More profit from feeding finisher pigs. Practical, simple, with measurable results

The aim is to find the optimum level of nutrient concentration in the feed, achieving a sharp feed conversion without unnecessary nutritional excess that does not improve feed efficiency.

This raises an important question: how can you define the most effective feeding strategy for finishing pigs?

Nutrition starts with validation of raw materials

When formulating feed compositions, more attention is often given to setting nutrient specifications than to the correct valuation of raw materials. Cereals typically make up more than 70% of the feed formulation, and wheat and barley in particular can vary in nutrient levels. While not typically classified as protein sources, their high inclusion rates make them the most important suppliers of protein in a finisher diet. A difference in protein content in wheat (e.g. 10.5% vs. 11.5%) in least-cost optimisation can already result in a feed price difference of around €2.50 per tonne.

Koudijs works with global calibration lines supported by a vast network of NIR installations. The large number of analyses performed worldwide ensures a high level of valuation accuracy.

Pigs eat grams of nutrients per day, not percentages

If raw materials are correctly validated, the next question is: how do we define the boundaries of our feed formulations?

In least-cost formulations, nutrient specifications are expressed as percentages or grams per kilogram. However, a finishing pig does not eat percentages, nor exactly one kilogram per day. In practice, nutrient requirements depend on the pig’s total daily feed intake. While farmers generally know the average feed intake over the entire growth period, they often have limited insight into intake during the different growth stages.

In addition, nutritional recommendations from growth models, feed manuals and standard tables can vary widely depending on factors such as growth stage, sex, genetics and health status.

Fixed ratio sid lysine to net energy is not the best approach

Based on the fact that pigs consume grams of nutrients per day rather than percentages, it becomes clear that a fixed ratio between SID lysine and net energy is not optimal. Pigs with a higher intake capacity also have greater growth potential, especially in the early growth stage. Higher intake means more energy available for lean growth and, therefore, a higher digestible lysine requirement relative to energy.

This implies that, contrary to more “meat-type” genetics, animals with a higher intake capacity require a higher digestible lysine-to-energy ratio in the early stage.

Amino acids in relation to performance, sustainability and behaviour

So far, digestible lysine has been discussed as the first limiting amino acid, but other amino acids must also be considered in relation to lysine. Due to continuously improving feed efficiency, increasing diet concentration and growing pressure on sustainability, the minimum ratios of several amino acids relative to lysine are becoming increasingly important.

Amino acids that previously received less attention, such as valine, isoleucine, leucine, histidine and arginine, must be correctly included in optimisation. Research shows that this is not only important for growth and feed efficiency, but also essential for preventing abnormal behaviour and aggression.

Koudijs’ vision for finishing pig nutrition: the RCI model

Koudijs has developed a vision for finishing pig nutrition that provides feed suppliers with a practical tool to help farmers feed finishing pigs as efficiently and effectively as possible.

In the next edition of the Koudijs newsletter, we will explain how to make the right choices using the Koudijs RCI model (Requirement = Content × Intake), including a practical example.

How we can help you

You can already start applying these insights today. Would you like to learn how we can help you improve your finishing results and profitability?