Can we reduce current levels of phosphorus in dry sow diets without affecting sow and progeny performance and health?

摘要

It has been suggested (Kyriazakis, 2008) that the UK pig Industry uses phosphorus (P) levels in diets for dry sows at levels that are 20-35% above the recommended Nutrient Requirement Standards (BSAS, 2003). Reasons for this oversupply are the need for safety margins, a degree of uncertainty over the digestible P (dig-P) contents of feedstuffs, advice offered by veterinarians and the provision of one diet that needs to meet P requirements at all stages of gestation. Excess of P in pig diets raises serious environmental concerns, as excess P is excreted in the environment and contributes to soil and water eutrophication (White and Hammond, 2006). This study aimed to show if P levels in dry sow diets can be reduced in line with recommended requirements, without adverse effects on performance and health.