Piglet health and survival improved with microbial bedding conditioner trial

Pig farmers in the UK and Ireland are encouraged to use a microbial bedding conditioner after trials showed its use can significantly reduce disease and mortality rates in piglets.

EazyBed PRO, our microbial bedding conditioner, works by creating a positive biofilm in pig sheds, which supports piglets from birth by introducing beneficial microbes into their environment. This approach helps to reduce bacterial challenges such as post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD), ultimately lowering mortality rates and supporting growth.

The biofilm is formed when EazyBed PRO is applied in farrowing pens, inoculating the piglets’ skin with positive bacteria and creating a barrier against harmful bacteria present in the environment.

Trial results show promising outcomes

A trial conducted on a farrow-to-finish farm in France evaluated the use of EazyBed PRO on 355 piglets split into two batches.

Both batches were divided into groups, with one group’s mats covered with EazyBed PRO and the other group’s mats covered with a standard conditioner containing plant extracts and silicates.

The trial showed that:

Real life benefits of EazyBed PRO

Northern Irish farmer Jonny Hessin, who runs a 1,000-sow farrow-to-finish unit, has seen the benefits of switching to a microbial bedding conditioner.

“Promoting piglet health and nutrition from the start is important to me because robust piglets support productivity and profitability,” says Mr Hessin.

Since switching from a dry powder disinfectant to EazyBed PRO, he has observed that piglets dry more quickly after birth, enabling them to take their first colostrum feed sooner, which supports their health.

“The environment the piglets are in is also much more hygienic, limiting the risk of infection, which can have knock-on effects on welfare and growth,” he adds.

Mr Hessin notes that he was initially uncertain whether the switch would make a noticeable difference but has been impressed with the results.

“We’re really pleased with EazyBed PRO and wouldn’t switch back to our previous product now,” he says.

Why consider EazyBed PRO?

Microbial bedding conditioners like EazyBed PRO provide pig farmers with an effective solution to common challenges such as PWD and high mortality rates.

By creating an environment rich in beneficial microbes, these products promote growth and welfare, and support farm productivity.