ZnO Ban: Intest-Plus® Aeon is the answer

Use of high levels (ca. 2500 ppm) of ZnO to support weaning piglets is currently permitted under its classification as a veterinary medicinal product (VMP) for treating post weaning diarrhea. However, this VMP authorization will be withdrawn across the EU as of June 2022. After this, only low levels (max 150 ppm) of ZnO are permitted as a feed additive in order to meet piglet physiological requirements for zinc. The ban on the use of high levels of ZnO is due to environmental concerns and the issue of antimicrobial resistance. It has also been shown that high levels of ZnO can negatively affect the gut microbiota.

As a result of this ban there is a need for suitable alternatives to support weaning piglets, such as Intest-Plus® Aeon. Intest-Plus® supports gut health, immune system and overall performance in pigs, as previously shown by our published scientific research. In this article, we share with you the findings of our latest trial where Intest-Plus® Aeon was directly compared to ZnO.

A weaning piglet trial was performed in Denmark with 135 Danbred x Duroc piglets (15 pens) per treatment: ZnO & Intest-Plus® Aeon. The 42 day trial was divided into three phases: prestarter, starter and grower. ZnO was used in the prestarter phase, and Intest-Plus® Aeon was used in all phases.

Figure 1: Intest-Plus® Aeon improved piglet health (A) and gross margin (B).

Over the trial (i.e., 0-42 days), average daily feed intake (ZnO, 0.86 kg; Aeon, 0.85 kg) and feed conversion ratio (ZnO, 1.38; Aeon, 1.40) was comparable for both groups. Final bodyweight did not significantly differ between groups (ZnO, 34.4 kg; Aeon 33.8kg), with bodyweight at the end of the starter phase being exactly the same for both groups. Relative to ZnO, mortality was decreased by Intest-Plus® Aeon (Figure 1A). Based on these results, Intest-Plus® Aeon improved the gross margin relative to ZnO (Figure 1B).

In summary, Intest-Plus® Aeon is a good alternative to ZnO enabling piglet health and performance to be maintained or even improved, resulting in a better gross margin. For more information please just get in touch.