.
“There is continual pressure to reduce medication and antibiotic use on farm, and our focus has also been on how we can support health and reduce medication use, from both a performance and health perspective, but similarly from a cost angle, making our feeds a better value proposition for our customers,” concludes Dr Jagger.