Epidermal growth factor (EGF) supports the piglets’ intestines development and is produced through the sows milk naturally. Weaning pigs earlier decreases the amount of milk and EGF a piglet would normally consume which slows their development and growth. Making EGF chemically is too expensive to be an option for the commercial industry. More cost-effective strategies are being investigated, including naturally producing it through yeast or feed grade material and then feeding it to the piglets. This supplementation enhances piglet growth, gain-to-feed ratio, intestinal development and body weight gain. An even larger effect was noted when there was lower feed quality. They do well without blood plasma when given EGF as well. This production of EGF for piglets is waiting on government approval but will be very beneficial to the pork industry if approved.
EGF Helps Piglets Get Growing (full article)
