Tonisity Px Reduced Fall-Behinds During a Rotavirus Outbreak

Introduction

Rotavirus is a common and persistent challenge in pig production, often leading to diarrhoea, dehydration and reduced feed intake in piglets. These effects can result in higher mortality rates, weaker piglets and lower weaning weights, placing additional strain on farm resources. A recent trial on a Spanish farm demonstrated how Tonisity Px, by supporting intestinal health, helped reduce the number of fall-behind piglets at weaning. While not a therapeutic solution, Tonisity Px promotes gut function and growth, enabling piglets to better cope with the stressors associated with disease outbreaks.
 

Farm Background

This trial, conducted on a 600-sow Spanish farm with DanBred genetics, included 1,983 piglets from a continuous farrowing system. Litters averaged 15 live-born piglets and weaning occurred at approximately 27 days of age. The farm was experiencing persistent Rotavirus outbreaks, which caused significant production losses.

To measure the effect of Tonisity Px, piglets were visually categorised as “fall-behinds” (weaker or underdeveloped pigs) versus their littermates at weaning. The trial focused on whether Tonisity Px could reduce the number of fall-behinds and support piglets in catching up on growth.

Tonisity Px: Intestinal Support for Piglets

Tonisity Px is an isotonic protein drink designed to support gut health and hydration in piglets during the critical pre-weaning period. Formulated with amino acids, electrolytes and various energy sources targeting the enterocytes (intestinal cells responsible for absorption of nutrients), Tonisity Px promotes gut function, hydration and recovery.

In this trial, Tonisity Px was provided from day two to day eight of life, starting from 24 hours after farrowing.
 

Key Findings: Fewer Fall-Behinds at Weaning

The trial results showed a 34% reduction in fall-behind piglets at weaning among those treated with Tonisity Px compared to the control group (P=0.01). Fall-behind piglets often require additional resources, such as special pens and more veterinary treatments, post-weaning. By reducing the number of weaker piglets, Tonisity Px helped ease the strain on farm labour and management. Additionally, the farm observed that piglets supplemented with Tonisity Px had better body condition compared to unsupplemented piglets.

Why It Matters:

• More Full-Value Piglets: Fewer fall-behinds mean more piglets catch up to their littermates and reach full value at weaning.
• Lower Post-Weaning Workload: Farmers benefit from fewer interventions for weaker pigs, saving time and resources.

Economic Impact: 30 Extra Full-Value Piglets per 1,000 Weaned

The trial’s findings demonstrated a significant economic benefit. By reducing fall-behinds, Tonisity Px contributed to the production of 30 extra full-value piglets per 1,000 weaned. Each additional full-value piglet represents a direct increase in revenue for producers, without requiring additional labour or feed resources.

Tonisity Px Delivers:

• Improved profitability with healthier piglets
• Greater production efficiency by reducing weak piglets
• A cost-effective solution for supporting pigs during stressful scenarios such as Rotavirus challenges.

Tonisity Px Supports Farm Efficiency

Beyond the economic benefits, Tonisity Px has a broader impact on farm management:

• Reduces Post-Weaning Challenges: Piglets catching up on growth require less specific care, saving labour and veterinary costs
• Promotes Uniform Weaned Litters: A healthier, more consistent group of piglets supports efficient management and improved production outcomes.

The trial’s results underscore how Tonisity Px can help farms streamline operations and maximise productivity, even in the face of disease pressures.

Conclusion

While Tonisity Px is not a therapeutic product, this trial highlights its effectiveness in supporting piglets during common disease challenges like Rotavirus. By improving gut health, body condition and growth, Tonisity Px reduced fall-behinds by 34% and delivered 30 extra full-value piglets per 1,000 weaned.

For producers looking to improve piglet health, farm efficiency and profitability, Tonisity Px provides a proven, cost-effective solution to overcome challenges in modern pig production.