Alphamune<SUP><FONT SIZE="1">TM</FONT></SUP> G Trial: Weight gain and variability improvements
By Alpharma Animal Health - This article looks at trials with natural feed supplement Alphamune G. The results show using Alphamune G can help improve weight gain whilst reducing the variability of weight gain in nursery pigs when fed to nursery pigs.
5 October 2004
3 minute read
SUMMARY OF TRIAL SET UP:
Location: Greece
Timing of trial: 2002
Farm conditions:
The trial was done under the same practical conditions with feed and husbandry conditions as was the usual routine practise.
Purpose of evaluation: Evaluation of weight gain results and distribution of weight in starter
pigs when supplemented with AlphamuneTM G at 500g/tonne compared to untreated control group.
Age of pigs in trial period: Nursery period:
24 days at weaning till 47 days of age.
Results
Average piglet weight gains per pen from weaning till end of trial
(day 24 - day 47)
(day 24 - day 47)
Key observations:
- a clear improvement of average piglet weight gain is observed between pens supplemented with AlphamuneTM G and the control group
- the distribution of average piglet weight gains between pens supplemented with AlphamuneTM G was more uniform versus the distribution of average piglet weight gains of pens in the control group
- more pens with light weight pigs occur in the nursery that are not supplemented with AlphamuneTM G
- AlphamuneTM G tends to reduce variability of average piglet weightgains
Variability of average piglet weight gains per pen
from weaning till end of trial
from weaning till end of trial
Key observations:
- the Standard Deviation (SD) for the average piglet weight gains for pens supplemented with AlphamuneTM G is substantially lower than the SD for the average piglet weight gains of pens in the control group
- AlphamuneTM G reduces the variability of average piglet weight gains in the nursery pens, providing more uniform piglets throughout the nursery period
- Piglets in the control group will show more variability in weight gain, be less uniform
OVERALL CONCLUSIONS
In this demonstration trial, AlphamuneTM G, when supplemented to pigs in the nursery at 500g per tonne of finished feed, showed:
- improved Weight Gain
- a more uniform distribution average weight gains in the nursery pens, with fewer lighter weighing pens in the nursery
- reduced variability of average piglet weight gains in the nursery pens, providing more uniform and heavier piglets throughout the nursery period
- AlphamuneTM G will reduce the opportunity cost for nursery operations. One can capitalize on this benefit later in the fattening period.
Source: Alpharma Animal Health - September 2004
