This study aimed at evaluating the effect of a microencapsulated blend of botanicals (BOT) in weaning piglets, in comparison to pharmacological ZnO. A total of 192 piglets, weaned at 28 days of age, were divided in 4 groups: negative control (C-), standard diet; positive control (C+), standard diet + 2500 ppm ZnO for the first 14 days; treatment 1 (B1), standard diet + 1 kg/MT BOT for the entire study; treatment 2 (B2), standard diet + 2 kg/ MT BOT for the entire study. Animals were monitored across 42 days, with a change from prestarter to starter diet at day 14. After the shift in the diet, C+ animals, without ZnO, showed a reduced growth between days 21 and 28, reaching a final average body weight 203that was numerically lower compared to other experimental groups. Conversely, B2 piglets maintained better performance compared to C+. After ZnO removal, C+ animals registered higher mortality, and higher amount and duration of medical treatments, an effect observed also in C-. On the contrary, BOT guaranteed a reduction in mortality and a 50% decrease in number and duration of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatments. In conclusion, BOT can sustain performance parameters of piglets during weaning stress, ensuring an overall improved health status.
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Discover More: Bonetti et al. (2024). XLIX meeting annuale Società Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini (SIPAS).