On April 17, Orffa Additives, a feed ingredient producer, organized its yearly Benelux Symposium. Among the highlights for this year were amino acid nutrition in piglets and a completely new type of trace minerals for all animal species. Hydroxy trace minerals were recently approved in the European Union and the interest for monogastrics as well ruminants were discussed during the symposium.
Orffa hosted nutritionists, researches and other interested people from the animal nutrition industry. In total around 100 people attended the symposium, which was held in Etten-Leur in the Netherlands. Chairman of the day was Professor Geert Janssens from the University of Ghent in Belgium.
Further research on amino acid nutrition in piglets
The first presentation was held by Dr. Mathieu Gloaguen from the French National Institute for Agricultural Research. He presented the conclusion of his long term research on amino acids nutrition in piglets. Today, piglet diets are formulated with a low crude protein level to support gut health and to lower feed cost. Reducing the level of crude protein is possible, but the levels of essential amino acids should be controlled. Much is known about the first limiting amino acids but data of other essential amino acids, like phenylalanine et tyrosine, is often lacking. Gloaguen presented the latest update from his Ph.D. and post doctoral work in this field.
Meta-analysis for tryptophan in growing pigs
Last year, the tryptophan meta-analysis for piglets was discussed on the Orffa symposium. This year, Aude Simongiovanni from Ajinomoto Eurolysine S.A.S. presented a new meta-analysis for tryptophan, this time focusing on growing pigs. She also presented new trial work with results that were perfectly in line with her meta-analysis. The tryptophan requirement in growing pigs is confirmed in new trials.
Valine nutrition in sows
Dr. David Sola from Universitat Autonoma in Barcelona gave a presentation on amino acid nutrition in sows. Nutritionists are researching the requirements of sows and so also on amino acid usage. Sola shared his knowledge with focus on Valine with the audience.
Feedipedia, a worldwide reference on animal feed resources
Dr. Gilles Tran from the association Française de Zootechnie presented an internet database for animal feed resources. It can be used freely and gives qualitative and quantitative information.
Impact of trace elements on nutrient stability in feed and optimized trace element supply in monogastric animals
Last year, Orffa introduced a new form of trace minerals: hydroxy trace minerals. Meanwhile IntelliBond C (copper) and IntelliBond Z (zinc) are approved in the EU for use in all animal species. Dr. Detlef Kampf from Orffa Additives gave a presentation on this new form of trace minerals. Hydroxy trace minerals are used in the U.S. and have shown benefits both from technical and nutritional point of view. Kampf emphasized the benefits of IntelliBond in piglet and poultry nutrition, by showing the latest results from different studies.
Importance and solutions for an optimal trace mineral supply in ruminants
