March 23, 2007

Canadian agency says proper swine feed formulation can increase profits
 

The Manitoba Agriculture Food and Rural Initiatives said Canadian swine producers can improve their profitability by better matching the formulation of their rations to the nutritional requirements of their pigs.

The agency's business development specialist Dr Ian Seddon said a combination of higher feed ingredient costs particularly for corn as well as growing public pressure to reduce the environmental impact of hog production is significant for swine producers to be able to optimize their feed formulations.

Seddon suggests in order providing optimum ration for a given stage of development, producers need to have a good handle on genetics and on the management systems in their barns, adding they should be more aware of the nutrient levels of their ingredients.

As ethanol production comes on stream in US and in Canada which will consume much of corn, Seddon said the availability and the proper utilisation of distillers' grains can be optimized.

Dr. Seddon says producers need to maintain the proper balance of energy, protein and minerals to optimize productivity and recommends working with a nutritionist to determine the best for their farm.

He notes feed mixing equipment has improved dramatically allowing producers to accurately prepare rations better to meet the needs of their animals.