August 23, 2011

Chinese researchers focus on potassium diformate's effects on pig performance

The use of acidifiers in pig production in China is supported by recent trials that have proven that potassium diformate can increase micro villi in pig intestines by up to 14%.

An MSc thesis at Fujian University, in the South East of China, dived into the effects of a potassium diformate product (Formi, manufactured and marketed by Addcon) on gut morphology - and it was concluded that it supported a healthy gut.

The same trial demonstrated a significant impact on daily gain (+11%) and feed conversion (-9%) in post-weaning piglets.

The product is approved by the EU as zootechnical additive (performance enhancer) for piglets, fattening pigs and sows - thereby covering the whole pig production chain.

The product is an acidifier consisting of organic acids and their salts, offering a strategy to maintain feed quality, inhibit pathogenic bacteria and to optimise animal performance.

Numerous trials have been carried out worldwide and a Holo-analysis of all trials confirms that Formi improves on average feed intake in swine by 3.5%, weight gain by 8.7% and feed efficiency by 4.2%.