Henrique Cemin, Senior Swine Nutritionist, Hubbard Feeds

Soybean meal is the main protein source in swine diets globally. Nutritionists can generally agree on its amino acid content, but the energy level of soybean meal has been a topic of debate for years. The comparison of energy values measured under lab conditions or in the field consistently generates conflicting values. Among the hypotheses for such findings is the presence of functional molecules in the ingredient, which could bolster the immune system and redirect energy toward growth performance when stressors are present. This presentation will highlight different methodologies, hypotheses, and all relevant data around the topic.

Morgan Hart, Swine Nutritionist, Hubbard Feeds

Understanding of the importance of fiber components in early nursery diets has grown significantly over time. Various features of fibers, such as their fermentability, viscosity, and hydration effects, have garnered significant attention in swine nutrition. Fiber offers numerous advantages for weaned pigs, including enhanced satiety, promotion of bacterial fermentation and growth, and reduction in pathogen adhesion to the gut wall.

Fibers can be categorized as soluble or insoluble in water. Soluble fibers are rapidly fermented in the hindgut and produce more volatile fatty acids, which are used as sources of energy to promote gut development. Insoluble fibers are resistant to fermentation in the hindgut, increase fecal bulkiness, and accelerate digesta passage rate. It’s essential to strike a balance between soluble and insoluble fibers, as neither type alone surpasses the benefits of a combination. This balance appears to have the most positive impact on gut health and the survival rates of young pigs.

With the addition of fibers to the ration, crude protein and soybean meal levels must be adjusted to accommodate these dietary changes. In this presentation, we will focus on determining the optimal level of soybean meal and crude protein to maximize performance and health for pigs fed high-fiber diets.

Jose Soto, Swine Technical Manager, Alltech

Soybean meal (SBM) is the primary plant protein source for swine in the U.S. However, SBM can’t be fed individually, particularly in the early post-weaning period. Whereas higher SBM concentration can be detrimental, a few studies have indicated that pigs fed diets with 30% SBM and supplemented with 125 ppm Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) during the first two weeks performed similarly to pigs fed diets with lower SBM concentration.

To validate these findings, a 38-day study with 972 wean pigs was conducted to determine the effects of SBM (15% or 31%) and YSE (0 of 125) supplementation for three weeks on growth performance of nursery swine. Our research suggested that whereas pigs fed with higher SBM concentration did not compromise performance, pigs supplemented with diet containing YSE increased feed intake during the experimental (0–21 day) and common (22–38 day) periods, resulting in improved growth performance.

Jose Soto, Swine Technical Manager, Alltech

Trace mineral (TM) supplementation in swine diets can negatively interact with other nutrients. Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) mutually inhibit their intestinal absorption, thus limiting their bioavailability. Mitigation of the antagonistic effects of certain nutrients might be possible with the use of organic TM supplemented at lower concentrations.

To confirm negative interactions between Zn and Cu, and to study whether organic TM could limit antagonistic interactions, a 37-day study was conducted utilizing 2,629 pigs. The results suggested that higher dietary Zn concentration (250 vs. 125 ppm) limited Cu absorption, reduced feed intake and decreased growth. Organic Zn, included at a 50% lower concentration (125 vs. 62.5 ppm), slightly improved feed efficiency.

These results validate the antagonistic effect between Zn and Cu and help illustrate the negative impact of higher Zn. In addition, organic Zn is shown to provide similar and/or better outcomes in terms of performance supplemented at lower concentration.

Jose Soto, Swine Technical Manager, Alltech

Mannose-rich fraction (MRF) is a complex mixture of unique sugars derived from the cell wall of a specific strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Multiple studies with nursery swine have shown that MRF can positively impact gut health and immune responses. Most recently, we have also confirmed that MRF can modulate the metabolism of pathogenic bacterial cells, improving the efficacy of antibiotics.

To validate some of these findings, three commercial experiments were conducted with a total of 10,643 nursery pigs, with 112 replicates per dietary treatment. During all trials, pigs were fed a modern nursery diet without antibiotics and supplemented with or without 800 ppm of MRF for the first 21 days post-wean. By the end of the nursery period, livability and full value pigs were increased in pigs supplemented with 800 ppm MRF in all experiments, despite lower overall mortality.

Henrique Cemin, Senior Swine Nutritionist, Hubbard Feeds

Calcium and phosphorus are two of the most relevant minerals in swine nutrition, not only because of their impact on growth performance and bone development but also because of their significant economic impact.

In the first of these two trials, we explored the effects of increasing P levels on the growth performance and health outcomes of nursery pigs. As expected, pig performance improved with graded levels of P. Interestingly, the health outcomes, presented as mortality and removal rates, were also improved.

In the second, follow-up study, we examined the interactions between P levels and Ca:P ratio. Although no interactions were observed, we also detected changes in health outcomes between the different Ca:P ratios.

Henrique Cemin, Senior Swine Nutritionist, Hubbard Feeds

Calcium and phosphorus are two of the most relevant minerals in swine nutrition, not only because of their impact on growth performance and bone development but also because of their significant economic impact.

In the first of these two trials, we explored the effects of increasing P levels on the growth performance and health outcomes of nursery pigs. As expected, pig performance improved with graded levels of P. Interestingly, the health outcomes, presented as mortality and removal rates, were also improved.

In the second, follow-up study, we examined the interactions between P levels and Ca:P ratio. Although no interactions were observed, we also detected changes in health outcomes between the different Ca:P ratios.