Animal Feed & Animal Nutrition News
Vitamin B3 importance in sows

// 28 feb 2007

A lack of vitamin B3 is probably the cause for bone problems, difficulties in walking and milk production in sows, according to recent research by Dutch feed company ForFarmers.

Lack of this vitamin results in a disrupted calcium balance, which subsequently results in severe problems. A bad synthesis of the vitamin by the sow itself could be one cause of a lack. In addition, the animal diet could also contain too little of the vitamin. According to EU regulation, pig diets contain the lowest maximum levels of vitamin B3 compared to other animals. The sow can also have disrupted levels of the hormone Calcitonin
This hormone determines the calcium level in the blood. Both a low and a high calcium level in the blood can be risky for the animal.

According to the research, the sows that had problems with their joints and milk production, the calcium levels in the blood and urine were clearly higher than sows that did not show these problems. High calcium levels may also result in epileptic symptoms and calcifying of tissue and arteries.

Related link:
ForFarmers

To subscribe to the free AllAboutFeed newsletter click here.

Peptones: a puff or a promise?

Emmy Koeleman: Before I delved into the world of peptones, I only knew the word from being a scruffy Dutch surf-rock band (www.peptones.nl). However, more research into peptones taught me that they are used in microbiological culture media to support the nutritional requirements of micro-organisms. Read more...

Animal Feed Statistics from around the world

"WE HAVE A DREAM..."

To gather Animal Feed Production Data - from feed production statistics to number of feed production facilities - from around the world to create a

WORLD MAP OF ANIMAL FEED

We've made a start here.....


Poll
Small livestock farms will not be viable anymore in the future:
I agree, small farms cannot compete with mega farms.
I disagree, it just depends on farm management.
I don’t know, it depends on the type of farm and country.
Go to poll archive


RBI