The two companies announced their joint effort in combining their knowledge of oral rehydration and direct feed microbials (DFM) to produce BlueLite Plus 2Bw at World Pork Expo in Des Moines Iowa, USA this week.

The product is designed to help reduce the threat of weaning and intestinal problems in piglets without antibiotics.

The companies describe the product as a combination of hydration support through an electrolyte formula and gut microbials to produce active enzymes in the piglet's small intestinal tract.

"BlueLite Plus 2Bw is an excellent product for any feeder pig or farrow-to-finish operation that's concerned about the health and quality of their piglets," said Dr Peter Franz, chief veterinarian at TechMix.

"You just add it to the piglets' drinking water after weaning.

"BlueLite Plus 2Bw provides three critical things: rehydration through palatable acidification, electrolyte energy fortification and direct-fed microbial supplementation that promotes long-term intestinal health."

Dr Franz said that pig producers have reported that the new supplement ahs been quickly accepted and has shown improved feed in-take and improved long-term performance.

Dr Brian Kremer at Chr Hansen said that the antimicrobial aspect of BlueLite Plus 2Bw stabilises the piglets' intestinal health.

"Basically, we're reducing the bad bugs and delivering more good bugs.

"In the field, we're seeing less mortality, increased feed intake and increased daily gain - all without antibiotics."