Growth performance in growing-finishing pigs
Pig producers have a hard time - rising production costs and falling prices make optimal growth performance in growing-finishing pigs more important than ever. In addition, production results must be constantly adapted to consumer demands – residue-free meat of best quality, reduced environmental impact and improved animal welfare.
In order to achieve the full growth potential of grower-finisher pigs, they need optimal nutrient supply adjusted to their respective phase of life. Additionally, a good feed conversion and stress tolerance are necessary - to achieve target performance while promoting animal well-being.
The decisive factor: optimize cost per pound of gain
For a profitable swine production system, the decisive factor is the cost per pound of meat produced - the feed efficiency. During the grower-finisher stage, feed efficiency means obtaining highest growth rates and daily gain while keeping feed costs as low as possible.
A prerequisite for a high growth rate and thus cost savings, is a normal health status of the animal and a good digestibility and absorption of dietary nutrients. Due to an enhanced utilization and retention of dietary energy and protein the growth performance in grower-finishers is increased. This can save feed costs, shorten the finishing period and improve feed conversion ratio.
Moreover, better feed conversion rates go hand in hand with reduced nitrogen excretion. A reduced ammonia emission is important not only for the environment, but it also contributes to the health status of the respiratory system and thereby maintain pig’s health and well-being.
Did you know?
An 8-hour stay in a swine barn with an ammonia concentration of 20-25 ppm can lead to eye, nose and throat irritations in workers and pigs. Ammonia concentrations above 40 ppm in the barns extend the finishing period by up to 6 days as daily weight gain can decrease up to 7% and feed conversion can deteriorate up to 9%.
Ammonia - not just a threat to the environment
Improved feed efficiency and improved performance lead to higher profitability - the most important driver of modern pig production. However, impaired health contributes to reduced feed intake and reduces animal performance. In particular, high ammonia emissions in the air from pig farms contribute to pre-existing ammonia levels. Ammonia can have negative impact by impairing the mucous membrane in the airways. In addition to aerial ammonia, the ammonia formed in the intestine through the degradation of undigested protein puts strain on the intestinal mucosa and liver metabolism. Ammonia that enters the blood must be detoxified via the liver. This process is often associated with a high loss of energy. In order to maintain the profitability of pig production, it is necessary to have a holistic approach – reducing ammonia emissions is an important part of this.
Interested in other Challenges & Solutions?
Aromex Pro – optimized feed intake means more performance and less ammonia
- Aromatic formulation of phytogenics perfectly adapted to the needs of growing-finishing pigs
- Optimizes feed intake, supporting growth performance in pigs thus maximizing profitability
- Enhances significantly crude protein digestibility which can potentially lead to an optimized modulation of ammonia formation in the house
The thorough selection of ingredients in Aromex® Pro, like essential oils and saponins, is perfectly adapted to the requirements of sustainable and profitable pig production. Aromex® Pro is the holistic solution to optimize feed intake which can potentially lead to increased growth performance. This high-quality phytogenic feed solution supports growth performance, profitability and modulation of ammonia formation.
Nature that works - proven scientifically
Studies have shown that the combination of active ingredients in Aromex® Pro improves feed conversion ratio and average daily gain while reducing ammonia emissions, thus supporting profitability of pig fattening.
Get in contact
Megan Koppen
RTM Poultry, Sales Group North America
Phone:
+1 (630) 731-0250
e-mail:
megan.koppen@delacon.com