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Biomin® P.E.P. : Unlocking Performance in Sow Nutrition

Published: November 5, 2007
By: Tobias Steiner - BIOMIN
Recently, phytogenic feed additives have become more and more interesting for the feed industry. Phytogenics represent a fairly new category of feed additives with natural origin. Phytogenic compounds have traditionally been used as flavors and spices in human nutrition and medicine, as well as for food preservation. However, it is evident that this category of feed additives covers a large variety of substances with an even bigger number of active ingredients, including carvacrol, thymol, cinnamaldehyde and anethol, just to mention a few important examples. These agents may exert antioxidative, antimicrobial, fungicidal, sedative or physiological activities in different extents.

Many phytogenic products which are available in the market contain an undefined mixture of several phytogenic ingredients. Thus, their mode of action remains unclear in many cases. In contrast, Biomin® P.E.P. represents a clearly-defined phytogenic additive with a defined mode of action that has been assessed in cooperation with different European universities.

Biomin® P.E.P. functions in three ways, i.e. through (1) modifications of the gut microflora, along with (2) a stimulation of digestive secretions and, particularly in sows, (3) a positive impact on feed intake, all in all resulting in improved digestion. An increasing number of trials conducted under experimental and field conditions have shown that inclusion of well-selected phytogenic compounds in diets for sows increases the voluntary feed consumption in the lactation period.

Moreover, there is growing evidence that phytogenics have a stabilizing effect on digestion, resulting in improved feed conversion (Kroismayr et al., 2005). Thus, on one hand more feed is ingested; and on the other nutrients and energy are better converted into performance. Consequently, the overall efficiency of production is increased, which is the major aim in view with rising prices for commodities.

Biomin® P.E.P. : Unlocking Performance in Sow Nutrition - Image 2
Biomin® P.E.P. : Unlocking Performance in Sow Nutrition - Image 3


Positive effects of phytogenics in sow nutrition are usually reflected in increased litter performance. Results from different trial locations are summarized in Figure 3. In these trials, supplementation of diets for sows with Biomin® P.E.P. increased average weaning weight of the piglets by 3 to 9%.

Biomin® P.E.P. : Unlocking Performance in Sow Nutrition - Image 4


The latest results from another field trial in Chile (Table 1) confirmed the positive observations that were made in the above mentioned studies.

Biomin® P.E.P. : Unlocking Performance in Sow Nutrition - Image 5


Several investigations have additionally shown substantial reduction in the incidence of diarrhea in piglets. Data from studies carried out in different locations in Vietnam indicate that the mortality of piglets can be dramatically reduced through supplementation of sow diets with Biomin® P.E.P. (Figure 4), even under challenging tropical and humid conditions.

The impressive observations regarding the efficacy of Biomin® P.E.P. in all the trials are further enhanced by a substantial economic advantage. As an example, Table 2 shows the production results from two sow operations located in a high-density swine production area in Hohenlohe, Germany.

Biomin® P.E.P. : Unlocking Performance in Sow Nutrition - Image 6


Biomin® P.E.P. : Unlocking Performance in Sow Nutrition - Image 7


The general recommendation for application of Biomin® P.E.P. is shown in Figure 5. Inclusion of Biomin® P.E.P. 1000 (2 kg/t) from approximately 10 days prior to farrowing until 10 days after farrowing is regarded as optimal period of supplementation under aspects of performance and profitability. Depending on individual farm conditions, dietary supplementation with phytogenics can be carried on with a reduced inclusion rate (1 kg/t) until weaning.

A critical review of published literature reveals that a lot of research is needed to further explain the benefits and mode of action of different phytogenic agents. It seems clear that the effects of phytogenics are dose-dependent. Overdosing will most likely constrict feed palatability and result in low feed intakes and depressed growth performance, while insufficient levels of phytogenic agents will remain ineffective. Furthermore, it should be kept in mind that the group of phytogenics is highly inhomogeneous with regard to biological activities and flavoring properties of single active ingredients. Thus, certain mixtures of phytogenic compounds may be more efficient than single compounds. Biomin® P.E.P. has proven highly efficient in sow nutrition, with main benefits regarding feed intake and piglet performance.

Biomin® P.E.P. : Unlocking Performance in Sow Nutrition - Image 8


CONCLUSIONS


As shown in the presented studies with sows, well-selected phytogenic compounds (Biomin® P.E.P.) represent a Natural Growth Promoter (NGPTM) for pigs. Supplementation of diets for sows results in increased body weight of piglets at birth and weaning and improves profitability in sow production operations. A beneficial influence on body condition and fertility is another argument for including Biomin® P.E.P. in rations for sows.


REFERENCES

Amrik, B. and Bilkei, G. (2004) Influence of farm application of oregano on performance of sows. Canadian Veterinary Journal- Revue Veterinaire Canadienne 45: 674– 677.

Kroismayr, A., Sehm, J., Mayer, H., Schreiner, M., Foissy, H., Wetscherek, W. and Windisch, W. (2005) Effect of essential oils or Avilamycin on microbial, histological and molecular– biological parameters of gut health in weaned piglets. 4. BOKU-Symposium Tierernä hrung. Vienna, Austria, pp. 140– 146.

Miller, J.A., Solis, L.A. and Laurenz J.C. (2003) Enhancing feed intake during early lactation period in sows. Journal of Animal Science 81 (Suppl. 2): 14.

Steiner, T. (2006) Managing Gut Health - Natural Growth Promoters as a Key to Animal Performance. Nottingham University Press, Nottingham, United Kingdom.

Williams, P. and Losa, R. (2001) The use of essential oils and their compounds in poultry nutrition. World Poultry 17: 14– 15.

Windisch, W. and Kroismayr, A. (2006) The effect of phytobiotics on performance and gut function in monogastrics. World Nutrition Forum: The Future of Animal Nutrition, September 7– 8, 2006, Vienna: 85– 90.
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AUTHOR DATA

Name:
Tobias Steiner
Position: Product Manager

Education:


1997 – 2001 Agricultural Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
Diploma thesis: Effects of microbial in comparison to plant phytase in pigs

2002 – 2005 PhD, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
PhD thesis: Factors affecting the efficacies of microbial and plant phytases in pigs

Since 2005:
Product Manager, BIOMIN GmbH
Address: BIOMIN GmbH, Industriestrasse 21, 3130 Herzogenburg, Austria
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