The use of phytobiotics in growth stimulation of weaned pigs

Phytogene feed additives (phytobiotics) are plant origin compounds used in animal nutrition in order to improve their productivity by improving the production performance of animals, feed properties and the quality of food of animal origin. These additives stimulate animal growth by using their natural and physiological potentials and mechanisms providing conditions for the realization of the genetically projected production volumes. Data on the use of phytobiotics as growth stimulators are incomplete and often very contradictory, especially those related to their impact on the health and performance of weaned pigs. Given the relevance and importance of these issues the feeding trial was organized by the group-control system. The experiment lasted for 40 days and it was divided into two phases of 20 days each. Trial was conducted on 24 piglets, F1 generation of Swedish Landrace and Pietrain, weaned from sows at the age of 35 days. Tests were carried out on piglets, with an average body weight of 8.61±1.59 kg, which were subjected to one of the two feeding treatments immediately after weaning. The control group was fed with a mixture without growth promoters, while the experimental group received a diet containing preparation of phytobiotic (Enviva EO 101, Danisco Animal Nutrition) in the amount recommended by the manufacturer (0.1 kg/t). The mixtures for piglets nutrition were formulated in accordance with the recommendations of the NRC (1998), and AEC (1993) and they met the nutritional requirements completely. During the experiment, there was no disturbance of health and/or the manifestation of clinical signs of disease. The control group, fed with the diet without added growth stimulators, achieved body weight (25.32±6.31 kg), average daily gain (0.42±0.12 kg), consumption (0.89 kg) and feed conversion (2.119 ) normal for a given race, age and housing conditions. The use of preparation of phytobiotics as growth promoters, led to better production results in regard to the control group, which was based on higher body weight (27.19±4.77 kg), higher average daily gain (0.46±0.09 kg) and better feed conversion (2.043). The use of phytobiotic, as an alternative option in growth stimulation of weaned pigs, has its nutritive, medical and economic justification.