Feed intake in pigs
Successful pig production depends on many factors: a consistently high feed intake in pigs right from the start, the development and maintenance of a stable digestive system, high milk quality and quantity of the lactating sow, and uniformity of the litter - all these are challenges to overcome for profitable piglet production.
To meet these challenges successfully, a high reproductive performance of the sow, a high level of piglet vitality and uniform growth with high feed efficiency is needed.
Pig(let) production faces many challenges
Genetic advances in piglet production not only lead to larger litter sizes, but also to new challenges: larger litter sizes mean reduced piglets’ weights. Piglets with a lower birth weight often have a reduced livability rate and poor weight gain, which increases days to slaughter. In addition, the lactating sow experiences high weight losses and decreased milk production due to reduced feed intake. This not only impairs the current litter performance – but also the future reproductive performance of the sow such as fertility, litter size and farrowing rate.
Did you know?
Every piglet lost before weaning is a loss of income per sow and every extra day until the pig is marketed increases production costs. In addition, lack of uniformity of body weight in the litters makes weaning more difficult and ultimately it will impact on the management of the pigs at later stages and also increases losses.
Litter performance begins in the gut
An optimal start at weaning is the basis for a successful pig production. Especially a high feed intake in pigs early on and an optimal daily gain is crucial in order to support the development of a healthy immune system and achieve high growth performance. Adequate growth and vitality of piglets is only possible with high-quality sow milk and high feed efficiency. But in order to be able to absorb and use the nutrients optimally, a healthy intestinal tract is required for sows and piglets.
Interested in other Challenges & Solutions?
Fresta® F – rely on sow and piglet performance right from the start
- Stimulate feed intake and nutrient utilization, thus contributing to enhanced piglet uniformity and milk quality in sows
- Supports growth performance in piglets and helps reduce body weight loss of sows during lactation
- Maximizes feed conversion and contributes to higher profitability of pig production
Fresta® F is effective in overall swine production: Due to its special composition of selected phytogenic components, Fresta® F contributes to an optimized and profitable swine production. By increasing piglets’ feed intake and daily gain, Fresta® F supports their development and simultaneously improves feed conversion. Sows benefit from increased feed intake and milk production during lactation which ultimately improves litter performance.
Nature that works - proven scientifically
Scientific research has shown that Fresta® F reduces litter weight variability and helps the piglets to reach their full economical potential.
Fresta® F enhances feed intake in sows during lactation due to its aromatic composition of selected phytogenics.
Zootechnically proven efficiency in piglets
Fresta® F was the first EU-approved zootechnical phytogenic feed additive. Fresta® F zootechnical registration was approved last 2012 with ten year validity. Highest independent authorities confirmed the improvements of Fresta® F on growth performance in weaned piglets.
You want to increase the performance of your piglets and sows while reducing ammonia emissions?
Go one step further with Fresta® F Plus – a plant-based formula that reduces ammonia in sows and piglets
High ammonia emissions in pig production is not only bad for the environment but can also affect the respiratory system of the animals. The aim should be to keep the ammonia emissions low for the animals. This may also have positive effects on the profitability of pig production.
Fresta® F Plus brings all the benefits provided by Fresta® F, with the additional effect of reduced ammonia emissions: The plus of a sophisticated formulation of saponins, positively contributing to the digestion of nitrogen-containing compounds, has shown a possible reduction of ammonia formation by 21% compared to swine fed control diets.***
Selected Delacon products may be used in organic production in accordance with Regulations (EC) No 834/2007 and (EC) No 889/2008. For more in depth information, please contact our Delacon expert.
*University trial with FRESTA® F in piglets on homogeneity parameters, Germany, S046
**Average data of 10 trials with FRESTA® F on feed intake in sows, F59, F77b, F79, F088, F098, F107, F142, F152, FF+10, S050
***Average data of 3 trials with FRESTA® F Plus on ammonia emissions, FF+ 11, FF+ 18, S035
Get in contact
Megan Koppen
RTM Poultry, Sales Group North America
Phone:
+1 (630) 731-0250
e-mail:
megan.koppen@delacon.com