Dr Ioannis Mavromichalis
Despite numerous research studies and practical
observation trials, the puzzle over 'pellets versus meal' remains confusing for
most producers and their consultants. The reason lies behind the fact that
results of using either form of feed remain largely farm-specific. Let me
explain.
Despite numerous research studies and practical
observation trials, the puzzle over 'pellets versus meal' remains confusing for
most producers and their consultants. The reason lies behind the fact that
results of using either form of feed remain largely farm-specific. Let me
explain.
Invariably, pellets offer advantages in terms of palatability,
increased nutrient density per unit of volume, reduced wastage, better
flowability and in some cases improved nutrient
digestibility.
Nevertheless, there is always a cost associated with
producing pellets and this cost must be offset by an equal return on investment,
which is easily translated as an improvement in feed efficiency.
Young pigs
Most experts would
agree that young pigs, that is below 30 kg body weight, are the most likely to
benefit from pelleted feed. The expected improvement in feed efficiency in this
case is between 5 and 10%.
Crowded piglets appear to benefit most from
pelleted feed as feed competition in the feeder is partially offset by a quicker
or larger meal.
Growing-finishing pigs
In contrast, growing-finishing pigs rarely benefit
directly from pelleted feed and the improvement in feed efficiency is usually
below 5%.
In this case, the increase in feed cost should not exceed the
increase in feed efficiency, for pelleting to be a profitable
application.
Sows
For
sows, the only case pelleted feed is recommended is when lactating sows fail to
consume a sufficient amount of feed to produce piglets of acceptable body weight
at weaning.
In this case, an increase of 10% in feed intake and feed efficiency is not unexpected, but again this
tends to be very farm-specific.
Weaned piglets
So, where is the confusion regarding the issue of
pellets versus meal? It is in weaned piglets. Research has shown that weaned
piglets consume more feed (as much as 15% more) when they are offered pellets.
But, practical observations indicate that in certain cases piglets
offered a meal diet either start eating faster or scour less. So, what is
happening?
Easier to consume
I believe that in the first case, the meal diet is
easier to consume if you compare it to pellets. Pellets are really hard and thus
it depresses feed intake as weaned pigs have a hard time chewing them.
Research has clearly demonstrated that very young pigs prefer a meal
diet over a hard pellet.
Also, in pelleted diets aromas tend to
disappear faster and thus, any effect such additives might have are stronger in
meal diets.
Last, but not least, is the fact that piglet diets in meal
are sticky and thus, they tend to stick on pig noses as they explore their
environment in the first hours post-weaning. This forces the piglets to lick the
feed off, which in turn helps them recognize it as a form of
nourishment!
Incidence of scours
The issue regarding the increased incidence of scours
in pigs offered pelleted diets is more serious and deserves increased attention.
First, it is true that meal diets support a less fluid digesta, which
precludes secretory diarrhoea.
Also, with meal diets an indirect feed
restriction is imposed as piglets tend to eat less of a meal diet (that is,
compared to a properly manufactured pellet). Thus, less indigestible material
reaches the hindgut to promote proliferation of harmful bacteria. In my opinion,
piglets prone to diarrhoeas should not be offered pelleted diets, at least
immediately after weaning.
Variable response
So, to recap, pelleting is a beneficial form of feed
processing, but pigs respond quite variably to it, and thus the decision to use
this application must be based on actual farm observations.
Animals most likely to benefit from pelleting are lactating
sows and young piglets. However, the latter might actually benefit more from a
meal diet if they suffer from post-weaning scours.
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