DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ENERGY-SAVING ELEMENTS OF PIG FATTENING TECHNOLOGY UNDER CONDITIONS OF LIMITED FEED RESOURCES

Abstract

In cases of feed ingredient shortages caused by the negative consequences of the war in Ukraine or under other circumstances, pig production enterprises should apply flexible feed formulations adapted to the available feed resources and existing feed stocks. Under such conditions, during the earlier stages of pig ontogenesis (pre-starter, starter, and grower periods), it is necessary to maximize the use of local resources such as soybean meal, sunflower meal, legumes, grain processing by-products, feed yeast, and dried distillers’ grains.
One approach to addressing protein shortages in rations is the optimization of dietary protein (specifically amino acid composition) during the fattening phase through the use of synthetic crystalline amino acids, following the principle of the "ideal protein." The "ideal protein" concept ensures that all essential amino acids are supplied in the correct proportions relative to lysine. In our study, the following approximate ratios to lysine were used: methionine + cystine ≈ 55–65% of lysine; threonine ≈ 65–70% of lysine; tryptophan ≈ 16–20% of lysine. For effective implementation of the "ideal protein" principle, actual analysis of protein and amino acid content in available feed ingredients should be carried out.
Based on the economic efficiency observed in our research, it can be preliminarily concluded that in some cases it is more cost-effective to use low-protein diets supplemented with synthetic amino acids according to the "ideal protein" concept rather than purchasing high-protein feed ingredients.
Future research will focus on testing the long-term applicability of compound feeds developed under the "ideal protein" principle, exploring methods to improve feed intake, and assessing both the positive and negative effects of such feeding strategies in young pigs, particularly with regard to the quality of pork and fat products.