INTRODUCTION
Research was conducted at Texas Tech University to investigate the potential use of Tasco^®* in swine nutrition and health. Replicated trials were conducted with PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome)-stressed baby pigs to determine effects of Tasco^® in the diet during the post-weaning nursery phase. Tasco^® was fed at two different rates (0.5% and 1.0% of the diet). The effects on growth performance, feed intake and feed efficiency were studied. 

RESULTS
Baby pigs stressed by PRRS that received the control diet gained at a slower rate after week 3 of the nursery period. The addition of Tasco^® at either level increased weight gains of baby pigs during the 5-week period. The improvement in rate of gain was greater for the group fed Tasco^® at a high inclusion rate.

In addition to improved growth performance, Tasco^® also enhanced feed intake and feed efficiency. Feed intake by Tasco^® supplemented pigs increased during the nursery phase for the two treated groups. By week 3, intake of supplemented pigs was greater than for pigs in the control group. Feed intake was greater for pigs receiving the high rate of Tasco^®.

Feed efficiency was also improved by Tasco^® supplementation in both treated groups. No significant differences in feed efficiency were measured between product rates.

The addition of Tasco^®, as a feed additive, in PRRS-stressed nursery pigs’ diet had positive effects on growth performance. Feeding Tasco^® to nursery pigs, stressed by disease, improved rate of gain and body weights in the nursery phase. As well, the addition of Tasco^®, at either a low or high inclusion rate, enhanced feed consumption while improving the feed conversion ratio of PRRS-stressed baby pigs in nursery period. 

The improvement in growth performance, feed intake and feed efficiency of PRRS-stressed nursery pigs have significant implications for the swine industry. Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome is a disease of major importance in this industry affecting over 60% of the swine population in North America. Alternative methods to reduce the devastating economic impact of this complex disease are highly desirable.

 

*In this trial, Tasco^® is under the format of water soluble extract from Ascophyllum nodosum.