Ioannis MavromichalisIoannis Mavromichalis, Ph.D., is an animal nutrition industry consultant. To contact Mavromichalis, email [email protected].From the Author - Page 77HomeShould medicated feed be discontinued?Medicated feed for piglets is the most common type of commercial feed used today, but its usefulness is questioned in light of the increasing issues associated with this practice.CommoditiesOvercoming the challenges of soybean meal in piglet feedDespite recent hikes in price, soybean protein, in its many and variable forms, remains one of the most attractive protein sources in pig diets. Soybean meal, the most common soybean product, is not just one more unavoidable agro-industrial byproduct from the oil extraction industry, but rather one of the most valuable commodities in animal nutrition.HomePork and egg quality from feeds rich in DDGSPig and poultry feeds rich in distillers grains will invariably produce meat and eggs high in polyunsaturated lipids; but how is this affecting their quality?Animal Nutrition ViewsReplacing livestock antibiotics in feedIndustry discussions on effectively replacing livestock antibiotics are never ending as new feed additives keep appearing in the animal agribusiness market. Now that high animal feed prices are making it difficult to profitably raise pigs and poultry, many farmers are looking for ways to remove additives that do not have a strong performance record.HomeFeeding pigs high levels of DDGSThe benefits and challenges of feeding pigs dried distiller's grains with solubles, DDGS, are well known: Attractive pricing versus the general issues with maize (nutrient variability, mycotoxins, soft carcass fat, unbalanced protein). Yet, with careful planning and smart diet formulation, it is possible to use high levels of DDGS in diets for all classes of pigs. In some cases, up to 40 percent has been added to pig diets.HomeDoes zinc oxide kill bacteria?Yes, zinc oxide will improve growth performance and reduce diarrhea in piglets (when fed at pharmacological levels), but it remains unclear whether this is an effect of reduced total bacterial load, stabilized gut microflora, enhanced intestinal integrity and immunity, or improved enzymatic secretion and activity; to name but a few of the proposed modes of action!Feed IngredientsSix indispensable ingredients for piglet feedsFaced with increasing commodity costs, feed producers everywhere are being tempted to use alternative ingredients. The key thing to keep in mind is that some ingredients are best left alone.HomeSix points for optimal use of soybeans in piglet feedSoybeans are an obvious feed choice for pig diets. However, formulating for piglets can be tricky.Feed AdditivesIdentifying low-cost, high-quality piglet feedsWhen feed ingredient prices shoot up, discussions on revising commercial piglet feeds flare up in meeting rooms at most nutrition suppliers’ headquarters. Even with rising ingredient costs, it still may be possible to reduce feed cost without resorting to low-quality raw materials.Feed AdditivesEvaluating the importance of antioxidants in feedNature has ensured that animals receive a good amount of extra antioxidants daily through what they eat. The need for a great number of dedicated antioxidants is due to the fact that antioxidants are not interchangeable; this applies to those provided through feed ingredients.Feed AdditivesSix unique ingredients to lower piglet feed costPiglet feedis the most expensive diet in a pig’s life although the final cost per pigremains less than 2% there are ways to lower feeding costs.Feed AdditivesUsing carbohydrases in pig and poultry feed to reduce feed costEnergy is the most expensive "nutrient" in every animal diet. In fact, the major source of energy, starch, makes up about 50 percent of most diets for monogastrics (pigs and poultry). But, energy is also derived from lipids and non-starch carbohydrates, such as non-starch polysaccharides (after suitable enzyme supplementation).Previous PagePage 77 of 78Next Page
