Alphamune<SUP><FONT SIZE="1">TM</FONT></SUP> G trial delivers improved performance, financial benefits
By Alpharma Animal Health - The results of this trial using feed supplemented with Alphamune G showed not only an improvement in performance and a reduced need for interventions, but also financial benefits, when compared to untreated controls.
5 November 2004
3 minute read
SUMMARY OF TRIAL SET UP:
Location: Italy, Breeding farm for selection of replacement gilts
Timing of trial: 2004
Number and groups of pigs:
2 groups of each 2480 and 2470 weaned pigs, held in the same farm operations.
Farm conditions:
The trial was done under the same practical conditions with feed and husbandry conditions as was the routine practice on this swine operation.
Purpose of evaluation:
Evaluate the zootechnical performance, financial benefits and interventions of starter pigs supplemented in the feed with AlphamuneTM G at 500 g/tonne compared to an untreated control group.
Trial period:
Starter pigs after weaning with pigs weighing ± 7 kg bodyweight till end of starter.
Key observations:
1. Zootechnical performance:
- An improvement of 48 g in ADG (Average Daily Gain)and 280 grams of FCR was found between the AlphamuneTM G supplemented pigs and the control group
- Mortality was reduced with 1,03 % in pigs supplemented with AlphamuneTM G
- About 4 % more pigs of first choice for further selection of replacement gilts were sold in the AlphamuneTM G supplemented group
- A clear reduction of 0,55 € medication costs needed per pig, was observed in the AlphamuneTM G supplemented group
- Clearly less clinical symptoms of infectious arthritis, mycoplasmal pneumonia and streptococcus infections, were observed and less water medication treatments for these were needed in the AlphamuneTM G supplemented group.
- Due to better performance, better quality grading for later replacement gilt selection and reduced intervention costs, the AlphamuneTM G supplemented group of piglets showed a financial benefit of 4,44 € per started piglet
OVERALL CONCLUSIONS
AlphamuneTM G was shown in this customer demonstration trial to be a valid feed supplement for starter pigs in breeding farms
- Providing improved zootechnical performance
- Reducing medication costs
- Substantially improving financial benefits
AlphamuneTM G with its certified amount of Beta-glucans in a quality granule supports production output and helps reducing the need for interventions in pigs
Source: Alpharma Animal Health - September 2004
