Urinary Tract Acidification

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome (PPDS) are among the most common health problems in sow herds. Both diseases are caused by bacterial infections and influence the fertility of the sow herd. Up to 40% of sows may suffer from UTIs, which consequentially leads to increased non-productive days, early cullings and decreased litters per sow per year. Furthermore, UTIs are considered as predisposing factor for the upper genital tract inflammations, which also lead to PPDS problems.

The flora of the vagina of healthy sows consists of a wide range of bacteria. Many of these bacteria are frequently reported in clinical cases of urogenital tract infections. The highest isolation rates of these bacteria were obtained on the day of farrowing and the second highest number of positive samples was found immediately after mating.

An acid-base unbalance in sow diets will encourage this bacteria invasion, bringing out an increase in urine pH. Various studies have confirmed that acid-base balance (ACB) of the diet directly correlates with urinary pH value and total bacteria colony forming units in urine. The ACB of conventional sow diets have a range of +200 to +600 mmol/kg feed entailing a urine pH above 7. It is known that a urinary pH below 6.5 can significantly reduce the number of bacteria in the urinary tract.

Biomin^® pHD, the urinary tract acidifier, is based on the combination of an inorganic acid, anionic substances and natural plant extracts. Diets supplemented with Biomin^® pHD decrease the urinary pH by lowering the ACB of the diet through the action of the anionic substances and inorganic acid.

Moreover, the mode of action of inorganic acid and anionic substances triggers the Ca-mobilization mechanism, resulting in higher Ca²⁺ availability in the blood. High Ca²⁺ amounts are necessary for uterus muscle contraction at farrowing. This prevents labourious, long-lasting farrowing and reduces the number of stillborn piglets. In addition, natural plant extracts containing proanthocanidins inhibit the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria, especially E. coli, to urinary tract cell walls.

Dietary supplementation with Biomin^® pHD improves sow productivity and prolongs the animal’s reproductive lifespan. The reduction of bacterial burden improves urogenital tract health in breeding sows and leads to cleaner farrowing crates. Litter performance is also enhanced due to shorter farrowing time, better colostrum assumption, higher milk yield and lower or later bacterial challenge to piglets.