A U.S. Soy-sponsored symposium at the American Society of Animal Science Midwest Section Meeting will focus on moving swine nutritionists beyond least-cost formulation toward profit-per-pig strategies using soybean meal.
The symposium, “The Science and Commercial Application of Soybean Meal in Today’s Pig Diets,” is scheduled for March 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the meeting in Omaha.
“This symposium brings forward new knowledge about the use of soybean meal in swine nutrition and health applications,” said Dr. Nathan Augspurger, vice president for Animal Nutrition and Health at the United Soybean Board.
The program will feature presentations from leading researchers including Dr. Robert Easter, emeritus professor at the University of Illinois, who will provide historical perspective on corn-soy diet development for pigs.
A major highlight will be the introduction of a new web-based financial modeling tool developed by Iowa State University in collaboration with the United Soybean Board and funded by the Soy Checkoff.
“This financial modeling tool can help swine nutritionists go beyond the formulation desk,” said Dr. David Rosero, who led the tool’s development. The model integrates diet formulation, predicted growth performance and future pricing to help evaluate profitability scenarios.
Dr. Bart Borg said the tool helps move decision-makers “from a least-cost diet formulation approach to a profit/pig decision, allowing owners and CFOs to see the bigger picture when it comes to profitability.”
All symposium attendees will receive immediate access to the tool.
Registration is open for the March 9-11 meeting.
