Single-phase feeding and compensatory growth in pigs

This document outlines a single-phase feeding strategy for growing and finishing pigs that leverages compensatory growth to reduce early dietary protein and amino acid levels. By formulating diets based on digestible amino acids rather than crude protein, this approach enables lower crude protein (16.5%) and digestible lysine (0.70–0.80 g/MJ NE), reducing nitrogen excretion by ~10%. It promotes the use of local, high-quality protein sources such as faba beans, peas, oilseed and dairy by-products, and cereal co-products, reducing reliance on soya bean cake by 14% and increasing pea utilization by 22%. The strategy enhances sustainability and nitrogen efficiency in organic pig production, particularly within the OK-Net Ecofeed framework. Research from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) supports its effectiveness. Close monitoring of feed intake, growth, and health is recommended.