The model uses the factorial approach to estimate the sow’s ultimate requirements. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

At the request of the animal feed industry, project leader Christiaan Buitink along with a pig researcher, Benthem de Grave developed the SowModel, by collecting input data using available manuals and scientific literature on the nutritional needs of sows in different life stages

The model uses the factorial approach to estimate the sow’s ultimate requirements for net energy, SID lysine, available calcium and digestible phosphorus. A number of factors including litter number and condition, development of the sow, feed composition and intake, litter size, weaning age, birth and weaning weight of the piglets, ambient temperature and straw usage are taken into consideration. 

SowModel also provides users the option to calculate two scenarios side by side. For example, the needs of a first litter and an older sow can be easily compared, with results being displayed both graphically as well as in tabular form. These needs can then be directly compared with the applied feed amount and composition. 

Using the table, users can estimate the extent to which the feed used meets the needs of the sow on each day of gestation or lactation. This enables users to make targeted choices and to adjust the feeding schedule, feed composition, stable climate or management on the sow farm where necessary to improve the zootechnical results, but also animal health and welfare.

The SowModel, which currently works as an Excel calculation tool, and is available in seven different languages, can soon be accessed via the SFR website in the near future. 

BetaTrace has been built by combing betaine and organic trace minerals. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

BetaTrace is a notable source of organic zinc, copper, manganese and iron designed for every animal species

It was introduced in early November last year and is pending a patent. Being a supporter of animal well being and performance, BetaTrace aims to identify and address the issues concerning modern livestock farming. It performs a variety of useful functions which includes boosting gut integrity, improving immunity, reducing oxidative stress and enhancing energy metabolism. Moreover, being water soluble, it finds ideal usage in vitamin-mineral premixes, compound feeds, or feed supplements. 

BetaTrace has been built by combing betaine and organic trace minerals, in turn providing improved absorption compared to conventional inorganic trace mineral sources such as sulfates. While trace minerals serve as essential components or cofactors of numerous enzymes, vitamins, and hormones, betaine on the other hand, provides excellent methyl group donor capability that is particularly needed in protein and lipid metabolism.

“We worked hard to bring this next generation of trace minerals to life,” said Dr Susanne Rothstein, product manager Organic Minerals at Biochem. “We believe the two-in-one BetaTrace will greatly benefit high yielding and young animals, which often have higher metabolic requirements. The perfect match of binding partner and trace mineral in BetaTrace intensively supports performance and health.”

The camel thorn tree grows naturally and requires minimal agronomic inputs, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to conventional grain-based feeds. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

A study published in the Meat Science Journal found that Vachellia erioloba, commonly known as camel thorn tree serves as an efficient natural feed supplement in lamb feed, when paired with ammoniated maize stover 

The leaves of this tree which thrives in arid regions of Africa including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, southwest Mozambique, Zambia, Eswatini and the western reaches of Zimbabwe, are found to be a protein-rich and highly digestable plant resource. Moreover, the tree grows naturally and requires minimal agronomic inputs, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to conventional grain-based feeds.

The co-ingredient, maize stover, is a common agricultural by-product that lacks adequate nutrition on its own. However, when treated with ammonia and supplemented with Vachellia erioloba leaf meal, the resulting feed obtained contains significantly high levels of protein that can promote weight gain and feed efficiency in lambs. 

Research carried out on the meat obtained from lambs who had consumed this enriched feed showed an improvement in fatty acid composition. The meat was found to contain higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids that are essential for human health. Moreover, a notable improvement in meat texture and taste, owing to higher water-holding capacity, was also observed. 

The study authors suggested that the Rumin8 oil IVP had the potential to reduce enteric methane emissions. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

An animal trial conducted on Rumin8 by the Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) found a 95.2% reduction in enteric methane emissions, marking an important milestone for the company

The trial involved 24 cattle split into three groups and fed a total mixed ration (TMR). The effects of the Rumin8 Investigational Veterinary Product (IVP) on enteric gas emissions, animal production parameters and the rumen environment were evaluated. Upon adding Rumin8’s oil IVP to the feed, a 95.2% reduction in total methane emissions was noted, with methane yield (g/kg DMI) reducing by 93%, and methane intensity (g/kg ADG) going down by 93.4%.

The study authors suggested that the Rumin8 oil IVP, containing synthetic bromoform (or tribromomethane), had the potential to reduce enteric methane emissions. They also noted that animal source foods provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients with high bioavailability, which is key to addressing global undernutrition. Consumption of meat and milk is forecast to increase by 73% and 58% respectively by 2050, and “reducing enteric methane emissions is therefore crucial to mitigate the environmental impact of livestock systems and to achieve national and international climate goals.”

By making use of a highly scalable, consistent and cost-efficient pharmaceutical process, Rumin8's patented technology stabilises the target compound, tribromomethane, known to be the most effective anti-methanogenic compound studied to date. This marks an important milestone for the company which is currently on the pursuit for regulatory approval for its feed and water delivered methane reducing additives. Additional trials are also underway in key cattle markets gloablly.