The first line of defense – what is it and why is it important?

The gut barrier is part of the innate immune system and makes up the first line of defense. Supporting the gut barrier of piglets is highly important as a breakdown of this can lead to leaky gut and impaired performance.


The mucus layer, which covers the luminal side of the intestinal epithelium, serves several purposes, such as protection against pathogens and as a reservoir for antibodies and antimicrobial compounds. This helps to isolate and kill pathogens. 

As the immune system of the newborn piglet is underdeveloped, the piglets are heavily dependent on antibodies supplied from colostrum and milk. These antibodies provide the first source of immune protection.

At weaning, the active immune system is not yet fully developed, leaving the piglet vulnerable. Ensuring a fully functional innate immune system, including a well-functioning gut barrier, will help the piglet combat potential infections post-weaning.

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Why is medical zinc oxide so challenging to replace?

Due to its capabilities of ensuring the activity of enzymes metabolism, digestion, cellular signaling and respiration, zinc is a very important trace element in swine nutrition.

The EU ban on using medicinal levels of zinc oxide to control post-weaning diarrhea has shed light on alternative strategies to avoid diarrhea.

For the countries where zinc oxide has been heavily used, finding an alternative solution can be challenging, and it’s been widely accepted that a solution is a combined approach between feeding strategies, management and biosecurity. 

Lowering the protein content of the diet for newly weaned piglets is a widely investigated feeding strategy. However, balancing new feeding strategies, return on investment and piglet performance can be challenging.

Recent studies combing low-protein diets with a probiotic have shown to be a promising strategy.

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