26/08/2026
A piglet’s early development is a period of remarkable biological plasticity.
Plasticity refers to the animal’s ability to adapt and develop in response to its nutrition, environment and early-life experiences. During this critical window, decisions made on farm can influence intestinal development, nutrient utilisation, resilience and performance far beyond the first weeks of life.
This is why early-life nutrition should not be viewed simply as a cost to minimise.
When the focus is exclusively on reducing the cost per piglet, farms may overlook technologies and nutritional strategies capable of generating greater value throughout the production cycle.
The real question is not:
“How can we produce this piglet at the lowest possible cost?”
It is:
“Which investments will help this piglet achieve its greatest profitable potential?”
There is an important difference between a least-cost diet and a maximum-profit nutrition strategy. One prioritises the lowest immediate expense. The other considers the return generated through improved survival, growth, uniformity and lifetime performance.
In an increasingly competitive swine industry, being cautious with investment is understandable. But avoiding innovation simply because it adds an upfront cost can limit the farm’s ability to improve productivity and remain competitive.
Early life is when piglets have their greatest developmental potential. It is also when intelligent nutritional investment can have the greatest long-term impact.
The objective should not be to spend more without purpose. It should be to invest more intelligently with evidence, measurable results and a clear return.
Are you managing piglet nutrition for the lowest cost today or for maximum profit tomorrow?
Video of the podcast featuring Gabriel Bona and Dr. Vinícius Cantarelli, presented by Suino Cast brasil.