Progres® in piglet nutrition: Reduced post-weaning diarrhea incidence and improved performance after weaning

Weaning is one of the most critical phases in pig production. During this period, piglets often experience reduced feed intake, changes in gut function and increased post-weaning diarrhea incidence, which can affect growth performance and production efficiency. In addition, with increasing limitations on antibiotic growth promoters, nutritional strategies that support stable performance and gut function are of growing interest.

Strong performance effects after weaning

The most pronounced effects of Progres® were observed after weaning. Piglets receiving Progres® showed significantly higher body weight and average daily gain compared with control piglets. Post-weaning diarrhea was reduced by 40.7 %, demonstrating improved intestinal stability during the most critical phase. Similarly, mortality was reduced by 52.4 %, underlining the importance of maintaining gut integrity for piglet survival.

Figure 1. a) Post-weaning diarrhea incidence % of piglets; b) Piglet mortality % post-weaning

Gut inflammation was assessed using fecal myeloperoxidase, a validated biomarker of intestinal inflammation. Progres® piglets showed a 19% lower fecal myeloperoxidase level compared with controls, confirming a reduced inflammatory response in the intestine.

Modulation of gut microbiota

Progres® supplementation significantly modulated the gut microbiota of post-weaning piglets. The density of beneficial bacterial groups such as Lachnospiraceae, Blautia and Butyricicoccus was increased. These bacteria are known producers of short chain fatty acids that support intestinal epithelial cells and exert anti-inflammatory effects. At the same time, bacterial groups associated with impaired performance and diarrhea were reduced.

Practical relevance and conclusion

The results clearly demonstrate that Progres® supports piglets through multiple complementary mechanisms. Improved gut integrity, reduced inflammation, a more favorable microbial balance and lower diarrhea incidence together explain the observed improvements in growth performance and survival.

Figure 2. Main study results in piglets

Study design and feeding strategy

A controlled scientific study evaluated the effects of Progres® on sow and piglet performance under commercial farm conditions. 40 sows were allocated into Control or Progres®  treatments from the last 6 weeks of gestation  until weaning. Piglets from these sows were further divided into control or Progres® treatments during the preweaning period and again after weaning.

Progres® inclusion rate was 1.5 kg/ton of feed for sows and 1.0 kg/ton of feed for piglets. Piglets were followed from birth until 7 weeks of age. Performance parameters, post-weaning diarrhea incidence, mortality and fecal myeloperoxidase as an indicator of intestinal inflammation were evaluated.

Progres®: a scientifically proven gut integrity enhancer

Progres® is a patented feed material containing resin acids derived from coniferous trees. Resin acids are known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Figure 3. Progres® – A unique twofold Mode of Action

A unique and well documented feature of Progres® is its ability to strengthen gut integrity by reducing inflammation driven degradation of collagen in the intestinal tissue. By preserving the structural framework of the gut, Progres® supports efficient digestion and nutrient absorption during stressful periods. Recent study indicated that Progres® can have a profound effect on the vitality and performance of pre-and post-weaning piglets.

In conclusion, Progres® is a highly promising natural feed supplement to prevent enteric infections and improve growth performance in weaning piglets, supported by strong scientific evidence.

To learn more about how Progres® can be implemented in your sow and piglet feeding programs, please contact your local supplier.

Reference: Uddin et al., Animals 2021, 11:2511https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092511

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