Introduction

Natural multifunctional solutions tested in this trial were specifically designed for suckling piglets from day 5 of life until weaning. They promote the development and adaptation of the digestive system to solid diets, to help in early weaning at 6 kg of weight and prevent an excessive loss of body condition in sows caused by lactation.

This solution contains the following active principles:

• Silicoglycidol: highly effective mycotoxin binder
• Cimenol ring: natural microbicide that acts as a preservative and helps to balance the gut microflora
• Pronutrients: they improve the physiology of the organs (gut, liver, immunity) and help to develop the digestive system so that it is ready for the new diet
• Flavorings: to stimulate feed intake
• Inorganic acids: they acidify the digestive tract in piglets for a better feed digestion
• Enzymes: specially selected according to piglets’ needs and the diet composition. They include amylase, an enzyme that piglets produce only in low amounts
• Natural antioxidants and probiotics

Aim of the trial

The aim is to evaluate the effect of multifunctional solutions designed for piglets to help them be ready for early weaning.

Experimental design

20 five-year-old piglets were distributed into two groups with 10 piglets each. They were offered the same diet from day 5 to day 40 of age, following the current management in the farm. One of the groups received the natural multifunctional solution in the diet at 4 kg/t.

• Control: pre-starter feed
• Natural: pre-starter feed + multifunctional natural solution

Piglets were individually weighted at the start of the trial (day 5) and then on days 11, 20, 35 and 40 of age to calculate the average weight of the group. Mortality and diarrhea percentage were assessed, too.

Results

Regarding weight, the group with the multifunctional obtained higher body weights during all the trial, with a final difference of 231 more grams per piglet on day 40.

The group with the multifunctional solution obtained a 50% lower mortality and lower diarrhea percentages during all the trial (an average of 8.3% compared to the 32.5% in the control group).

Conclusions

This multifunctional solution for suckling piglets can be administered from day 5 to day 40 to obtain better weight (+231 g/piglet), less mortality and lower diarrhea percentages.

This improvement is achieved thanks to the highly effective molecules in the product, which promote a faster development of the digestive tract and optimize the physiology of other organs to maintain piglets’ health and welfare.

This natural multifunctional solution for suckling piglets was designed by Biovet, S.A. and is marketed as Alquermix Starter Piglets.