Strategies to Improve Feed Efficiency in Pigs
A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Nutrition".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 673
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Feed efficiency stands as the cornerstone of profitable and sustainable pig production. With feed costs accounting for the largest proportion of total expenses, even marginal improvements can yield significant economic and environmental benefits. While the traditional selection of growth traits has indirectly enhanced feed conversion ratios, the industry now faces unprecedented challenges from volatile ingredient prices, antimicrobial reduction policies, and the pressing need to reduce its environmental footprint. This Special Issue aims to gather research and reviews that explore novel approaches to optimizing nutrient utilization. We seek to move beyond conventional practices by exploring advances in genetics, precision nutrition, feed processing, gut health, and data-driven management, as well as the synergies among them. Key areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: application of genomic tools for selecting more efficient animals; formulation of diets using alternative ingredients and functional additives; implementation of feed processing, microbial fermentation, and enzymatic hydrolysis techniques to improve nutrient availability; and use of precision livestock farming technologies to tailor management to individual animal needs. This Special Issue will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, industry specialists, and policymakers dedicated to shaping a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable future for the swine industry.
Dr. Qingwei Meng
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- feed efficiency
- residual feed intake (RFI)
- nutrient utilization
- precision nutrition
- feed processing
- microbial fermentation
- enzymatic hydrolysis
- gut health
- microbiome
- precision livestock farming
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