Tom Sauber Pioneer

Publish Date: March 25, 2010

Energy fuels maintenance, growth, reproduction and lactation processes and physical activity. Total energy content of a feed ingredient (gross energy) is determined by its chemical composition and is the sum of the gross energies of carbohydrate, fat, and protein fractions. The proportion of gross energy utilized by the animal is dependent on energy digestibility and how the energy is utilized by the animal. Energy concentration represents the largest cost component of swine diets. Thus, information regarding energy values of feed ingredients and their contribution to the diet is of particular importance to reduce diet costs and maximize pig performance.