As free amino acids are added to the mineral feed according to need, protein ingredients such as soy bean or rapeseed extraction meal can be reduced in the feed. This targeted reduction in sources of protein is achieved by including eight digestible amino acids in the ration calculation, for example. The proportion of the farm's own grain can then be increased in rations accordingly. These reformulations provide greater net energy in the feed. Nutrient-optimised feed also diminishes strain on the metabolism for the animal. This is because it avoids excessive protein supply to animals (overconsumption), thus minimising energy-consuming excretion of protein nitrogen in the form of faeces and urine.
Amino acid supply according to need
The needs-based supply of amino acids to the pig brings other advantages, which the German Agricultural Society (DLG) summarises as follows:
- Up to 30 per cent less nitrogen discharge into the environment from pig farming
- Improved shed climate
- Up to 10 per cent saving on feed with lower feed intake thanks to savings on protein animal feed
- Up to 10 per cent less liquid manure
- Animal health stabilised
The efficient phytase content in mineral feeds optimises digestion of phythin-based phosphorus from plant feeds, thus enabling savings on mineral phosphorous sources such as monocalcium phosphate in formulas. The DLG specifications for feedstuff with greatly reduced nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) levels can thus be easily met. Compliance will become increasingly important for operation-specific nutrient balance on farms after the amendment to the German Fertiliser Ordinance.
Optimal roughage supply
The VitaMiral concept adds VitaMiral Fasercell to the range to ensure optimal roughage supply to animals. This product comprises ingredients such as pomace and molasses cuttings. Its very high product-specific raw fibre content of 42 per cent also allows a high proportion of the farm's own grain components to be used in sow feedstuffs.
The newly developed mineral feed types are available as three- or five-per cent sensor mineral feeds for different usage rates. Sensor mineral feed offers advantages such as greater dosage accuracy for small quantities, for example with piglet sensor feeding. These types are also eminently suitable for rations which contain a high percentage of the farm's own heavy grain due to their roughage content.
Nutrient-optimised feed also diminishes strain on the metabolism for the animal.
