{"id":101503,"date":"2021-12-22T15:45:29","date_gmt":"2021-12-22T14:45:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ew-nutrition.com\/activated-immune-system-issues\/"},"modified":"2023-06-09T10:28:03","modified_gmt":"2023-06-09T08:28:03","slug":"activated-immune-system-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ew-nutrition.com\/en-uk\/activated-immune-system-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"How can you compensate an activated immune system in piglets?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Technical Team, EW Nutrition<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

As pig production specialists, we understand that our animals are under constant challenge during their life. Challenges can be severe or moderate, correlated to several factors \u2013 such as, for instance, stage of production, environment, and so on \u2013 but they will always be present. To be successful, we need to understand how to counter these challenges and support the healthy development of our pigs.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Animal<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Factors for successful pig production<\/h1>\n

For years we have been increasing our understanding of how to formulate diets to support a healthy intestine through the optimal use of the supplied nutrients. Functional proteins, immune-related amino acids, and fiber are now applied worldwide for improved pig nutrition.<\/p>\n

What lies beyond formulation adjustments?<\/h2>\n

However, pig producers have also realized that these nutritional strategies alone are not always fully efficient in preventing an “irritation” of the immune system and\/or in preventing diseases from happening.<\/p>\n

Immune nutrition<\/strong> is gaining a strong foothold in pig production, and the body of research and evidence grows richer every year. At the same time, we see genetics<\/strong> continually evolving and bringing production potential to increasingly higher levels. We are also constantly increasing our understanding of the importance of farm and feed management<\/strong>, as well as biosecurity<\/strong> in this process.<\/p>\n

Finally, the importance of a stable microflora<\/strong> is now uncontested. Especially around weaning, a stable microflora is necessary to prevent the proliferation of pathogens such as E.coli <\/em>bacteria. Such pathogens can degrade the lysine (the main amino acid for muscle protein production) we have added to our formulations, rendering it useless.<\/p>\n

Single molecules (or additives) are able to support the development of gut microflora, boost \u00a0its integrity, and therefore help the animals use “traditional nutrients” in a more effective way.<\/p>\n

The impact of immune system activation on the performance of pigs<\/h1>\n

Animal performance is influenced by complex processes, from metabolism to farm biosecurity. Environmental conditions, diet formulation and feed management, and health status, among others, directly affect the amount of the genetic potential that animals can effectively express.<\/p>\n

Among these so-called non-genetic<\/em> variables, health status is one of the most decisive factors for the optimal performance from a given genotype. Due to the occurrence of (sub-) clinical diseases, the inflammatory process can be triggered and may result in a decrease in weight gain and feed efficiency.<\/p>\n

Not so long ago, pig producers believed that a maximized immune response would always be ideal for achieving the best production levels. However, after decades spent researching what this “maximized immune response” could mean to our pigs, studies from different parts of the globe proved that an activated immune system could negatively affect animal performance. The perception is nowadays common sense within the global pig production industry.<\/p>\n

That understanding led us to increasingly search for production systems that will yield the best conditions for the pigs. This means minimum contact with pathogens, reduced stress factors, and therefore a lower need for an activated immune system.<\/p>\n

How immune system stimulation works<\/h2>\n

The immune system has as main objective to identify the presence of antigens \u2013 substances that are not known to the body \u2013 and protect the body from these “intruders”. The main players among these substances are bacteria and viruses. However, some proteins can also trigger an immunological reaction. Specific immune cells are responsible for the transfer of information to the other systems of the body so that it can respond adequately. This response from the immune system includes metabolic changes that can affect the demand for nutrients and, therefore, the animals’ growth.<\/p>\n

The stimulation of the immune system has three main metabolic consequences:<\/p>\n