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Figure 4. Loss per sow obtained (internal data)

How to combat heat stress in pigs

Pigs are particularly vulnerable to heat stress due to their limited ability to dissipate body heat and genetic selection for higher productivity, which has reduced their heat tolerance. Improved technical results increase heat production, and today's lines produce 30% more heat than those in the 1980s.

Chronic inflammation. The unknown (profit) assassin

Who talks about inflammation? We all might mention it when we exercise too much – aching joints, stiffness – or is it just we are all getting older…? But we do not really talk about inflammation much. And certainly, when we think about our livestock, we do not really mention it at all. Well…we should.

Figure 1. Structure of phytic acid at neutral pH (a); structure of phytic acid chelated at neutral pH with cations (b); structure of phytic acid chelated with proteins at acidic pH (c) and neutral pH (d). Figures adapted from Humer et al. (2014).

Data sheet: Phytases

Phosphorus is an essential mineral for bone mineralization, energy metabolism, and nucleic acid synthesis. Therefore, strategies to maximize the utilization of phosphorus present in cereals and legumes used in swine nutrition are important, such as the use of phytases. This data sheet describes the structure, types, mechanism of action, and application of phytases.

Nutritional requirements for pigs and update of the Brazilian Tables 2024 (II): Energy and amino acids for growing pigs

For pigs to grow and be productive, their nutrition must provide the intake of energy and nutrients necessary for maintenance and production. The most important nutrients are proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins. Ingested and recycled proteins will be used for tissue growth and repair, enzymatic and hormonal functions, transport of substances, immune responses, water and electrolyte balance, muscle contraction, cell signaling, and pH maintenance.