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Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Department of Animal and Food Science

INGRENERGI

Predictive calculation of energy in pig feed ingredients - INGRENERGI -

Project approved in the AEI 2022 NG aid line.

The project consists of the creation of a tool to be used in pig nutrition (Phase 1 of the project). This aims to provide a predictive calculation of metabolisable energy (ME) and net energy (NE) for different ingredients used in feed for both breeding sows and growing pigs (piglets and fattening pigs). The purpose is to be able to provide the energy assessment for the different raw materials used as ingredients in the formulation of animal feed, to be able to compare and improve efficiency, precision and sustainability.

In a second phase, it is planned to validate the tool by using it in an applied way to update feed formulation matrices for growing and fattening pigs. The results of the formula (composition and cost), the quality of the manufactured feeds and the productive yields of pigs that receive isoenergetic feeds formulated with raw materials whose energy content is obtained will be compared, either with the methodology used by the company collaborative or with the new tool.

 

Goal:

The main objective of the project is the creation of a tool that allows the optimization of the raw materials used as ingredients in the production of feed in pig production.

Indirectly, it is expected to achieve:

  • Analyse, through surveys, the variability of the energy flow caused in the Spanish pig sector as a result of feeding (the feed) and how the technicians evaluate this variability.
  • Test models for predicting energy content by groups of raw materials and individual ingredients, taking into account the quantification and efficiency of use of nutrients in each ingredient.
  • Incorporate the predictions made into the feed formulation process and analyze possible deviations from the expected response of the animals.
  • Feed the system with new information provided by users and adjust the prediction algorithms continuously.

 

With the validation process in the second phase, the tool will demonstrate its practical and applied potential.

 

Participants:

 

Supported by: