Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) continue to pose important economic challenges to pork producers globally. Now,a growing body of research suggests a new approach to combating these viruses: mitigation directly through animal feed. Recent advancements demonstrate the potential to reduce viral loads without extensive and costly changes to existing feed formulations, offering a promising new tool for biosecurity efforts.
Mitigation of viral threats in animal feed is gaining traction, backed by both experimental data and commercial results, offering solutions that reduce the incidence of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) without requiring costly feed reformulation or impacting efficiency.
Alltech’s research, led by José Soto, Director of Research (Monogastrics) and Technical Leader, demonstrates the viability of feed-based viral mitigation strategies. The findings come as the agricultural sector increasingly recognizes the role of feed ingredients as potential vectors for disease transmission, a realization that followed a significant PED outbreak in the United States in 2014.
The company has validated its Guardicate® solution, which can be applied at a low inclusion rate of just 0.4%, effectively reducing viral loads of PED and PRRS. Importantly, the solution doesn’t necessitate adjustments to amino acid levels, such as lysine, or a complete overhaul of feed formulations. This also addresses potential safety concerns for personnel working in feed production facilities.
According to Alltech, validation of Guardicate® includes both controlled trials and real-world commercial applications, with reports of reduced viral incidence observed in the field. This development is particularly relevant for pork producers facing ongoing challenges from these economically significant viruses, with the potential for further risk from diseases like foot-and-mouth disease in certain regions.
Successful implementation, however, requires a strategic approach. Alltech identifies three key conditions: aligning the technology with the specific problems faced by producers, demonstrating consistent and repeatable results with a clear economic return – such as a 3:1 ratio – and establishing a robust market pathway with a culture of innovation that supports piloting, evaluation, and scaling.
“The mitigation of viral threats through animal feed has moved beyond a theoretical concept to a practical reality,” Alltech stated. “There is now both evidence and viable solutions with proven technical and operational consistency.” Integrating these solutions into comprehensive biosecurity and precision nutrition plans allows producers to reduce health risks without compromising feed efficiency or formulation.
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