New feed energy evaluation for pigs in Sweden
Last changed: 04 July 2024
A new project financed by Stiftelsen Lantbruksforskning, Sveriges Grisföretagare and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences focus on implementing a new system for energy evaluation of pig feed materials. The project is performed in cooperation with the feed industry, supplying least cost formulations and know how in a reference group. In the autumn of 2009 new energy values will be presented together with nutrient requirements on the web.
The present Swedish metabolizable energy (ME) system for pigs is not up to date and characterized by overestimating the energy content of protein feedstuffs (Table 1).
Table 1. Relative energy values for different raw materials related to wheat
| Raw material | Present ME-system | NE -system |
| Wheat | 100 | 100 |
| Barley | 94 | 91 |
| Soybean meal | 95 | 74 |
| Rapeseed Meal | 75 | 59 |
| Wheat distillers grains | 77 | 61 |
Why change system?
The modern way of evaluating energy in raw materials is to give the netto value. The netto is what is left in the pig. All energy that disappears with faeces, urine, gases and heat is withdrawn.
A good system shall:
1. Evaluate feed materials correct in relation to each other
2. Provide different values for growing pigs and sows
3. Be capable of expressing variation within feed materials like cereals and waste products from food industry
4. Be able to compare with other systems
5. Have potential for development
New system planned
In a project financed by Stiftelsen Lantbruksforskning, Sveriges Grisföretagare and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences a new system for evaluating energy in feed materials for pigs will be implemented. The feed industry supply information concerning least cost formulations with the new NE system. Moreover KLF, Kvarnbyfoder, Lantmännen and Svenska Foder contribute with know how in a reference group responsible for all steps in the project. The reference group has so far discussed advantages and disadvantages with different NE systems and decided to implement the French one.
All nutrient requirements will be related to the new system and published together with NE values of feed stuffs on the website of the University latest autumn 2009.
The project will be finished with information and education
The results of the project has big economical impact on Swedish pig production and a lot of effort will be on implementing the new system in practical pig production. Education of people formulating diets and advisors will be provided.
Project manager:
Leif Göransson