Utilização de software para o balanceamento de rações com custo minímo para suinos em crescimento e terminação.

Abstract

In recent years, swine farming has been growing and gaining prominence in both the national and international livestock sectors. The use of technologies such as feed formulation software has been fundamental to the development of this activity. The diffusion of these tools is becoming increasingly common, allowing more and more rural producers to access them. When combined with technical assistance, the productive potential of these technologies is enhanced, given the educational role associated with field technicians. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate a feed empirically formulated by a rural producer through the use of feed formulation software. The work was carried out using the SuperCrac software for balancing and formulating other feed alternatives, which were suggested to the producer based primarily on the availability of additional ingredients in the region. The formulated feeds were compared with the average values from the Brazilian Tables for Poultry and Swine, considering mixed-batch pigs with average performance. Management suggestions were also made for the property, where the animals were raised in a single batch and received the same feed at all stages. It was observed that the feed formulated by the producer did not meet the animals' nutritional requirements. The suggested feeds, although presenting some areas for improvement, proved to be superior in terms of nutrient availability. It was found that the use of technologies is essential for good production performance, as it meets the animals' nutritional needs, reduces costs, and minimizes environmental impacts. Furthermore, the support of a professional technician maximizes the potential of employing these technological tools.