Precision Swine Nutrition: Integrating Gut Microbiome, Functional Feed Additives and Data-Driven Feeding for Sustainable Pig Production: Review Article

Author

Dr. Rajwardhan Chandrakant Nimbalkar, Dr. Yogeshwar Rajendra Nimbalkar, Dr. Vaibhav Pandurang Kharade

Abstract

  Swine nutrition has to support rapid lean growth, reproductive performance, intestinal integrity and efficient nutrient use while controlling feed costs and nutrient losses. Because nutrient requirements change with body weight, age, genotype, health and reproductive status, a uniform diet may oversupply some nutrients and undersupply others. Precision swine nutrition combines phase-specific formulation, ingredient characterization, feeding-behaviour monitoring and data-supported adjustment. The gastrointestinal microbiome is particularly important around weaning, when dietary transition and stress can disrupt intestinal barrier function and microbial stability. This review synthesizes evidence on requirement-based feeding, amino-acid-balanced diets, dietary fibre and protein management, functional feed additives, alternative ingredients and emerging precision-feeding tools. Probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, enzymes and phytogenic compounds have potential applications, but responses are product-, dose-, diet- and farm-dependent; they should not be treated as interchangeable replacements for sound management. Electronic feeders, individual identification and weight monitoring can reveal variation hidden by group averages, although these tools require calibration and reliable records. For India, locally available cereals, oilseed meals and agro-industrial by-products offer opportunities when their nutrient composition and safety are verified. Research priorities include affordable farm-level monitoring, validated gut-health indicators, regional ingredient databases and independent cost-benefit evaluation. An integrated nutrition programme is more likely to be sustainable when formulation, health management, biosecurity and measurable production outcomes are considered together.

Keywords

Swine nutrition; precision feeding; gut microbiome; post-weaning diarrhoea; functional feed additives; amino acid balance; feed efficiency; India

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References

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