The Impact of Tonisity PxM on Weaning and Mortality

In the ever-evolving world of agriculture, innovations in animal care are critical for improving productivity and profitability. A recent study, conducted on a commercial pig farm in Belgium, looks at Tonisity PxM, a highly-palatable isotonic milk replacer additive that helps piglets overcome key productivity hurdles. This article delves into the findings of this study, which assessed the effects of Tonisity PxM on reducing fall-behinds at weaning and lowering pre-weaning mortality rates. 

Study Design 

The study was conducted on a farm with 600 sows of TN70 x Belgian Pietrain genetics. With approximately 16 piglets born alive per litter and an average weaning weight of 5.5 kg, the study included a substantial sample size of 5,666 pigs from 434 litters. The primary aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of Tonisity PxM in improving piglet outcomes during the critical pre-weaning period. 

The piglets were divided into two groups: the Tonisity PxM group and the control group. Tonisity PxM was mixed with the milk replacer (50 g/10 L milk replacer) and administered from day two to 10 of life. The control group received only the milk replacer. Both groups were given their respective solutions in round piglet feeders, with quantities incrementally increasing from 500 ml to 1 L from day two to 10. 

Key Findings 

Reduction in Weaning Fall-Behinds 

One of the most notable outcomes was a 29% reduction in the number of fall-behind piglets at weaning in the Tonisity PxM group. Fall-behinds are defined as weak or light piglets needing extra care at weaning, and their reduction signifies better overall health and robustness of the piglets. This finding suggests that Tonisity PxM helps piglets thrive during the early stages of life, reducing the need for additional interventions. 

Increase in Full-Value Pigs 

The study reported an increase of 25 extra full-value pigs per 1,000 born in the Tonisity PxM group. Full-value pigs are those that meet the desired health and weight standards, making them more valuable for production. This increase is a significant indicator of the effectiveness of Tonisity PxM in promoting healthy growth and development in piglets. 

Mortality Rates 

While the mortality rate (5-6%) was lower than the historical average for the farm, it did not significantly differ between the Tonisity PxM and control groups. This finding suggests that while Tonisity PxM significantly improves growth and reduces the number of fall-behinds, its impact on mortality rates might need further investigation over a more extended period or with larger sample sizes. 

Conclusion 

The results from this study underscore the potential of Tonisity PxM as a valuable nutritional supplement in pig farming. By reducing the number of fall-behind piglets and increasing the number of full-value pigs, Tonisity PxM enhances overall productivity and profitability. While the impact on mortality rates requires further exploration, the study's findings offer promising insights into improving piglet care during the critical early stages of life.