Avivagen (TSX-V:VIV) has reported positive results of a trial of OxC-beta Livestock as a feed additive for swine run by COFCO Nutrition and Health Research Institute (COFCO NHRI) of Beijing.
The trial evaluated OxC-beta’s effect on growth efficiency and health of pigs raised under local conditions during the post-weaning “starter” period. OxC-beta enhanced growth in the “starter” pigs in this trial, a result consistent with previously-reported trials in swine and broiler poultry.
In a statement, Avivagen said the trial adds to evidence supporting the use of OxC-beta as an alternative to in-feed antibiotic regimens.
In markets such as China, the U.S. and Canada, the use of antibiotics for growth promotion and disease prevention remains routine despite mounting concerns about the practice. Pressure to reduce the use of drugs in livestock feeds is driving interest in non-antibiotic alternatives to maintain health and promote growth, such as OxC-beta.
Dr. Hongyu Zhang, swine R&D specialist at COFCO NHRI and the executive responsible for the trial, said COFCO tested the OxC-beta Livestock in a large-scale pig farm and the result is positive.
