When respiratory challenges like influenza or porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) hit a barn, the biggest hurdle for producers is often simply keeping pigs interested in feed and water. At this year’s World Pork Expo, Zinpro is officially launching Zinpro Aqua X-Cell VitalAsa, a phytonutrient-based solution designed to bridge that gap.
Positioned as a legal and effective alternative to historical treatments for the secondary effects of respiratory infections like PRRS, it acts quickly in a supportive role to maintain normal respiratory function and boost animal comfort. By encouraging pigs to stay on their feet and continue drinking, the product helps ensure vital nutrition and medications keep flowing, giving the animal the strength it needs to overcome stress and avoid the lethargy that often leads to mortality.
“Zinpro Aqua X-Cell VitalAsa gets them up, gets them drinking, helps them feel better and helps them deal with the stress of a respiratory challenge,” says Lane Lott, business development manager at Zinpro. “They have a better chance of overcoming that upper respiratory stress, and that’s the whole premise behind this product. It’s not built to cure a virus or a bacterial challenge, it’s simply there to help the animals overcome that stress and get through that challenge.”
Proven Benefits for Swine Health
He says the product offers three major benefits that will help sick pigs recover faster.
- Increased Water Intake: It encourages pigs to return to the waterer, which is the essential precursor to eating and maintaining nutrition.
- Rapid Cough Suppression: In trials, the product was shown to stop a cough within 24 to 48 hours, outperforming more traditional and regulated options.
- Restored Vitality: Visual inspections show pigs become less lethargic, getting up and moving rather than “giving up.”
“If we can keep them drinking, chances are they’re going to eat,” Lott says. “If we can get them eating and drinking, then we’ve got nutrition coming into the animal. If we have nutrition coming into the animal, they’re going to fight infections. That is key to overcoming any challenge that they’re going to deal with.”
From the Ocean to the Barn
While new to the swine industry, the technology behind this product has a proven track record in other environments. The technology was originally developed for the aquaculture industry, where it significantly reduced mortality rates in large-scale shrimp operations.
“Zinpro Aqua X-Cell VitalAsa technology started in the largest shrimp farm in the U.S., which grows shrimp for major theme parks,” Lott says. “Shrimp are notorious for high mortality, but we were able to change their mortality rate from 80% down to 20% by helping them overcome disease invasiveness.”
A Solution for Every Scale
As swine health challenges evolve and strains of PRRS and influenza intensify, Lott emphasizes Zinpro’s goal is to support the longevity of the farm, whether it’s a large commercial operation or a show pig barn.
“We know the troubles producers are facing — we get calls every day,” he says. “We are here to help keep family operations alive. If we can keep them going, we’re going to keep going.”
For more information, contact a Zinpro representative.
