The critical role of proper nutrition in pig and poultry production

Proper nutrition is vital for the health and productivity of pigs and poultry. Dr Sipokazi Nyeleka and JD Mostert spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about exploring essential nutrients, common feeding mistakes, and best practices for feed safety to optimise livestock growth and reproductive health.

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Nutrition plays a fundamental role in the health and productivity of livestock like pigs and poultry. Ensuring these animals receive the correct nutrients not only supports their growth but also influences their ability to reproduce and resist disease.

Dr Sipokazi Nyeleka is operations coordinator at Afrivet Training & Technical Services, and JD Mostert is a swine nutritionist at CSVet.

Together they highlight the common issues related to poor feed management and the best practices for ensuring feed safety and effectiveness.

WHY ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS MATTER

Nyeleka and Mostert emphasise the importance of providing pigs and poultry with well-balanced diets that include necessary nutrients like proteins, energy sources, vitamins and minerals.

"If pigs and poultry do not receive these nutrients, they can suffer from stunted growth, the slow development of organs, including reproductive organs, and a weakened immune system," says Nyeleka.

The consequences of nutritional deficiencies are far-reaching. Animals that are not adequately nourished not only have slower growth rates but also face other significant challenges.

"A poor immune system means an animal struggles to fend off diseases, which ultimately affects their productivity," she explains.

Farmers should pay close attention to the nutritional needs of their livestock at every stage of growth to ensure optimal health and performance.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ENERGY AND PROTEIN IN SWINE NUTRITION

Mostert elaborates on the specific nutritional requirements for pigs. "Energy and protein form the backbone of a pig's diet. Maize, which constitutes about 70% of a pig's diet, serves as the primary energy source.

"This energy is essential for all bodily functions, from maintenance to growth. Protein, derived mainly from soya bean meal, is vital for tissue development and muscle growth," he says.