The importance of proper early nutrition

Weaning animals may experience a suppressed appetite that discourages feed intake. High-intensity sweeteners and palatants provide an effective incentive for calves and piglets to switch from liquid diets to solid feed. Although most young animals prefer sweet tastes, palatability varies by species, so it’s important for producers to understand which solutions are most likely to boost ration appeal.

Proper nutrition in young production animals provides essential support for future performance outcomes. If the early phases of animal development are not well managed, their genetic potential will not be fully realized. Weaning is therefore a critical stage as well as one of the biggest stressors in a young mammal’s life. Animals experiencing stress, including those at weaning, tend to have suppressed appetites, are often more susceptible to health issues and may also have deficiencies in growth and development. To counter these challenges, producers can implement strategic nutritional solutions designed to positively impact the developmental trajectory of their herd.

AVOID THE POST-WEANING PRODUCTION GAP
Weaning animals may experience a suppressed appetite that discourages feed intake. High-intensity sweeteners and palatants provide an effective incentive for calves and piglets to switch from liquid diets to solid feed. Although most young animals prefer sweet tastes, palatability varies by species, so it’s important for producers to understand which solutions are most likely to boost ration appeal.

In partnership with the University of Liverpool, ADM researchers have identified which sweetening compounds activate the sweet taste receptors in pigs and to what extent. Initially, a cell-based in vitro model was used to apply different sweetening compounds to cells transfected with the swine sweet taste receptor genes. This was followed by feeding trials assessing the activation levels of the intestinal sweet taste receptors and in vivo studies to evaluate the improvement of feed palatability and the consequent impact on feed intake and body weight gain. The results of this research concluded with a knowledge library of compounds that specifically activate the sweet taste receptors in pigs and led to the development of two new saccharin-free products: Sucram Specifeek and Sucram M’I Sweet.

Additionally, Sucram N-3D is a stevia-based high-intensity sweetener with aromatic enhancers and mouthfeel stimulators that is highly appealing to calves. The inclusion of aromatic molecules provides a noticeable vanilla and caramel scent, further improving the calf’s sensorial experience. Internal research has shown that Sucram N-3D increases feed attractiveness, feed intake and body weight gain in starter calf diets.

ADM’s Sucram range of high-intensity sweeteners not only activates the sweet taste receptors T1R2 and T1R3 present on the tongue, thus triggering a sweet taste, but also activates the same receptors on the surface of gut enteroendocrine cells. These receptors release the glucose-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) hormone, which leads to increased absorption of glucose from the intestinal lumen^1,2. The GLP-2 hormone is 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.

SUPPORT IMMUNE RESPONSE
The immune system is comprised of a complex network of cells, tissues, organs and the substances they produce. Although animals are born with certain innate defenses, the immune system continues to develop over time, adapting to diverse antigenic exposure. Efficient immune responses can greatly limit potential invaders; however, young animals with relatively immature immune systems are more vulnerable to pathogenic challenges. Maternal antibodies are transferred through the placenta and colostrum to help ward off threats in young mammals until their own immune systems are stronger.

Yeasts have been fed to animals for over 100 years due to their nutritional richness and also for their reported effects to support health and growth performance. Yeast cell walls contain various bioactive components such as b-glucans and mannan oligosaccharides, which have been demonstrated to have beneficial impacts across various species^3,4. Several studies have shown that dietary b-glucans interact with intestinal cells effecting modulation of the intestinal immune response^4-6. Mannan oligosaccharides have been demonstrated to bind and limit the colonization of intestinal pathogens with beneficial consequences related to gastrointestinal health and ensuing performance³.

Pichia guilliermondii is a novel yeast with unique morphology, structure and consequent activity. Pichia guilliermondii supplementation during sow gestation and lactation has been demonstrated to have a beneficial impact on piglet improved resilience, health and growth to market weight^7-14. Furthermore, a commercial farm trial has shown dairy calves supplemented with Pichia guilliermondii and challenged with coccidiosis had reduced oocyst shedding and fewer intestinal lesions¹⁵.

During a coccidiosis challenge, damage to the intestinal wall impairs nutrient absorption, thus affecting feed conversion ratio (FCR) and growth performance. Field trials have shown Oilis LD, a bioactive additive incorporated in whole milk or milk replacers for young ruminants, could increase average daily gain and improve FCR. Oilis is made of specific phytogenic compounds shown to help protect the intestinal epithelium and reinforce the calf’s natural defenses.

OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE WITH BIOAVAILABLE NUTRIENTS
Trace minerals are essential nutrients supporting a variety of metabolic processes across species, including growth, fertility and immunity. However, supplementation with inorganic mineral sources may be inefficient, due to mineral antagonisms, competition for absorption and interaction with feed components. Organically bound mineral sources can bypass many of these challenges and improve bioavailability for better nutrient absorption and retention.

B-Traxim 2C is ADM’s range of organic trace minerals bound to glycine (also called glycinates), designed to deliver highly bioavailable and homogenous nutrients. Trace minerals play an essential role in the immune system and providing it in a more available form can support an efficient immune response, as observed in both beef and dairy cattle^16,17. Researchers at North Carolina State University and Ohio State University concluded that these glycinates had a positive effect on immune parameters in challenge conditions^16,17. An effective immune system supports health and efficient performance throughout the animal’s full production cycle.

Superior bioavailability of B-Traxim 2C compared to traditionally supplemented inorganic sources in swine, poultry and cattle has been shown consistently. For instance, in an unpublished trial conducted at the University of Wroclaw in Poland, sows supplemented with a reduced dose of organic trace minerals (50% from glycinates) had increased the average birth weight of piglets and significantly increased re-breeding success. Moreover, piglets with the higher average birth weight also showed improved daily gain, improved FCR and higher lean meat on carcass compared to lifetime performance of piglets from sows supplemented with inorganic mineral sources.

Ultimately, greater bioavailability enables animals to better meet their nutritional requirements to optimize growth performance, support immunity and reproductive performance, as well as a reduction of mineral excretion. These outcomes are better for the animal and the producer’s bottom line.

CONCLUSION
Supporting weaning animals in their development through early nutrition is necessary to have a positive impact on all following production phases. Producers can take a three-pronged approach to overcome common challenges faced by young mammals. By improving feed palatability, supporting gut resilience and immunity, and ensuring all nutritional needs are met, calves and piglets will be quicker to wean and will have what it takes to finish strong.

References
1. Shirazi-Beechey SP, Daly K, Al-Rammahi M, Moran AW and D. Bravo. Role of nutrient-sensing taste 1 receptor (T1R) family members in gastrointestinal chemosensing. British Journal of Nutrition. 2014;111 Suppl1:S8-15.
2. Furness, J.B. et al. The gut as a sensory organ. Nature Reviews. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2013;10(12):729.
3. Spring P, Wenk C, Connolly A, et al. A review of 733 published trials on Bio-Mos®, a mannan oligosaccharide, and Actigen®, a second-generation mannose rich fraction, on farm and companion animals. Journal of Applied Animal Nutrition 2015;3:1-11.
4. Volman JJ, Ramakers JD, Plat J. Dietary modulation of immune function by β-glucans. Physiology & Behavior 2008;94:276-284.
5. Suzuki I, Tanaka H, Kinoshita A, et al. Effect of orally administered β-glucan on macrophage function in mice. International Journal of Immunopharmacology 1990;12:675-684.
6. Tsukada C, Yokoyama H, Miyaji C, et al. Immunopotentiation of intraepithelial lymphocytes in the intestine by oral administrations of β-glucan. Cellular Immunology 2003;221:1-5.
7. Bass B, Perez V, Yang H, et al. Impact of a whole cell yeast product on sow and litter performance. Journal of Animal Science 2012;90:49.
8. Bass BE, Tsai T-C, Yang H, et al. Influence of a whole yeast product (Pichia guilliermondii) fed throughout gestation and lactation on performance and immune parameters of the sow and litter. Journal of Animal Science 2019;97:1671-1678.
9. Thayer MT, Garcia RM, Duttlinger AW, et al. Feeding a whole-cell inactivated Pichia guilliermondi yeast to gestating and lactating sows in a commercial production system. Journal of Animal Science 2020;98:99-100.
10. Thayer MT, Asmus MD, Gourley G, et al. Feeding a whole-cell inactivated Pichia guilliermondi yeast to gestating and lactating sows over two consecutive parities. Journal of Animal Science 2020;98:97-97.
11. Thayer M, Jones DB, Asmus MD, et al. Effects of Feeding a Whole-Cell Inactivated Pichia guilliermondii Yeast in Sow and/or Pig Diets on Progeny Nursery and Grow-Finish Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics. Journal of Animal Science 2022;100.
12. Janvier E, Oguey C, Samson A. Dietary supplementation with Pichia guilliermondii yeast product during gestation and lactation improves sows’ body condition and litter performance. 15th International Symposium on Digestive Physiology of Pigs. Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Animal – Science Proceedings, 2022;209.
13. Oguey C, Thayer M, Jones DB, et al. Meta-analysis of the effects of inactivated Pichia guilliermondii yeast fed to sows on progeny performance before and after weaning. 15th International Symposium on Digestive Physiology of Pigs 2022;210.
14. Oguey C, Thayer MT, Sow reproductive and progeny growth performance when fed Pichia guilliermondii yeast postbiotic: systematic review and meta-analysis, Translational Animal Science, Volume 8, 2024, txae137, https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txae137
15. Pasten MG, et al. Effects of supplementation with a Pichia guilliermondii yeast cell product or essential oils on performance and health of dairy calves during an experimental coccidial infection. Applied Animal Science, 2021;37(5):519-524. ISSN 2590-2865, https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2021-02186
16. Wall EH, Tran K, Wallinger C, Hogan JS and Weiss WP. Mineral glycinate supplementation improves the systemic immune response to lipopolysaccharide challenge in lactating dairy cows. Joint Annual Meeting, 2016.
17. Fry RS, Spears JW, Schlegel P and Durosoy S. Effects of dietary zinc source and level on immune responses and health of cattle. 8. BOKU Symposium Tierernährung 2009.

Disclaimer: Not all products are available in all regions. ADM makes no representation or warranty, whether expressed or implied, as to the reliability, or completeness of the information. The uses and claims should be adapted to comply with the current local/regional regulatory environment. This information does not imply any express recommendations for the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease.

About Pietro Celi
Pietro Celi is the APAC Technical Ruminant Manager for ADM’s animal nutrition business. He has extensive experience in animal physiology, nutrition and reproduction, and he has worked in both academia and the private sector. His area of expertise is gut health and oxidative stress. Dr. Celi has published 150 peer reviewed journal papers, 4 book chapters and over 160 conference papers related to animal nutrition and health. He holds a high degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Bari in Italy and a PhD in Animal Science from the University of Western Australia in Perth.

About Alain Abhervé-Gueguen
Alain Abhervé-Gueguen is the Swine Director for ADM’s animal nutrition division in the EMEA region, with deep knowledge in agriculture, nutrition and farm management. He has extensive experience in the feed industry with a deep understanding of the formulation and nutrition aspects and their impact on the farms. His primary focus is on identifying issues and addressing challenges with feed-based solutions. Alain Abhervé-Gueguen holds a MSc of Animal Sciences from Ecole Supérieure d’Agriculture in Angers and is based in France.