ARTICLE 60 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE July 2023 Good nutrition isn’t just important for sow and piglet health and performance; it can also boost overall performance and even bring therapeutic zinc oxide use to zero. Here’s how. YEAST SUPPLEMENTATION SUPPORTS ZERO ZnO MISSION Wouter de Bruin Western Europe Manager Swine Phileo by Lesaffre Today’s pig farms are increasingly managed with pig health, animal welfare and sustainability being top priorities. At the same time, pig feed prices are high, antibiotic use is further restricted and since June 26th, 2022, therapeutic levels of zinc oxide (ZnO) are no longer allowed in the EU. These challenges spur pig farmers and nutritionists to re-evaluate and re-think feed formulation, health management, and market strategy among others. With the addition of certain feed supplements, we can make a big difference for both the sow and the piglets. And while antibiotics and ZnO are on their return, the mission continues to increase resilience, immunity and health of pigs and only use medication for treatment of disease, and not to cover up poor management or health issues. THE POWER OF YEAST PRODUCTS Phileo’s mission is to provide feed manufacturers and pig producers with nutritional tools to improve health and performance, while reducing the need for pharmaceuticals. One of these tools is the supplementation of yeast probiotic to reduce the need for therapeutic ZnO levels and antibiotic in their operations, while producing healthy piglets and remaining profitable and sustainable. Phileo’s ‘Program Zero ZnO’ is a three-step approach that focuses on strengthening the microbiome, reducing pathogen pressure, and enhancing feed intake. The backbone is the application of different types of yeast products, including the yeast probiotic Actisaf® (hereafter called yeast probiotic). It improves microbial population to benefit the sow’s and piglet’s health and feed efficiency by enhancing the environment in the hind gut. In addition, yeast postbiotic Safmannan® (hereafter called yeast postbiotic) is applied to reduce pathogen pressure and to prevent digestive disorders by binding bacteria such as E. coli. It also reduces the negative impact of inflammation on piglet performance. ZERO ZnO MISSION STARTS WITH THE SOW Over the last five years, many trials in Europe have confirmed the benefits of applying the Program Zero ZnO. And more field trials have been done ever since, increasing high-quality evidence around the application of yeast probiotic and postbiotic yeast. One of the most recent trials was done in Spain and focused on sows. This is because the prolificacy of sows increases concerns weaning weights.
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