Update on Stalosan trials proved the benefits again

Perhaps the most important result we got recently is the Stalosan efficacy against poultry blood mites.

Mites are worldwide spread and considered as the most economically important ectoparasites for the industrial poultry production. The global impact is difficult to evaluate due to the poor documentation and because is probably underestimated by the producers. However, Mul (2009), has recently estimated an annual loss of € 11 million for the Dutch layers sector. Economic losses inside the European Union caused by the mites are now estimated at roughly € 130 million.

The farm trial made in Jordan against Red Mites(Dermanisus Galinae) and the other from USA against Northern fowl mites showed excellent results. After Stalosan application, farms are mites free again. More detailed info on those trials will be available soon.

Two farm trials in Turkey have showed again the ability of Stalosan F to reduce the milk somatic cell count. Low SCC means healthier cows, less medications against mastitis, better milk yield and quality, or shortly - extra profit for the farmers. With those results the economic benefit of using Stalosan F was proven again.

Another important trial started against MRSA(Methicillin-Resistant Staphilococcus Aureus).

Resistance refers to the ability of microbes to withstand antimicrobial treatments. It is an issue of concern since the overuse or misuse of antibiotic treatments has been linked to the emergence and spread of microbes which are resistant to them, rendering such treatments ineffective. This can pose a serious risk also to the public health, transferring MRSA from animals to humans. Most MRSA infections are skin infections. One major problem with MRSA is that occasionally the skin infection can spread to almost any other organ in the body. MRSA that spreads to internal organs can become life threatening and death may occur. Statistics shows, that more people died in USA from MRSA, than from AIDS. The authorities all around the world are concerned about that and are looking for a solution.

At the moment Stalosan F test against MRSA is in the second phase - in vivo trial. The veterinarian and health authorities in Denmark are also involved in this research, due to the importance of the problem.

The first phase - in vitro test showed excellent efficacy. "If the final result is positive, Stalosan wil be product of choice for all MRSA positive farms ower night" said Mr. Niels van Wyhe, who leads the project.

PRRS and Porcine Circovirus Disease(PCD) are swine diseases, causing significant losses in swine production. Our intention is to carry out Stalosan F efficacy test against them. At the moment we have customer testimonials, showing that using Stalosan F can prevent PRRS and PCD, which makes us believe in the positive results.

Observation shows, that acute outbreak of PRRS can lead to a dramatic increase of mortality with dead born or dead prior the weaning piglets up to 70 - 80%. Even if prophylactic treatment is administrated, the mortality rate can double. PCD is recognized as a global, epizootic disease. Due to PCD many herds suffered losses well in excess of 10% of pigs weaned.

Still the Stalosan F tests against those pathogens are pending. At the moment we have customer testimonials, showing, that using Stalosan F can prevent PRRS and PCD outbreaks, which makes us believe in the positive test results.

We have passed through a global financial crisis. Additionally grain prices has played a negative role in animal production recently. Those factors made farmers more focused on product price and savings.

The situation was availed by the companies, offering products "same like Stalosan, but cheaper". This is a misleading information, which can cost a lot of money to the farmers. Product price and product value are not comparable! Low price did not mean high profit. Value is the additional profit farmer can get by using certain product. Profit is coming from the efficacy.

In fact all of them are drying products and none has shown proper problem solving or disease prevention. There are no even efficacy trials against pathogens. The only tests shown by Jorenku(Staldren producer) has been proved to be forged.

It is very important to differentiate Stalosan F from the drying products. All competitor claims are focused on drying (some products also on ammonia binding) and if there are any results on better growth or improved animal production, they are consequence of better environment conditions.

Stalosan F is designed to control pathogens! Drying and ammonia binding are also important, but are not the main effect. This is very well documented, which gives confidence when using the product.

With this regard it is very important to focus on disease prevention. The best way of Stalosan F application could be to implement it in the farm biosecurity system. Preventive measures are always much more effective, than disease treatments, saving money on medication, ensuring optimal animal output and reducing mortality.

Actually the statement "Stalosan is good, but too expensive and we cannot afford it" is not serious. The price of Stalosan F is paid back many times.

It is good also to keep in mind the other products available in our portfolio: Piggydip and Staldfix. They are products of choice, when farmers are looking only for drying and ammonia control. Moreover, the use of Piggydip in the USA showed newborn piglet mortality reduction with 2%.Recent broiler farm trials showed, that applied once at dose 200gr./m² even in harsh winter conditions, Staldfix is capable to control litter moisture and ammonia emissions for 21 days. Improved litter conditions lead to reduction of the fattening period with 2- 4 days. Which means extra 1000 - 1200 EUR profit per house with 11.000 broilers in average.

Since May last year product quality has been improved. No lumps and stones are found anymore with the improved product. At the same time two new 25 kg. packs where introduced. One of them is paper bag with thick plastic inlay, allowing tight close if necessary to keep some Stalosan F for a longer period. The other pack is very strong PPE bag, capable to withstand careless handling and long time storage.