Pig producers are being urged to finish a brief survey aimed toward understanding how the ban on therapeutic zinc oxide (ZnO) is affecting piglet well being and efficiency throughout the UK.
The industry-wide survey, run by Roam Know-how — a worldwide, science-driven specialist in hygiene, disinfection, and efficiency options — takes simply 5 minutes to finish. It focuses on the sensible, on-farm penalties of eradicating ZnO, notably round post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD), and seeks to assemble perception on how farmers are adapting their administration and biosecurity practices.
All responses will stay nameless. Farmers have the choice to supply their contact particulars in the event that they want to be entered right into a prize draw to win a £100 reward voucher of their selection.
Nigel Bennet, Livestock Space Supervisor for Northern Europe at Roam Know-how, stated the results of the ban have gotten more and more obvious.
“Zinc oxide nearly acted like a sticky plaster — masking underlying issues in piglet well being. Now that it’s been eliminated, we’re seeing an increase in challenges, particularly round PWD, which may impression progress charges, welfare, and farm economics,” he stated.
“Producers are doing their finest to adapt, however the lack of ZnO has left a major hole. We’re listening to from farmers who’re struggling to take care of consistency in piglet efficiency, regardless of making an attempt a spread of dietary and hygiene-based options.
“What we’re discovering is that tackling PWD now requires a way more holistic method. Hygiene is totally crucial — proper by means of from farrowing into weaning lodging. Clear pens, efficient disinfection protocols, and lowering pathogen load within the surroundings could make an enormous distinction.
“Equally vital is the well being and diet of the sow. If piglets don’t get off to a robust begin, their resilience at weaning is compromised. Guaranteeing sows are properly managed and piglets obtain sufficient high-quality colostrum may also help construct that important early immunity.
“Because of this it’s so vital we collect a broad image of what’s taking place on farm. The extra perception we’ve got, the higher we will help the {industry} in growing focused, sustainable approaches to piglet well being — whether or not that’s bettering biosecurity, optimising housing, or enhancing intestine well being by means of different means.”
