Press release
BOARS: MORE PHOSPHORUS IN CARCASS
Schothorst Feed Research has published a study to the requirements of bears and barrows, recently. The study showed that P-excretion by boars is over 20% lower than that of barrows, receiving the same feed. This is not only explained by the lower feed conversion of bears, but also because bears capture more phosphate in meat and bones. The fixed standard for removal of P by animals could therefore be at least 2.5% higher for swine farms raising boars.
In a study of Schothorst Feed Research, the differences in composition of body growth of bears and barrows were studied. Animals were slaughtered at different body weights and the whole animals were analyzed. Bears had a significantly lower feed conversion, so the dietary P intake was less.
"This was an expected result," said Rosemaryn Gerritsen, cluster leader Pigs, “However, we did not expect that the P accretion would be 5% higher in boars.” The difference in P in the body is largely explained by the higher meat percentage. In addition, probably more P is stored in the bones. As a result of the hormone testosterone, the bone maturation is affected. The bones of boars are more mature and calcification and mineral deposition in bone are stimulated. The bones have a higher density.
All effects combined mean that phosphate excretion per boar is more than 20% lower than per barrow. The phosphate accretion in boars is 70 grams higher. The fixed standard does not take these differences into account. The current standard of 1400 grams of phosphate per animal could be adjusted. On a farm level this means a 2.5% higher standard for P removal by animals.
