Layn Natural launches TruGro PW for post-weaning piglets

Layn Natural Ingredients, provider of natural botanical ingredient solutions and formulation support, has introduced TruGro PW, an effective zinc oxide replacement for post-weaning piglets.Layn Natural launches TruGro PW for post-weaning piglets

Layn Natural Ingredients, one of the world’s largest vertically-integrated manufacturers and innovators of natural, functional botanical extract ingredients and solutions, announced the launch of TruGro® PW, an effective and proven solution validated in randomized in-vivo trials that combines selected polyphenol-rich botanical extracts to help support healthy growth and gut health in piglets post weaning.

Swine producers face many challenges in the post-weaning phase as piglets transition from sow milk to solid feed. The intestinal and metabolic immaturity of piglets makes digesting solid feed more difficult, which can lead to villi atrophy, loss of barrier function, low nutrient absorption, irregular fermentation in the hindgut and pathogen microbial proliferation. Post-weaning piglets also often experience increased stress levels due to changes in nutrition and environment during this growth phase. This can lead to loss of appetite, diarrhea and stunted growth.

“Traditionally, swine producers have used zinc oxide in the diet to control post-weaning diarrhea, enhance digestive function, increase secretion, improve immune response, reduce oxidative stress and control pathogens,” said Juan Javierre, Nutrition Scientist, TruGro division of Layn Natural Ingredients. “However, in June 2022, the European Union banned the use of pharmacologic doses of zinc oxide in animal feed. Layn recognized the need to provide swine producers with safe and proven alternatives. As a result of our research, testing and innovation, we are pleased to offer a highly effective solution in TruGro PW.”

The grounds for the zinc oxide ban include that it can cause soil and water contamination from slurries, the transference of antibiotic resistance on intestinal microbia, and potential disturbance of microflora within animals. TruGro PW can be effectively used at a lower inclusion rate than zinc oxide and it leaves no environmental residues.

The company explained that TruGro PW was evaluated in randomized trials vs. zinc oxide and the study results were extremely positive. TruGro PW performed better than zinc oxide in total feed intake and overall feed conversion ratio (FCR). TruGro PW was also shown to be highly effective for diarrhea control.