• Topics: Animal Sciences  | Swine Feed and Nutrition  |  Myer, Robert O 

Guideline for Using Alternative Feedstuffs¹

Traditionally, feed for pork production in developed countries consists mainly of cereal grains, such as corn, and oilseed meals, such as soybean meal. Pigs, however, can and have used a wide range of feedstuffs. Many of these “alternative” feedstuffs that can be used are byproducts (or coproducts) and edible waste products from the food processing, food preparation and food service industries. Example industries include grain milling, brewing and distillation, baking, fruit and vegetable processing, meat, milk and egg processing, seafood processing, prepared food manufacturing, and retail food outlets. Other alternatives include feedstuffs that are not commonly fed to pigs but that may be fed during times of low prices and/or surpluses, or during shortages of more traditional feedstuffs. Alternative feedstuffs may also include feedstuffs available locally that can be economical substitutes for more traditional feedstuffs that are not not readily available or are expensive locally.

In the future, the variety and quantity of byproducts and edible wastes are expected to increase, and disposal options for many of these wastes, such as landfills, will become more limited and costly. Thus, the role of pigs in recycling and ”adding value” to many of these byproducts and wastes will become increasingly important as a viable waste management option.

A number of factors and questions must be considered before one decides to feed an alternative feedstuff to pigs.

Gross Compostion and Quality

A visual gross appraisal of the potential alternative feedstuff should be done for identification purposes and to ensure consistency of composition. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) official publication gives detailed descriptions and nomenclature of many feedstuffs (www.aafco.org).

Proper identification of the feedstuff is important as there is much information already published on many potential altenative feedstuffs (see references). This information could be useful in initial assessments of whether or not one may use an alternative feedstuff.

Nutrient Composition and Nutrient Availability

The best advice would be to have representative samples periodically analyzed for important nutrients. Feedstuff composition tables such as those published by the National Research Council (i.e., NRC, 1982, 1998) can also be used, but be aware that these tables generally report only averages based on information on hand at the time of their publication. Also, nutrient compositions of some feedstuffs have changed over time due to introduction of different cultivars and (or) changes in processing.

The desirable nutrient information for an alternative feedstuff includes contents of energy (DE or ME), crude protein, essential amino acids, fiber, fat, calcium, phosphorus, salt (NaCl), ash, and moisture. Minimum information would include contents of lysine, phosphorus and energy. While it is best to do an amino acid analysis to obtain the lysine content, the content of this essential amino acid can be estimated from crude protein content by a professional animal nutritionist. Likewise, direct determination of energy content of a feedstuff is rather difficult, but it can be estimated from its composition. Relationships of protein and lysine content of many feedstuffs are given in NRC (1998). Equations are also given in NRC (1998) to predict DE and ME from chemical composition. Be aware that processing, especially heat processing, and/or the presence of antinutritional factors can decrease nutrient availability, especially lysine availability.

Suitability and Palatability

The suitability of an alternative feedstuff will depend on age and weight of the pig, production goal, production stage and feeding method. Obviously, a feedstuff that might be suitable for a gestating sow may not be suitable for a young, growing pig. Factors that affect feed intake (and palatability) include natural taste, presence of molds and mycotoxins, contaminates, spoilage and/or rancidity, bulk density, physical form, moisture content, and inclusion level in the diet.

Freedom from Potential Health Hazards

Many feedstuffs may contain toxic substances (i.e., mycotoxins from molds), disease organisms and/or antinutritional factors. If toxic substances are present, the alternative feedstuff should not be considered unless the deleterious factor(s) can be eliminated or neutralized inexpensively. Many commercial feed analysis laboratories can screen for mycotoxins such as aflatoxins and for potentially harmful bacteria.

Special Handling, Processing, and Storage Requirements

Many alternative feedstuffs may require special transport, handling, storage, processing, mixing and feeding compared to traditional feedstuffs. These additional requirements may inhibit the use of the alternative feedstuff due to the cost, or the lack of special equipment to store, process, etc.

Availability and Consistency

The supply and quality of many alternative feeds is inconsistent and this should be taken into consideration before using. In general, alternative feedstuffs are more variable in composition and quality than traditional feedstuffs like corn or soybean meal.

Perishability

Various factors can influence shelf-life and nutrient stability. These factors can include moisture content, fat content and type, physical form, storage method, storage management, storage time, and level of inclusion in mixed feed (feed stability).

Effect on End Product

The alternative feedstuff when included in the diet should not harm the end product by, for instance, affecting the taste and quality of the meat or compromise food safety. For example, a feedstuff high in unsaturated fat (i.e., peanut kernels) when fed at a high level in the diet can result in carcasses with soft, oily fat.

Storage Space

An alternative feedstuff will usually require separate storage facilities.

Cost

Added costs associated with the use of the alternative feedstuff (i.e., extra storage, special processing, transportation) must also be evaluated.

Legality

Be aware that some potential alternative feedstuffs may be illegal to feed or may require special processing and licensing in order to feed (i.e., restaurant food wastes that contain meat or meat byproducts). Also, feedstuffs adulterated with potentially toxic substance (i.e. pesticide residues) may also be illegal to feed.

Determining the Value of an Alternative Feedstuff

The major costs in a typical pig diet are ingredients that provide energy, lysine and/or phosphorus (P). An alternative feedstuff should supply one or more of these nutrients. Equations have been developed to calculate the relative value of alternative feedstuffs for use in pig diets and they are published in the Pork Industry Handbook publication no. 108 (Miller et al., 1987). The Pork Industry Handbook or individual articles from this publication can be ordered from the Cooperative Extension Service of Purdue University (www.agcom.purdue/AgCom/Pubs/menu.htm).

References/Further Information

AAFCO. 1999. Official Publication. Association of American Feed Control Officials, P. O. Box 478, Oxford, IN, USA.

Ensminger, M. E., and C. G. Olentine. 1978. Feeds and Nutrition. Ensminger Publishing Company, Clovis, CA, USA.

Ewing, W. N. 2000. The Feeds Directory. Vol. I: Commodity Products. Nottingham University Press, Nottingham, UK.

Feedstuffs Annual Reference Issue. Miller Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL, USA. (www.Feedstuffs.com).

Lewis, A. J. and L. L. Southern (Ed.). 2001. Swine Nutrition (2nd Ed.). CRC Press. Boca Raton, FL. USA.

Miller, E. R., P. J. Holden, and V. D. Leibbrandt. 1987. By-products in swine diets. Pork Industry Handbook (no. 108), Coop. Ext. Ser., Purdue Univ., West Lafayette, IN, USA. 9 p.

NRC. 1972. Alternative Sources of Protein for Animal Production. National Res. Council. National. Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.

NRC. 1982. United States - Canadian Tables of Feed Composition (3rd Revision). National Academy Press, Washington, DC, USA.

NRC. 1998. Nutrient Requirements of Swine (10^th Ed.). National Academy Press, Washington, DC, USA.

Pond, W. G., and J. H. Maner. 1984. Swine Production and Nutrition. AVI Publishing Co., Inc. Westport, CT, USA.

Thacker, P. A., and R. N. Kirkwood (Ed.). 1990. Nontraditional Feed Sources for Use in Swine Production. Butterworth Publishers, Stoneham, MA, USA.

Westendorf, M. L., E. W. Zirkel, and R. Gordon. 1996. Feeding food or table waste to livestock. The Professional Anim. Scientist 12:129-137.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Millie Ferrer-Chancy, Interim Dean.

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