SFR SowModel offers unique possibilities

Schothorst Feed Research developed a sow model that nutritionists can use to easily map the needs of pregnant and lactating sows. “A unique tool that helps to assess and optimize sow feeds,” says Jan Fledderus Senior Consultant & Product Manager Swine. SFR is now ready to bring the model to the attention of the animal feed industry.

How does it work?
Christiaan Buitink, project leader and builder of the SowModel, and Xandra Benthem de Grave, pig researcher at SFR, played a major role in the development of the SowModel. As a pig researcher, Benthem de Grave collected input data for the development of the SowModel. For this, she used available manuals and scientific literature on the nutritional needs of sows in different life stages. The model was developed at the request of the animal feed industry and co-financed by SFR’s Advanced Feed Package customers.

During gestation, the sow needs energy and nutrients for maintenance, growth and development of its own body, for recovery from the previous lactation period, for the development of the uterus and udder and for the growth and development of the foetuses. During lactation, the needs depend strongly on the colostrum and milk production, and therefore on the litter size and the length of the suckling period. During the suckling period, the sow also mobilises body reserves to maintain milk production.

The model uses the factorial approach (see Figure 1): Based on litter number and condition development of the sow, feed composition and intake, litter size, weaning age, birth and weaning weight of the piglets, ambient temperature and whether or not straw is used, the model estimates the sow’s ultimate requirements for net energy, SID lysine, available calcium and digestible phosphorus. For the required input data, the user can use reference values, such as the data for the condition development of TN70 sows from Topigs Norsvin. “But nutritionists can also manually enter the data from their own customers”, explains the product manager: “This makes it possible to give company-specific, non-static advice to optimize feed composition and feed allowance.”

The great thing about the SowModel is that the user can calculate two scenarios side by side: “This ensures that a nutritionist gains insight into changes in the nutritional needs of the sow at a glance, for example if the duration of the lactation period is adjusted,” says Fledderus. The needs of a first litter and an older sow can also be easily compared. The results are not only displayed in table form, but also graphically. The needs simulated with the SowModel can be directly compared with the applied feed amount and composition. In the table, the user can then see to what extent the feed used meets the needs of the sow on each day of gestation or lactation. This makes it possible to make targeted choices and to adjust the feeding schedule, feed composition, stable climate or management on the sow farm where necessary to improve the zootechnical results, but also animal health and welfare. “It is preferable that simulations with the SowModel are carried out with the guidance of our SFR experts,” Fledderus emphasises: “Then, together with our customer, we arrive at a substantive discussion and good recommendations that the feed advisor can use.”

What next?
At the moment, the SowModel works as an Excel calculation tool, with a choice of seven different languages. In the near future, an online tool will be available via the SFR website, says Fledderus. He already uses the model in his consultations with SFR customers who use the Advanced Feed Package. “The feed manufacturers who have already become acquainted with the SowModel are enthusiastic,” the product manager notes: “The model is flexible, easy to use and offers quick insights. And for me too, the results are often an eye-opener that gives me the opportunity to talk to our customers about optimising feeds and feeding strategies in specific situations.”
Fledderus also likes to demonstrate the SowModel to other interested parties: “For SFR, the model is also a great way to demonstrate the added value of the Advanced Feed Package,” he concludes.

If you want to be updated about the further release of the SowModel please fill in the form below.