Formulating piglet diets is both science and experience

In my work as a nutritionist at Hamlet Protein, I've combined all three to help nutritionists make informed choices when selecting protein ingredients.

Formulating piglet diets, especially pre-starters and starters, was once straightforward: milk powder, fishmeal, and grains. Over time, soybean meal (SBM) gradually replaced traditional protein sources, aided by the use of antibiotics. Today, with the restrictions on antibiotic usage and the ZnO ban in the European Union, it can be challenging to select the right kind of protein source for young piglet diets.

What was once a simple recipe has evolved into a complex balancing act, especially considering regulatory changes and growing performance expectations. My perspective comes from both as the owner of a swine farm and my experience as a nutritionist, who has travelled to swine farms all over the world.

Today, soy-based ingredients dominate piglet diets. Choosing the right soy product is a decision I approach with both technical knowledge and practical experience. Understanding the processing methods behind soy products is essential, as they directly affect the soy product quality and piglet outcomes.

For over 30 years, Hamlet Protein has helped nutritionists understand how anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) negatively impact young animals and their digestive development. Our extensive trial work has culminated in robust meta-analysis, reinforcing the importance of managing ANFs in early-life nutrition.

While formulation software prioritizes cost-efficiency, I have seen first-hand how it may overlook critical quality factors that influence long-term piglet health and performance. It's the nutritionist's expertise that determines which ingredients are offered to the system and in the end, it comes down to the knowledge of the nutritionist and the balance between price and performance of the ingredients.

Human infants receive foods that are gentle on their digestive systems when they are weaned. This thoughtful ap