Monitoring Nutrient Deficiencies in Pigs

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Latest Pig Industry News

Friday, January 02, 2009

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Monitoring Nutrient Deficiencies in Pigs

US - A new South Dakota State University publication explains how to monitor certain nutrient deficiencies in starter, growing, and finishing pigs.

With current high feed costs and lower market prices for pigs, producers are looking for ways they can to reduce the cost of production. Since feed represents more than 70 per cent of the cost of raising pigs, producers often look to lower production costs by reconsidering their feed options.

Phosphorus is one of the more expensive ingredients used in supplementing pig diets, and many producers have decreased the level of supplemental phosphorus levels in swine diets.

The publication looks at the increasing costs of dietary ingredients, and spells out the necessity of calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D3 in the diets of pigs of various ages and weights.

Using tables to explain the required levels of these key nutrients, the publication offers illustrations of various problems such as rachitic rosaries and abnormal bone formation caused when producers do not provide adequate levels of calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D3.

Chris Hostetler and Bob Thaler, both faculty members in the SDSU Department of Animal and Range Sciences, authored the publication.