Trial Summary - Orego-Stim® Supports Health and Performance in Suckling Piglets with Diarrhoea

SUMMARY

Piglet diarrhoea is a widespread and significant challenge for producers and is associated with a negative impact on piglet health and performance. Piglets suffering from diarrhoea and supplemented with Orego-Stim®had lower mortality and greater bodyweight at weaning than those treated with antibiotics. Orego-Stim® is a natural solution which has been shown to help reduce the impact of diarrhoea on piglet health and performance in the absence of antibiotics.

BACKGROUND

Increasing the growth rate of piglets prior to weaning has a marked positive effect on lifetime performance (Mahan and Lepine, 1991). Piglet diarrhoea is one of the most widespread and significant challenges for producers and is accountable for high morbidity and mortality. It is caused by a wide range of pathogens and can have a negative impact on average daily gain and growth performance. Natural oregano essential oil offers well-documented benefits, including antimicrobial action as well as supporting an increased gut cell turnover, which helps to maintain optimal gut health and repair. Orego-Stim® is a consistent, high quality eubiotic containing 100% natural oregano essential oil.

TRIAL DESIGN

A commercial trial was undertaken to assess the efficacy of Orego-Stim® in helping to reduce the incidence of piglet diarrhoea. Suckling piglets from 0-30 days of age were allocated to either a control (CON) group; in which all piglets with signs of diarrhoea were treated with routine medication, or an Orego-Stim® (OS) group; in which piglets suffering from diarrhoea were given 2ml of OS Liquid (diluted at a 1:3 ratio) every 12 hours. Mortality and body weight were recorded at the end of the trial at 30 days of age. 

• Piglets from the OS group had a 53% lower average mortality rate than piglets from the control group treated with routine antibiotics (Figure 1).
• OS supplemented piglets had a 10% greater bodyweight at 30 days compared to the control group (Figure 2), with piglets from the OS group weighing 820g more on average than control piglets.
• Orego-Stim® is a natural solution which has been shown to support good gut health and help reduce the impact of diarrhoea in the absence of antibiotics.