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Study highlights benefits of oregano oil for pig production
The inclusion of oregano oil helped maintain the body condition score of lactating sows.
Researchers analyse effect of oil in 62 productive sows and piglets

The benefits of oregano essential oil for lactating sows and their offspring have been shown in new research.

Farming UK reports a study presented by Dr Melanie Le Bon of Nottingham Trent University. In the study, Dr Le Bon analysed the use of a product called Orego-Stim in sows during lactation and the effect it had on the growth of piglets.

Manufactured by Anpario, Orego-Stim is a natural product which contains oregano essential oil and is available in powder or liquid form. The main active ingredients are thymol and carvacrol - two compounds shown to have antioxidant and antimicrobial functions during animal tests.

It is for this reason that the product should be considered for the pig industry, the Nottingham Trent University researchers found.

Paper co-author Heidi Hall, also Anpario’s Swine Global Technical manager, said, “There is increasing pressure on the pig industry to reduce antimicrobial usage whilst maximising animal health and performance. Therefore, identifying sustainable alternatives is of growing interest”.

In the study, researchers analysed the effect of oregano oil in 62 productive sows and piglets on a commercial pig farm. Performance parameters assessed included sow feed intake and body condition score, alongside piglet weekly weight, mortality, medication useage and creep feed intake.

Researchers said the inclusion of oregano oil helped maintain the body condition score of lactating sows, improved piglet weight gain throughout the first week of life, reduced piglet pre-weaning mortality and significantly lowered incidence of medication usage.

Ms Hall continued: “In order to reduce the reliance upon antimicrobials at weaning, such as zinc oxide, pig farmers need to be able to produce more robust piglets. The weaning and nursery period is a critical time for developing and enhancing piglet health to ensure long term optimal performance”.

 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.