Feed additives for swine: Fact sheets – flavors and mold inhibitors, mycotoxin binders, and antioxidants

摘要

Under the conditions of modern swine production, pigs need tobe fed a balanced diet that meets their daily nutritional requirementfor maintenance, growth, and reproduction. However, nutrientintake is largely determined by voluntary feed intake, whichis greatly influenced by the chemical senses of olfaction and taste.Thus, it is essential to make sure that diets being offered to pigsare highly palatable to ensure high feed intake. This is especiallyimportant during times when pigs have decreased appetite, suchas the first few days post weaning. Therefore, it is believed thatenhancement of taste or smell through the use of flavors may helpto improve the palatability of diets and, consequently, feed intake. In providing a high quality diet to pigs, it is important to ensurethat it contains the correct amount and balance of nutrients foroptimal productivity and is highly palatable, safe to the animals,and free of substances that may negatively affect their performance.Thus, the addition of feed additives to prolong shelf-life,prevent mold development, or bind mycotoxins present in the feedmay be required in certain situations.