Recently published research finds that feeding Ralco's Dual Defender feed additive prevented clinical signs of disease and mortality in pigs challenged with several viruses including porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and Senecavirus A.

"Our goal in conducting this study was to provide a natural solution for swine producers to protect their herd from viruses, especially with the latest potential threat of African swine fever," says Jessica Fox, Ralco director of Veterinary Services and Biosecurity. "Feed risk mitigation through additives is a new layer of biosecurity that producers can use to safeguard their feed and defend their herd."

The results of the study showed that pigs fed Dual Defender remained free of PRRSV and SVA infection and clinical signs were not detected. In addition, no clinical signs of PEDV were observed.

Pigs fed Dual Defender overall had significantly greater average daily gain, significantly lower clinical signs and infection levels, and numerically lower mortality rates compared to non-supplemented controls.

"Dual Defender performed extremely well in this research project. It stands out for its natural approach and low inclusion rate," concludes Fox.

Dual Defender is NEXUS formulated with a patent-pending combination of phytonutrients that are specifically chosen for viral inactivation properties, ability to support immune system efficiency and capability to shift the intestinal microbial populations to reduce impact of secondary pathogens.

Ralco pioneered the mainstream use of phytonutrients for animal health and nutrition over 20 years ago. "Our expertise in phytonutrients is what gave us the ability to formulate this product," says Fox. "By using our NEXUS formulation strategy, we were able to match up the precise phytonutrient properties to support the immune system and reduce the impact of viral challenges."

Ralco is a third-generation family-owned multinational company with distribution in more than 40 countries. Ralco is a leading global provider of natural solutions to maximize nutrient conversion in plants and animals.

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