Danish companies are queuing up with solutions for zinc-free weaning

In just a few months, Danish pig producers will have to wean piglets without the use of medical zinc. Several exhibitors at this year's NutriFair are ready with alternative feed solutions and advice.

For decades, zinc has been able to stabilize piglets' digestion and intestinal flora during the period when they are weaned from the sow. With the prospect of the complete phasing out of zinc on June 26, 2022, it is in the minds of all pig producers what the solution for the future should be.

One of the companies that offers alternative supplements for zinc is Biofiber-Damino. The intestinal system of the piglet is easily affected and can become unbalanced when it is taken from the sow, changes its food base, moves the stable and mixes with other pigs. Therefore, there are several external factors that can make a difference, explains product manager at Biofiber-Damino Sussi Thomasen.

“What is essential in weaning is not only the feed - there must also be good management in the barn, and there must be a focus on cleaning. We launch a product that stabilizes the pig's digestion around weaning. It is composed of different fibers, fermented willow extract and prebiotics, ”says Sussi Thomasen.

Together with the companies Biochem, Nutrax, and DLG Farmpack, Biofiber-Damino is ready to advise pig producers at this year's NutriFair 17 and 18 May 2022 in Messe C in Fredericia.

“We will present our product TandeMate, which has been tested in both Danish and French herds. And of course we will have free samples and brochure material to hand out. We primarily sell our products through dealers, and therefore we are really happy to be able to be present at NutriFair to support our dealers and be able to provide direct advice to the farmer.

Thoroughly tested on Danish pigs

Like Biofiber-Damino, Biochem deals with dealers and not directly with manufacturers. Brian Larsen is Key Account Manager in Scandinavia for Biochem, and he looks forward to talking to the Danish pig producers at NutriFair.

"We have an assortment of products that are widely used for use by piglet producers - these are subsidies directly for home mixers, but also subsidies for use by feed producers in finished feed, concentrates and mineral mixtures," says Brian Larsen.

Biochem also sells its products in countries across Europe, and this benefits Danish pig producers. The experiences from farmers in Northern Europe are very reminiscent of everyday life on Danish farms, he explains.

“Our products are represented in 76 countries. We have made scientific experiments in collaboration with universities, including in Germany, as well as farm tests of products in collaboration with customers in both Denmark and northern Germany. Here are the animals of Danish genetics, so results can be transferred one to one. ”