Determining the available energy content of feed for animals is critical; however, in vivo methods are time-consuming, costly, and technically complex. This study evaluated an automated computer-controlled simulated digestion system (CCSDS), designed to simulate the digestive processes of growing pigs under laboratory conditions. The system was used to analyze 20 common pig feed ingredients. The results obtained from the CCSDS were subsequently compared with data derived from in vivo experiments. A strong agreement was observed between the two methods, indicating that the CCSDS can accurately predict the available energy content of feeds for growing pigs. Additionally, when these predicted values were used to calculate the available energy in complete mixed diets, the results demonstrated consistent accuracy. In conclusion, the CCSDS presents a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable alternative to in vivo trials for determining the available energy of feed. This tool can assist feed producers in formulating more precise diets for growing pigs, thereby enhancing the efficiency of animal production.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.