December 4, 2019

US university research finds fatty acids lead to better swine performance

The five-year research found that fatty acids improves a swine's feed efficiency and growth, reported the Animal Sciences and Industry department of Kansas State University.

The study also found that lesser levels of medium-chain fatty acids in swine feed produced the same benefits as bigger concentrations.

This means lower costs for swine producers, as nutritionists can include smaller doses of medium-chain fatty acids into their swine feed for the same effect. The results of the study also mean there are more options for swine feed ingredients to improve feed biosecurity in swine production.

With regards to swine diseases, there are more studies relating the benefits of medium-chain fatty acids in reducing or lowering the risk of porcine epidemic diarrhoea in swine feed. The disease, which is more common in lower temperatures, causes diarrhoea in swine and leads to death.

-      Animal Sciences and Industry department, Kansas State University