Emerging technologies with the potential to improve feed efficiency in swine

Abstract

Although there are metabolic modifiers such as injectable porcine somatotropin available for some pork industries, producers are very much interested in orally active compounds that may cause metabolic shifts that result in similar improvements in feed efficiency and body composition. The purpose of this review is to discuss some of the alternatives that may be used to manipulate growth, feed efficiency, and body composition in growing pigs. The new technologies include immunization against gonatotropin releasing factor (GnRF) to enhance the use of boars while the orally active dietary additives discussed include ractopamine, cysteamine, chromium, betaine, and dietary neurolepetics. Cysteami..