Special feed for Dutch ‘high health’ pigs
A network of Dutch pig farmers, veterinarians and animal nutritionists are aiming to formulate a special feed for high health (SPF) pigs before the end of the year. The farmers in the network all work with high health animals and the feed will also be tested at some of the network member’s farms.
After a literature review, the network will soon start
with a brainstorm session with some independent parties. Furthermore, they will
discuss with feed companies how they can better adjust the feed to the specific
demands of high health pigs.Different needs
SPF pigs have a higher health
status than ‘normal (non SPF)’ pigs. These animals therefore demand a different
composition of the feed and a different feed strategy. In addition, the amino
acid and energy demand is probably different than non SPF pigs. The commercial
feeds that are currently used often result in a too low meat percentage. Also
the feed conversion can be better. However, knowledge about the how to change
the diet to improve performance in high health pigs is limited. The farmers hope
that the new feed will make the pigs more profitable.
with a brainstorm session with some independent parties. Furthermore, they will
discuss with feed companies how they can better adjust the feed to the specific
demands of high health pigs.Different needs
SPF pigs have a higher health
status than ‘normal (non SPF)’ pigs. These animals therefore demand a different
composition of the feed and a different feed strategy. In addition, the amino
acid and energy demand is probably different than non SPF pigs. The commercial
feeds that are currently used often result in a too low meat percentage. Also
the feed conversion can be better. However, knowledge about the how to change
the diet to improve performance in high health pigs is limited. The farmers hope
that the new feed will make the pigs more profitable.
Related
website:
About the project (in Dutch)
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