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How using a microbial bedding conditioner can boost piglet performance
Maintaining bedding quality and comfort by using a microbial bedding conditioner can have positive impacts on piglet performance and wellbeing.
Farmers find multiple benefits from using microbial bedding conditioner
Pig producers are discovering that switching from lime to microbial bedding conditioner such as EAZYBED PRO in farrowing houses can have several benefits:
- The mix of bacteria, enzymes and highly absorbent carrier absorbs excess moisture in bedding1 and helps maintain a positive microbial bedding condition
- Maintaining the condition of bedding helps maintain piglet wellbeing and reduces the risk of digestive trouble2
- Ammonia in buildings can be reduced by up to 50%3 giving better air quality for animals and people
- The non-abrasive conditioner is softer to skin4, for both pigs and people
Northern Ireland pig producer Jonny Hessin runs a 1000 sow, farrow-to-finish unit. He found EAZYBED PRO microbial bedding conditioner helps piglets dry much quicker after birth. This speeds time to first colostrum feed, boosting piglet wellbeing. He also finds it easier to apply than his previous product. Read more.
On-farm trial demonstrates positive effects of bacterial bedding conditioner
A trial on a 600 sow commercial pig farm in France showed positive impacts on piglet health and performance from using EAZYBED PRO.
Applying EAZYBED PRO bacterial bedding conditioner in farrowing houses helped improve piglet survival and weight gain. It was also shown to help reduce scours and joint-ill by maintaining bedding microbial quality and dryness.
How a microbial bedding conditioner works
EAZYBED PRO is a non-hazardous microbial bedding conditioner. It is a blend of specifically selected, naturally-occurring bacteria and enzymes with vegetal and mineral carriers.
The blend of highly absorbent formula of EAZYBED PRO absorbs excess moisture in bedding, maintaining bedding quality. At the same time, the positive bacteria in the bedding conditioner create a biofilm of bacteria within a protective polysaccharide matrix. This helps to positively impact the microbial community.
It is this combination of activity that gives so many benefits for pig farmers by maintaining a positive bacterial balance on housing surfaces. Harmful bacteria are less likely to thrive where positive microbes dominate.
How to use EAZYBED PRO in your farrowing house
The mineral and vegetal carriers within EAZYBED PRO have been selected to enable easy handling and homogenous spreading.
EAZYBED PRO can be applied using a bucket and scoop. It can be applied in the same way as lime, ensuring a fine, even spread of the product on heat pads and bedding, but most people find they need to apply it less frequently than lime, typically once or twice a week.
A big advantage for users handling EAZYBED PRO is that it is much less harsh to apply than alternatives like lime. It is also anti-caking.
How to use EAZYBED PRO
See instructions for useFind out more about EAZYBED PRO microbial bedding conditioner
More pig resources from Lallemand
Notes:
1. Formulated to have a 300% weight/weight absorbency
2. Unpublished commercial trial, France, 2021
3. Unpublished commercial trial, Finland, 2017
4. Formulated with a blend of soft vegetal and mineral flours
Published Jun 24, 2024 | Updated Jul 28, 2024
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