February 25, 2008

Canadian swine organisation suggest feed focus to be on energy levels
 

With feed representing about 50-75 percent of total pork production costs in Canada, the Prairie Swine Centre is looking at methods that producers can use to cut down on operating costs without suffering additional expense.

Pig producers have, for a long time, focused on the amino acid content of the diet, vitamins and minerals as they contributes to the pig's health. However, Prairie Swine Centre President and CEO John Patience have suggested that the top priority of swine feeding programs should be on the selection of energy levels.

Patience said their research and analysis has found that selection of the right energy levels can help producers to increase their net from a dollar to 13 dollars per pig, depending on individual success. There is about one to three dollars available for a pig from energy level adjustment considering the current cost of energy, he added.

Patience said the targeted energy level will more or less dictate the ingredients that can be used but there is a wide range of choices. He recommends reformulating diets every few weeks due to the constant change in ingredients cost.

CAD 1 = US$0.988 (February 25, 2008)