Feed quality and nutrition

By Dr. Dean Koehler Midwestern crop farmers and livestock producers are familiar with mycotoxins such as zearalenone, deoxynivalenol (also known as DON or vomitoxin), fumonisin and T-2 toxin.  All of these toxins are produced by fusarium molds which are commonly found throughout the Corn Belt.  In some years, they are present in up to 90

By Dr. Dean Koehler Widespread drought conditions are heightening concerns among swine producers regarding the high cost - and potentially short future availability - of corn and soybean meal.  An old economics adage reminds us that “a rising tide lifts all boats.” In the Midwest, corn and soybeans are king. Changes in their prices affect

By Julie Salyer Over the past 20 years, vitamin D is not a topic that has gotten much attention in the swine industry – at least not until very recently. The industry has asked a lot of questions about vitamin D this past year and, depending on who you ask, you can get very different

By Julie Salyer Feed represents at least 75 percent of the total costs of today’s swine operations.  That means it’s not only important to know the composition of the ingredients and diets we are feeding, but also how these grains are processed. Grinding cereal grains is an effective way to improve feed utilization and decrease

By Jessica Boehm Following the annual Midwest Animal Science meetings in Des Moines, Iowa last week, NUTRIQUEST hosted a timely meeting to answer the question:  How is oil extraction impacting DDGS value in swine?  The event drew in nutritionists, producers and representatives from the ethanol industry, with a goal of soliciting different perspectives in the