Enhancing Swine Nutrition: Important Considerations for Updating the Nutrient Requirements of Swine Report
Written by: Guest | April 9, 2024
By Chad Risley, Ph.D., global feed research and development director, Berg+Schmidt America
Since 1944, the National Research Council,
and now the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM), has published 11 editions of the Nutrient Requirements of Swine. As the primary reference for developing swine diets, the 12th edition will be a valued resource to feed industry members, their customers, swine nutritionists and researchers. The Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), with the National Pork Board, National Corn Growers Association and United Soybean Board, is providing funds and industry feedback to support the revision.
Since the 11th edition in 2012, there have been changes both in the swine industry and in feed ingredients. With the dynamic nature of the swine industry and advancements in feed ingredients and technology, the time is overdue for an update to reflect these changes.
Industry Engagement: Shifting Paradigms in the NASEM Process
In July 2023, NASEM convened an expert panel with the task of developing an updated edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Swine report. The expert panel is comprised of individuals from academic and research institutions and excludes representatives from the feed ingredient and animal production industry. Consequently, industry stakeholders often found themselves on the periphery of the decision-making process, with limited opportunities to contribute their perspectives, concerns and focus areas.
Work on this edition marks a departure from this precedent. As a sponsor supporting the development of the Nutrient Requirements of Swine's 12th edition, NASEM offered IFEEDER the opportunity to provide insight, highlight focus areas and express concerns regarding swine nutrition. This shift represents a substantial step forward, offering a platform for industry to engage directly with the expert panel overseeing the update process.
To support the project, IFEEDER formed the Swine NASEM Advisory Group, consisting of industry members contributing to the project, to develop industry input and organize resources for the NASEM expert panel’s consideration. The IFEEDER group presented its input to the expert panel in October 2023.
While the extent to which industry input will be integrated into the final publication remains unknown, the acknowledgment of industry perspectives signifies progress. By listening to what the industry deems important, the NASEM expert panel demonstrates a willingness to consider industry viewpoints. It is hoped that this engagement, whether consciously or unconsciously, will shape the final publication, ensuring that it reflects the collective wisdom of both academia and industry.
Considerations: Industry Insights and Scientific Advancements
The IFEEDER Swine NASEM Advisory group highlighted several key areas that necessitate attention in the updated Nutrient Requirements of Swine Report:
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Ingredients from the biofuels industry: Advancements in the biofuels industry have led to the production of several new feed ingredients. While dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) remain a major co-product from corn, technological enhancements have resulted in lower fat content and energy concentrations in today's DDGS. Due to the natural reduction of phytate levels in the distilling process, errors may arise in assessing phosphorus release when using phytase in high DDGS diets. It's crucial to recognize the differences in phosphorus release between high DDGS diets and those predominantly composed of corn and soybean meal to avoid inaccuracies in formulation and ensure optimal nutrient utilization in swine diets.
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Ingredients from the soybean industry: Soybean meal is the most important source of amino acids in swine diets. However, with the increase in yields and genetic advancements, research has shown that the net energy of soybean meal needs to be re-evaluated. The swine industry expresses concerns about declining protein levels in soybean meal compared to previous standards. There is also a lack of discussion on the trypsin inhibitor levels in soybean meal and its effects on swine diets. It is important to explore the role of soybean meal levels in animal health. Are we primarily aiming for improved health, enhanced efficiency, sustainable practices or optimized performance? Defining the target outcome significantly influences the formulation process. In addition, the oil values in the current report are outdated and need to be updated to reflect current oil production processes for both corn and soy.
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Feed additives: Due to restrictions on antibiotic feed additives and the increased use of fibrous feed ingredients in swine diets, various feed additives have gained prominence in recent years. These include acidifiers, probiotics, plant extracts, prebiotics, yeast products, enzymes and more. The continuous development of new and more effective additives necessitates a comprehensive review of the literature to update recommendations. Urgency is warranted as some additives have shown potential in improving intestinal health, offering alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. Industry feedback highlights the importance of considering postbiotics, specifying plant extracts and connecting additives to functional benefits and measurable economic outcomes. There is also a call for integrating feeding for performance into the updated recommendations, similar to the recent Nutrient Requirements of Dairy report update.
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Feed technology: Technological advancements in feed processing offer potential for enhanced efficiency and reduced nutrient excretion in swine production. Since the last edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Swine, significant new information has emerged in this area, creating a need for updated guidance. Engaging industry experts and considering the impacts of feed manufacturing on nutrient utilization and animal performance are crucial steps in ensuring comprehensive coverage in the updated report.
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Nutrient requirements by growth stage: In the current edition, while all chapters focus on nutritional components, the title of the book, "Nutrient Requirements of Swine," may suggest a broader scope. Notably, there are no dedicated chapters discussing the nutrient requirements of crucial developmental stages, such as developing gilts, gestating gilts, lactating sows and weaned pigs. The existing information primarily exists in tables, lacking in-depth discussion and supporting literature. Encouraging the panel to include comprehensive discussions on the significance of nutritional requirements at each developmental stage, alongside considerations of genetics and crossbreeding, would greatly enhance the usefulness and applicability of the forthcoming edition.
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As the swine industry continues to evolve, so must our understanding of swine nutrition. The forthcoming edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Swine represents an opportunity to synthesize cutting-edge research, industry insights and technological advancements into a comprehensive and actionable resource. To stay up to date on this effort, visit IFEEDER’s project page.