PROTIONE PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT: Trouw Nutrition.

Positioned as an innovative alternative to traditional feed supplements, ProtiOne is a protein supplement, that when added to starter diets of weanling pigs, improves gain and feed conversion. ProtiOne was introduced into the swine industry in June 2000 and has captured two percent of the baby pig protein supplement market since then. It is a product of Trouw Nutrition, Highland, Ill., a Nutreco company.

The product is a globulin protein supplement that provides a natural source of immunoglobulins during the most crucial period of a pig's life -- the first weeks postweaning. ProtiOne is based on two technologies -- spray-dried plasma, the standard that has been widely used for more than 10 years, and hyperimmunized eggs, a new technology that compliments the known effectiveness of plasma.

Studies show that ProtiOne significantly improves gain and feed conversion in comparison to plasma. And, because producers can use up to one-third less of the product in the diet compared to plasma, the overall cost of supplementation is less.

The official launch of ProtiOne occurred at the 2000 World Pork Expo in Indianapolis, Ind. The marketing theme was "Move over plasma -- there's a new sheriff in town." Graphics centered on artwork of a ProtiOne bag dressed as a sheriff with six-shooter, cowboy hat and accompanying steed (a pig) with a saddle on its back. The graphic was the focal point of ads and brochures, and the trade show display. For more information, visit www.nutreco.com.