Cargill is a global leader in animal nutrition science due to our disciplined, scientific approach to nutrients and animal metabolism and our strong customer focus. It has been a core component of our business for decades and is at the heart of our state-of-the-art research and technology centers around the globe.

Each day, our world-class researchers are studying nutrients and their effects on pig health and growth. Results from our research are shared among our scientists and technicians. By working collaboratively with producers, we are discovering new and innovative ways to deliver the nutrients pigs need to flourish while giving producers practical solutions to help produce wholesome products, increase the efficiency of their business, lower costs and respond quickly to growing and changing markets.

Animal models

Our research focuses on creating animal models that can explain the behavior or effect of feed formulations on the animals in different conditions. These models have been successful in developing nutrient solutions for many situations, including: Optimizing sow reproduction and health by adjusting feed intake and ingredients; managing joint health in sows through diet; determining amino acid needs for optimum pig growth; and managing fat composition to deliver desired market characteristics. These discoveries are then tied to our proprietary software systems to formulate diets and manage operations.

Gut health for baby pigs

Our Gut Health model is an important tool in growing baby pigs. Baby pigs need a good appetite, a diet that is highly digestible, and a well-functioning gut to absorb nutrients. With our Gut Health model, we can do fine measurements to gain information on how animals respond to different diets or different nutrients. The information from these studies is then incorporated into our formulation systems to deliver consistent, optimum nutrition in our additives, premixes, base mixes, concentrates and complete feeds to help your young pigs thrive.

Antibiotic alternatives

Some consumers prefer a premium pork product raised without antibiotics. Our research into controlled nutrition and production processes gives producers more choices and support to enter these and other premium markets.

Sow Innovation Center

The Cargill Sow Innovation Center located in Sugar Grove, Kentucky opened in 2011 to support our animal welfare efforts and to further improve pork production. The Sow Innovation Center combines Cargill’s extensive swine nutrition, feed formulation, production and farm management knowledge and expertise.

Research at the Center focuses on maximizing sow reproductive performance, increasing pig weaning weight, and improving pig nutrition, while also developing new and better farm production management tools, techniques and systems. The facility incorporates gestation group housing and will evaluate alternative housing for farrowing.