Multinational feed additives producer Nutriad, headquartered in Belgium, was a Gold Sponsor of the Pig Feed Quality Conference that was held in Bangkok (Thailand) on April 26 & 27. This year’s conference centered on nutrition of the sow, increasing feed intake in tropical conditions and reducing feed costs. Nutriad’s expertise on swine nutrition and health in general and on feed intake, was at full display during the event.
At critical points during pig production appetite and feed intake are often compromised by a variety of factors such as weaning, diet transition, unpalatable feed ingredients and heat stress. Ab Greven, Commercial Manager Palatability, presented on “Animal Behavior and Feed Intake.“ Mr. Greven explained Krave AP and Delistart K-Link stimulates feed intake in tropical climates. Sensory learning helps piglets to show less food neophobia and improve feed intake pre- and post-weaning. An extra 10% feed intake of piglets in the week after weaning can be realized by applying this innovative concept. Other benefits of the sensory learning are improved sow feed intake, more and heavier piglets at weaning, improved litter uniformity and improved daily weight gain.