THE IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION FOR A HEALTHY HERD

Nutrition is a cornerstone of profitable pig production, influencing every aspect of pig growth, health and performance.

By prioritising nutrition and implementing sound dietary management practices, pig producers can enhance productivity, efficiency and profitability, while promoting the well-being of their animals and the sustainability of their operations.

Providing pigs with a balanced and nutritious diet ensures that they grow efficiently and reach their maximum genetic potential for growth and performance.

Proper nutrition supports muscle development, body composition and overall health, leading to faster weight gain and improved feed conversion efficiency.

Nutrition influences the reproductive performance of sows and boars, impacting fertility, conception rates, litter size, and the health of piglets. Adequate nutrition during gestation and lactation is essential for supporting foetal development, milk production, and the survival and growth of piglets.

A well-balanced diet strengthens the pigs’ immune system, making them more resistant to diseases and infections. Essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids play a key role in immune function, helping pigs fight off pathogens and recover from stressors more effectively. Nutrition affects the quality characteristics of pork, including meat composition, marbling, tenderness, flavour and juiciness. Proper dietary management can enhance meat quality attributes desired by consumers, leading to higher market value and profitability for pork producers. Efficient nutrient utilisation and feed conversion efficiency are critical for optimising feed costs and minimising production expenses. Formulating diets that meet pigs’ nutritional requirements while minimising wastage and excess nutrient excretion can help maximise feed efficiency and profitability. Balanced nutrition contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing nutrient excretion and minimising the environmental impact. By optimising nutrient utilisation and minimising feed waste, producers can mitigate nutrient run-off, minimise greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable farming practices.