March 1, 2012
AMES, Iowa — The U.S. Pork Center of Excellence (USPCE) has updated its National Swine Nutrition Guide (NSNG) Diet Formulation and Evaluation software with an expanded feed Library, nutrient excretion module, user's guide and metric version.
The new software, called Version 2.0 and Version 2.1 Metric, will be available through Iowa State University Extension Distribution Services on March 2 at http://store.extension.iastate.edu (type National Swine Nutrition Guide in the search box). The updated software also can be ordered by calling (515) 294-2490.
"The addition of the nutrient excretion module to the National Swine Nutrition Guide Diet Formulation software provides valuable information to producers on how diet composition can affect nutrient excretion," said Joel DeRouchey, professor and extension specialist at Kansas State University, who worked on the development of the update.
"The newly developed manure value calculations can summarize manure value both by diet and/or phase feeding program compared to commercial fertilizer costs. These additions also can serve as a valuable teaching opportunity for students," he said.
Eric van Heugten, professor of nutrition at North Carolina State University who also worked on the software, believes it may change the way producers plan swine diets.
"The newly added nutrient excretion module will allow users to take the value of nutrients in manure into account when formulating diets. Therefore, different diets can be specifically designed for producers that value nutrients in manure as a fertilizer and those that do not. After formulation, all diet information can be easily transferred to the manure tab to calculate manure nutrient content and subsequent dollar value," van Heugten said.
"When we originally released the National Swine Nutrition Guide and companion Diet Formulation Software in 2009, it was the first of its kind," said David Meisinger, USPCE executive director. "We are making history again with this release. This software enables producers to customize diets that best fit their operations. The metric version also makes it possible for producers across the globe to quickly formulate diets and easily use them on their farms."
Also involved in the development of software were Garland Dahlke, Iowa State University; Scott Carter, Oklahoma State University; Marcia Carlson Shannon and John Lory, University of Missouri; Bob Thaler, South Dakota State University; and Brian Richert, Purdue University.
The new software will cost $50. For those who have already purchased the NSNG three-piece set, call ISU Extension Distribution Center at (515) 294-2490 for more information on purchasing Version 2.0 and Version 2.1 Metric software.