December 19, 2003

Swine and Poultry Producers Could Benefit From Corn Hybrids

According to a new research from US-based company Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., feed energy levels of corn hybrids vary greatly. In order to help swine and poultry producers benefit from corn hybrids that provide above-average energy levels, the company has identified and classified 60 of its hybrids as high available energy (HAE).  These HAE hybrids will be marketed through the Pioneer IndustrySelect program.

"With feed representing more than 60% of the cost to produce pork and poultry, managing energy costs is imperative for producers," says Dan Jones, Ph.D., swine nutritionist at Pioneer in Johnston, Iowa.  "Corn is the most widely used source of energy for swine and poultry worldwide.  The goal at Pioneer is to help producers maximize the available energy in their rations by providing them with corn hybrids that are superior in digestible energy compared to corn from the commodity stream."

The industry average digestible energy concentration of corn is recognized to be 1800 kcal/lb on a 100% dry matter basis, but Pioneer studies show digestible energy concentration can range from 1735 kcal/lb to 1865 kcal/lb.

"By choosing hybrids that are above average in digestible energy concentration, pork and poultry producers can improve the overall energy content of the feed for their animals and better manage their energy costs," says Jones.
 

About Pioneer

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a DuPont company, is the world's leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics to farmers worldwide.