Tonisity Piglet Care Protocols

Tonisity Piglet Care Protocols

Tonisity has developed comprehensive piglet care protocols aimed at improving piglet health and performance during critical stages of growth. These protocols offer tailored solutions for managing piglets through the pre-weaning, weaning and post-weaning phases. Backed by scientific research, they are specifically formulated to boost growth, reduce mortality and improve overall piglet health.

Recommendations for Producers

Producers are encouraged to carefully follow Tonisity's protocols, while adapting them to meet the unique conditions of their farm. Consistency is crucial, as the regular application of these protocols ensures the best possible piglet performance and health outcomes. Tonisity Px is specifically designed to be used as a 3% solution, a key factor in achieving effective results.

Key recommendations include:

• Follow the recommended protocols for optimal results
• Adapt the protocols to suit the specific needs and conditions of your farm
• Ensure consistency in the application to achieve the best possible outcomes
   

Selecting the Best Protocol for Your Farm

Choosing the right protocol depends on your farm’s specific goals and challenges, such as reducing pre-weaning mortality, improving creep feed intake or managing weaker piglets. Each protocol addresses different aspects of piglet care, ensuring targeted results to enhance piglet growth and survival.

1. Reducing Pre-Weaning Mortality

Goal: Reduce piglet mortality (and increase weaning weight when combined with a weaning protocol). 

Protocol: Use Tonisity Px during the piglet's early life, from day two to day eight (farrowing day is considered day 1). Administer 500 ml of Tonisity Px solution per litter for seven consecutive days after colostrum. This protocol focuses on improving survival rates during the critical first week, when piglets are most vulnerable. It’s especially suited for farms experiencing high pre-weaning losses and seeking to enhance piglet vitality.

2. Encouraging Creep Feed Intake

Goal: Smooth transition to solid food and increased early feed intake.

Protocol: To improve creep feed intake, introduce Tonisity Px alongside solid feed for at least three days. Administer 20 ml of Tonisity Px per 100 g of creep feed to help piglets transition smoothly from milk to solid food. This protocol is ideal for farms looking to boost early feed consumption, supporting weight gain and development, and setting the stage for a smoother weaning transition.

3. Facilitating the Weaning Transition

Goal: Minimise stress and weight loss during weaning.

Protocol Options:

1. Option 1 (Preferred Protocol): Administer Tonisity Px pre-weaning at 500 ml per litter per day on feed for three days and continue with 50 ml per pig per day on feed post-weaning for an additional three days. This balanced approach supports piglets before and after weaning, helping to stabilise gut health and improve weight gain
2. Option 2: Administer Tonisity Px pre-weaning at 500 ml per litter per day on feed and follow up post-weaning with Tonisity PxW in the waterlines for three days ad libitum. This option is particularly effective on farms with waterline delivery systems and supports hydration during the weaning process
3. Option 3: Use Tonisity Px pre-weaning only for six days at 500 ml per litter per day on feed. This protocol is best for farms with minimal weaning-related issues but aiming to boost piglet health prior to weaning
4. Option 4: Apply Tonisity PxW post-weaning only for five days ad libitum through the waterlines. This is suitable for farms that prefer to focus on supporting piglets exclusively during the weaning transition, helping to reduce post-weaning stress

4. Managing Fall-Behind Piglets

Goal: Help weaker or underweight piglets catch up with their peers.

Protocol: For piglets that are weaker or falling behind, administer Tonisity Px pre-weaning at 500 ml per litter per day on feed for five days, and post-weaning, continue with 100 ml per pig per day on feed for five days. This protocol prioritises weaker piglets, helping them catch up with their peers. Once the benefits have been demonstrated on fall-behind piglets, this approach can be applied more broadly to support the entire herd.

5. Responding to PEDv Outbreaks

Goal: Support recovery and reduce mortality during PEDv outbreaks.

Protocol: In the event of a PEDv outbreak, use a 3% solution of Tonisity Px, ensuring pigs receive at least 100–150 ml per pig per day for five days. Continue the treatment as long as symptoms persist, while also providing access to fresh water. Research has shown that Tonisity Px supports faster recovery, reduces virus shedding, and improves overall gut health, aiding tissue recovery during disease outbreaks.

Summary of Recommended Protocols

Tonisity's piglet care protocols provide targeted solutions for reducing pre-weaning mortality, enhancing creep feed intake, managing fall-behind piglets, and responding to PEDv outbreaks. By following the recommended protocols, producers can ensure their piglets achieve optimal health, growth, and survival during critical stages of development.

We have recently released a PDF document with detailed protocols to our distributors. If you would like access, please contact us at info@tonisity.com