Tonisity Px Compared to Acidifier: Key Insights
A recent study on a 750-sow farm in Brazil explored the impacts of Tonisity Px on piglet growth and mortality rates, comparing its effectiveness against the farm's existing acidifier protocol. The investigation aimed to determine whether administering Tonisity Px could enhance weaning and end-nursery weights while reducing mortality in piglets.
Piglets received Tonisity Px from days two to eight of life and for three days before and after weaning. The results were compelling, showing significant improvements in weight and growth performance. At weaning, piglets that consumed Tonisity Px weighed an average of 6.56 kg, which is 380 g heavier than those in the control group, who averaged 6.18 kg. Additionally, the average daily gain (ADG) from birth to weaning was enhanced by 16 g/day in the Tonisity Px group, reflecting an increase from 201 g/day in the control group to 217 g/day.
The benefits continued into the nursery phase, where piglets fed Tonisity Px achieved an average weight of 15.5 kg by the end of the nursery stage (52 days of age), surpassing the control group's average of 14.4 kg by 1,100 g. This notable weight advantage corresponds to a significant increase in ADG, with Tonisity Px piglets gaining an additional 33 g/day compared to the control group. With a focus on optimising swine production, this study highlights the advantages of using Tonisity Px as a nutritional strategy in piglet rearing.
Key Findings from the Study
The results of this study underscore the efficacy of Tonisity Px in promoting piglet growth and reducing mortality. Specifically, the study found:
- Enhanced Weaning and Nursery Weights: Tonisity Px not only improved weaning weights but also facilitated greater weight gain during the nursery phase, demonstrating its potential to enhance overall piglet health and performance
- Reduced Mortality Rates: A significant 60% reduction in nursery mortality was observed in the Tonisity Px group, dropping from 1.5% in the control group to just 0.6%. This reduction translates to more piglets reaching market weight, directly benefiting farm productivity and profitability
Discussion and Conclusion
The findings in this trial are in line with findings in similar trials conducted in Europe. A recent study in Belgium showed that Tonisity Px supplementation led to a significant increase of 610 g in nursery weight and an improvement in average daily gain (ADG) of 24 g/day, highlighting its role in supporting growth during the nursery phase. These findings suggest that the nutritional benefits of Tonisity Px go beyond basic hydration or feed supplementation, as the bioactive compounds may contribute to improved nutrient absorption and overall health.
Additionally, in a trial conducted in Spain, piglets supplemented with Tonisity Px consumed 2.5 times more creep feed during the initial days post-birth compared to controls, demonstrating its role in promoting appetite and gut health. Such enhanced feed intake not only supports growth rates but also leads to better performance metrics that can significantly impact profitability.
Moreover, these results are particularly significant considering that the control group received an acidifier throughout the farrowing period. This context suggests that the observed improvements with Tonisity Px may be even more pronounced in the absence of such supplementation, reinforcing its potential as a superior alternative.
Overall, implementing Tonisity Px in piglet management represents a strategic opportunity for producers aiming to enhance the productivity and profitability of their operations. With evidence supporting its effectiveness in increasing weights and reducing mortality, including the notable enhancements in nursery performance and growth metrics, Tonisity Px emerges as a valuable tool for modern swine production. This ultimately leads to healthier pigs and a more successful farming venture, positioning Tonisity Px as an essential component in optimising swine management practices.