Feed has a large impact on the efficiency of production. Over 65% of the total hog production cost is due to feed. Energy is the most expensive component at 90%, so characterizing the available energy in a feed is required to estimate its overall feeding value. Net energy (NE) is the metabolizable energy (ME) without the heat increment. The NE system may be the ideal system for measuring available energy in diets but the derivation of values are still confusing as determining the NE content of a diet or ingredient is more complex than ME or DE. Both the comparative slaughter technique and indirect calorimetry have their benefits and limitations. Most feed tables now include a NE content value, mainly in the INRA (France) system.
Determining the NE Content of Diets and Ingredients (full article)
