Ours solutions for Piglet nutrition
The piglet nutrition market is evolving rapidly, driven by global demand for pork and the growing need to enhance early-stage animal performance. Feed quality during the first weeks of life is more important than ever. At Roquette, we support you in developing high-quality starter feeds, by offering plant-based ingredients that meet the nutritional and functional needs of young animals.
Meeting the demand of piglet nutrition
The first weeks of life are a decisive period for piglets and other young animals. As producers seek to improve survival rates, growth performance, and long-term health, the demand for high-quality starter feeds continues to rise. These feeds must help young animals in laying the foundation for efficient growth and productivity.
Starter feeds must be highly digestible, palatable, and easy to chew to encourage early feed intake. They should deliver concentrated nutrition to support rapid development, strengthen immunity, and reduce mortality.
To meet formulation challenges, Roquette provides a comprehensive range of high-quality ingredients designed to support the nutritional needs of young animals, especially piglets during the sensitive weaning period.
These include purified, highly digestible plant proteins, Dextrose and maltodextrins for efficient energy sources. And fibers and sodium gluconate to enhance digestive health.
These ingredients not only support optimal growth and digestive well-being but also offer a significant economic advantage. Their inclusion in piglet nutrition helps optimize feed costs while maximizing performance and breeding outcomes.
Our Dextrose
Safe and optimal energy source.
Modern pig farming demands feeds that are not only highly digestible but also safe and appealing to young animals. In both pre-starter and starter formulations, Roquette’s dextrose (a glucose crystal) serves as an excellent energy source that also provides great digestive safety.
When included in pre-starter feeds, our dextrose encourages early feed intake and improves piglet vitality. Unlike lactose or sucrose, it is immediately absorbable, requiring no enzymatic digestion, which enhances both digestive safety and energy efficiency. And additionally, its natural sweetening power increases feed palatability.
Our Maltodextrins
Alternative sugars designed for optimized piglet weaning.
As Europe’s leading producer of maltodextrins for infant formula and sports nutrition, Roquette brings its expertise to animal nutrition with GLUCIDEX® maltodextrin, a high-performance ingredient that is promising differentiating zootechnical and functional benefits.
In a recent trial conducted by Ghent University, maltodextrin demonstrated digestibility equivalent to lactose, with comparable feed intake and performance outcomes.
This position GLUCIDEX® as a reliable and effective energy source, supporting smooth weaning and healthy development in young piglets and animals.
Our Proteins
Optimized proteins solutions for early-life nutrition.
We offer a range of high-quality protein concentrates designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of piglets during the critical post-weaning phase.
TUBERMINE® GP, produced from potatoes, stands out for its rich content of essential amino acids such as lysine, methionine, tryptophan, and threonine. These amino acids are in fact, present in significantly higher levels than in traditional protein sources used in piglet feed. Its outstanding digestibility makes it particularly well-suited to the high protein requirements of newly weaned animals.
Internal studies have shown that incorporating significant levels of TUBERMINE® GP in post-weaning feed supports growth performance equivalent to the reference proteins. Its low ash and fiber content, combined with a high protein concentration, also make it a flexible and easy-to-use ingredient in feed formulation.
VITEN®, Roquette’s vital wheat gluten, is another valuable protein source, offering both nutritional and functional benefits. Rich in glutamic acid and highly digestible, it helps reduce the presence of undigested protein in the large intestine, supporting gut health and feed efficiency. Beyond its nutritional profile, VITEN® also acts as an effective binder in pelletized feed production. Its viscoelastic properties contribute to the structural stability and durability of pellets, ensuring consistent quality throughout the feed manufacturing process.
Additionally, LYSAMINE® GPS, a highly digestible pea protein isolate, provides 78% protein and is particularly rich in lysine and arginine, two amino acids essential for piglet development. This plant-based protein is an excellent option for formulating high-performance feeds that support early growth.
Our Gluconic Acid
Renewable solution for gut health and performance.
Our Gluconic Acid is a soft acidifier produced in Europe from renewable raw materials, offering a sustainable and effective solution for young animal nutrition. Acting as a precursor to short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), it plays a key role in supporting gut health and immune function.
Recent findings published in Pig Research Days congress highlight the benefits of including gluconic acid in piglet diets. The study demonstrated improved intestinal health, enhanced immune response, and notable gains in zootechnical performance.
This makes Roquette Gluconic Acid a valuable addition to early-life nutrition strategies focused on health, sustainability, and productivity.