ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE January 2026 31 and long term. Understanding these periods and adjusting feed accordingly can make a difference in productivity and profitability. Formulating feed for critical periods also requires a balance between science and practical experience, considering the next principles: • Adjust nutrients density: During critical periods animals often cannot consume enough feed to meet their nutrient requirements. High-quality and easily digestible protein, together with clean energy-dense ingredients, and the right balance of essential amino acids, are crucial, adjusting for a minor feed intake. • Increase digestibility: Young and stressed animals have immature or compromised digestive systems. Ingredients should be highly digestible, and enzymes such as phytase and xylanase, among others should be included. • Support gut health: The gut is especially vulnerable during early life and stress events. Support gut health with the use of highly and fast digestible protein sources, minimizing anti-nutritional factors. Include feed enzymes to improve nutrient availability and use functional additives such as probiotics, prebiotics, and organic acids. • Ensure feed intake: Palatability is crucial during periods of low appetite, such as post-weaning or early laying, thus palatable ingredients and the right feed form should be in the checklist for feed formulations during critical periods. WEANING IN PIGLETS IS A CRITICAL PERIOD Why is it critical? During weaning, piglets undergo a set of rapid and profound physiological changes driven by the abrupt separation from the sow, transition from milk to solid feed, and exposure to a new environment. FORMULATION STRATEGIES FOR PIGLETS • Support early growth: At weaning, piglets transition from milk proteins that are biologically matched to their immature digestive systems to plant proteins that demand digestive and enzymatic capacities that are not yet fully developed. The inclusion of high-quality protein sources, providing fast-digestible protein, quickly converted into peptides and amino acids, compensates for the low digestive capacity of piglets while stimulating gut development and avoiding free protein in the hindgut. We know that the use of spray-dried blood plasma (SDP) is a well-established nutritional strategy to mitigate weaning stress, however due to different circumstances (e.g. inconsistency, regulations, price, sustainability) many operations have started to look for alternatives. From my experience, enzyme-treated soybean meal, such as HP 300 from Hamlet Protein, can effectively replace spray-dried plasma. Its low anPhoto: Kitreel | Shutterstock
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