WetFeed2

Realizing the full potential of liquid feeding to reduce feed cost per kg gain in pigs

Project summary:

This project builds on results from the previous project, WetFeed. It encompasses a key research area as more than 70% of Irish pigs are liquid fed. WetFeed found that dry feeding was 0.2 of an FCE unit more efficient than liquid feeding for finishing pigs and today this is worth ~€4.60 /pig or ~€14.3 million to the Irish pig sector. It further identified widespread microbial mal-fermentation of liquid feed and feed wastage on Irish farms and indicated that hygiene, feeding curves, number/timing of feed splits and positioning of sensors in feed troughs are important in determining pig growth and feed efficiency. WetFeed2 aims to improve the feed efficiency, and hence the fed cost per kg gain, of liquid fed pigs by minimising feed wastage and preventing spoilage of liquid feed in mixing tanks, pipes and troughs.  Optimum feeding management (No. feed splits/day, trough sensor positioning), system hygiene, feeding system infrastructure (restricted long-trough vs ad-libitum short-trough and trough positioning) will be determined in WetFeed2 to improve feed efficiency in pigs. Results will be verified in a case study on a commercial pig unit and a cost-benefit analysis, using the Teagasc Pig Production Model, prepared. System guidelines for liquid feeding will result.

Objectives/Expected benefits:

1. WetFeed2 aims to improve the feed efficiency, and hence the fed cost per kg gain, of liquid fed pigs by minimising feed wastage and preventing spoilage of liquid feed in mixing tanks, pipes and troughs.

2. Optimum feeding management (No. feed splits/day, trough sensor positioning), system hygiene, feeding system infrastructure (restricted long-trough vs ad-libitum short-trough and trough positioning) will be determined in WetFeed2 to improve feed efficiency in pigs.

3. Verify results in a case study on a commercial pig unit and a cost-benefit analysis, using the Teagasc Pig Production Model.

4. Prepare system guidelines for liquid feeding.

Personnel:

Dr. Peadar Lawlor

Ms. Florence Viard (Walsh Scholar)

Mr. Tomas Ryan

Ms. Aisling Holmes

Collaborators:

Prof. John O’Doherty, University College Dublin

Prof. Gillian Gardiner, Waterford Institute of Technology

Funding body:

Teagasc Core Funding

For more information contact: Dr. Peadar Lawlor at Peadar.lawlor@teagasc.ie or 025 42217