Fermented feed can reduce the cost of raising pigs
Led Meteor Light,Solar Meteor Shower Lights,Outdoor Decorative Meteor Lamp,Meteor Shower Lights Outdoor Tianjin Jinji Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.tjjjgd.com
In recent years, feed prices have surged, labor costs have climbed, and overall pig farming expenses have continued to rise. The industry has now entered a high-cost era, which is widely recognized as an unavoidable reality. As a result, reducing the cost of raising pigs has become one of the most pressing concerns for farmers and industry professionals alike.
Liu Zheran, deputy director of Bolo County Jingu Feed Co., Ltd. in Taiwan, emphasizes that the key to lowering production costs lies in minimizing feed expenses. Given that feed prices are difficult to control, improving feed utilization and reducing waste has become a crucial strategy.
According to Liu, feed utilization rates for conventional pig diets typically range between 65% and 70%. This means that a significant portion of the feed is not fully absorbed by the animals, leading to waste. Fermented feed, on the other hand, uses various decomposing enzymes and beneficial microorganisms to break down common feed ingredients like corn, soybean meal, and wheat bran into more easily digestible nutrients. Studies have shown that this process can boost feed utilization to as high as 80%-85%.
Liu explains that using fermented feed can lead to better weight gain. For example, with the same amount of feed, pigs raised on conventional feed may only reach 100 kg, while those fed with fermented feed can grow to 112 kg. This represents a net gain of 12 kg, which translates to an additional income of around 144 yuan (at 12 yuan per kg). After accounting for the slightly higher cost of fermented feed—approximately 34 yuan—each pig can generate an extra profit of about 110 yuan. This equates to a cost reduction of roughly 1 yuan per kilogram (110 yuan divided by 112 kg).
Beyond cost savings, fermented feed also contributes to better animal health. The microorganisms present in the feed help establish a balanced gut microbiome, which enhances immunity, improves pig health, and increases the reproductive performance of sows. Sows can give birth to more piglets—often 1-2 extra per litter—with survival rates reaching up to 98%.
"Due to these tangible benefits, more and more farmers are showing interest in feed fermentation technology," Liu said. In Taiwan, the adoption rate of fermented feed is already quite high, indicating its growing popularity in the industry.
Despite its advantages, the widespread adoption of fermented feed still faces challenges. One major obstacle is the need for specialized knowledge and equipment to produce and handle fermented feed effectively. Additionally, some farmers remain hesitant due to unfamiliarity with the process or concerns about initial investment.
In fact, fermented feed is not a new concept in the pig industry. "Especially in the case of enzymatic hydrolysis soybean meal," explained Pan Jun, general manager of Guangzhou Boshan Biological Feed Co., Ltd. This technology originated in Europe and was later introduced to the mainland through Taiwan. The rising cost of fishmeal after 2005 helped accelerate the acceptance of fermented feed products among many feed and aquaculture companies.
In recent years, several domestic enterprises have started producing fermented feed, and a variety of brands are now available in the market. While the industry is still developing, the growing demand and increasing awareness suggest that fermented feed will play an even more significant role in the future of sustainable and cost-effective livestock farming.