Researchers developed new prediction equations that can estimate how much energy pigs get from different feeds with 91-98% accuracy for young pigs and 80-83% accuracy for growing pigs. According to Gram Research analysis, using a faster lab method called the Daisy system combined with feed chemical measurements, farmers can now quickly predict feed energy value instead of waiting weeks for traditional tests. This helps farms choose more cost-effective feed combinations while maintaining proper pig nutrition.
Scientists developed a faster, more accurate way to predict how much energy pigs get from their food. Instead of waiting weeks for traditional tests, researchers used a lab method called the Daisy system to measure how well pig feed breaks down in the digestive system. They tested this on 14 different pig feeds and 18 diets for young pigs, plus 35 feeds and 42 diets for older pigs. The new prediction formulas work really well—they’re 91-98% accurate for young pigs and 80-83% accurate for growing pigs. This helps farmers choose better, more cost-effective feed for their animals.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research study found that the Daisy lab system predicted metabolizable energy in young nursery pigs with 98% accuracy (R² = 0.98) using in vitro digestion tests combined with feed chemical composition.
According to a 2026 analysis of 89 pig feeds and diets, the new prediction equations achieved 80-83% accuracy for growing pigs, compared to traditional methods that were less precise.
Researchers testing 14 feedstuffs and 18 diets for young pigs found that fiber content (aNDF) was the most important factor in predicting usable energy, with feeds higher in fiber providing significantly less energy to pigs.
A 2026 study comparing two lab methods found the Daisy system worked as well as traditional flask methods for predicting pig feed energy but could test multiple samples simultaneously, making it faster and more practical for commercial use.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Can scientists predict how much energy pigs get from different feeds using a faster lab test instead of traditional slow methods?
- Who participated: The study analyzed 14 feedstuffs and 18 diets for young nursery pigs, plus 35 feedstuffs and 42 diets for growing pigs. Researchers used actual pig digestion data from their own farm records.
- Key finding: A new lab method called the Daisy system predicted energy digestibility in young pigs with 91% accuracy and in growing pigs with 83% accuracy, using simple measurements of feed ingredients.
- What it means for you: Farmers and feed companies can now quickly and cheaply predict how much nutrition pigs will actually get from different feed combinations, helping them save money and improve animal health. This is most useful for commercial pig farming operations.
The Research Details
Researchers tested two different lab methods to see which one best predicted how pigs digest food. The first method, called the flask method, is the traditional way—it’s been used for years but takes a long time. The second method, called the Daisy system, is newer and faster because it can test many samples at the same time. They tested both methods on 14 different pig feeds and 18 complete diets for young pigs, then did the same thing with 35 feeds and 42 diets for older pigs. They also measured the chemical makeup of each feed (things like protein, fiber, and fat) and compared their lab results to real data from actual pigs on farms.
The lab tests worked by mimicking what happens inside a pig’s stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Scientists mixed the feed with special liquids and enzymes that act like pig digestive juices, then measured how much of the feed disappeared (got broken down and absorbed). They combined these lab results with the chemical measurements to create prediction equations—basically math formulas that can estimate how much energy a pig will get from any feed.
The researchers focused on two important measurements: digestibility (how much of the feed gets broken down) and metabolizability (how much of the broken-down nutrients the pig’s body can actually use). They tested both young pigs (nursery pigs) and older pigs (growing pigs) because their digestive systems work differently.
This research matters because predicting feed energy is crucial for pig farming. If farmers know exactly how much energy their pigs will get from different feeds, they can mix feeds more efficiently and save money. The Daisy system is much faster than traditional methods, so farmers can get results quickly and make feeding decisions without long delays. The study shows that the newer Daisy method works just as well as—or better than—the old flask method, which means farms can switch to faster testing.
The study is solid because it tested many different feeds (89 total) and used real farm data to validate the results. The prediction equations showed very high accuracy rates (R² values of 0.80-0.98, which means the formulas explained 80-98% of the variation in actual results). The researchers tested their equations on both young and growing pigs separately, which is important because their digestive systems are different. However, the study doesn’t specify exactly how many pigs were involved in the farm data collection, and all the testing was done at one research facility, so results might vary slightly on different farms with different conditions.
What the Results Show
The Daisy system worked extremely well for predicting energy in young nursery pigs. The best prediction formula for young pigs achieved 98% accuracy (R² = 0.98) when predicting metabolizable energy—the energy the pig’s body can actually use. This formula combined three measurements: how much feed disappears in the lab test, the amount of fiber in the feed, and the amount of protein. For digestible energy (how much of the feed gets broken down), the accuracy was 91% (R² = 0.91).
For growing pigs, the Daisy system was also accurate but slightly less so than for young pigs. The metabolizable energy prediction achieved 80% accuracy (R² = 0.80), and digestible energy prediction was 83% accurate (R² = 0.83). This difference makes sense because growing pigs have more mature digestive systems that work differently than young pigs.
Interestingly, the study found that fiber content (measured as aNDF) was very important in the prediction equations. Feeds with more fiber provided less usable energy to the pigs, which researchers already knew, but now they could predict it precisely. The formulas also showed that protein content mattered for metabolizable energy but not as much as fiber.
When researchers compared the Daisy system to the traditional flask method, both worked well, but the Daisy system had some advantages. It could test multiple samples at once, making it faster and cheaper. The results were just as accurate, sometimes even slightly better.
The study revealed that young nursery pigs and growing pigs need different prediction equations because their digestive systems work differently. Young pigs showed much higher accuracy rates overall, suggesting their digestion is more predictable. The research also confirmed that crude protein content affects how much energy pigs can actually use (metabolizable energy) but doesn’t affect how much feed gets broken down (digestible energy). This distinction is important for feed formulation. Additionally, the study showed that the Daisy system’s ability to test many samples simultaneously made it practical for real-world use in feed mills and research facilities.
This research builds on decades of work trying to predict pig feed energy. Gram Research analysis shows that previous methods relied heavily on chemical composition alone, which wasn’t always accurate. This study improves on that by combining lab digestion tests with chemical measurements, creating much more accurate predictions. The Daisy system itself is relatively new technology, and this study demonstrates it works as well as traditional methods but faster. The accuracy rates achieved here (80-98%) are significantly better than what older prediction methods could achieve, making this a meaningful advance in the field.
The study has some important limitations to consider. First, all the testing was done at one research facility, so results might be slightly different on other farms with different conditions, water quality, or management practices. Second, the study doesn’t clearly specify how many individual pigs were used to collect the farm data that validated the equations—it only mentions the number of feeds and diets tested. Third, the study focused only on conventional pig feed ingredients commonly used in the research facility’s region, so the equations might not work as well for unusual or novel feed ingredients. Finally, the prediction equations were developed from data at one facility, so they should be tested on other farms before being used widely in the industry.
The Bottom Line
Feed companies and pig farms should consider using the Daisy system with these new prediction equations to estimate feed energy value. The evidence is strong (80-98% accuracy) that this method works well for both young and growing pigs. However, farms should validate the equations with their own data before making major feeding changes. For young pigs, the predictions are especially reliable (98% accuracy for metabolizable energy). For growing pigs, predictions are still very good (80% accuracy) but slightly less precise. Farms should use these equations to optimize feed mixing and reduce costs while maintaining pig nutrition.
Commercial pig farms, feed manufacturers, and animal nutritionists should care most about this research. Large-scale operations that buy or mix feed regularly will benefit most from faster, cheaper energy predictions. Small hobby farms or backyard pig owners probably won’t need this level of detail. Veterinarians who advise on pig nutrition might also find this useful. The research is most relevant for farms in regions with similar feed ingredients and conditions to where the study was conducted.
Farmers could start using these prediction equations immediately if they have access to a Daisy system or similar lab equipment. The benefits would show up in feed costs within weeks as they optimize feed mixing. Improvements in pig growth and health might take 4-8 weeks to become noticeable. The long-term benefit is ongoing cost savings from more accurate feed formulation, which compounds over months and years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are the new equations for predicting how much energy pigs get from feed?
The new equations are 91-98% accurate for young pigs and 80-83% accurate for growing pigs. Young pigs show higher accuracy because their digestive systems are more predictable. These accuracy rates are significantly better than older prediction methods.
What’s the difference between the Daisy system and the traditional flask method for testing pig feed?
Both methods mimic pig digestion in the lab and produce accurate results. The Daisy system can test many samples at once, making it faster and cheaper, while the flask method tests one sample at a time. The Daisy system’s results are just as reliable.
Can I use these prediction equations on my farm right away?
You can use them if you have access to a Daisy system or similar lab equipment and know your feed’s chemical composition. However, it’s wise to validate the predictions with your own pig performance data first, since results may vary slightly between farms.
Why does fiber content matter so much in predicting pig feed energy?
Fiber is harder for pigs to digest than other nutrients, so feeds with more fiber provide less usable energy. The new equations precisely measure this relationship, allowing farmers to account for fiber when choosing feed combinations.
Are these equations the same for young and growing pigs?
No, young nursery pigs and growing pigs need different equations because their digestive systems work differently. Young pigs show higher prediction accuracy (98% vs 80%), so their digestion is more predictable.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly feed costs per pig and average daily weight gain. Compare these metrics before and after implementing the new energy prediction equations. Measure the cost per pound of weight gained, which should decrease as feed efficiency improves.
- Use the app to input your current feed ingredients and their chemical composition (protein, fiber, fat). The app calculates predicted energy values using the new equations, helping you decide whether to adjust your feed mix. Compare predicted energy values across different feed options to choose the most cost-effective combination.
- Set up monthly tracking of actual pig performance (weight gain, feed consumption) versus predicted performance from the equations. This helps validate whether the predictions are accurate on your specific farm. Adjust the equations if you notice consistent differences between predictions and actual results.
This research applies specifically to pig nutrition and feed formulation in commercial farming settings. The prediction equations were developed from data at one research facility and should be validated with your own farm data before making major feeding changes. Results may vary based on local feed ingredients, water quality, farm management practices, and pig genetics. Consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist before significantly changing your pig feeding program. This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional agricultural or veterinary advice.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.