A technical advisor working for you formulated a vitamin premix for a large swine producer and instructed him to use the premix at 6 lb./ton of the diet for growing-finishing (50-150 lb) pigs. The producer has fed the premix to 5 sets of pigs and is complaining that growth performance is poor. He strongly believes that the pigs are deficient in something and is asking for monetary compensation. Given the recommended use level for the premix and its composition (below), determine whether the premix will meet the corresponding vitamin needs of the pigs. Based upon your findings, recommend to your supervisor whether the technical advisor should be promoted or terminated. Would you make any changes to the premix or its inclusion level in the diet or both? Be specific in your remarks.
Vitamin Concentration (per pound of premix)
A 1,500,000 IU
D3 1,500 IU
E 9,000 IU
K 420 mg
B12 15 mg
Riboflavin 1,570 mg
d-Pantothenic acid 8,500 mg
Niacin 150 mg