Status from Danish Feeding Seminar 2024

On April 23rd, Vilomix once again participated in the Danish Feeding Seminar hosted by SEGES. Read about the knowledge our nutritionist, Janni Fjeldbo from Vilomix Denmark has gathered from the seminar.

The program of the day began with a welcome from Christian Fink Hansen, Director of Danish Agriculture & Food Council, who briefly discussed and clarified the current situation and future of Danish pig production. Following this, the focus shifted to 'Climate & Environment,' where various consultants from SEGES discussed topics such as methane emissions, climate impact, and ammonia agreements. Their focus is especially placed on their efforts to find a replacement for soybean that can deliver the same productivity, thereby reducing the climate footprint of pig production while maintaining high productivity.

After several interesting presentations on climate and environment, the focus turned to 'Growing Pigs.' Many farmers have experienced increasing issues with E-coli, streptococci, tail biting, and ear chewing since the new legislation in 2022 regarding the use of medicinal zinc. Recent projects have proved that piglets up to 14 days after weaning require 1400 ppm of zinc, which we currently cannot meet due to legislation. SEGES continues to work on determining the correct levels and the use of different zinc sources to meet the physiological needs and welfare of piglets.

In a presentation by Per Tybirk, a new amino acid standard for gilts was introduced, as it has been turned out that a significant reduction in crude protein and a low amino acid profile at 30-60 kg can lead to tail biting and ear chewing.

• The new amino acid standard has therefore been raised to 7.7 g lysine and 114 g crude protein during the critical period from 30-60 kg.
• From 60-110 kg 6.0 g lysine and 100 g crude protein are recommended.
• When they hit 110 kg, the gilts should be slowed down in growth, and 4.0 g lysine and 80 g crude protein are recommended until insemination. Feed strength from 110 kg is an important parameter to achieve the correct backfat thickness – a minimum of 3.25 FE daily is recommended.

The optimal gilt should reach the second estrus around week 31-33, weighing 140-160 kg with a backfat thickness of 14-16 mm.

It was also presented that oxidative stress affects our high-producing sows and piglets. Therefore, it might be a good investment to add extra vitamin E and antioxidants to the feed – especially when transitioning to new grain after harvest, to avoid fresh grain poisoning.

Additionally, we were briefly introduced to Thomas Bruun's current project, which investigates the optimal feed strength during mid-pregnancy. The project's background suggests that placental growth may be limited by the currently recommended feed strength during mid-pregnancy, where we primarily feed the placenta. This could result in a potentially lower birth weight. We look forward to hearing about the conclusion and outcome of this project at the Pig Congress 2024.

We thank everyone for a great day, with important topics and valuable professional insights as always. We look forward to the Pig Congress this autumn.

Any questions? Then feel free to contact our consultancy and sales in Vilomix: