Issue 3-4/2023
Sustainability is also increasingly becoming a central issue in the feed industry. However, it is also important to further increase the efficiency of feeding and, at the same time, to keep animal welfare in mind. The scientific approaches to achieving these goals, for example in pig feeding, are diverse and creative.
»How can pigs be sustainable?"
Use of co-products is an important building block
Sustainable feeding also improves the eco-balance in animal husbandry, especially when by-products from oil extraction or co-products from beer brewing and fruit and vegetable processing are used. For example, pomace and beet pulp are well suited for pig feeding.
Use of co-products is an important building block
Sustainable feeding also improves the eco-balance in animal husbandry, especially when by-products from oil extraction or co-products from beer brewing and fruit and vegetable processing are used. For example, pomace and beet pulp are well suited for pig feeding.
»Many building blocks against diarrhea
Weaning piglets is always challenging
Weaning is the most important and crucial phase in pig production. It is a stressful event for piglets, occurring at a time when their digestive systems are immature. However, gut structure is critical to the future health andperformance of all young animals. Therefore, nutritional strategies for piglets are focused on gut health, especially as the limited use of antibiotics and the ban on zinc oxide accelerate the search for natural feeding alternatives.
»Sustainable feeding of pigs
GAA supplement in feed provides benefits
Creatine is a key building block for efficient energy metabolism. Only part of the requirement can be produced by pigs themselves; the rest must be supplied via feed. Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) can improve performance, N-efficiency and profitability in both fattening pigs and sows. In addition, positive effects on the environmental footprint of swine production have been observed.
»Replica better than natural product
Reconstituted versus natural essential oils
Essential oils are often used to improve palatability of swine feed. As a natural product, their composition varies, leading to inconsistent results under experimental conditions. Reconstituted versions that mimic the properties and allow standardized blends could clearly demonstrate their effects.
»Strengthening piglet fitness sustainably
Sow feeding is crucial
Against the backdrop of the challenging economic situation in piglet production and the continuing increase in demands from politicians and consumers on the topics of animal welfare and sustainability, attention to the performance potential and health of sows and piglets is more important than ever. "Maternal Imprinting" and the use of probiotic live yeasts are important starting points.
»Optimize digestive efficiency
The key to resistant piglets
In the early development phase of a piglet, a drop in performance can already lead to impaired performance in the fattening phases. Therefore, a resilient piglet is better equipped to withstand challenges and realize its genetic potential. Two strategies are key to resilience: improving pre-absorptive nutrient uptake and optimizing post-absorptive nutrient utilization.
»More performance with trace elements
Small changes can have a big impact
Achieving high quality standards while maintaining high performance animals is key to a profitable farming system. Recent trials confirm stronger health, better reproductive performance, higher milk yield and better calf growth when a unique combination of trace elements is used - all of which improve the bottom line of any dairy farm.