Figure 2. Factors That Can Affect The Natritional Requirements of Swine.
Although numerous factors affect the pig's nutrient requirements, it is the integration of these factors that makes a swine-feeding program successful. Not only must recommendations include an understanding of the pig's nutritional needs at the different production phases, but these recommendations must also provide an understanding of what nutrients are needed and how they affect pig growth and reproduction. How to evaluate different feedstuffs that should be used in formulating diets to achieve maximum economic return for the swine enterprise is an important part of determining a successful swine- feeding program.
Other factors besides nutrition can limit the performance responses of swine and affect feed costs. Although each factor can influence the pig's nutritional requirements (Figure 2), these factors each have the capability of influencing the other. Because these factors can vary greatly between swine operations, a university or a feed-industry specialist may be needed to make adjustments in the herd's nutritional program if a specific problem exists.
Figure 2. Factors That Can Affect The Natritional Requirements of Swine.
The major factors having the greatest influence on the pig's nutritional requirements in the tri-state area are environment, facilities, health, genotype, and management.