Swine Resources - Nutrition

January 2023

Summary

Low crude protein, added insoluble fiber, and low acid-binding capacity diets, as well as pharmacological zinc oxide (when applicable) are important nutritional strategies that can be used to maintain the gastrointestinal health of weanling pigs exposed to Escherichia coli. Feed additives including probiotics, exogenous enzymes, egg yolk antibodies, spray-dried plasma, clays, medium-chain fatty acids, phytogens, and antibiotics may be other options to reduce the impact of E coli. Management strategies such as vaccine protocols, colostrum management, barn and water line sanitation, and weaning age should be combined with nutritional interventions to minimize diarrhea caused by E coli.

See link below for full article.

Wensley MR, Tokach MD, Woodworth JC, Goodband RD, DeRouchey JM, Gebhardt JT. Nutritional strategies to reduce the impact of Escherichia coli in newly weaned pigs. J Swine Health Prod. 2023;31(5):230-235. https://doi.org/10.54846/jshap/1318

January 2023

Summary

Preweaning strategies to minimize fallback pigs in the nursery include cross fostering, creep feeding, and weaning an older pig. Postweaning strategies to minimize fallback pigs in the nursery include optimum barn temperature and ventilation set points, easy access to feed and water, and proactive placement strategies. Phase-feeding programs to match the nutrient requirements and digestive abilities of weaned pigs are also crucial. Managing fallback pigs can be accomplished by minimizing drafts in removal pens, providing supplemental heat sources, having multiple feed access points by providing gruel and mat feed, and ensuring more intensive observations of pigs in removal pens.

See link below for full article.

Wensley MR, Tokach MD, Woodworth JC, Goodband RD, DeRouchey JM, Gebhardt JT
Strategies to minimize fallback pigs in the nursery
J Swine Health Prod. 2023;31(5):237-241. https://doi.org/10.54846/jshap/1319

Summary

Effects of nutritional strategies on colostrum quality and yield are variable as influenced by sow colostrum production capacity, parity, farrowing induction protocol, and gestation length. The greatest opportunity to maximize colostrum yield and quality is through proper management of body condition in gestation such that sows are not in a negative energy balance when entering farrowing. Total colostrum fat percentage can be increased through the addition of dietary fat or oil. Colostrum fatty acid composition can also be changed by addition of dietary oil or increased branched chain amino acids. Colostrum protein and immunoglobulins are more challenging to influence.

Madie R. Wensley, MS; Mike D. Tokach, PhD; Jason C. Woodworth, PhD; Robert D. Goodband, PhD; Joel M. DeRouchey, PhD; Jordan T. Gebhardt, DVM, PhD
American Association of Swine Veterinarians - Full Article

January 2022

The pros, cons, and current limitations of using black soldier fly larvae as an alternative protein source.

December 2021

Functional amino acids supplementation directly improves gut health and integrity in weanling pigs.

December 2021

Spray-dried plasma supplementation effects on litter size can be observed in subsequent parturition.

September 2021

Soft pellet creep feed for piglets improves pre-weaning feed intake and promote intestinal health after weaning.

September 2021

Fermented fed may improve gut microbiota and immune status of lactating sows.

August 2021

Reducing dietary Zn levels in growing-finishing pigs does not affect their growth performance and carcass characteristics.

July 2021

Nursery slow growth driven by protein restriction may be compensated and overcome at the growing-finishing period.