SPRING SUMMER BONUS MAGAZINE 2026

composition. High levels of synthetic amino acids in pig diets are important because they allow nutritionists to meet the animals’ amino acid requirements more precisely, while reducing the overall crude protein content of the feed. By supplementing essential amino acids such as lysine, methionine, threonine, and tryptophan, diets can be formulated using lower levels of expensive protein ingredients without compromising growth performance, feed efficiency, or carcass quality. Lower- protein diets also reduce nitrogen excretion, which decreases environmental pollution and improves air quality within pig housing. Furthermore, reducing excess dietary protein can improve gut health by limiting the amount of undigested protein reaching the large intestine, thereby reducing the growth of harmful bacteria and the risk of digestive disorders such as scours. Functional fibre is an important component of pig diets because it supports digestive health, gut function, and overall animal performance. Unlike traditional fibre sources that mainly dilute dietary energy, functional fibre provides physiological benefits by promoting healthy gut motility, stimulating the growth of beneficial microorganisms, and enhancing the development of the intestinal tract. Fermentable fibre sources can increase the production of short-chain fatty acids, which serve as an energy source for intestinal cells and help maintain gut integrity. Functional fibre also helps regulate the passage rate of digesta, improves satiety, and can reduce harmful bacterial populations by creating a more stable gut environment. In weaned pigs, appropriate levels of functional fibre are particularly beneficial for reducing digestive disturbances and the incidence of scours. Prevention rather than treatment Scouring of piglets is a large contributing factor to low weaning weights and mortalities; www.deheus.co.za | 031 785 1575 | infosa@deheus.com therefore, farmers are often more willing to pay for the use of medication to reduce its effect on the farm. Pigs, however, can remain healthy and grow to their full genetic potential under the correct environment. The Natural Power concept aims to allow animals to perform and produce to their full potential by allowing pigs access to the best possible housing, environment and feed; all factors that farmers have control over. Scours are often preventable through the correct vaccination programme, management, and most importantly, feed and feeding strategies. By maintaining ideal conditions for pigs to grow and develop, the negative effects of scouring on the farm can be minimised. To learnmore about feeding practices to reduce scours in piglets, contact your local De Heus technical advisor – https://www.deheus.co.za/meet- our-team/. www.agribonus.co.za Spring/Summer 2026 BONUS 121