Start Strong, Finish Strong: Brazil Trial Shows the Power of Plasma
Anyone who has raised pigs knows the stakes in the grow-finish phase. After months of investment, a sudden health challenge can undo hard work, drive up medication costs, and cut into performance. For many producers, this is where the difference between profit and loss is decided.
New research from Brazil highlights a novel approach to tipping the balance in producers’ favor: providing 2g of spray dried plasma (SDP) per pig per day, top dressed on feed. This strategy proved especially effective in herds facing pathogen challenges, offering a practical solution consistent with international regulations to reduce reliance on antibiotics.
The study, presented at the 2025 Leman Swine Conference, demonstrated that pigs receiving SDP experienced lower mortality and reduced medication use compared to controls. This outcome reinforces the growing body of evidence that plasma can be a powerful nutritional tool, helping producers start pigs strong and keep them strong all the way to market.
Luis Rangel, APC’s Director of Technical Service, Latin America, emphasized the practical value for producers:
“This trial shows that plasma is not just for early nursery pigs. Even in grow-finish, small amounts can deliver big benefits when health is challenged.”
The results reinforce how targeted use of functional proteins like plasma can help producers maintain herd health, safeguard performance, and align with evolving industry standards.