Neutral detergent fibers (NDF) and arabinoxylans (AX) negatively impact the general digestibility, amino acid absorption, and digestible energy in swine diets. Low-cost ingredients like corn DDGS and wheat brans contribute more NDF and AX to the diet than straight cereals. The main way to alleviate this negative impact, whilst at the same time lowering diet costs, is to use a multi-carbohydrase.
New studies are revealing more about how carbohydrases are improving profitability. Rovabio® Advance is the world’s most widely fed carbohydrase. It is a multicarbohydrase produced by Adisseo’s patented fungal organism containing xylanase, β-glucanase and de-branching enzymes just to name a few. Departing from a strong scientific bases, Adisseo have already demonstrated and published about the importance of the specific enzymes listed above, explored the variability of NDF and AX content in raw materials, and the relation between these factors on top of phytase. Once again, we are able to go further and bring to the producer predictable improvement when feeding fattening pigs with Rovabio® Advance by examining how Rovabio® Advance works under different industry-like conditions.
Past studies have revealed how Rovabio® Advance improves digestibility and that response is higher the more fiber that we feed. We are now turning our attention to how Rovabio® Advance impacts pig performance and profitability under the actual scenario of raw material prices, high prolific genetics, and no growth promoters. Over the past few years, we have conducted several studies primarily with large groups of pigs in conditions similar to our North American customers and with diets applicable to the region.
First let’s examine studies in which we see a reduction in mortality and/or morbidity. For both studies we fed over 1200 pigs of DNA genetics in wean to finish barns in Iowa. In our first study we fed Rovabio® Advance in two diets that differed in energy content. In this study, death loss was very low and was the same with or without Rovabio® Advance. Despite the low mortality, morbidity (measured by pigs removed from test) was quite high (over 8%) in the diets without Rovabio® Advance and was reduced by almost 40% when Rovabio® Advance was fed (P=0.05). This resulted in more than 3% more pigs being marketed with Rovabio® Advance. In this study income over feed was improved by more than $8.00 per pig placed when Rovabio® was fed. In a second study feeding Rovabio® Advance reduced mortality and morbidity by nearly 40% (P=0.08). In this study feeding Rovabio® Advance increased (P=0.02) income over feed by over $7.00 per pig placed. Mortality and morbidity reductions for the two studies are presented in Figure 1. These studies illustrate the dramatic improvements in pig income and profitability when carbohydrases improve pig mortality and morbidity.
Mortality and morbidity were not improved in all studies. In four additional studies involving over 3,000 pigs no statistical differences in mortality or morbidity were observed. In these four studies final pig weight was numerically improved in all four studies and feed efficiency in 3 of the 4 studies. Statistical improvement (P<0.05) in final pig weight was found in one study and feed conversion responses noted in two of the studies. Interestingly, the growth performance responses in these four studies were more favorable than the two studies where mortality and morbidity were reduced. Across the four studies final pig weight was improved by 4.8 lb (2,2 kg) and feed efficiency was improved by 1.5%.
| Mortality and Morbidity Response | No Mortality and Morbidity Response | |
|---|---|---|
| Final Weight, lb | — | +4.8 |
| Feed:Gain | — | -1.5% |
| Carcass price, $/cwt | +0.25 | — |
| Mortality | -29% | — |
| Morbidity | -36% | — |
| Return/pig placed | +3.08 | +2.43 |
Return on investment
for Rovabio® Advance | 1.9 | 5.49 |
We modeled two different responses – with a mortality and morbidity response and without. In both scenarios we used an average feed price of $285/ton and a pig price of $100.00/cwt of carcass. For the mortality and morbidity response the price was increased by $0.25/cwt of carcass and the death loss and morbidity were reduced 29% and 36%, respectively from 3.5%. For the scenario without the mortality and morbidity response the final pig weight was increased by 4.8 lb (2,2 kg) and feed efficiency improved by 1.5%. Results of these scenarios are presented in Table 1. Despite no differences in performance the mortality and morbidity response gave a greater return per pig placed ($3.08 vs 2.43). The most important factor is that both scenarios resulted in substantial improvements in profitability.
By Mark Giesemann, Technical Manager for Swine in North America, Adisseo
Marcio Ceccantini, Global Scientific & Technical manager, Adisseo
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Product names and availability may vary by region, please contact your local Adisseo representative for more information.
Cereals used as feed ingredients contain indigestible fractions fibers which lower feed digestibility. Breaking down these components requires specific enzymes to be added into the feed. This is crucial to avoid the loss of valuable nutrients and its economic and environmental impact.
Rovabio® is a range of enzyme solutions that improves the digestibility of feedstuffs from vegetal origin for animals, poultry and swine. Rovabio® delivers cost savings and animal performance while contributing to a better breeding environment, for more sustainability.
You want to know more about one of our enzyme solutions, click on the below related buttons.
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