Fiber: the missing link!

Fiber is an essential component of sow diets – but historically, there’s been little information available on the recommended dietary requirement. 

• Compared to global markets, sow diets in the US typically contain lower levels of total dietary fiber (TDF).  
• Moreover, experiments with gestating sows in Europe have demonstrated that increasing TDF pre-farrow can improve sow productivity and pre-weaning piglet performance.
• So, it’s quite possible there is a limitation of daily fiber intake in US sow diets.

With all of that in mind, the question is: do US sows need more fiber?

• The key for successful fiber formulation is the ability to accurately and cost-effectively measure fiber composition. 
• Fiber calibrations are now available for Near-infrared spectrophotometry (NIR). That allows us to measure TDF in raw materials and enables nutritionists to formulate the fiber composition of their diets more accurately. 

A new fiber calculator – by AB Vista – is available. With it, you can determine the total dietary fiber levels in your feed! To check it out, click here, and enjoy.