New TOPSPEC diets help pig producers cut costs

Quick to react to the recent seismic shift in the UK pig industry's economic circumstances, starter feed specialist Primary Diets has launched a new range of lower-cost diets based on the latest protein and energy sources.

This new TOPSPEC range comes as many pig producers are struggling to cope with the ever-rising feed costs that have been a consequence of soaring raw material prices.

The new diets have been developed by the knowledgeable and experienced team at Primary Diets, now part of the respected Associated British Nutrition (ABN) group, to reduce reliance on costly milk products, while maintaining the best possible nutrition for piglets.

Based on extensive research and development work in conjunction with experts at the University of Leeds, the new range has already been tested in commercial farm situations with extremely positive results.

Company spokesman Paul Toplis explains: "These trials revealed the close interaction between farm environment, piglet health and product.

"I am confident that a large number of pig units will be able to switch to the lower-cost TOPSPEC range and exploit it fully to achieve highly cost-effective benefits."

He added: "It is always important for producers to challenge the products on farms to ensure that the diets meet the needs of their units, from maximum performance to best cost per pig to discover the right starter feed programme."

The new TOPSPEC range adds another dimension for pig producers to consider, along with the other successful starter feed programmes produced by Primary Diets, including the popular PRIMESPEC and STANDARD ranges.

"Despite the difficulties facing the UK pig market, Primary Diets remains committed to R&D, product innovation and a strong technical sales support programme to meet the challenges producers face today and in future," says Primary Diets European pig nutritionist Dr Pete Wilcock.

"Fortunately ABN, which is sponsoring this year's British Pig & Poultry Fair, recognises the need to develop new products through scientific innovation, with sound technical support to ensure their full value is extracted at farm level."

Full details of TOPSPEC and the other feeds developed by Primary Diets will be available to producers at the ABN stand at the British Pig & Poultry Fair at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on May 13 and 14.