The primary objective at Feed Research is the formulation of swine feed to
produce pork at the lowest possible cost. The protein and energy portions of
swine feeds represent 80 - 90 percent of the total feed cost. Therefore, the
greatest potential for reducing the feed cost per pound of pork involves
protein and energy. The research and development of FARMIX was directed
at the protein portion to eliminate excess protein and maintain optimum
performance at the same time.
Amino acids are the building blocks for protein in the animal’s body. The
amino acids are classified as essential and nonessentiat, but both groups
are used for protein synthesis. The pig requires 10 essential amino acids to
be present in the feed, but can make the nonessential amino acids.
Historically, swine rations have been formulated to meet a certain crude
protein level. More recently, total levels of a few essential amino acids, in
addition to protein, have been used in formulation. The shortcomings with
this type of formulation are: 1) The relationship between crude protein and
individual amino acid levels and their, availability to the pig are not
necessarily in direct proportion; 2) Using a minimum crude protein level to
mdet the first limiting amino acid (lysine) may result in excesses of some'
other essential amino acids; 3) Formulation based on traditional protein’
value will be more volatile in price during periods of rising costs for protein
ingredients.
When the above factors were taken into consideration, a new method of
computer formulation was developed using the following basis:
1. The requirements for the ten essential amino acids were met and protein
levels were disregarded.
2. The requirements for the ten essential amino acids were met according
to a certain pattern (balance) to minimize excesses of some amino acids
that could be detrimental to performance.
was used in
formulation. Total levels of amino acids are determined in the lab
whereas Available Amino Acid values are determined with feeding
trials.
level of Available Amino Acids in varii
We started with the concept that swine feeds could be formulated on an
available amino acid basis. Next came an intensive review of the scientific
literature. Much credit should be given the many university and govern
ment researchers all over the world for their basic research on the available
amino acid content of individual feed ingredients. However, a practical
program was needed to supplement this basic research and translate it into
usable form.
The amino acid density in FARMIX was selected to give excellent per
formance when mixed at the recommended rates. Under good
Three years of intensive research, with approximately 9,000 pigs, were management, the pork producer can expect average daily gains of 1.72 and
required to refine the values for available amino acids. The thrust of the feed to gain ratios of 3.08 when pigs are fed from 50 pounds to market
experimental work at Master Mix Research was directed at three areas: weight.
Call Your Master Mix Dealer Today And Get The Facts On Producing A Cheaper Pound Of Pork
Master
Mix ®
More to gain
HOG PRODUCERS!
Available Amino Acid Research
DISCUSSION
ms f(
PINOLAFEED
& SUPPLY INC.
Shippensburg. PA
(717)532-5418
LEROY M. SENSENIG INC.
Ephrata, PA
(717) 733-8668
ROSS H. ROHRER PARADISE SUPPLY
& SONS. INC. nSS&gf
Quarryville. PA (717)687-6232
(717)786-3372
1. Redefine the minimum amino acid requirements of the ten essential
amino acids.
2. Determine the amino acid requirements according to a specific pattern
(balance). In addition to meeting the minimum amino acid
requirements, we found the ratios between certain amino acids to be
very critical for maximum performance. A similar example is the im
portance of Ca:P ratio. The reduction of excessive amounts of some
essential amino acids results in improved performance and reduced
cost of gain.
3. Determine the availability of each essential amino acid for every major
ingredient using the pig as the ultimate judge. Thus a new set of values
.(available amino acid levels) were developed and used which are dif
ferent from the total (analytical) values found in the literature.
4. Determine pigs’ requirements on the AAA basis.
With this information at hand, the computer formulation of swine feeds on
the AAA basis was feasible. Rations formulated on this concept were tested
repeatedly against rations formulated on a protein basis. The results were
improved performance, leaner pigs and lower cost per pound of gain.
FARMIX represents the first application of the available amino acid concept
for swine feeds. Some of the advantages of the new method of formulation
(AAA basis) realized in the FARMIX program are the following;
1. Excesses of essential amino acids are minimized
2. Ingredients are evaluated on their true contribution of amino acids
for protein synthesis.
3. Performance of the pig is more consistent.
4. The impact of ingredient price fluctuation is reduced because of
increased ingredient flexibility.
5. FARMIX is manufactured in crumblized form for more efficient
handling, mixing and distribution.
6. FARMIX is a flexible program since only one concentrate and two
pacs (Swine Breeder Pac and FARMIX Starter Pac) are required
for the entire herd.
GRUBB SUPPLY CO.
Elizabethtown, PA
(717)367-1525
SERVICE FEED & SUPPLY CO.
Cardiff. Maryland
(301)452-8444
(717)456-7433
Lancaster Farming, Saturday, March 12,1977 —:
FARMIX Pork Program
MIFFLINBURG HOLLINGER FARM
FARMERS EXCHANGE 4 HOME SUPPLY
Mifflmburi, PA Litrtz, PA
(717)966-1001 (717)626-2330
SPANGLER &
SPRENKLE INC.
York. PA
(717) 843-8889
STEWARTSTOWN MILLING
Stewartslown. PA
(717)993-2055
VAN-MAR FEEDS, INC.
West on M9er SI.
ShoemakersvSe, PA
|215) 926-2121 or)215) 926-1230
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