One of the most critical stages for swine farmers is the weaning period of young pigs. Experts emphasise that this phase is particularly challenging because piglets, typically between 3 to 5 weeks old, have underdeveloped digestive and immune systems. As a result, the transition from sow's milk to solid feed is complex, leaving piglets vulnerable to health problems, most notably post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD).

 

PWD is recognised as one of the most prevalent and economically harmful conditions in piglets, particularly within the first two weeks after weaning. It is often triggered by the abrupt shift from milk to solid feed, which overwhelms the piglet's immature digestive system. At this stage, piglets have insufficient levels of digestive enzymes, such as lactase, and an underdeveloped gut microbiota. When exposed to high-protein diets, their limited digestive capacity can lead to poor nutrient breakdown, resulting in microbial fermentation and toxin production in the large intestine.

 

In addition to dietary shifts, several other factors can trigger PWD, including the stress of separation from the sow, overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and the mixing of piglets from different sources. These factors increase susceptibility to infection and stress. According to the European Commission, PWD impacts 54% of pig farmers, with average costs exceeding US$5.92 per affected piglet. These costs include treatment, diagnostics, and, in severe cases, losses from mortality and culling, with pig deaths estimated at 20%-25%. Consequently, PWD drives up production expenses and reduces revenue by decreasing the number of pigs that reach market weight.

 

While many piglets survive PWD, they often experience stunted growth, with affected animals showing a 10%-20% reduction in average daily gain. Reduced feed intake also weakens immunity, increasing susceptibility to diseases and other infections.

 

Additionally, feed costs are estimated to rise by 7%-9% due to poorer conversion rates and the need for compensatory feeding later in the growth cycle.

 

Probiotics are increasingly recognised as a promising solution for managing PWD in piglets, particularly as the industry moves away from antibiotics and high-dose antimicrobials due to concerns over resistance and environmental impact. Studies have shown that supplementing piglets with probiotics improves gut health and performance by significantly reducing PWD incidence during the early weeks. Providing probiotics to sows during late gestation and lactation has also been shown to reduce the occurrence of PWD in piglets and increase litter weight by an average of 1.5 kilogrammes. Probiotics support gut balance, enhance immunity, and strengthen intestinal integrity, making them valuable in preventing gut health disorders. Key considerations for their effectiveness include strain selection, potency, stability, shelf life, safety, and scientific validation. Combining probiotics with other sustainable practices can effectively reduce PWD and support more resilient, sustainable swine production in the face of ongoing disease and health challenges.

 

Trace minerals also play an important role in preventing PWD. Zinc and copper are the primary trace minerals associated with PWD control. Zinc supports immune function, gut integrity, and microbial balance. However, excessive supplementation of zinc increases heavy metal excretion, posing risks to soil protection and environmental health. According to the Brazilian Journal of Animal Science, high dietary zinc, though effective against PWD, leads to heavy metal accumulation in manure. This accumulation can contaminate soil and water, disrupt microbial ecosystems, and create environmental hazards. Moreover, elevated levels of zinc and copper may place selective pressure on gut bacteria, fostering resistance not only to metals but also to antibiotics, raising concerns for long-term sustainability in animal production. High dietary zinc has traditionally been used to prevent PWD, but this practice has been banned in some regions (e.g., the EU since 2022) due to environmental risks. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate zinc and other trace minerals in a way that minimizes environmental impact while stabilising the digestive tract. Innovations in trace mineral formulations, such as highly bioavailable forms, enable producers to achieve effective results with lower inclusion rates, supporting both animal health and environmental sustainability.

 

In poultry production, optimising health and performance requires a focus on key nutrients. Vitamin A remains a cornerstone of poultry nutrition, supporting immune function by preserving the integrity of epithelial tissues—the body's first barrier against pathogens. It is also crucial for vision, especially in low-light conditions, and plays a vital role in reproduction, tissue development, and antioxidant defence. In poultry diets, vitamin A is typically supplied in stabilised forms, often blended into premixes and incorporated into feed. However, differences in formulation and manufacturing technologies can influence the vitamin's stability during storage and processing, as well as its bioavailability in birds. For optimal results, feed manufacturers and poultry producers should work closely with suppliers to assess the stability and bioavailability of vitamin A sources. Choosing a high-quality, well-formulated additive supports bird health, enhances growth performance, and improves overall production efficiency. Supplementation, whether through synthetic sources or natural precursors, prevents deficiencies that could result in poor performance, increased disease risk, and reproductive issues.

 

Additionally, nutrients such as choline and chromium are crucial for supporting laying hens, which are often referred to as metabolic athletes due to their high egg production output of nearly one egg per day. This intense production places considerable strain on the liver, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders such as fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS). FLHS, a common yet often underestimated challenge in commercial layers, reduces productivity, causes sudden deaths, and undermines profitability. Affected birds display enlarged, fragile, fat-laden livers and intracoelomic haemorrhage. Studies have identified FLHS as a frequent cause of sudden mortality in both commercial and backyard flocks. Choline and organic chromium are among the most effective nutrients for protecting the liver, regulating metabolism, and helping birds cope with stress, ultimately enhancing productivity and welfare. In modern high-performance poultry systems, liver support and stress management are essential, particularly in the face of challenges such as heat stress, rising feed costs, and extended laying cycles. Nutritionists must leverage every available tool to safeguard core metabolic functions and optimise poultry health.

 

The full article is published on the OCTOBER 2025 issue of LIVESTOCK & FEED Business. To read the full report, please email to inquiry@efeedlink.com to request for a complimentary copy of the magazine, indicating your name, mailing address and title of the report.