Effects of a phytogenic feed additive in growing-finishing pigs

Digestarom^® DC Power is a new generation phytogenic feed additive. It contains the BIOMIN^® Duplex capsule technology, which combines mixtures of essential oils matrix-encapsulated in a core and coat surrounded by extracts and herbs. This enables a slow and continuous release of ingredients along the digestive system to enhance gut health and the performance of pigs. In our study, we separated 240 pigs (LW x LR X PI) at the age of 9 - 10 weeks in two different groups in 24 pens. For the following period of 14 weeks, control group was fed a basal diet and treatment group was fed a basal diet supplemented with Digestarom^® DC Power (100 g/t). The study was carried out in IFIP- National Experimental Station, France. The final body weight and the average daily gain were numerically increased in the Digestarom^® group. In addition, the feed conversion rate (FCR) was numerically decreased in the treatment group. The fat and lean content of the carcass of one pig per pen (24 pigs in total, 12 per group) was determined by CT scan. The lean content in Digestarom^® DC Power fed pigs was increased by 3.6% (p<0.1), whereas the fat content was decreased by 8.7% (p<0.1). Thus, Digestarom^® DC Power results in an optimized FCR and a better weight performance numerically, but with no statistical significance. Furthermore, pig fed the feed additive showed an increase of lean content and a reduction of fat content. Those facts promise a higher economic benefit.