How to promote wellness and efficiency in pig farming

Swine farming is an essential sector for the food industry, and within its animal production system, one of the most important factors is the administration of precision nutrition.

The importance of nutrition for the health and well-being of animals is a recurring topic in universities and industries, which seek to find ingredients that not only meet the metabolic and nutritional needs of the species but also provide benefits to producers.

This aspect has been increasingly relevant because, according to market and scientific research, swine nutrition ingredients represent approximately 60 to 70% of the total breeding costs [1].

In this context, nutritional planning becomes a central element to ensure the health and proper growth of animals in all stages of development, from weaning to adulthood.

Therefore, this process of nutritional planning must meet the availability, acquisition, and provision of inputs in sufficient quantity and quality to provide essential nutrients to swine animals with accuracy and specificity.

The pillars of precision nutrition [2] aim for efficiency in feeding as a crucial point to maximize productivity and profitability of production. To achieve this, incorporating ingredients enriched with bioactive peptides, such as the BioActio portfolio from BRF Ingredients, is essential.

When it comes to pig feeding, the main requirements frequently addressed for a balanced diet are the proper supply of energy and protein. In addition to these, the choice of ingredients for swine nutrition should provide other essential macronutrients, such as carbohydrates and lipids.

Nutrition, health and welfare

As mentioned earlier, the cost of feeding is one of the greatest challenges faced by producers of swine and other species, representing, on average, between 60% and 70% of the total expenses.

This issue becomes the main bottleneck in animal production, as the goal is to obtain high-quality feed in smaller quantities and at a more attractive cost-benefit ratio.

To deal with this problem, the alternative is to seek formulations that promote high digestibility, which provides better nutrient absorption for the animals and improves feed conversion rates, making the production cost-effective. These advantages are found in the BioActio portfolio, as we will see later.

Before that, however, it is necessary to mention the benefits of proper nutrition for swine. With scientifically proven results, precision and specific nutrition with enriched ingredients are essential to ensure animal health and welfare.

According to a study conducted by Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) [3], appropriate nutrition contributes to the prevention of common diseases in swine farming.

A balanced diet strengthens the swine's immune system, making them more resistant to infections and diseases caused by the environment and feeding, such as diarrhea and intestinal problems.

According to the aforementioned Embrapa study, nutrition administered in correct and balanced quantities promotes proper growth of the species, ensuring better quality of life and health for the swine.

Embrapa highlights another important aspect: all swine feeding should be formulated considering the animals' development stages, as well as their weight, genetics, and environmental conditions.

Understanding the role of feeding management in swine production is essential to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector, as investing in an ingredient like BioActio Health & Performance and BioActio Efficiency, with a high apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC), reducing waste and preserving the environment.

It's worth noting that feed conversion is directly connected to digestibility and the sector's competitiveness, and consequently, the environment. As animals efficiently utilize nutrients from BioActio, for example, there is less feed leftovers and more weight gain due to the high absorption of the sustainable ingredient.

This reduces food waste and production costs. According to Embrapa [3], proper nutrition can result in up to 15% gains in productive efficiency, as this optimization leads to better feed conversion rates.

It can be observed that by investing in effective feeding methods, producers can bring together animal welfare with economic success, achieving a beneficial balance for the entire production chain.

Therefore, including a diet rich in bioactive peptides is a strategic tool to boost productivity, feed conversion, and weight gain in animals, which benefits breeders with improved cost-effectiveness.

Final Considerations

To achieve all the benefits mentioned above, it is essential to have quality ingredients in the formulation of swine feed. Companies like BRF Ingredients have invested in research and development of innovative nutritional solutions for swine farming.

These solutions take into account the specific needs of swine at each stage of growth, providing a balanced and optimized diet to achieve maximum performance and play a vital role in the health, well-being, and efficiency of swine. Therefore, a personalized diet must meet the specific nutritional needs of animals in different stages of development.

Proper nutrition also strengthens the swine's immune system and reduces the occurrence of diseases and illnesses caused by the environment and poor feeding. Furthermore, precision and specific nutrition for the species provide economic benefits, improving productive efficiency, and enhancing the cost-effectiveness of production.

In conclusion, it is crucial to rely on quality nutritional solutions, such as BioActio Health & Performance and BioActio Efficiency, with scientifically proven results.

References

[1] Farmers Weekly. 4-step guide to pig feeding and rations. Available in: 4-step guide to pig feeding and rations - Farmers Weekly (fwi.co.uk). Accessed in July 2023.

[2] BRF Ingredients. Como a nutrição de precisão contribui para o bem-estar animal. Available in: https://www.brfingredients.com/pt-br/blog/posts/como-a-nutricao-de-precisao-contribui-para-o-bem-estar-animal/. Accessed in July 2023.

[3] Embrapa. Nutrição aponta caminhos para eficiência e redução de custos. Available in: https://www.embrapa.br/documents/1355242/0/Su%C3%ADnos+-+cap%C3%ADtulo+5.pdf. Accessed in July 2023.

[4] Embrapa. Bem-estar animal na produção de suínos: práticas de manejo e características das instalações nas granjas. Available in: "https://ainfo.cnptia.embrapa.br/digital/bitstream/item/143588/1/original8101.pdf. Accessed in July 2023.

[5] Felipe Anibal e Sandoval Matheus. É bom para o plantel, é bom para os negócios. Revista Suinocultura Industrial, edição 312, ano 45, número 03|2023, páginas: 24 a 29. Available in: https://www.suinoculturaindustrial.com.br/edicao. Accessed in July 2023.

[6] BRF Ingredients. Ingredientes para a nutrição suína: 6 variáveis que você deve se atentar. Available in: Ingredientes para a nutrição suína: 6 variáveis que você deve se atentar - BRF Ingredients. Accessed in July 2023.