Case: Coppens Diervoeding and Protix

Weaning is one of the most stressful periods in a piglet’s life. For pig farmers, good gut health and live weight gain are key, so offering piglets a naturally tasty diet in their first weeks is essential to get them into the habit of feeding.

Dutch animal feed company Coppens Diervoeding (now part of De Heus) reports how Protix LipidX is boosting piglets’ immune system and reducing mortality.

Coppens Animal Feed introduced Insecto Speen, the world’s first commercial piglet feed using Protix insect oil back in 2016. The trial with Insecto Speen resulted in an improved feed intake, better gut health and less diarrhoea. It is a natural diet for the piglets, and supports a more sustainable food chain.

Protix LipidX contains 43% lauric acid, a naturally occurring antimicrobial that protects against bacteria, including Steptococcus sp. and Clostridium sp. Piglets’ delicate intestinal villi and entire digestive system can develop optimally, resulting in a stronger immune system and reduced reliance on antibiotics, plus lower mortality rates.