Biovet S.A. will present a poster entitled ‘Use of Alquernat Nebsui alone and in combination with Zinc Oxide to replace carbadox in diets for weaned pigs’ at the Allen D. Leman Swine Conference. This year, the congress will be held online from 19^th to 22^th September.

Weaning is one of the most critical moments in pig farming. It supposes a stage with multiple stressors. One of the most important changes occurs in diet, which changes drastically, and can lead to growth retardation and digestive problems, such as diarrhea.

In order to maintain productive parameters on farms, traditionally, antibiotics and zinc oxide have been used to control the digestive flora and thus prevent the appearance of pathologies. However, the use of antibiotics, for example carbadox, commonly used to reduce the microbial load in the intestine, has certain drawbacks such as the development of resistances.

In addition, restrictions on the use of antibiotics as a preventive in several countries and the changes in trends in the market are markedly reducing the use of antibiotics in animal feed. For this reason, the search for natural alternatives has been necessary to prevent possible pathologies.

In this context, Biovet S.A. will present a trial at the Leman Swine Conference. The trial, which was carried out in collaboration with Carthage Innovative Swine Solution, where Alquernat Nebsui in combination with zinc oxide to replace carbadox was tested with the aim to improve production parameters, prevent post-weaning dysentery and reduce the use of antibiotics.

Results showed that Alquernat Nebsui, product based on intestinal conditioner pronutrients, is an effective natural solution to prevent digestive problems that occur in post-weaning stage, since the results are equivalent to the use of carbadox in weaning. In addition, the study demonstrates that zinc oxide can be used together with Alquernat Nebsui without any negative interaction.

About Allen D. Leman Swine Conference

The Allen D. Leman Swine Conference is an annual event held in Minnesota dedicated to global swine industry. The congress is consolidated as one of the most important events in United States in pig farming. Biovet S.A. has participated in several occasions in the congress which, this year, due to the restrictions caused by COVID-19, will be hold online.