Considering that swine nutrition constitutes the majority of production costs, it is vital to consider economic factors when formulating feeds. While simply increasing soybean meal levels can improve pig performance, one must take into account the final cost and market projections, which are crucial in determining the most cost-effective formulation strategy. In this episode, Dr. Jamil Faccin discusses a study on soybean meal levels in pig diets and their effects on performance. The research aim...

The efficient metabolization of trace minerals, such as zinc and copper, is essential for the well-being and growth of post-weaning piglets. Along with proper supplementation and feeding strategies, those minerals are critical to supporting the physiological processes, immune function, and overall health of the animals during this crucial stage of development. So in this episode, Dr. Danyel Bueno Dalto shares some research on providing different levels of zinc oxide and analyzing the metabolism ...

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) play a crucial role in the nutrition and health of pigs. Namely, leucine, isoleucine, and valine have to be provided on the diet because they are essential for muscle tissue growth, development, and maintenance in swine. In this episode, Dalton Humphrey, M.Sc., discusses amino acid metabolism and requirements, essentially BCAAs, of nursery pigs.

Meet the guest

Dalton Humphrey

Experience

      ○ Current: Ph.D. student and Graduate Research Assistant at...

Managing swine manure is a critical environmental challenge that must be met in order to curtail greenhouse gas emissions, alleviate pollution hazards, and maximize the beneficial utilization of organic waste in agriculture. By integrating inventive strategies with cutting-edge technologies, the agricultural sector can achieve that goal of making substantial advancements in emission reduction and ensuring long-term sustainability. In this episode, Dr. Rajagopal delves into livestock waste manage...

Fiber has a critical role in the diets of gestation sows, but what exactly do we know about its composition and its impact on the metabolism of the animals? Can diets be optimized to account for all the benefits of fiber to gestation sows? In this episode, Thomas Crome discusses his studies that involve different fiber types and focus on sow metabolism and microbiome. The research compares diets containing insoluble and soluble fiber, with and without a multi-carbohydrate product, and analyzes m...

Using data to monitor and improve swine performance is increasingly important today, so how can we improve collection and interpretation in order to use it more effectively? There are novel ways in which data can be understood for us to get better insights into how swine researchers can improve its use through different indicators and proper actions generated from various sources. In this episode, Dr. Carlos Piñeiro discusses his experience analyzing and monitoring health and production indicato...

Manganese is an essential nutrient in pig diets. First, because it plays a crucial role in various physiological and biochemical processes, such as bone development in piglets. Second, because it has antioxidant properties, since enzymes help minimize the production of reactive oxygen species and the synthesis of a precursor to cholesterol, for instance. In this episode, Dr. Clint Edmunds discusses a study that involved supplementing sow feed with manganese and analyzing its effects on sows and ...