How plasma protein supports newborn piglets
• The spray-drying process – which is a gentle way to produce dried powders, guarantees the preservation of the bio-functionality of proteins.
• The major active ingredient in plasma are antibodies, IgG. They bind to pathogens (bacteria and viruses) which can then not infect the animal. The IgG therefor protects the young piglets from infections.
• In the spray-drying process are different sourcing and processing steps that guarantee the safety of the product. Spray-dried plasma proteins are produced from healthy pigs. Controled steps guarantee the inactivation of potential hazards. Plasma proteins are safe to use in young animals, including piglets.
• Spray-dried Plasma is contributing to a sustainable animal production. Plasma is produced from re-purposed animal blood. It reduces the carbon footprint and is assuring the full use of animal proteins.
• Because Sray-dried plasma supports the health of pigs it reduced the need to use antibiotics and Zinc Oxide which use must be restricted and used prudently.
Sow milk replacers
- Highly prolific sows may not produce enough milk to feed their piglets, especially after the second week where energy demand of the piglets is still growing, and sows are at their maximum production. There may also be a need to artificially foster piglets. Therefor sow milk replacers are used.
- It is important that the ingredients in milk replacers are easily digestible. So that nutrients are absorbed and the gut wall is not challenged. plasma proteins bring highly digestible proteins.
- IgG in sows' milk and in a milk replacer is important to support resistance of the gut. The piglet’s gut system is not matured, including the defense systems in the gut. The gut has to be supported and stressed as little a possible.
- The own-species IgGs present in porcine plasma are closer to the needs of piglets than bovine IgG from cow milk or cow’s plasma.
Creep feeds
- Weaning comes with a weaning dip. Piglets eat less. The major role of creep feeds is to train the piglet eating and to develop the digestive capacity of the gut.
- Plasma proteins have a proven higher palatability then alternative ingredients. Piglets will better like the feed and spray-dried plasma can therefor stimulate the feed intake.
- The creep feed should be comparable (or the same) as the pre-starter/starter diet in composition. This will ease the transition to solid feed after weaning. Spray-dried plasma is a preferred choice ingredients in weaning feeds and should consequently also be used in the creep feed.
Weaning feeds
- Weaning comes with a weaning dip and a weaning gap. There is a dip in feed intake and a gap in digestive and immune capacity compared an age of more then 7-10 weeks when piglets wean in natural circumstances.
- Piglets after weaning eat less. Weaning feeds should be tasty to stimulate the feed intake. Plasma improves palatability of feeds and improves feed intake.
- Digestive capacity is not matured at weaning. Ingredients must be easily digestible. Plasma proteins are highly digestible, even for the immature gut system.
- Weaning takes away the immune support from sow milk and the immune capacity at weaning age is not fully developed. Spray-dried plasma is rich in functional porcine specific IgG and other immune mediators. It supports the immune system of the gut and resists infections.
