Tonisity Px Delivered +250 g and +15% ADG
Improving piglet health and performance is a constant priority for producers worldwide. Now, a groundbreaking, peer-reviewed paper recently published in the journal Veterinary Sciences, offers a new perspective on how to achieve this effectively. The study, titled “Isotonic Protein Solution Supplementation Enhances Growth Performance, Intestinal Immunity, and Beneficial Microbiota in Suckling Piglets“, is the result of a collaboration between research institutes in China and the United States.
This rigorous and innovative research not only validates the potential of an isotonic protein solution (Tonisity Px) to boost growth, but also uncovers the mechanisms behind its benefits. Scientists delved deep into how this simple protocol can build an unshakeable foundation of gut health, resulting in heavier, more resilient piglets that are better prepared for the challenges of weaning.
You can read the original full article published here: https://www.mdpi.com/3426628
Authors: by Changliang Gong, Zhuohang Hao, Xinyi Liao, Robert J. Collier, Yao Xiao, Yongju Zhao and Xiaochuan Chen.
Study Setup
Researchers conducted a study on a commercial farm involving 160 piglets from 16 litters. They compared a group that received Tonisity Px to a control group that didn’t.
The Tonisity Px protocol involved two simple steps:
- From days 2 to 8, piglets received 500 ml/litter/day of a Tonisity Px 3% solution.
- For the three days before weaning, 1.5L of the same solution was mixed with 1 kg feed as gruel.
Control pigs did not receive any supplementation between days 2-8 and received water in their gruel at the same ratio and duration as TPX pigs.
The study looked at everything from piglet weight and blood chemistry to gut health, microbiome and immunity. The results were clear: Tonisity Px made a significant difference.
The Ultimate Result: Superior Growth
When it comes to growth, the findings are exactly what a producer wants to see. Piglets on the Tonisity Px protocol showed:
- Heavier Weaning Weight: Piglets weighed an average of 250 g more at day 24, a notable 4% increase. This early advantage helps piglets get a head start that lasts all the way to finishing, as we have already confirmed in our large scale studies.
- Enhanced Pre-weaning Weight Gain: Piglets receiving Tonisity Px showed an impressive increase of 14g/day in extra weight, resulting in a 6% improvement in pre-weaning weight gain.
- Faster Daily Gain: During the critical final week before weaning (days 16-24), the piglets’ average daily gain (ADG) was 15% higher compared to the control group. This means they put on weight faster and more efficiently when it matters most.
How it Works: Building a More Efficient Gut
So, what’s the secret behind the superior growth? A healthier gut. This study showed that Tonisity Px helps piglets develop a more efficient digestive system through:
- Bigger, Healthier Villi
Think of villi as the fingers that line the gut and absorb nutrients. Taller, healthier villi mean a larger surface area for absorption. The study found a 6-8% improvement in villus height and a 31% improvement in the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio. This translates directly to better nutrient absorption and better growth. As with the weaning weight, this confirms previous results of Tonisity Px improving gut morphology at weaning, with such effects observed well into the nursery phase.
Effect of Tonisity Px (IPS) on intestinal morphology of jejunum and ileum in suckling piglets (n = 6 piglets /treatment).
(A) Jejunum architecture in the control group ;
(B) jejunum architecture in the treatment group;
(C) ileum architecture in the control group;
(D) ileum architecture in the treatment group;
scale bar, 200 μm.
2. More Growth, Less Waste
A 19% reduction in Blood Urea Nitrogen isn’t just a number; it means piglets are retaining more protein in their tissues for growth instead of breaking it down and excreting it as waste. This results in more weight gain from the same amount of feed.
3. The Natural Signal for Accelerated Growth
A 3.4x increase in GLP-2 sets the gut up for maximum absorption. Think of GLP-2 as the body’s natural “grow-faster” signal for the gut. This results in better gut renewal and healthier intestinal cells, which directly translates to optimal nutrient absorption. Piglets can convert feed into weight more efficiently, achieving a massive head start.
4. A Stronger Gut Barrier
Leaky gut is a serious challenge on farms, as it allows toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation. Tonisity Px maintained the integrity of the gut mucosa by boosting the key proteins that seal the gaps between intestinal cells (ZO-1 and Claudin) by 60%. The outcome? A stronger intestinal barrier, less risk of “leaky gut” and better protection against pathogens and inflammation.
5. Reducing Costly Gut Inflammation
Researchers also found that gut inflammation markers were reduced by 37%. With less inflammation, piglets can handle dietary and microbial challenges more effectively. This means more energy is available for growth, Px treatment significantly improved the gut microbiome in piglets not for fighting unnecessary inflammation.
6. Boosting the Immune Response
What do these technical terms mean in practice? They mean that Tonisity Px piglets have a better antibody response, and immune protection at a cellular level. This translates into fewer cases of diarrhea and setbacks, freeing up even more energy for growth. The result is more resilient piglets that reach their target market weight faster.
7. Optimised gut microbiome
This chart illustrates how the Tonisity Px treatment significantly improved the gut microbiome in piglets. The study compared a control group and the Tonisity Px, analysing the balance of beneficial and detrimental bacteria in two parts of the intestine: the Jejunum and the Caecum.
- In the Jejunum, Tonisity Px increased beneficial bacteria by 13% and reduced detrimental bacteria by a notable 66%.
- In the Caecum, the results were even more pronounced. Tonisity Px boosted beneficial bacteria by 31% and cut detrimental bacteria by 50%.
What This Means for Your Farm
The results of this scientific study aren’t just numbers, they translate into real profit for your farm.
- Faster, More Efficient Growth: A healthier gut means your piglets convert feed into weight more effectively, leading to heavier pigs ready for sale sooner.
- Reduced Costs: By strengthening immunity and curbing gut inflammation, Tonisity Px helps to lower the incidence of disease. This can mean less spent on medication and simpler management.
- Increased Productivity at Sale: Farms using Tonisity solutions are consistently seeing heavier pigs and a higher percentage of animals reaching the ideal market weight.
These findings are consistent with data from 37 on-farm trials since 2019, which have all shown that Tonisity Px delivers significant productivity gains and a clear return on investment.
Ready to see heavier pigs and boost your bottom line? Speak to our team today to find out how Tonisity solutions can transform your production.
