Articles

Get updated on the latest knowledge about sows, piglets and finishers. You are always welcome to contact us for more information on tel. +45 8887 5200 or contact your nutritionist here.

Adjusting the feed during summer

During the summer period temperatures increase and it has an influence on the well-being and performance of your pigs. Most animals are able to remove excess heat from the body through sweating and increased breathing. Pigs are highly sensible to heat stress because they can only sweat to a limited extent.

Practical experiences with bringing down piglet mortality

The pre weaning period is one of the most important and sensitive periods of the piglet´s life. Management and feeding can make a very significant difference in the survival of a large number of healthy and well developed pigs - but also to keep their mothers/the sow in a good body condition. We discussed these themes with Operations Manager Christina Kanstrup from Frihedslund - a Danish farm.

The importance of strict hygiene in feed silos

We have seen a surge in different types of toxins in recent years, along with many different levels of toxins in livestock production.

Piglet mortality still a hot topic – sadly

Over the last 10 years, three more piglets have been born on average per litter. More and sustained focus in the farrowing house has resulted in mortality rates remaining at the same level as in 2010, despite more piglets per litter.

Constipation of lactating sows

The occurrence of constipation in sows has been on the rise in recent years. But what can be done to prevent it?

Maintaining a high level of hygiene of the feeding system

No matter whether the feeding system is designed for dry or liquid feed, it is extremely important to maintain a very high level of hygiene. This can be done by implementing periodically routines from a check list including supervising all parts of the feeding system - from one end to the other - and cleaning regularly

Mycotoxin predictions across Europe

Climate changes introduce several challenges for crop production due to the fact that it promotes a higher mycotoxin contamination, which ultimately can have a huge negative impact on animal health.

How do we feed the gilts?

At Vilomix we have had the pleasure of a visit from scientist Thomas Sønderby Bruun from SEGES - the Danish Pig Research Centre, who gave us an update from the latest studies into feeding gilts.

Why it is important to analyze grain

We recommend that you have your new grain analyzed for water content in particular - but also crude protein and crude fat.

Suspicious of mycotoxins ending up in the feed?

This summer we have across countries had several hot periods followed by high humidity, which create a significant risk of fungal attack in the field and thus a risk of mycotoxins in the feed.

2020 pre-harvest recommendations from Vilomix

To help you maintain the high production productivity in the swine sections during the period from August to September we have gathered some main recommendations.

High potential risk of mycotoxin contaminated grain

Harvest time is up and risk arises of possible mycotoxin contamination that may decrease production results.

How can you ensure longevity of your sows and avoid liver torsion?

Liver torsion could be due to large amounts of feed and high raw protein content in sows. There are many things to focus on in a sow unit, and one of them is longevity.

Urinary system infection in sows and citric acid

Urinary system infection in sows affects reproduction, leading to financial loss. But what are the symptoms of infection, and how can it be treated? Read the article on our recommendations on how to deal with this.

The best way to feed sows - a recommendation

At Vilomix’ 40th anniversary our Senior Nutritionist from Denmark Jens Svendgaard made a talk on “Feeding pigs in 20 minutes”. 23 years of experience with feed consultancy gives Jens expert knowledge when it comes to what works in herds. You can now read the main points and recommendations Jens makes for sows.

Get the pigs off to a good start

Having a smoothly running farrowing unit is vital for achieving strong and uniform pigs in the weaning unit. As a supplement to the sow milk a lot of farmers utilize a milk replacer in the farrowing unit. On top of this a high quality prestarter will make its effect to getting pigs off to the good start. Listen to the interview with Julie Holsbo, swine nutritionist in Vilomix, where she passes on some tips on how to achieve the smoothly running farrowing unit.

Adjusting the feed during summer

During the summer period temperatures increase and it has an influence on the well-being and performance of your pigs. Most animals are able to remove excess heat from the body through sweating and increased breathing. Pigs are highly sensible to heat stress because they can only sweat to a limited extent.

The importance of strict hygiene in feed silos

We have seen a surge in different types of toxins in recent years, along with many different levels of toxins in livestock production.

Maintaining a high level of hygiene of the feeding system

No matter whether the feeding system is designed for dry or liquid feed, it is extremely important to maintain a very high level of hygiene. This can be done by implementing periodically routines from a check list including supervising all parts of the feeding system - from one end to the other - and cleaning regularly

Mycotoxin predictions across Europe

Climate changes introduce several challenges for crop production due to the fact that it promotes a higher mycotoxin contamination, which ultimately can have a huge negative impact on animal health.

Hygiene is vital when zinc is phased out

Vilomix is working full speed with a project to deal with the problems that pig farmers will encounter in 2022, when zinc oxide can no longer be used against diarrhoea in weaned pigs.

Water supply and activation of piglets

At one of our Danish customers we have seen a solution for optimising water intake and activate weaners brought into the climate controlled environment section.

Why it is important to analyze grain

We recommend that you have your new grain analyzed for water content in particular - but also crude protein and crude fat.

Suspicious of mycotoxins ending up in the feed?

This summer we have across countries had several hot periods followed by high humidity, which create a significant risk of fungal attack in the field and thus a risk of mycotoxins in the feed.

Vilomix project on weaning without zinc oxide has started

Listen to Kristina Sørensen - product manager, swine at Vilomix - explain why Vilomix started the practical project on working with Danish swine producers on how to wean piglets without zinc oxide.

Vilomix in new project with SEGES on zinc-free feeding

To counter the problems pig producers will meet in 2022, when zinc oxide can no longer be used against weaning diarrhoea, Danish Agro’s subsidiary Vilomix started a new project to work with the future problems in cooperation with SEGES, the Danish Pig Research Centre. The objective is to use the expertise of each organisation to jointly find solutions to benefit all pig producers.

High potential risk of mycotoxin contaminated grain

Harvest time is up and risk arises of possible mycotoxin contamination that may decrease production results.

2020 pre-harvest recommendations from Vilomix

To help you maintain the high production productivity in the swine sections during the period from August to September we have gathered some main recommendations.

Optimise your weaning section for high productivity

Weaning sections are often the bottleneck when efficiency is on the increase within a sow unit. So what can be done within existing facilities? Often we see that little attention is paid to the avilability of feed and water.

How to feed piglets for high daily gain?

When the weaners come from the farrowing house, it’s important that they get the best possible start to be able to perform consistently all the way through the unit. Read the recommendations from our Senior Nutritionist Jens Svendgaard who knows what works with his 23 years of experience with feed consultancy.

Adjusting the feed during summer

During the summer period temperatures increase and it has an influence on the well-being and performance of your pigs. Most animals are able to remove excess heat from the body through sweating and increased breathing. Pigs are highly sensible to heat stress because they can only sweat to a limited extent.

The importance of strict hygiene in feed silos

We have seen a surge in different types of toxins in recent years, along with many different levels of toxins in livestock production.

High feed conversion among finishers - how?

Feed conversion among finishers is one of the most important parameters for good production measures.

Hybrid units and high feed conversion among finishers

During the summer of 2020, Vilomix was fortunate enough to take photos of finishers at Peder Rasmussen’s farm in Denmark. Apart from getting some great photos, it turned out that Peder’s hybrid unit had a truly exciting story to tell.

Maintaining a high level of hygiene of the feeding system

No matter whether the feeding system is designed for dry or liquid feed, it is extremely important to maintain a very high level of hygiene. This can be done by implementing periodically routines from a check list including supervising all parts of the feeding system - from one end to the other - and cleaning regularly

Mycotoxin predictions across Europe

Climate changes introduce several challenges for crop production due to the fact that it promotes a higher mycotoxin contamination, which ultimately can have a huge negative impact on animal health.

Suspicious of mycotoxins ending up in the feed?

This summer we have across countries had several hot periods followed by high humidity, which create a significant risk of fungal attack in the field and thus a risk of mycotoxins in the feed.

Why it is important to analyze grain

We recommend that you have your new grain analyzed for water content in particular - but also crude protein and crude fat.

High potential risk of mycotoxin contaminated grain

Harvest time is up and risk arises of possible mycotoxin contamination that may decrease production results.

2020 pre-harvest recommendations from Vilomix

To help you maintain the high production productivity in the swine sections during the period from August to September we have gathered some main recommendations.

How to increase productivity and reduce ammonia at the same time

How to increase productivity and reduce ammonia at the same time Additives can help in reducing ammonia and boost productivity at the same time while keeping costs down. In recent years, the authorities have been focusing increasingly on ammonia emissions from pig production, and particularly from finisher production.

Feed for finishers

The better the feed conversion rate, the less feed needed per pig. Consequently, productivity can be improved by increasing the amino acid profile to fulfil the needs of the pig optimally, thus improving productivity. With 23 years of experience with feed consultancy our Senior Nutritionist from Denmark Jens Svendgaard knows what works in herds. You can now read the main points and recommendations Jens makes for finishers.

How can increasing lean meat percentage be worthwhile at this time?

Right now sales prices are high and amino acid prices low. Hence it makes sense to focus on the last 10% of productivity and unexploited potential. You can get this by increasing the amino acid profile for young pigs and finishers, depending on the amino acid profile in your feed today.

Rye in feed for pigs

New norms for sodium and chloride

Extra focus on the fresh cows

Over the last few years, extra focus has been put on the fresh cows at Danish farmer Flemming Pedersen’s high yield herd, with great results!

Problems in the herd?

Studies show that grain (barley, wheat, rye and maize) and straw from the 2020 harvest contain more mycotoxins than normal. Luckily, the levels are usually low, by many mycotoxins can often unfortunately be seen at the same time.

New corn silage and a higher fat percentage in milk

Several of our customers have reported a higher fat percentage in milk due to switching to new corn silage – and with good reason.

Grouping to meet the needs of high producing cows

Feeding in groups with different energy levels is good for high producing cows. Vilomix Cattle Consultant Thomas Rosenberg has written an article on the subject.

Dry cow feeding and milk fever

View the video with our cattle nutritionist Rikke Kirkebæk where Rikke shares her recommendations on dry cow feeding and how to best avoid milk fever

Are mycotoxins a problem for ruminants?

A new feed season is approaching, so what should we be on the lookout for?

Are mycotoxins a problem for ruminants?

The cow can cope – or can it? Most people working with cattle agree that ruminants are capable of neutralising many occurrences of mycotoxins.

How to make your dry cows acidic – and make them healthy?

The barren period should be wellness break for the cow. Feed composition is vital, especially to prevent disease.

Avoid heat in the TMR

Heat in feed is a common problem in the summer. It’s caused by rapid growth of microorganisms, bacteria, mould and yeast found naturally in silage. These microorganisms break down the feed, causing it to lose energy (feed units/MJ), making it unappetising.

Mycotoxins can be a problem in feed this year

Mycotoxins in feed pose a real threat to the health of a herd, causing anything from a minor drop in yield to death. That's why farmers should decide whether to actively do something to minimise the risk now.

Mineral feed must suit the prevailing conditions

We recommend regular adjustment of mineral supply, always taking into account the feed situation. Major changes to the ration, e.g. switching to soda grain, starting on beet pellets or changes in the grass/maize ratio, require adjustment of the mineral feed. And remember to use the correct amount as calculated for the feed.

The dilemma of the high-production cow

The critical period after calving and the mobilisation phase require particular focus. During those periods, the cow is unable to take in enough energy. At this point, neither the best management nor the best feed are enough. The feed ration can simply NOT provide enough energy.

How do we tackle copper deficiency?

We have been receiving more and more enquiries concerning copper deficiency from consultants and farmers recently. Cows develop "glasses" (rings around their eyes) and stiff, spiky coats, with the appearance of unthriving. Whether this is due to more focus on the problem or an actual feed-related problem is difficult to say.

Suspect toxins in your silage?

With a cold and wet harvest, the risk of toxins in the ensilage increases. Therefore, be aware of symptoms of toxin poisoning. Read more about symptoms and what you can do.

Using natural products, could reduce the methane production

Various herbs, spices, seaweed and essential oils, as well as other natural herbal substances, have shown a positive effect on methane reduction as well as on feed conversion and health. Read more in the article on how to achieve less methane production and improved health.