METABION-3 Produktionsgemeinschaft F.u.H. Egger Ges.m.b.H. A-8413 Mitterlabill 19, Tel , Fax ,

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1 METABION-3 Produktionsgemeinschaft F.u.H. Egger Ges.m.b.H. A-8413 Mitterlabill 19, Tel , Fax ,

2 2 METABION-3 The natural concept Natural additives have gained remarkable public interest and importance by proving their efficiency and obvious positive effects on animal health. Natural feed additives, which improve the balance of the microflora involved in digestion and enhance the general immune system of the animals are very important tools for a natural animal husbandry. Antibiotics, whose use in animal nutrition is controversial, may be replaced by modern natural feed additives without any performance reduction! Noadays, many producers are willing to re-think their production methods and to occupy themselves with alternative concepts. The ever growing demand of the consumers for residue-free food from a more natural production will strengthen this tendency. The concept of natural feed additives will more and more replace the praxis of antibiotics in the future.

3 3 Information about the manufacturer The products PRONIFER-MSB, DIGESTON-3000 and METABION-3 are produced by the company Produktionsgemeinschaft F.u.H. Egger GmbH (P.G.E.) in its production facilities in Mitterlabill, Austria. The Produktionsgemeinschaft F.u.H. Egger GmbH, founded 1977, is a private independent enterprise, specialised in the production of microbial and other biological feed additives. P.G.E. was the first company in Europe to register a probiotic feed additive, based on specific lactic acid bacteria. For more than 20 years PGE develops and produces natural feed additives in Mitterlabill. The P.G.E. products are exported in more than 15 countries all over the world. P.G.E. manufacturing plant (partial view), in Mitterlabill, Styria, Austria With more than 1000 cbm in tanks for anaerobic fermentation, P.G.E. is well equipped for large-scale lactic acid fermentation. The company also has in operation most advanced drying facilities. A well-equipped laboratory for chemical and microbial analysis ensures highest production control standards.

4 4 METABION-3 supplementary feed for animal husbandry METABION-3 is a natural, holistic supplementary feed containing fermented grass, fermented soybean meal and horseradish. Special features of METABION-3: METABION-3 is produced by a controlled lactic acid fermentation with specially selected strains of lactic acid bacteria. By using highly sophisticated drying-techniques it is possible to maintain a great part of the fermentationflora and so METABION-3 contains a high number of naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria. The high quality dietary fibre from the fermented grass contained in METABION-3 is very important for the digestive hygiene of the animals and very helpful for young animals to build up an optimal working digestive system. Soya, used as a fermentation substrate, is converted by the fermentation and additionally different metabolites, like short chain peptides, which are known to enhance mucosal immunity and thereby the general health, are produced. The horseradish also contained in METABION-3 has a positive influence on the immune- and digestive system, and it is also a very effective agent against respiratory diseases. General effects: METABION-3 is added to the feed and leads to an optimal balance of the bacteria involved in the digestion. The lactic acid bacteria flora is improved, whereby the mucosal immunity is enhanced and an uncontrolled growth of decease-causing germs is prevented. Further on, the healthy digestive tract has a positive influence on the weight gain, feed conversion and mortality. The fermented grasses from meadows rich in herbs as well as the horseradish contained in METABION-3 contain numerous valuable substances, which are very useful for the natural animal development as well as for the improvement of the immunity. General effects: improved growth performance reduced feed consumption healthier and calmer animals reduction of coughs and flues as well as losses (strengthened immune-system) Package: 25 kg paper sacks Shelf life: when stored in cool and dry place 8 months

5 5 Components of METABION-3 METABION-3 contains 30% fermented soybean meal, 45% fermented grass and 25% dried horse radish roots. Lactic acid fermentation: In order to ensure the desired lactic acid fermentation of the grass and herbs, a highly active culture of lactic acid bacteria is used. By the especially careful processing a great part of bacteria and enzymes, which are involved in the fermentation, remain active in the final product. Fermented soybean meal: The short chain peptides, created by the fermentation of protein, also have an immune-stimulating effect. But the fermentation leads also to an improvement of the amino-acids in the protein. Protein /aminoacid solubility (water-soluble fraction of aminoacids) Fibre, grass- and herbal substances: The crude fibre content in the grass and herbs is about 15% (Cellulose, Hemicellulose and Lignin). It is known that these forms of fibre influence the digestive transit positively. In the processing special care is taken to preserve the substances contained in the grass and herbs, such as carotenoide, enzymes and trace elements, as they can be found in the fresh plants. Photo: Preparation of the grass for the fermentation Horse radish: Horse radish (cochlearia armoracia) is a plant, whose positive effects on health and especially on respiratory diseases are well-known. According to the latest findings peroxidase and isothiocyanate (mustard oil) are responsible for this special effectiveness.

6 6 These substances, in connection with certain metabolites of the lactic acid fermentation are of special interest for the general healthprotection, since certain defence mechanisms in the organism are significantly improved through interaction of these substances. The peroxidase-system, i.e. is of special importance for the protection of the mucous membrans as well as for an optimal function of the white blood cells. Peroxidase catalyses oxidation processes, in the course of which highly reactive intermediate products with a wide spectrum of antibacterial effects are created. Photo: Horse radish plantation in Austria Prerequisite for the function of the peroxidase system is the existence of thiocyanate-ions as well as the availability of an oxidising agent (optimal: hydrogen peroxide). The combination of lactic acid bacteria as a source of hydrogen peroxide and horse radish (a plant containing peroxidase and isothiocyanate) therefor is especially favourable. In separate plant compartments myrosinase-enzymes can be found, which are liberated when the plant is scattered. By this, enzymatic reactions are triggered, which lead to the creation of considerable quantities of isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanate gives the characteristic biting taste which horse radish is known for. Above: Myrosinase containing particles in separate plant compartments. Right: Myrosinase-bearing particles spreading over the plant after scattering

7 7 Graphical overview : Active substances in METABION-3 Substance Concentration in METABION-3 Significance Isothiocyanate (ITC) (mainly Allyl- and Alkyl-ITC) 14 mg/kg anti-carcinogenic properties? Horse radish peroxidase 700 mu/g Peroxidase System Lactic acid bacteria and lactic acid fermentation metabolites (grass and soya) approx CFU/g Digestive flora and other digestive functions Fermented soybean meal (lactic acid bacteria and short chain peptides) approx CFU/g Immune-stimulation Glucose mg/kg providing H 2 O 2 in the intestine and/or OHradical scavenger Dietary fibre Cellulose Hemicellulose Lignin 15 % Digestive transit "digestive hygiene"

8 8 Description of the manufacturing process METABION-3 consists of 3 components, which are produced separately: 1. lactic acid fermented soybean meal 2. lactic acid fermented, dried grass from natural pastures 3. dried horse radish roots and herb extracts For the fermentation a specially selected bacterial culture of lactic acid bacteria is used: Production of the fermented soybean meal The liquid bacterial culture is inoculated on the carrier. After several days of fermentation the substrate is dried at low temperature, with purified, pre-dried warm air, to a remaining moisture content of approximately 10 per cent. Production of the dried fermented grass The active bacterial culture is sprayed on the freshly harvested grass (1 ltr. of liquid culture with a lactic acid bacteria count of 10 9 CFU/ml on 1 m 3 grass). This mixture is put into anaerobic fermentation in large silos. After at least 3 months, the fermented grass is dried at low temperature, with purified, pre-dried warm air, to a remaining moisture content of approximately 10 per cent. Production of the dried horse radish roots The horse radish roots, which are harvested in the cool seasons of the year, are thoroughly washed, scattered and pressed in agroindustrial plants. Afterwards the horse radish is dried at low temperature.

9 9 The final production steps: In the last step all components are mixed together and are homogenised. The final composition of the finished product is the following: 30 % fermented soybean meal- herbal mixture 45 % fermented dried grass and herbal mixture 25 % dried horse radish roots and herb extracts Then the grinding and final production control take place. Schematic description of the manufacturing process of METABION-3 Fermented gras Dried horse radish roots Herb extracts Fermented soybean meal Harvest Harvest (Grinding and mixture) Raw material Fermentation Manual preparation Fermentation Drying Drying Drying 45 % 25 % 30 % Mixture Storage, Quality control

10 10 P.G.E. PRODUKTIONSGEMEINSCHAFT F.u.H. EGGER Ges.m.b.H. UID : ATU Analysis of METABION-3 Dry matter content % Moisture % Crude protein % Fat % Crude fibre % Ash % N-free extracts % Digestible energy MJ/kg Calcium g/kg Phosphorus g/kg Magnesium g/kg Potassium g/kg Sodium g/kg Manganese mg/kg Copper mg/kg Zinc mg/kg Iron mg/kg Lactic acid (L and D) g/kg Lysine % Methionine % Glucose % Horse radish peroxidase mu/g

11 11 Recommendations for different animal species Finishing pigs Special effects: higher daily weight gains better FCR improvement of the carcass quality (lean meat ratio) helps to rebuild the digestive flora after antibiotic treatments Inclusion rate: 2 kg/t of compound feed during the whole fattening period Breeding sows and piglets Special effects: Breeding sows: better fertility and less gestation problems higher number of piglets weaned higher milk production better milk quality helps to prevent MMA (easy to recognise : normal faeces) Piglets: higher daily weight gains better FCR less diarrhoea reduces mortality Inclusion rate: 2 kg/t of compound feed: generally in the feed of the breeding sows 5 kg/t of compound feed: 2 weeks before farrowing and during lactation 5 kg/t of piglet starter 5 kg/t of piglet grower

12 12 Calves Special effects: higher daily weight gains better FCR less flatulencies and diarrhoea Inclusion rate: 5 kg/t calve starter 2 kg/t calve rearing feed Broiler Special effects: higher daily weight gains better FCR improvement of the stable climate Inclusion rate: 2 kg/t of compound feed during the whole fattening period Laying hens Special effect: better laying performance better feed utilisation improvement of the stable climate Inclusion rate: 2 kg/t of compound feed

13 13 Usage and dosage Animal Usage Dosage (per ton of finished feed) -- Pigs: Piglets Finishers: Breeding sows: Inclusion in the first feed and in the weaning feed During the whole fattening period. Permanently Two weeks before and 4 weeks after farrowing 3 kg 2 kg 2 kg 5 kg -- Calves: Calve starter Calve rearing feed 5 kg 2 kg -- Poultry: During the whole rearing and the laying- or fattening period 2 kg -- Rabbits: In the feed of both rearing and breeding animals 2 kg Generally an inclusion rate of 0.2 % in the finished feed in used. In cases of severe digestive or respiratory problems it is possible to rise the inclusion rate up to 10 kg/t in order to support the healing process.

14 14 Remarks to the METABION-3 trial in finishing pigs These data were provided by the company Kainz (commercial pig fattening farm) in Zwaring, Austria. METABION-3 was added to the feed during the whole fattening period at an inclusion rate of 2 kg/t. Due to the higher daily weight gains (+11.22%) the fattening period was shortened by 13 days. Although the fattening period was reduced significantly, the carcass quality was not reduced but even slightly improved. The FCR improved from 1 : 2.74 to 1 : The higher daily weight gains together with the better FCR lead to a reduction of feed consumption of 5 %. The better general animal health reduced the costs for medication by 15.79% per animal (from 5,52 EUR to 4,65 EUR per animal). Financial benefit per animal: by reduced feed consumption: EUR 2,82 by less medication costs: EUR 0,87 Costs of METABION-3: EUR -1,69 Economisation per animal EUR 2,00 An additional benefit of EUR 2,00 per finishing pig could be gained. At 3987 animals per year this amount accumulates to a total additional benefit of EUR 7.974,00. By shortening of the fattening period it is further possible to increase the number of animals per year, which has an additional positive effect on the economic success of the farm. - This fact has not been taken into calculation.

15 15 METABION-3 trial in finishing pigs Fa. Kainz, Zwaring METABION-3 Control St 1 St 2 St 3 St 4 St 2 St 3 St 4 Slaughter date Oct-96 Oct-96 Sep-96 Sep-96 Feb-96 Feb-96 Feb-96 No. of animals Starting date 20-Jul 13-Jul 20-Jun 13-Jun 14-Oct 14-Oct 14-Oct Initial weight 31,4 31,5 30,1 29,3 28,1 30,1 29,6 Fattening days Final live weight (kg) 104,2 106,0 105,1 102,0 104,2 104,9 104,6 DLWG (kg) 0,766 0,837 0,765 0,742 0,668 0,680 0,750 FCR 2,72 2,54 2,63 2,62 2,71 2,77 Loss 21,7 22,5 20,4 20,6 19,8 21,6 20,6 Dead weight (kg) 82,5 83,5 84,7 81,4 83,6 82,3 83,12 Lean meat (MFA) % 57,6 58,5 59,0 57,5 59,1 57,8 57,33 Difference absolute relative Fattening days 95,00-13,00-12,04% 108,00 DLWG (kg) 0,778 +0, ,22% 0,699 Medication costs (EUR) 4,65-0,87-15,79% 5,52 Lean meat (MFA) % 58,15 +0,150 +0,26% 58,00 Financial benefit: METABION-3 Control Difference Fattening days 95,00 108,00-13,00 Total feed consumed per pig (kg) 194,11 206,90-12,79 Feed/animal/day (kg) 2,05 1,90 0,15 FCR 2,63 2,74-0,113 Reduction of feed costs (%) -6,18% Amount- Price of feed/kg (EUR) 0,22 0,22 Difference Feed costs/animal (EUR) 42,70 45,52-2,82 EUR -2,82 Medication costs/animal (EUR) 4,65 5,52-0,87 EUR -0,87 Price of METABION-3/kg (EUR) 4,36 Costs per animal for METABION-3 (EUR) 1,69 EUR 1,69 Economisation per animal in the METABION-3 group: EUR 2,00 No. of animals per year: 3987,00 Extra benefit per year: EUR 7.974,00

16 16 METABION-3 Examination about the impact on the carcass quality Conduced by: Prof. Dr. Biro Hunor, Hungary Objective: Examination about the impact of METABION-3 on the carcass quality of finishing pigs Trial period: October - November 1996 This trial was conducted in two different farms for finishing pigs in Hungary. METABION-3 was administered during the last six weeks of the fattening period at an inclusion rate of 2 kg/t of finished feed. The carcass quality was evaluated according the common system of the lean meat ratio (Magerfleisch-Anteil, MFA). Results: Quality- Farm A Control A Farm B Control B class 233 Pigs 493 Pigs 316 Pigs 270 Pigs S 1.28% 0.40% 10.00% 4.07% E 31.00% 23.00% 38.00% 44.00% U 48.00% 58.00% 40.80% 38.00% R 13.00% 16.00% 10.70% 11.80% O 4.29% 1.00% 0.00% 1.10% P 0.85% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Farm A Farm B % 30 % S E U R O P 0 S E U R O P Quality class Quality class METABION-3 Control Both cases show that the ratio has moved in favour of the high quality classes.

17 17 METABION-3 Pig finishing trial Conducted by: Institute of Livestock Science University of Bodenkultur Vienna Division: Animal Nutrition Supervised by: Univ.- Prof. Dr. W. WETSCHEREK Time: November 1997 bis März 1998 Results: Control METABION-3 Inclusion rate of METABION % Number of animals kg live weight DLWG, g relative, % FCR relative, % METABION-3 was used at an inclusion rate of 0.2 % (2 kg per t of finishing feed) and lead to a 4 % better weight gain and improved the feed conversion by 4 %. DLWG FCR g ,1 3,05 3 2,95 2,9 2,85 2, , Control Metabion 2,7 2,65 2,6 Control METBION

18 18 METABION-3 Pig finishing trial Inclusion of METABION-3 in the finishing feed while reducing its zinc and copper content Trial period: Conducted by: Cooperative in the Bretagne, France Characteristics of the feed: Trial group: METABION-3: 2 kg/t feed Cu content: 10 ppm Zinc content: 100 ppm Control: TYLAN: 15 ppm Cu content: 80 ppm Zinc content: 130 ppm The costs of both feeds were the same. Results: Control Trial METABION-3 in favour of METABION-3 Begin End No. of pigs at start Ave. Initial weight kg kg Ave. Final weight kg kg Gain per animal kg kg DLWG kg kg DLWG, relative 100 % % % Fattening days days Feed consumption per pig kg kg kg Feed consumption, relative 100 % 98.0 % -2.0 % FCR (kg feed/kg liveweight) 1 : : Loss (kg) 125 kg 95 kg - 30 kg Loss, relative 100 % 76 % - 24 % Financial benefit: Control Trial METABION-3 Calculation Benefit/pig Feed consumption 192,75 kg 189,07 3,68 x 0,15 EUR 0,56 EUR Loss 125 kg 95 kg 30/136 pigs x 1,22 0,27 EUR Dead weight 81,64 kg 82,30 kg 0,66 x 1,22 EUR 0,80 EUR Classement 3,02 x 85 kg 0,39 EUR Total 2,02 EUR

19 19 METABION-3 Pig finishing trial Location: Fa. Kainz, Zwaring Control Trial METABION-3 In favour of METABION-3 Starting date No. of animals Initial weight per animal 31.1 kg 30.2 kg Final weight per animal kg kg Weight gain per animal 71.5 kg 75.9 kg DLWG kg kg DLWG. Ratio 100 % % % Fattening days Feed consumption per pig kg kg FCR (kg feed/kg liveweight) 1 : : 2.8 METABION-3 needed (2 kg/t feed) kg METABION-3 costs per animal (4.36 EUR/kg) EUR Extra weight gain (liveweight) due to METABION kg kg Dead weight per pig 82.6 kg 84.7 kg kg Extra benefit per pig by higher dead weight (1.38 EUR/kg) EUR EUR Extra profit per pig EUR EUR DLWG g Kontrolle Metabion

20 20 Cost-benefit calculation for breeding sows Feed/year/sow: Inclusion rate METABION-3: 2 kg/t METABION-3 (constant inclusion): 1200 kg 2.40 kg/sow/year Additionally before farrowing : (2 weeks before and 5 weeks afterwards) Inclusion rate METABION-3: Feed consumption of the sow 2 weeks before and 5 weeks after farrowing: Additionally needed METABION-3 per farrowing: 5.00 kg/t kg 0.74 kg Feed consumption of breeding Sows/farrowing 2 weeks before: 2.5 kg/day (total:35 kg) 5 weeks afterwards: 5-6 kg/day (total210 kg ) Total consumption of METABION-3: (constant and intensified inclusion before farrowing) METABION-3 (constant inclusion): 2.40 kg No. of litters per year: 2.30 Additional consumption of METABION-3 per litter: 0.74 kg Additional consumption of METABION-3/sow/year: 1.69 kg Total consumption per sow per year: Costs of METABION-3 per kg: Costs of METABION-3 per sow per year: 4.09 kg 4.36 EUR EUR It is save to assume that the use of METABION-3 will lead to one extra piglet per sow per year (by reduced piglet mortality, by a higher number of born piglets or by better weight gains). Extra benefit by the use of METABION-3: Cost of METABION-3: Extra benefit by one extra piglet/sow/year: Extra benefit/sow/year: In case of 50 breeding sows this amounts to: EUR/sow/year EUR EUR 1, EUR

21 21 METABION-3 Increase of the piglet production by the reduction of iron deficiency in breeding sows The number of weaned piglets per sow is one of the most important parameters in every breeding farm % of all breeding animals suffer from iron deficiency, although the iron content in the feed should be sufficient. Until now the exact reason for this phenomenon could not be found. Yet, iron deficiency is a serious problem in breeding sows, especially during pregnancy: Iron is needed in the blood for the transportation of oxygen and the rapidly growing embryos require plenty of it. If it is not provided the growth as well as the viability of the embryos is reduced. AVERAGE IRON CONTENT OF SOME FEED COMPONENTS AND METABION-3 FEED COMPONENTS IRON CONTENT (mg/kg) barley 50 wheat 170 grain 70 fish meal 80 meat meal 440 corn 350 alfalfa 480 soya 80 blood meal 2020 METABION This table shows, that iron can be found in different feed stuffs and normally the feed is formulated to fulfil the iron demand. Since this often isn t the case it can be concluded that the observed iron deficiency isn t a matter of quantity but of quality. In the trial shown on the next pages 1% METABION-3 was mixed in the sow feed. At this inclusion rate it is not possible to change the iron content of the feed significantly (only 15 mg/kg).

22 22 Nevertheless impressive results were obtained. Trial period : February until April 1998 Conducted by: Dr. Biro Hunor, Hon. Prof. University Kaposvar Objective: To observe whether it is possible to remove the iron deficiency in sows with METABION-3. Arrangement: All animals (65 sows) used were proven iron deficient by laboratory examinations before the start of the trial. The chosen animals were divided into a control- (30 sows) and a trial group (35 sows), which received 1 % METABION-3 in the feed. The iron status of the animals in the METABION-3 group was worse in the beginning. The iron status of the animals was evaluated at the beginning and after three months. Thereby the following blood parameters were tested: Serum Iron Concentration and the Total Serum Iron-Binding Capacity. Simultaneously the reproduction performance of the animals was observed too. Results: Iron status of the breeding animals Unit µmol/litre Serum Iron Concentration At start (before mating) Control (n=30) 11.2 ± 3.7 1% METABION-3 (n=35) 9.8 ± 2.1 At the end of 1 st month of pregnancy Control (n=30) 10.7 ± 4.9 1% METABION-3 (n=35) 17.8 ± 5.6** At the end of 3 rd month of pregnancy Control (n=30) 13.5 ± 4.7 1% METABION-3 (n=35) 23.2 ± 7.8** Total Serum Iron-Binding Capacity ± 26** ± 38.7** ± 35.8** ± 28.9** ± 52.4** ± 19.6** *... P 0.05 **... P 0.01 As shown in the table above the iron status of the animals was significantly improved:

23 23 The Serum Iron Content increased by %. This is confirmed by a reduction of the Total Serum Iron-Binding Capacity, since the iron concentration cannot be increased without limitation. Born and weaned piglets per litter Control 1% METABION-3 No. of sows Piglets born per litter (+ 15.5%) Piglets born alive per litter (+ 18.5%) Mortality % Piglets weaned per litter (+ 20.2%) This table shows, that the use of METABION-3 leads to an improvement of the reproduction performance. Cost-Benefit Analysis The quantity of feed consumed by a breeding sow/year is 1.1 ton (1% supplementation requires 11 kg METABION-3/year/sow) The benefit of METABION-3 supplementation: 2.2 (No. of litters per year) x 1.7 (extra weaned piglets per litter) = 3,74 weaned piglets per sow/year

24 24 Remarks of PGE Egger GmbH: This trial shows impressively, that METABION-3 is capable of increasing the reproduction performance of breeding sows significantly. Of course an improvement of 20% cannot be gained in every case, but if you use METABION-3 at the recommended dosages you can benefit from an increased fertility and from numerous other positive effects, which each one alone would justify the inclusion of METABION-3: higher milk production better milk quality prevention of MMA (easy to recognise : normal faeces) higher number of piglets lower piglets mortality higher weight gains better fertility and less pregnancy problems more resistant and calm animals prevention of coughs and influenza METABION-3 is an important contribution for an economically successful pig breeding. Produktionsgemeinschaft F.u.H. EGGER Ges.m.b.H. A-8413 Mitterlabill 19, Tel , Fax pge-egger@aon.at

25 25 DIGESTON-3000, METABION-3 TRIAL WITH PIGS IN WEANING AND GROWING PERIODS by H.BIRO* Structure 1 Objective of trial 2 Place and trial period Material and methods 3 Animals 4 Laboratory method 5 Feed Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Table 4 Composition of feed Performance parameters of piglets in the trial stage I (0 21 st days) Performance parameters of piglets in the trial stage II. (2 42 nd days) Performance parameters of piglets in the trial stage III.(42 84 th days) Discussion *) h.a.prof. Dr. H.Biro, Institute for Animal Science, Agricultural University Kaposvar, Guba Sándor u. 40, H-7400, Hungary

26 26 DIGESTON-3000, METABION-3 TRIAL WITH PIGS IN WEANING AND GROWING PERIOD Objective of the trial: to test whether 2kg/t DIGESTON-3000 as well as 3 kg/t METABION- 3 added to the pre-starter and starter feed can influence: - the feed intake of suckling pigs in the suckling period (10-21 day) - the performance of pigs in the period one week before and two weeks after weaning (weaning at the age of 30 days) - performancesof pigs at the early growing period (age of days) - selected laboratory (hematological and blood-chemical) parameters performed in blood samples taken randomly at the age of 21 (n=24), 42 (n=20) and 84 (n=20) days in order to test the physiological, pathological (if it would occur) as well as metabolic status of animals Place and trial period: Szigetvár Pig Farm operating with 1300 sows and their progeny, Hungary, 4 th of August 6 th of November, l998. Monitor: Bíró Hunor D.V.M. MATERIALS AND METHODS Animals: the total of live piglets born from 6 sows were allotted randomly into each group. Laboratory method: Hematological analyses: Cobas Minos STE hemalogical analyser (Roche, Switzerland) was used to determine the RBC, WBC, HB, HTC, MCV, MCH and MCHC parameters. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ERS) was determined with the method described by Westergreen (l921). Blood-chemical analyses: AST, GOT, ALT, GPT, GGT were analysed by Kodak Echtachem 750 XRC with Johnson and Johnson test discs, while BUN, Creatinine, serum total protein, cholesterol, triglyceride, globulin were analysed by Centrifichen 600 analyser (Roche). Ca, K determination was performed by Eppendor flame photometer. Serum iron and serum total iron binding capacity (SeTIBC) was determined by micro-method described by Caraway (l963). Feeds: the prestarter feed (components see Table 1) was used from the 10 th day of age until 2 weeks after weaning. Point of time of weaning was at the age of 30 days. The starter feed (components see Table 1) was used from two weeks after weaning until the end of the trial. The observation of the animals (behaviour, suckling, eating, drinking pattern, consistency of faeces) was carried out minimum twice a day.

27 27 Table 1. Composition of feeds components unit Prestarter Starter Dry matter % ,00 Crude protein % Crude fat % Crude fibre % Methionine % Lysine % Methionine+Cystine % Sodium g/kg Calcium g/kg Phosphorus g/kg Vitamin A IU/kg Vitamin D3 IU/kg Vitamin E mg/kg Energy concentration DE MJ/kg

28 28 RESULTS Table 2 Performance parameters of piglets in the trial stage I. (0-21 st days) parameter unit Control group No additive Trial I group Metabion-3 (3kg/t) Trial II group DIGESTON (2kg/t) No. of piglets born alive for 6 sows Total body-weight of piglets at 1 st day Average body-weight of piglet at 1 st day No. of pigs at the age of 21 days Mortality Total feed intake a (10-21 day) kg kg kg (SD=0.12) **1.45 (SD=0.2) **1.30 (SD=0.12) (8%) 7 (12%) 7 (12%) Average daily feed intake a (10-21 days) g/day/animal a Corrigated by the mortality * P < 0.05; ** P < 0.01; ***P < (compared with the control group)

29 29 Table 3 Performance parameters of piglets in the trial stage II.( nd days) parameter unit Control group No additive Trial I group Metabion-3 (3kg/t) Trial II group DIGESTON (2kg/t) No. of pigs at the age of 21 days Total body weight of pigs at the age of 21 days kg Average body weight at the age of 21 days kg 6.08 (SD=0.38) 5.98 (SD=0.43) 6.16 (SD=0.49) No. of pigs at the age of 42 days Mortality Average No. of days with diarrhoea b Total feed intake a (21-42 days) Average daily feed intake a (21-42 days) Average body-weight at the age of 42 days Average daily gain (21-42 days) Feed conversion (21-42 days) day/animal kg g/animal kg g/day kg feed/kg gain (3.5%) 1(1.9%) 2(4%) (SD=23) *160 (SD=18) **164 (SD=17) a Corrigated by the mortality; b postweaning diarrhoea * P < 0.05; ** P < 0.01; ***P < (compared with the control group)

30 30 Table 4 Performance parameters of piglets in the trial stage III. ( th days) parameter unit Control group No additive Trial I group Metabion-3 (3kg/t) Trial II group DIGESTON (2kg/t) No. of pigs at the age of 42 days Average body weight at the age of 42 days Mortality Total feed intake (42-84 days) Average daily feed intake (42-84 days) Average body-weight at the age of 84 days kg kg g/animal kg (SD=0.61) 9.35 (SD=0.52) **9.61 (SD=0.49) Average daily gain (42-84 days) g/day 450 (SD=35) ***475 (SD=30) 463 (SD=41) Feed conversion (42-84 days) * P < 0.05; ** P < 0.01; ***P < (compared with the control group)

31 31 DISCUSSION The feed intake of the Control as well as Trial I and Trial II groups between the days (Table 1) does not differentiate significantly. The randomly sampled animals on the day 21 indicate normal physiological status of all the animals tested. All the parameters are between physiological ranges. Among the laboratory parameters of each group in comparison with the control ones, only those are indicated where the differences in values are significant from both professional point of view as well as statistical ones. The iron status of animals of the Trial I and Trial II groups seems to be better than that of the control one (Table 3). In spite of the fact that the iron status of the animals of the Control group is somewhat worse, an iron deficiency can not be declared at all, which is confirmed by the competent haematological parameters (HB, MCV, MCHC) (Table 2). The feed conversion does not differentiate between the days (Table 5), but average daily gain in this rather sensitive period from economic point of view in both trial groups (TG I: +5.3%, TG II: +7.8%) is statistically better. The better iron status in the second period of the trial (days 21-42) seems to be constant but no definite explanation can be stated. The average body weight in the third period of the trial (days 42-84) as well as the average daily gain are better in the Trial I (+5.6%) and Trial II (+2.9%) group compared with the Control one. Note: The tables with all the haematological and bloodchemical test results can be obtained from PGE.

32 32 Summary of the piglet trial by Prof. Dr. vet. med. H. Biro First feed until 2 weeks after weaning: Control Group Trial Group 1 3 kg Metabion-3/t Trial Group 2 2 kg DIGESTON- 3000/t No. of piglets Ø Initial weight 6.08 kg 5.98 kg 6.16 kg Ø Final weight 9.28 kg 9.35 kg 9.61 kg Weight gain per piglet 3.20 kg 3.37 kg % 3.45 kg % Feed consumption per piglet kg kg kg FCR % % 2 weeks after weaning until end of trial: Control Group Trial Group 1 3 kg Metabion-3/t Trial Group 2 2 kg DIGESTON- 3000/t No. of piglets Ø Initial weight 9.28 kg 9.35 kg 9.61 kg Ø Final weight kg kg kg Weight gain per piglet kg kg % kg % Feed consumption per piglet 28 kg kg kg FCR % % Summary: First feed until end of trial Control Group Trial Group 1 3 kg Metabion-3/t Trial Group 2 2 kg DIGESTON- 3000/t No. of piglets Ø Initial weight 6.08 kg 5.98 kg 6.16 kg Ø Final weight kg kg kg Weight gain per piglet kg kg % kg % Feed consumption per piglet kg kg kg FCR % %

33 33 THE EFFECT OF METABION-3 AND DIGESTON-3000 FEED ADDITIVE (EGGER GmbH, AUSTRIA) SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF CALVES HUNGARY, 2 ND OF FEBRUARY 3 RD OF APRIL, BY H.BIRO* STRUCTURE Introduction Objective of trial Material and methods Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Table 4 Table 5 Trial material The content of standard diet for calves Composition of feed used in the trial CFU of lactobacilli in the supplemented feed Results Figure 1 Summary Conclusion *) h.a.prof.dr.vet.med. Hunor BIRO, Institute for Animal Science, Agricultural University Kaposvar, Guba Sandor u.40, H 7400 Hungary

34 34 Introduction Natural additives have gained remarkable public interest and importance by proving their efficiency and obvious positive effects on animal health. Natural feed additives, which improve the balance of the microflora involved in digestion and enhance the general immune system of the animals are very important tools for a biological animal husbandry. Antibiotics, whose use in animal nutrition is controversial, may be replaced by modern natural feed additives without any performance reduction. In the course of the further-development of PRONIFER-MSB products the supplementary feeds DIGESTON-3000 and METABION-3 were created. They are mixed into the feed at an inclusion rate of 0.1% to 0.5% and can be used in pigs, cattle, poultry, rabbits and horses. These aromatic, appetite stimulating supplementary feeds consist of fermented grass, horse radish, fermented products and by-products from the processing of oilseeds, fermented grass and fermented herbs as well as their extracts and fermented oak bark shavings. For the fermentation naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria were used. These products improve the digestive flora in a natural way and thereby strengthen the mucosal immunity and prevent the uncontrolled growth of disease-causing germs. The herb extracts mixed into the product contain a multitude of valuable substances, which favour a healthy and natural development of the animals. As a consequence of these effects the growth and feed conversion are improved. The animals are also calmer. The incidence of diarrhoea and respiratory diseases is significantly reduced and the wellbeing of the animals improved. Objective of the trial To test whether the supplementary feed DIGESTON-3000 and METABION-3 are suitable to improve the performance of calves and to evaluate the economic benefits of such an inclusion. Material and method Trial period: 60 days (3 rd of February to 3 rd of April 2000.) Animals on trial: 39 (3 groups: 13 calves/group) See data in table 1 and 5. To test the effect of adding Metabion-3 (5kg/t) or DIGESTON-3000 (2kg/t) to a standard calf grain. The daily consumption was 1.73 kg per calf for standard calf grain with approximately 3-4 kg corn Silage and ad libitum alfalfa hay. The body weight was measured on the 30 th days and on the 60 th days of the trial and the weight gain evaluated by these data.

35 35 Daily inspection of animals (behaviour, eating and drinking pattern as well as the general health status, the consistency of faeces) was done throughout the trial period. Table 1 Control Metabion-3 DIGESTON Calf Birth of date Calf Birth of date Calf Birth of date Sept Aug Sept Sept Aug Sept Sept Sept Sept Sept Sept Oct Sept Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Table 2 The content of standard diet for calves (Agrokomplex Central Soya Rt.): Component quantity unit Dry matter % Crude protein % Raw fat 3.17 % Crude fibre 4.60 % Net Energy 6.76 MJ/kg (for maintenance) Net Energy 4.43 MJ/kg (for growth) Sodium 0.16 % Calcium 1.08 % Phosphorus 0.70 % Vitamin A 7.50 IU/g Vitamin D IU/g Vitamin E mg/kg

36 36 Table 3 Composition of feed used in the trial Component quantity unit Dry matter % Analysed Water content % Analysed Crude protein % Analysed Raw fat % Analysed Crude fibre % Analysed Ash % Analysed Nitrogen free extract % Calculated Net energy for maintenance MJ/KG Calculated Net energy for growth MJ/KG Calculated Net energy for milk production MJ/KG Calculated MFE G/KG Dry Matter G /KG Calculated MFN G/KG Dry Matter G /KG Calculated Table 4 CFU of lactobacilli in the supplemented feed samples tested randomly Sample CFU/g* CFU/g** Calf grain 3.0* Metabion-3 1.3* *10 5 DIGESTON * *10 6 5kg/t Metabion-3 in calf grain 1.6* *10 4 2kg/t DIGESTON-3000 in calf 9.0* *10 3 grain * CFU evaluation in Kaposvár ** CFU evaluation in Mitterlabill Results With the daily observations it was not possible to recognise any change(s) or disorder(s) in the eating and drinking pattern, the general health status as well as the consistency of faeces of the animals of both the trial groups and the control one. The performance results are summarised in table 5.

37 Table 5 Control Metabion-3 DIGESTON-3000 Calf Body weight Calf Body weight Calf Body weight 03.febr 04.march 03.apr 03.febr 04.march 03.apr 03.febr 04.march 03.apr average 101,5 125,4 152,1 101,5 126,8 155,8 101,8 126,5 154,9 b.w.g./day(g) SD 19,0 21,7 27,1 19,2 22,9 26,3 19,0 21,2 23,8 total weight diff.(kg) ±0.0 ±0.0 ± Control Maize silage (kg) Cost : benefit analysis Feed consumption per day/animal Daily weight gain (g) Cost : benefit ratio (feed additive kg per benefit kg b.w.) Grain (g) Alfalfa hay Feed Mean Difference (g) additives(g) Ad. lib. Metabion-3 8, (+7.1%) 1 : 6.9 DIGESTON (+4.9%) 1 :

38 38 Figure 1 Effect of Metabion-3 and DIGESTON-3000 supplementation on daily weight gains of calves DLWG (g) Control 5 kg Met-3 per ton 2 kg Dig-3000 per ton Summary During the two months trial period calves of the breed Holstein-Frisian received DIGESTON-3000 and METABION-3 in the feed. The results show that the daily weight gain increased by 4.9% in the DIGESTON-3000 group and 7.1% in the METABION-3 group. Conclusion Although there is no statistical difference between the performance parameters of the trial groups compared with the control one (see table 5) the tested products DIGESTON-3000 and METABION-3 are cost effective when used in calves. The economical superiority of the trial groups can be judged easily if we follow the cost:benefit analysis (see table 5) replacing the timely price of the Digestion-2 and Metabion-3 as well as that of 'live calf meat'. If the ratio is more advantageous than 1 : 3 the role of probability can be excluded and the positive effect can be confirmed.

39 39 DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE OF PIGLETS IN A COMPARATIVE TRIAL WITH METABION-3 by H.Pammer* Structure 1 Introduction 2 Effect of METABION-3 3 Trial location 4 Trial period 5 Trial setup 6 Summary Table 1 Formation of the groups Table 2 Bodyweight weighings during the trial period Table 3 Bodyweights and weight gains with statistical analysis Table 4 Feed consumption, weight gains and feed conversion rate Summary and Conclusion *) Dr. Dipl.Ing. H. Pammer, Nutritionist, Gartenstr. 1, A-9330 Althofen

40 40 1 Introduction Natural additives have gained remarkable public interest and importance by proving their efficiency and obvious positive effects on animal health. Natural feed additives, which improve the balance of the microflora involved in digestion and enhance the general immune system of the animals are very important tools for a biological animal husbandry. Antibiotics, whose use in animal nutrition is controversial, may be replaced by modern natural feed additives without any performance reduction. In the course of the further-development of PRONIFER-MSB products the supplementary feed METABION-3 was created. It consists of fermented grass, horse radish, fermented products and by-products from the processing of oilseeds, fermented herbs as well as their extracts and fermented oak bark shavings. METABION-3 can be used in pigs, cattle, poultry and rabbits. This product also guarantees residue-free food as desired by the consumer. 2 Effect of METABION-3 METABION-3 is a supplementary feed and is mixed in the feed at an inclusion rate of 0.1 to 0.5 %. It improves the digestive flora in a natural way and thereby strengthens the mucosal immunity and prevents the uncontrolled growth of diseasecausing germs. The herb extracts mixed into the product contain a multitude of valuable substances, which favour a healthy and natural development of the animals. As a consequence of these effects the growth and feed conversion are improved. The animals are also calmer. The incidence of diarrhoea and respiratory diseases is significantly reduced and the wellbeing of the animals improved. Consequently METABION-3 brings economic benefits for the animal producer. Animals, Material and Methods 3 Trial location The trial was conducted at the breeding sow farm Alois Eibler in A-8421 Unterlabill, Styria. The total animal breeding comprises 80 breeding sows plus the piglets belonging to them. The piglets are sold when they reach 30 kg body weight. 4 Trial period This METABION-3 piglet trial was conduced between and

41 41 5 Trial setup Four breeding sows each with 10 piglets were used for this trial. At start the piglets were 2 to 4 days of age. After the first weighing at the the litter weights were equalised by changing piglets. The four groups of piglets were divided into 2 control and 2 trial groups. Each animal was weighted separately and marked with an ear mark. The sows as well as the piglets remained in the farrowing boxes until weaning. After weaning the piglets were housed in groups. In this way one control group and one trial group was formed. Both groups received the same feed despite that the trial feed contained 0.3% METABION-3. The weighings were conducted at the 2 nd to 4 th day of life at the (Start of trial) at the 14 th to 16 th day of life at the (First feed intake) at the 28 th to 30 th day of life at the (Weaning) at the 76 th to 78 th day of life at the (End of trial) Genetics: The sows used in the trial belonged to the breed of German Edelschwein and were inseminated with the sperm of a boar of Pietrain breed. So the piglets used in the trial were cross-breeds of these two breeds. Formation of groups: During suckling period the sows plus the corresponding piglets were handled separately, so that the piglets were divided into 4 groups (two trial- and two control groups). After weaning weaning the two-subgroups of each group were housed together and in this way one trial- and one control group was formed. Table 1 Groups: Sow No. Farrowing date No. of piglets Average piglet weight at start Group N kg Control-1 N kg Trial kg Control-2 N kg Trial-2

42 42 Feeding: A piglet rearing feed was mixed at the farm according to the following formula: 2.00 % Skimmed milk powder 4.00 % Fish meal % Soybean meal % Barley S % Maize % Wheat 3.40 % Wheat bran 1.64 % Soy bean oil 0.20 % Calcium carbonate 0.12 % Cholinchloride % L-Lysine 3.0 % Porkovit S 18 (Mineral feed additive without GPM) 100 % additionally to that the trial feed contained 3 kg METABION-3 per ton of feed Porkovit S 18 : 20 % Ca, 7 % P, 5 % Na, 1 % Mg, I.E.Vit.A, IU Vit D mg Vit.E, 44 mg Vit.K 3, 90 mg Vit.B 1, 225 mg Vit.B 2, 225 mg Vit.B 6, 1200 mcg Vit B 12, 1200 mg Niacin, 450 mg CP, mcg Folic acid, 4500 mcg Biotin, mg Cholinchloride. Chemical analysis of the feed: 18.5 % Crude protein, 3.7 % Crude fat, 3.77 % Crude fibre, 1.0 % Calcium, 0.7 % Phosphorous, 0.2 % Sodium, 0.08 % Magnesium, MJ/ME, 1.25 % Lysine, 0.64 % Methionine+Cystine, 0.68 % Threonine, 0.21 % Tryptophan, IU Vit. A, IU Vit D 3, 70 mg Vit. E, 0.3 mg Selen, 750 mg Cholinchloride.

43 43 Table 2 Body weight weighings during the trial period (kg) : Sow No. Piglet No. Start of trial First feed intake Weaning End of trial N78 KG I Control group N N N N N N N N N N13 VG Metabion-3 group N crushed N N N N N crushed N N N N KG II Control group N44 VG Metabion-3 group N N N N N N N N N

44 44 Table 3 Body weight and weight gains in kg with statistical analysis 1 st Period Group n Start n Losses BW First feed BW Weanin g Gain M Gain s Sign p-value Diff.% nd Period Group n Weanin g n Losses BW Weanin g BW End Gain M Gain s Sign. p-value Diff.% Total Group n Start n Losses BW First feed BW End Gain Total M Gain Total s Sign. p- Value Diff.% Legend: n Number M Arithmetical mean value s Standard deviation Sign. Simple variance analysis p-value = Probability of the not-occurring of the difference (whether the observed mean values lies in the random area between both groups or not) p= under 0.01 highly significant ( 0.01 = 1 %) p= significant p= > 0.05 not significant BW Bodyweight kg Table 4 Feed consumption, weight gain and feed conversion rate: First feed intake until end of trial (per piglet) n n Average Ø Feed- FCR Difference Difference Group Start Losses W. Gain consumption Gain FCR Control Metabion % % Difference in kg Statistical Analysis: After checking the normal distribution a variance analysis was conducted with the single weight gains and bodyweights. The feed consumption could not be analysed as the animals were fed group-wise. The probability of error is stated in table 3.

45 45 Summary and Conclusion No. of piglets at start Average weight gain in kg Average FCR Losses n Difference to control group Weight, FCR Control group 0,0 % Trial group 0,3 % % % Average weight gain (kg) FCR 25 1,8 24 1,75 kg Control 1,7 1,65 1,6 1,55 1,5 1,45 1,4 Control Metabion- 3 Metabion- 3 On the 9 th and 10 th February 2000 two piglets were crushed by sow no. N 13. No health problems could be observed during the whole trial period in none of the groups. During the first days of life iron and vitamins were supplied to the piglets separately. The results of this METABION-3 feeding trial in the rearing of piglets until 30 kg life weight show that the METABION-3 group was statistically significantly better than the control. Especially the weight gain after weaning was clearly improved. This finding indicates that before weaning the milk yield of the sow plays a more important role than the feed intake as far as the weight gain is concerned. Due to the better weight gains and FCR the profitability was improved.