A gentle and safe weaning with Vilomix

The weaning period is one of the most challenging periods in the life of pigs, associated with stress, poor growth, and stomach issues.

The solution to this has typically revolved around optimizing feed, but it is now becoming increasingly clear that without the use of medical zinc oxide in the EU, the solution cannot be found in a feed ingredient alone.

Instead, it requires a more complex solution where health status, management, and hygiene must be combined with feeding strategies and feed solutions with an overall solution to weaning stomach issues.

2 year project with SEGES

During 2 years of field practise with Danish pig producers, Vilomix has run a project together with SEGES (the Danish Pig Research Centre) and from this we have gained invaluable learnings about the important factors in the weaning period.

Feed can not stand alone - the success also depends very much on processes and procedures around hygiene and management of the piglets around weaning.

This is vital knowledge when phasing out medical zinc oxide - but also constitutes for a smooth weaning despite still working with zinc oxide (outside the EU).

Feeding solutions from Vilomix

Once piglets have received colostrum and are well into the habit of suckling, there are many benefits to be gained from supplementing the sow’s milk with a tasty starter feed. The sow’s milk is essential for strong?piglets. High-quality feed also helps prepare piglets for weaning. What’s more, it ensures good growth in the farrowing unit, and for the first few weeks after weaning.

Feed uptake is crucial for the piglets to get off to a good start in the early weaning unit.

80% of a pig’s immune system lies in the intestines. That’s why Vilomix believes in composing feeding solutions capable of maintaining the correct bacteria levels found there. Protein from monotonous sources will starve the beneficial bacteria.

That’s why Vilomix uses a wide range of easily-digestible proteins to put as little strain on the intestinal system as possible.?

Starter feed from Vilomix are composed of ingredients with a high nutritional value for suckling and weaning pigs, and are customised for use in both the farrowing and early weaning units. Apart from ingredients with a high digestibility, our solutions contain various additives to promote well-being and daily gain.

Boost feed intake - with no feed waste

To ease the transition from sow milk to solid feed it is important that the piglets at an early age get used to feed based on easily digestible raw materials.?To avoid wasting feed and to maintain the news effect of the feed, the right amount should be supplied. This is secured with small but frequent feedings.?

A set of 3 shovels has therefore been developed to dose an appropriate amount adapted to the age of the piglet.

The smallest shovel:

Used for week 1 (day 4-7) and week 2. Feed 3-5 times daily on the floor or in the trough.

The medium shovel:

Used for week 3. Feed 4-5 times daily on the floor or in the trough.

The biggest shovel:

Used for week 4. Feed 5 times daily on the floor or in the trough.

Practical videos

The vast field practise learned during the last 2 years is captured in below 9 videos. See for yourself and implement the practices one-by-one on our website Vilomix.com.