ARTICLE 80 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE November 2022 body weight gain by 5% compared to NC. During the same period, feed consumption improved by 3% while feed efficiency improved by 2%. At day 42 post-weaning, not only animal performance but also herd homogeneity was improved by NQ, mainly due to a reduction in the number of small piglets compared to NC. Considering the price and the inclusion rate of the NQ technology, the return on investment for this trial was 1 in 5. Regarding health parameters, the incidence of diarrhea and medication was low. Nevertheless, NQ technology significantly improved fecal consistency by 60% compared to NC in start-up, growth and overall period. The results of this trial confirm that this new technology can be used to improve feed intake, weight gain and feed efficiency of piglets in the critical first two weeks after weaning and up to 42 days after weaning. This innovation also reduced the incidence of diarrhea, which reveals its contribution to good maturation of the piglet's intestine. Finally, this treatment improved herd homogeneity on day 42 post-weaning by reducing the number of small piglets. Overall, the trial confirms that this new technology can be used to improve feed intake and, indirectly, the health and performance of piglets, especially low performing animals. IMPROVE WELL-BEING WITHOUT COMPROMISING FUTURE RESULTS Taken together, these experiments confirm that supplementation of these new hybrid concepts can improve the welfare of young piglets and, at the same time, improve piglet performance. These allin-one concepts involve multiple modes of action that stimulate feed intake, reduce post-weaning stress in young animals and secure long-term performance. Obviously, these concepts are stable and easy to use in feed but also comply with the local regulatory environment, for example regarding the ingredients allowed for piglets or sows. More importantly, the technical benefits observed have been converted into return on investment to support farm profitability, indicating that these concepts also represent sustainable alternatives for the future of pig farming.
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