Spring 2025 www.pigchamp.com 13 response observed in trial 4: The pigs that received the acidification strategies displayed an 11% higher ADG. Similarly to trial 3, this gain response was driven by feed intake, with no differences observed in F/G. As this group presented a more challenging start due to their health status and lower weaning age, a significant reduction in mortality and removal rate was also observed (Figure 1). That finding translated to almost 3% more full-value pigs out of the nursery in correlation with the acidification strategies. When considered altogether, these results demonstrate a consistent improvement in the growth performance of nursery pigs fed the acidifier blend, as illustrated through their increased intake levels and/or improvements in efficiency. Furthermore, in a situation where a health challenge is present or pigs are weaned at a very young age, acidification can prove to be even more valuable. It was determined that these results indicate that diet acidification is an effective strategy for nutritionists looking to maximize their nursery performance, throughput, and, ultimately, the economic performance of their operations. References: Faccin, J.E.G., H.S. Cemin, S.A. Hansen, M.D. Hart, E.L. Hansen, J.L. Pietig, and J.A. Soto. 2025. Effects of the inclusion of benzoic or a blend of organic and inorganic acids to nursery diets on pig performance and survivability. Journal of Animal Science (Abs.). Published: March 2025. Link: https://asasmidwest2025. eventscribe.net/ajaxcalls/PresentationInfo.asp?PresentationID=1549990 Note: Link is from the conference website. Hart, M.D., H.S. Cemin, J.A. Soto, J.E.G. Faccin, S.A. Hansen, and E.L. Hansen. 2025. The effects of Acid–Aid in-feed acidifier on nursery pig growth performance. Journal of Animal Science (Abs.). Published: March 2025. Link: https://asasmidwest2025. eventscribe.net/ajaxcalls/PresentationInfo.asp?PresentationID=1550031 Note: Link is from the conference website. Jacela, J. Y., J. M. DeRouchey, M. D. Tokach, R. D. Goodband, J. L. Nielssen, D. G. Renter, and S. S. Dritz. 2009. Feed additives for swine: Fact sheet – acidifiers and antibiotics. Journal of Swine Health and Production. 17:270-275. Published: September 2009. Link: https://www.aasv.org/shap/issues/v17n5/v17n5p270. pdf Pluske, J.R. 2016. Invited review: Aspects of gastrointestinal tract growth and maturation in the pre- and postweaning period of pigs. Journal of Animal Science. 94:399-411. Published: September 1, 2016. Link: https://academic.oup.com/jas/article-abstract/94/suppl_3/399/4731486?redirectedFrom=fulltext Stas, E.B., M.D. Tokach, J.M. DeRouchey, R.D. Goodband, J.C. Woodworth, and J.T. Gebhardt. 2022. Evaluation of the acid-binding capacity of ingredients and complete diets commonly used for weanling pigs. Translational Animal Science. 6:1-9. Published: August 17, 2022. Link: https://academic.oup. com/tas/article/6/3/txac104/6670570 Stas, E.B., M.D. Tokach, J.C. Woodworth, J.M. DeRouchey, R.D. Goodband, and J.T. Gebhardt. 2025. Evaluation of dietary acid-binding capacity level on nursery pig growth performance and fecal dry matter. Journal of Animal Science. Published: February 12, 2025. Link: https://academic.oup.com/jas/article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jas/skaf039/8010094?redirectedFrom=- fulltext Wang, H., W. Long, D. Chadwick, X. Zhang, S. Zhang, X. Piao, and Y. Hou. 2022. Dietary acidifiers as an alternative to antibiotics for promoting pig growth performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Animal Feed Science and Technology. 289:115320. Published: July 2022. Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0377840122001183 Dr. Henrique Cemin Dr. Henrique Cemin is a Senior Swine Nutritionist at Hubbard Feeds, where he provides technical services and manages the company's swine research and development projects. Figure 1 The mortality and removal rate and the number of full-value pigs were observed in trial 4. A total of 973 pigs were used in this 42-day trial to evaluate the effects of including 0.50% benzoic acid or 0.265% Acid-Aid in the pigs’ diets.
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