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Nutrients Standards


16.06.2008
Nutrients Standards for pigs in Denmark

The Danish feed evaluation system 

In 2002, a new feed evaluation system was introduced in Denmark. This system is based on the physiological energy value of the nutrients and on their standardised digestibility. The new system introduced two new feed units replacing the old feed unit: FUgp (feed units for weaners, growers and finishers) and FUsow (feed units for sows).

In practice, the Danish energy evaluation is based on:
1. Chemical analyses of water, ash, crude protein and crude fat
2. In vitro digestibilities at ileal and faecal levels
3. Energy values of nutrients based on "potential physiological values".

The protein evaluation system is based on the standardised ileal digestibility for each amino acid.

A typical complete diet has the following energy content per kg diet:

 

FUgp/FUsow

MJ ME

MJ NE

MJ physiological energy

Lactation diets

1.06 FUsow

13.3

9.6

7.9

Gestation diets

0.99 FUsow

12.6

8.8

7.4

Weaner diets, 6-9 kg

1.18 FUgp

14.4

10.5

8.7

Weaner diets, 9-30 kg

1.17 FUgp

14.1

10.4

8.6

Finisher diets, 30-100 kg

1.07 FUgp

13.4

9.6

7.9


Click here for a PDF file of the Nutrient Standards.

Amino acids

The standards in tables 3 and 4 denote the minimum content estimated to be necessary to ensure a maximum production. However, "maximum production" does not apply to the amino acid standards for weaners. Here, the standards are based on a economically optimum standard, as a standard for maximum productivity will increase the feed costs more than can be justified by the improve in productivity. 

A safety margin is not included in the amino acid standards. The standards for weaners, growers and finishers are based on ad lib feeding or on approximate ad lib.

Feed for gilts must comply with the amino acid standards for lactating sows from they weigh approx. 60 kg. Until they weigh 60 kg they must follow the standards for weaners/growers.

The sperm production of boars is not affected by the protein content of the feed, and feed for boars can thereby follow the standards for gestating sows.

Table 1. Amino acid standards for weaners, g digestible per feed unit

Interval, kg

6-9 kg

9-20 kg

9-30 kg

20-30 kg

 % of lysine*

Lysine

11.0

10.6

10.4

10.0

100**

Methionine

3.5

3.4

3.3

3.2

32

Methionine + Cystine

5.9

5.7

5.6

5.4

54

Threonine

6.7

6.5

6.3

6.1

61

Tryptophan

2.15

2.07

2.03

1.95

19.5**

Isoleucine

6.4

6.1

6.0

5.8

58

Leucine

11.2

10.8

10.6

10.2

102

Histidine

3.7

3.6

3.5

3.4

34

Phenylalanine

6.3

6.0

5.9

5.7

57

Phenylalanine+tyrosine

12.2

11.8

11.5

11.1

111

Valine

7.7

7.4

7.3

7.0

70

Crude protein, minimum

158

153

150

145

 

Crude protein, maximum

170

165

162

157

 

*: Always ensure that the composition of the ideal protein is met in case of lysine levels / Weight intervals different from those stated above. 

**: The amino acid standards are the level that under normal price conditions ensure maximum gross margin in herds with good health status. Trials have demonstrated that maximum productivity is reached by increasing the standard by approx. 5% (all amino acids) resulting in a better feed conversion ratio and an increase in daily gain by 1-2%. The current tryptophan standards for weaners are established on the basis of an optimum gross margin, ie. the evaluation includes the price of the addition of tryptophan. Trials have demonstrated that maximum productivity is obtained when the standard is increased from the current approx. 19.5% to 22% of the lysine standard (corresponding to approx. 0.25 g digestible tryptophan more than stated in the table). By increasing the content from 19.5% to 22%, feed conversion is expected to improve by approx. 2% and daily gain by approx. 4%. It is recommended to increase the tryptophan content to this level, provided that the increase in feed price does not reach a level where there is no room on the bottom line for a profit on the basis of the expected productivity.


Recommendations in case of diarrhoea problems in weaners

Experiences from trials and practice have shown that the risk of diarrhoea increases when the protein content in the feed increases.

In herds where feeding according to the standards results in a diarrhoea frequency that is too high, the content of protein and amino acids can be reduced, but it is recommended to maintain the same amino acid profile in per cent of lysine as in the standards.

It is recommended to only go below the standard in the period in which it is necessary in the individual herd. In table 2, the recommendations for amino acid content is shown in cases of diarrhoea problems.

Table 2. Recommendations for amino acid content* in case of diarrhoea problems, g digestible per feed unit

Interval, kg

6-9 kg

9-20 kg

9-30 kg

20-30 kg

 % of lysine

Lysine

10.0

10.0

9.8

9.5

100

Methionine

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.0

32

Methionine + Cystine

5.4

5.4

5.3

5.1

54

Threonine

6.1

6.1

6.0

5.8

61

Tryptophan

1.95

1.95

1.9

1.85

19.5

Isoleucine

5.8

5.8

5.7

5.5

58

Leucine

10.2

10.2

10.0

9.7

102

Histidine

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.2

34

Phenylalanine

5.7

5.7

5.6

5.4

57

Phenylalanine+tyrosine

11.1

11.1

10.9

10.5

111

Valine

7.0

7.0

6.9

6.7

70

Crude protein, minimum

145

145

142

138

 

Crude protein, maksimum

157

157

154

150

 
*: These recommendations are expected to reduce gain and feed conversion ratio by approx. 3% compared with the standards, provided that all amino acids comply with the recommendation. If this is not the case, further reductions in productivity must be expected.


Table 3. Amino acid standards for growers and finishers, g digestible per FUgp

Interval, kg

20-45

30-45

30-55

30-105 45-65

45-105

55-75

55-105

65-105

75-105

65-110

 % of lysine*

Lysine

  8.7  

7.9

7.7

7.4

7.1

6.9

6.7

6.4

100

Methionine

2.7

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.0

31

Met+Cys

4.9

4.5

4.4

4.3

4.2

4.1

4.0

3.8

56-60

Threonine

5.5

5.1

5.0

4.9

4.7

4.6

4.5

4.4

63-67

Tryptophan

1.7

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.25

19

Isoleucine

5.0

4.6

4.5

4.3

4.1

4.0

3.9

3.8

58

Leucine

8.9

8.1

7.9

7.5

7.2

7.0

6.8

6.5

102

Histidine

3.0

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.4

35-37

Phenylalanine

5.1

4.7

4.6

4.5

4.3

4.2

4.1

3.9

59-61

Phen+tyrosine

10.0

9.2

9.0

8.6

8.3

8.1

7.9

7.6

115-118

Valine

6.1

5.5

5.4

5.2

5.0

4.8

4.7

4.5

70

Crude protein, min.

140

135

133

130

127

125

122

118

 
*: It is recommended to use the standards and profile stated (per cent of lysine) that fits a given weight interval.

Tables 1 and 3 denote the minimum content of crude protein. If this is met, a sufficient supply of all amino acids is generally ensured. Tables 1 and 2 furthermore denote a limit for maximum content of digestible protein in weaner feed to ensure that no more protein than necessary is used out of regard for the risk of diarrhoea.

Table 4. Amino acid standards for sows, g digestible per FUsow

 

Gestating sows

Lactating sows*

Lysine

3.3

6.0

Methionine

1.6

1.9

Methionine + cystine

3.2

3.6

Threonine

3.0

3.9

Tryptophan

1.0

1.2

Isoleucine

3.0

4.2

Leucine

2.6

7.0

Histidine

1.2

2.5

Phenylalanine

1.9

3.6

Phenylalanine+tyrosine

3.6

7.0

Valine

3.5

5.0

Crude protein, minimum

90

110


*: If it is impossible to reach an average feed intake during lactation of min. 6 FUsow a day, it may be necessary to increase the amino acid content per FUsow by 8% for all amino acids.



Minerals

The standards are stated as the pigs' requirements plus a safety margin. In general, it cannot be recommended to add minerals beyond the standard. This particularly applies to calcium, as calcium interacts with some of the micro minerals, which means that a high calcium content may inhibit the utilisation of these micro minerals.

The standard for digestible phosphorus is a minimum standard, and does thus not include a safety margin.

The mineral standards in tables 5 and 6 are denoted as total amount in the feed.

Gilts and boars follow the mineral standards for finishers up to 100 kg, and then they follow the standards for gestating sows.

Table 5. Mineral standards for sows and weaners, total amount per feed unit

 

Sows

Weaners

 

Gestating

Lactating

6-9 kg

9-20 kg

9-30 kg

20-30 kg

Calcium, g

7.0

8.0

7.0

8.5

8.5

8.5

Calcium+addition of phytase, g

6.5

7.5

6.5

8.0

8.0

8.0

Dig. phosphorus, g

2.0

2.7

3.3

3.2

3.1

2.9

Sodium, g

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

Chloride, g

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

Potassium, g

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

Magnesium, g

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

Iron, mg

80

80

1501

1501

1501

1501

Copper, mg

6

6

6

6

6

6

Manganese, mg

40

40

40

40

40

40

Zinc, mg

100

100

100

100

100

100

Iodine, mg

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

Selenium, mg2

0.2

0.2

0.35

0.35

0.35

0.35

1 Of this, at least 100 mg easily soluble iron salt.
2 According to the Danish Feedstuff Act, diets must not contain more than 0.5 mg selenium per kg complete diet. Depending on the composition of the diet, this means that 0.2 to 0.35 mg selenium can be added per feed unit.


Table 6. Mineral standards for growers and finishers, total amount per feed unit (FUgp)

 

20-45 kg

30-45 kg

30-105 kg

45-105 kg

65-105 kg

Calcium, g

8.0

7.5

7.0

7.0

6.5

Calcium+addition of phytase, g

7.5

7.0

6.5

6.5

6.0

Dig. phosphorus, g

2.7

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.2

Sodium, g

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

Chloride, g

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

Potassium, g

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

Magnesium, g

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

Iron, mg

80

80

80

80

80

Copper, mg

6

6

6

6

6

Manganese, mg

40

40

40

40

40

Zinc, mg

100

100

100

100

100

Iodine, mg

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

Selenium, mg1

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

1 According to the Danish Feedstuff Act, diets must not contain more than 0.5 mg selenium per kg complete diet. Depending on the composition of the diet, this means that 0.2 to 0.35 mg selenium can be added per feed unit.


Digestible phosphorus

As the content of digestible phosphorus in the feed cannot be analysed, the feed's content of digestible phosphorus should be assessed on the basis of the total content of phosphorus. In table 7, the guiding minimum content of total phosphorus in diets with phytase are shown.

Table 7.  Guiding minimum content of total phosphorus in complete diets with adiditon of phytase, g per feed unit

 

Complete diet with normal dosis phytase*

Complete diet with double dosis phytase*

Weaners, 9-30 kg

5.2 g

4.9 g

Growers and finishers, 30-105 kg

4.3 g

3.9 g

Gestating sows

3.8 g

3.4 g

Lactating sows

4.7 g

4.3 g

*: A normal dosis of phytase corresponds to the addition of 500 FTU (Natuphos or Phyzyme XP) or 750 FYT (Ronozyme-P) to heat-treated feed. In meal feed that is not heat-treated, a normal dosis phytase corresponds to the addition of 300 FTU or 300 PPU or 450 FYT (please note, the smallest legal dosage is 500 FYT). Double dosis corresponds to the double level of a normal dosis in complete diets.

The prerequisites of the minimum recommendations are that traditional diets based on grain and soybean meal are used in which wheat constitutes approx. 50% of the grain for sows and min. 2/3 of the grain for weaners and finishers, and that monocalcium phosphate is used as phosphorus source. In other types of diets, the content of total phosphorus often needs to be slightly higher to meet the standards for digestible phosphorus.



Vitamins

Besides the pigs' minimum requirements, the standards include a safety margin to ensure maximum productivity and reproduction. The standards for certain vitamins also take into consideration maximum health to the extent that this is documented. The standards were revised in 1990. However, the standard for vitamin E for lactating sows was revised in May 2004, and the standard for weaners was revised in June 2005.

Contrary to the standards for minerals, the vitamin standards are denoted in amounts added without regard to the vitamin content of the basis feed (cf. table 8). This is due to the fact that the natural vitamin content of the feedstuffs varies greatly simultaneously with a generally low availability. It cannot be recommended to add vitamins beyond the standard.

Table 8. Vitamin standards for pigs, added amount per FUgp/FUsow

 

Gestating sows

Lactating sows

Weaners,3-5 weeks, approx. 6-9 kg

Weaners,5-10 weeks, approx. 9-30 kg

Finishers, 30-100 kg

Vitamin A, i.e.

8000

8000

8000

5000

4000

Vitamin D3, i.e.

800

800

800

500

400

Vitamin E, mg*

36

150

130

130**

36

Vitamin K3, mg

2

2

2

2

2

Thiamine (B1), mg

2

2

2

2

2

Riboflavin (B2), mg

5

5

4

4

2

Pyridoxine (B6), mg

3

3

3

3

3

Niacin, mg

20

20

20

20

20

Biotin, mg

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.05

D-pantothenic acid, mg

15

15

10

10

10

Folic acid, mg

1.5

1.5

0

0

0

Vitamin B12, mcg

20

20

20

20

20

*: As dl-alpha-tocopherol.

**: When using a diet from 20 to 30 kg, vitamin E can be reduced to 36 mg per FUgp. The 130 mg per FUgp were documented in the period 6-20 kg.


 

Revisions of the standards

The amino acid standards were revised in:

1990:

The standards for the first five amino acids were revised on the basis of the latest weaner trials.

1991:

The standards for male pigs were reduced by 10% on the basis of the latest Danish trials. Therefore there are no specific standards for male pigs.

1996:

Standards were established for the remaining six amino acids.

1998:

Standards were incorporated for use in phase feeding.

2001:

The standards for methionine, methionine + cystine, and threonine for sows were revised. Furthermore, the standards for leucine for weaners and growers, and for methionine for finishers were revised [1].

2002:

The standards for threonine and tryptophan for weaners were revised. New amino acid standards and recommendations for minimum content of crude protein were incorporated that apply to the new feed evaluation system introduced in the summer of 2002 [2]. The amino acid standards were changed from apparent faecal digestible to standardised ileal digestible. The standards for histidine and leucine for growers (20-45 kg) were changed in the new feed evaluation system, as there was no agreement between the standards for the different weight intervals for these two amino acids.

2004:

The threonine standard for finishers was increased and the standards for several of the amino acids were adjusted slightly, as the composition of the ideal protein was illogical for certain weight intervals. Furthermore, the weight intervals were standardized, which means that 30-100 kg is used in all tables for unity mixes for finishers.

2005:

Standards were introduced for heavier pigs (slaughtered at 110-115 kg) in the weight interval 65-110 kg [4].

2006:

The standard for tryptophan for weaners was revised [5].

2008:

The amino acid standards for weaners were revised and recommendations are incorporated for amino acid content in feed in herds with diarrhoea problems. Furthermore, a maximum content of digestible protein per FUgp is introduced in weaner feed. The standards for methionine, tryptophan, valine and leucine for finishers are changed [9]. The rule-of-thumb for the importance of amino acid deficiency is deleted.



The mineral standards were revised in:

1991:

The selenium standard was revised.

1995:

Standards for digestible phosphorus for growers and finishers were incorporated.

1997:

The standards for calcium and digestible phosphorus for sows and weaners were revised.

1998:

Phase feeding standards for phosphorus were incorporated.

2000:

The calcium standards for sows and weaners were revised [6].

2002:

The recommendations for total-phosphorus content in the feed with addition of phytase were revised, and a calcium standard was incorporated for use of phytase [7].

2005:

The standard for digestible phosphorus is a minimum standard.

2006:

The standard for digestible phosphorus for weaners was revised [5]. Furthermore, the guiding minimum content of total-P was revised, and recommendations for double dosis of phytase were introduced.

2008:

The standards for digestible phosphorus were revised for all animal groups [8].

 

The vitamin standards were revised in:

1990:

The vitamin standards were revised.

2004:

The vitamin E standard for lactating sows was revised [3].

2005:

The vitamin E standard for weaners was revised [4].



15th edition, June 2008.
i.e.
"International enhed" er et udtryk for vitaminets vægtenhed. Vitamin A: 5.000 i.e. = 1 milligram retinol og for vitamin D: 200 i.e. = 5 mikrogram cholecalciferol.
ad lib.
Betyder fodring efter ædelyst.
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