Xixi Chen, Ph.D., expert in animal nutrition, interviews Fernando Bravo de Laguna, Project Leader of R&D Swine at Lallemand Animal Nutrition. In this episode, Bravo de Laguna reviews the evolution of the swine industry, its challenges, and the application of ZnO. He explains the history and mode of action of the therapeutic doses of ZnO in the feeds for piglets and why Europe countries stop their use. He explains the factors we need to consider in the search for an effective alternative solution and the problems feed mills can face on their way to replacing therapeutic doses of ZnO. Several effective methods or innovative products are also discussed as well as the benefits of using probiotics and how they act on the gut structural functions. In the context of high raw materials prices, accuracy in the feed formulation has to be considered to optimize the use of nutrients and reduce the risk of animal health issues or decreased performance.

Xixi Chen, Ph.D., expert in animal nutrition, interviews David Saornil, DVM, Product Manager for swine applications at Lallemand Animal Nutrition. In this episode, Saornil explains the concept of maternal imprinting and the positive effects on the piglets when sows are fed with probiotics. Saornil details the long-lasting effects of modulating the sow's intestinal microbiota and how the application of a probiotic in the sow's feed can affect piglets’ performance even after weaning.  He explains how the transmission of the microbiota and its establishment in piglets happens during the first weeks of life. He mentions the influence of the sow on the level of stress of the piglet at birth. He also digs into the development of the mucosal immune system and the role of the intestinal microbiota and how a specific probiotic yeast S. cerevisiae boulardii strain can contribute to better immunological protection of the piglet when supplemented to the sow's diet.  Saornil also reviews the main benefits of using this live yeast in sows: to improve farrowing conditions, sows' digestive transit, piglet vitality at birth, milk production set-up, valorization of the feed, the resilience of the sows against stress such as heat stress, piglet robustness at weaning; and thus, how probiotic supplementation can contribute to the longevity of the sow, preserving lifetime performance.

Xixi Chen, Ph.D., expert in animal nutrition, interviews Pierre Lebreton, Monogastrics Technical and Marketing Manager at Lallemand Animal Nutrition. In this episode, Lebreton explains how nutrition can contribute to better pig herd health. He highlights several nutritional approaches from modulation of the gut microbiome to the management of oxidative stress and the proper selection of fiber. Nutritionists have the keys to improving pig production and health with more flexibility in diet formulation and the use of specific ingredients. These nutritional approaches are even more interesting in the post-African Swine Fever context and when looking for more sustainable practices such as the reduction of therapeutic dosage of zinc oxide that is happening in some parts of the world. Lebreton also discusses the latest updates in animal nutrition research and practices in Europe. [Content originally released by Dr.Xixi Chen at https://bit.ly/3vdFJvy].

Xixi Chen, Ph.D., expert in animal nutrition, interviews Yannig Le Treut, DVM, President and General Manager at Lallemand Animal Nutrition. In this episode, the experts review the main opportunities and strategies to improve pig production. It all starts with the sow. Le Treut highlights the current challenges in sow and piglet production. He then gives some tips to improve piglet quality at birth and milk production and lifetime performance of sows. Through proper management of the sows, Le Treut demonstrates better long-term performance and sustainable growth can be achieved.  Several strategies are discussed including improving feed intake, heat stress management, flexibility in the diet formulation, addition of specific functional ingredients, sow body condition, and gilt management. Improving productivity can also lead to more sustainable practices such as immunity management; reducing antibiotic and disinfectant use; as well as biofilm and animal environment management. [Content originally released by Dr.Xixi Chen at https://bit.ly/3vdFJvy].

Xixi Chen, Ph.D., expert in animal nutrition, interviews Luis Queiros, Global Category Manager for Forage Inoculants at Lallemand Animal Nutrition. In this episode, Luis explains that making quality silage requires a multi-faceted approach, in which harvesting times, bunker/silo, and ensiling management are critical when trying to produce the highest quality silage. Queiros explains that with purchased feeds cost at elevated levels, producers need to make better use of homegrown forages. Making better quality silage with higher energy and protein levels can help producers take control of these costs. He talks through key management strategies and procedures which help ensure forages have the best nutritional levels of fibre digestibility, protein, and sugar or starch levels. Then goes on to focus on how to ensure as much of the nutritional value of the forage is maintained through the ensiling period to feedout and explains which forage inoculant is more appropriate depending on the challenges faced. [Content originally released by Dr.Xixi Chen at https://bit.ly/3rsMJ6A].

Xixi Chen, Ph.D., expert in animal nutrition, interviews Mathieu Castex, Ph.D., R&D Director at Lallemand Animal Nutrition. In this episode, Castex highlights ongoing research concepts around microbiota — both gut microbiota and microbiota surrounding the animal. From metabotyping to the organoid in vitro model, Castex explains how these techniques help researchers learn more about the role and function of the microbiota and how it can enhance health management and nutrition. Through this episode, Castex demonstrates how to bridge science to the field with practical implications of this scientific work. The experts discuss the latest research updates regarding gut microbiota and its implications in animal nutrition. This episode finishes with tips for nutritionists on how to stay up to date on the latest microbiome research and information. [Content originally released by Dr.Xixi Chen at https://bit.ly/3vdFJvy].

Editor Emmy Koeleman is interviewing Angel Aguilar, Ph.D., Dipl. ACAN, Director of Employee Training and Development for Ruminant Feed Additives at Lallemand Animal Nutrition. In this episode, Dr. Aguilar presents different tips and tools to support producers and nutritionists as feed costs fluctuate.  Recently, we’ve seen tremendous increases. Feed efficiency is a key driver to maximizing Income-Over-Feed Costs to maintain producers' income and support a sustainable farming system. Dr. Aguilar talks about the different strategies that can exist at the producer and nutritionist levels to improve feed efficiency and global costs of the diet. He will explain how improving fiber digestibility is one way to improve feed efficiency in extracting more from forage — one of the cheapest ingredients of the total diet. He will also talk about precision feeding and the new tools available to help to formulate during variable raw material markets. Finally, Dr. Aguilar discusses how the industry can continue supporting a more sustainable way to produce meat and milk thanks to improvements in feed efficiency. 

Xixi Chen, Ph.D., expert in animal nutrition, interviews David Saornil, DVM, Product Manager for swine applications at Lallemand Animal Nutrition. In this episode, Saornil explains the main probiotic strains that can be found on the animal nutrition market and what differentiates them. He highlights the historic and current use of probiotics in animal nutrition with a special focus on Europe.  Then, Saornil explains more about the mode of action of these probiotics in piglets and how they can help improve gut health, especially in the context of reducing the use of treatments such as antibiotics. He also gives tips to help nutritionists evaluate probiotic efficacy. Finally, the experts discuss future applications of probiotics. [Content originally released by Dr.Xixi Chen at https://bit.ly/3vdFJvy].