By Scout Nelson
In swine production, keeping costs down while ensuring the health and productivity of the pigs is a constant challenge. Recent research highlights a promising strategy: adding multienzyme complexes to the diets of gestating sows to improve the nutritional value of their feed.
Gestating sows, which are pregnant pigs, need diets that are both nutritious and satisfying. These diets often contain a lot of fiber, which helps the sows feel full but can be hard to digest.
That's where multienzyme complexes come in. These are special mixes of enzymes that break down fiber, making it easier for the sows to get the nutrients they need from their food.
Studies have shown that these enzyme mixes can significantly improve how well sows digest their food, especially the fibrous parts. When sows were fed diets with these enzyme mixes added, their food provided more energy.
This is great news because it means the sows can eat the same amount but get more benefits from their food, which can help their babies grow better before they're born.
Adding just a small amount (0.1%) of these enzyme mixes to the sow diets increased the energy they got from their food by about 10% in diets with less fiber and by 3% in diets with more fiber. This improvement in energy levels can help make the whole process of raising pigs more economical and efficient.
The effectiveness of these enzyme mixes varies depending on the type of food. They seem to work better on protein-rich foods like soybean meal, field peas, and canola meal than on grains like corn and wheat. Every little bit helps when it comes to improving the efficiency of swine production.
Adding multienzyme complexes to the diets of gestating sows is a smart move for swine producers. It can make the diets more nutritious and cost-effective, ensuring that the sows and their future piglets are healthier and more productive.
Photo Credit -istock-srdjan-stepic
Categories: South Dakota, Livestock, Hogs