The “Alföld Livestock Breeding and Agricultural Days” hosts a competition every year for the “Hungarian Livestock Breeding Product Award”, one of the most prestigious awards in the agricultural sector featuring developments that stand out in their field. Submitted applications are assessed by an independent professional jury based on various aspects such as novelty, economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. The continuous renewal of the sector and the willingness to engage in development was reflected again in the high number of applications this year. Bonafarm-Bábolna Takarmány Ltd. is the proud winner of the grand prize in the Nutrition category with its application titled “Novel piglet feeds developed on the basis of in vitro protein digestibility testing”. This year’s prize – as usual – portrays the animal appearing in the graphic design of the show, a cow with the identification number 906 called “Kaktusz”, who won the special prize “Breeder of the cow with the best udder in show” as well as the award “Senior Reserve Champion breeding animal of the show” in 2024. The grand prize depicts a Holstein Friesian cow taking a step forward. The composition has a solid, block-like structure but remains dynamic at the same time. The characteristics of the breed are conveyed through sculptural modelling rather than colours. The surface of the sculpture is both smooth and rough, the larger body parts are minimalistic, with the head and legs showing a more delicate pattern. It is the work of the sculptor Sándor Návay. Optimising protein in pre-starter feeds based on new principles We have developed a new protein optimising system based on in vitro crude protein digestibility testing to design a new feed range called Platino NEO prestarter. This innovation in weaned piglet nutrition uses a new approach as it provide us the opportunity to select protein sources based on farm specific needs and to optimise formulations in a targeted manner. According to our own trials and farm experiences, this new nutritional concept improved production and economic results while providing an opportunity to fully exclude fish meal and include protein from more sustainable sources. Data based nutrition – measurable advantages The basis of our innovation is a protein optimising system based on age group specific, in vitro crude protein digestibility. This approach:

• is based on measured data, not estimates,
• arranges digestibility values into a standardised database,
• allows us to rank and optimise protein raw materials.

Where science meets real life We based our research program on age specific optimisation to provide relevant and actionable results for commercial operations. Our trials were based on two pillars:

• assessment of production indicators (feed intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, mortality),
• evaluation of economic and ecological efficiency.

This complex approach allows us to provide not only biologically effective but also economically profitable solutions that also support sustainability goals. Focusing on the critical phase of weaning The post-weaning period remains one of the main challenges in pig production. This is why our development focuses on:

• encouraging early feed intake,
• increasing litter uniformity,
• and decreasing stress caused by the change of feed.

Our new product, Platino NEO Liquid prestarter was designed to address these challenges and:

• has a nutritional content adapted to the specific physiological features of digestion in piglets,
• promotes a step-by-step change from sow milk to solid feed,
• is adapted to modern, automated feeding systems.

Proven results under real life conditions The practical relevance and the reliability of our new model based on in vitro testing was confirmed in trials under commercial conditions. Winning this award proves that we develop nutritional solutions that increase production efficiency, improve animal welfare and contribute to sustainable farming. At Bonafarm-Bábolna Takarmány Ltd. we believe that modern nutrition is based on data, precision and real-life production results and we intend to continue building on this approach in the future.  

Edina Lábszky Bonafarm-Bábolna Takarmány Ltd.