July 4, 2011

 

Hubbard Feeds launches premix programme for DDGS in swine diets

 

Hubbard Feeds has developed the DesignRiteâ„¢ premix line to help producers faced with sustained high grain prices take advantage of the nutrients supplied by dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) and reduce overall feed cost.

 

"The DesignRite programme helps producers create the right nutrition programme for their pigs based on the level and quality of DDGS being fed," says Lori Stevermer, swine products manager with Hubbard Feeds. "It's a very cost-effective programme that also minimizes overfeeding and underfeeding of nutrients so that in the end, our customers can get the best return over feed costs for their operation."

 

The DesignRite programme is a blueprint, customized to factors for each producer. The flexibility of six different DesignRite premixes provides the formulation efficiency of a vitamin-trace mineral programme, with the convenience of a basemix programme.

 

In addition to cost savings realized through the better utilization of DDGS in place of more expensive grain feed ingredients, the precise formulation in Hubbard's DesignRite programme reduces the amount of excess nutrients excreted, making an operation's nutrition programme more environmentally friendly and efficient.

 

To determine which DesignRite premix is the right one for a given operation, several factors should be considered:

 

Firstly, commodity prices. The level and combination of DDGS, corn, soymeal and other co-products will determine which DesignRite product best fits the operation. When more DDGS are used or soymeal prices are high relative to corn, the high density (HD) DesignRite premixes provide the best return. The high level of synthetic amino acids reduces the amount of soymeal needed, which increases the energy density of the diet and reduces costs.

 

Secondly, DDGS quality. Specific nutrient information on the source of DDGS will guide recommendations on the level of DDGS to feed and which DesignRite product best complements that nutrient profile.

 

Thirdly, carcass quality. Feeding high levels of DDGS in finishing diets can cause concerns with meat quality and shelf life. The level of DDGS will determine which DesignRite premix fits best.

 

Fourthly, performance expectations. Feeding high levels of DDGS may increase the number of days to reach market weight. Production systems based on a fixed number of days to market may need to feed lower levels of DDGS, which affects the DesignRite choice.

 

Fifthly, age and weight. Because DesignRite premixes are formulated to provide the most cost effective nutrition during late finishing, when pigs eat the most, DesignRite Booster should be used to increase the nutrient density of the diet to meet the nutritional needs of pigs weighing fewer than 120 pounds (54.4 kilogrammes).