Fermentation helps improve enteric health

Enteric health in pig production is crucial to the well-being of the pigs, to your finances and to the quality of the meat produced. Maintaining a low pH value is essential in this regard, as no unwanted bacteria are capable of surviving in an environment where the pH value is lower than 4.0. This means that what is required is liquid feed with a low pH value (ideally pH 3.6–3.8) – which is possible with inoculated feed. The graph below illustrates that no bacteria other than lactic acid bacteria can survive in an environment where the pH value is lower than 4.0.

(Source: Plymouth University)

Health-related benefits

1. Bacterial pressure kept low

FERMENTATIONEXPERTS is in no doubt: The lower the bacterial pressure, the better the growth and feed utilisation.

2. Enteric illnesses can be controlled and prevented

A variety of enteric illnesses and diseases – such as E. coli diarrhoea, Lawsonia and Salmonella – can adversely affect your production results. Fermentation can help control or even eliminate the problems linked to these illnesses. Fermentation is believed to build up a bio-membrane in the pigs’ digestive system that prevents the assimilation of coli, salmonella, etc.*

The effects on health are remarkable, particularly in piglets. It is common to wean piglets before their digestive system is fully developed, and the stressful event often causes diarrhoea. Inoculated feed can help prevent outbreaks of diarrhoea and ensure a good start without the use of medication.

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3. Reduced consumption of medication

It is in the interest of both the agricultural sector and society in general to reduce the consumption of medication in animals. Enteric illnesses result in elevated consumption of medication, which is both expensive and bad for general health among consumers (elevated consumption of medication may increase the risk of resistance). So fermentation is the best choice – for improved enteric health and reduced consumption of medication.

FERMENTATIONEXPERTS – for your health

* As yet unpublished research in Bristol, England, has shown that feeding fully fermented feed to a herd of pigs suffering from salmonella infection prevents the pigs from assimilating the salmonella. FERMENTATIONEXPERTS AS has observed the same tendency in practice. If a herd is suffering from salmonella infection and the farmer switches to inoculated, fully fermented liquid feed, the salmonella problem disappears within four weeks. FERMENTATIONEXPERTS AS is working to prepare full documentation of this claim.