http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/nutrition RSS Feed for Nutrition en-us Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:15:00 GMT http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/nutrition/Feeding-corn-germ-to-pigs-does-not-affect-growth-performance-203058411.html Inclusion of corn germ in swine diets can reduce diet costs, depending on the local cost of corn germ and other ingredients. Recent research conducted at the University of Illinois indicates that corn germ can be included at up to 30 percent in diets fed to growing pigs. http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/nutrition/Heavier-pigs-at-birth-may-result-in-greater-productivity-187726601.html When it comes to litters, size matters. Larger numbers of pigs per litter have a direct correlation with an operation’s total pigs marketed; however, for these pigs to meet their full potential, adequate birth weights are necessary. http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/nutrition/New-or-expanding-livestock-operations-must-assess-water-needs-187441311.html Producers who plan to start or expand a livestock operation need to think about water before moving forward. There are three main uses of water in a livestock operation: drinking water, cooling systems and washing of equipment and buildings. http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/nutrition/Brumm-Speaks-Out-Our-understanding-of-the-pigs-nutritional-needs-183513281.html "When we combine the improved nutritional understanding with improved housing conditions, improved feeders and improved genetics, we have the basis for today’s world-class pig performance," according to Mike Brumm, Brumm Swine Consultancy. http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/nutrition/Alternative-grains-affect-return-over-cost-182010451.html Using alternative grains may lower diet cost per ton. However, due to reduced performance the actual return over feed costs may be lower also. Lower-cost diets do not necessarily mean better returns. http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/nutrition/Livestock-producers-face-tighter-supplies-of-DGS-181356671.html Livestock operations with a nearby ethanol plant have had the opportunity for an alternative feed supply to compete with higher-priced corn and soybean meal in recent years. However, dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) has become a valuable and dependable livestock feed, but its availability could become tight in coming months. http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/nutrition/Focusing-on-soybean-oil-180859561.html The sharp increase in soybean prices that began in June and peaked in early September was carried more by soybean meal prices than by soybean oil prices. http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/nutrition/Vitamin-D-essential-in-promoting-sow-health-and-piglet-growth--180242451.html The changing of seasons may result in seasonal Vitamin D deficiency in sows. Research shows that supplementation of the “sunshine vitamin” becomes especially important in sow performance as the hours of natural sunlight dwindle into winter. http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/nutrition/Alltech-explores-interactions-between-genetics-and-nutrition-179499321.html It is often said that we feed our livestock better than we feed ourselves. Those words may now ring a little truer on many farms across the United States. Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition, recently launched a series of new species solution programs aimed at helping animals reach their full genetic potential. http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/nutrition/Production-efficiency-can-offset-higher-feed-costs-177978971.html With record corn and soybean meal prices, many hog producers are looking at alternative feed sources. However, improving the efficiency of current feeds is where producers should look to cut costs, says a University of Missouri Extension swine nutritionist.